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Hydrolysis and polyurethane explained - A common problem with safety shoe

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  • China TM1903H Non-slip Rubber Sole Suede Leather Mountain Hiking Trekking Tactical Boots manufacturer

    TM1903H Non-slip Rubber Sole Suede Leather Mountain Hiking Trekking Tactical Boots

    1. Materials: Suede leather upper, PU & rubber sole, soft Mesh fabric lining
    2. Size: 36-47
    3. Toe cap & mid sole: No
    4. Standard: CE EN ISO 20345:2022 OB FO SR or others
    5. Function: Slip/ oil/ chemical/ water resistant, anti static, shock absorption.
    6. Package: 1 pair per color box,10 pairs per carton.
    7. Sample Time: 7 days
    8. Order Lead Time: 45 days after receiving the deposit

  • China TM1903H Anti-slip Suede Leather Non-safety Outdoor Training Climbing Hiking Boots for Men manufacturer

    TM1903H Anti-slip Suede Leather Non-safety Outdoor Training Climbing Hiking Boots for Men

    1. Materials: Suede leather upper, PU & rubber sole, soft Mesh fabric lining
    2. Size: 36-47
    3. Toe cap & mid sole: No
    4. Standard: CE EN ISO 20345:2022 OB FO SR or others
    5. Function: Slip/ oil/ chemical/ water resistant, anti static, shock absorption.
    6. Package: 1 pair per color box,10 pairs per carton.
    7. Sample Time: 7 days
    8. Order Lead Time: 45 days after receiving the deposit

  • China TM135H Anti-slip Durable Rubber Sole Steel Toe Puncture-proof High Quality Safety Boots manufacturer

    TM135H Anti-slip Durable Rubber Sole Steel Toe Puncture-proof High Quality Safety Boots

    1. Materials: Nubuck eather & fabric upper, PU & rubber sole, soft Mesh fabric lining
    2. Size: 36-47
    3. Toe cap & mid sole: Steel toe & steel mid-sole
    4. Standard: CE EN ISO 20345:2022 S3 FO SR or others
    5. Function: Slip/ oil/ chemical/ impact/ puncture/ water resistant, anti static, shock absorption.
    6. Package: 1 pair per color box,10 pairs per carton.
    7. Sample Time: 7 days
    8. Order Lead Time: 45 days after receiving the deposit

  • China TM135 Anti-slip Fiberglass Toe Anti-puncture Waterproof Outdoor Hiking Safety Boots manufacturer

    TM135 Anti-slip Fiberglass Toe Anti-puncture Waterproof Outdoor Hiking Safety Boots

    1. Materials: Nubuck eather & fabric upper, PU & rubber sole, soft Mesh fabric lining
    2. Size: 36-47
    3. Toe cap & mid sole: Fiberglass toe & aramid fiber mid-sole
    4. Standard: CE EN ISO 20345:2022 S3 FO SR or others
    5. Function: Slip/ oil/ chemical/ impact/ puncture/ water resistant, anti static, shock absorption.
    6. Package: 1 pair per color box,10 pairs per carton.
    7. Sample Time: 7 days
    8. Order Lead Time: 45 days after receiving the deposit

  • China TM3343-2 Anti-slip Black Nubuck Leather Steel Toe Puncture-proof Safety Footwear manufacturer

    TM3343-2 Anti-slip Black Nubuck Leather Steel Toe Puncture-proof Safety Footwear

    1. Materials: Nubuck leather upper, Dual Density PU sole, soft mesh fabric lining
    2. Size: 36-47
    3. Toe cap & mid sole: Steel toe & steel mid-sole
    4. Standard: CE EN ISO 20345:2022 S1P FO SR or others
    5. Function: Slip/ oil/ petrol/ impact/ puncture resistant, anti static, shock absorption.
    6. Package: 1 pair per color box,10 pairs per carton.
    7. Sample Time: 7 days
    8. Order Lead Time: 45 days after receiving the deposit

  • China TM3343 Anti-slip Nubuck Leather Steel Toe Puncture-proof Industrial Work Safety Boots manufacturer

    TM3343 Anti-slip Nubuck Leather Steel Toe Puncture-proof Industrial Work Safety Boots

    1. Materials: Nubuck leather upper, Dual Density PU sole, soft mesh fabric lining
    2. Size: 36-47
    3. Toe cap & mid sole: Steel toe & aramid fiber mid-sole
    4. Standard: CE EN ISO 20345:2022 S1P FO SR or others
    5. Function: Slip/ oil/ petrol/ impact/ puncture resistant, anti static, shock absorption.
    6. Package: 1 pair per color box,10 pairs per carton.
    7. Sample Time: 7 days
    8. Order Lead Time: 45 days after receiving the deposit

  • China TM3522 Anti-slip Rubber Sole Steel Toe Men's Green Suede Construction Work Shoes manufacturer

    TM3522 Anti-slip Rubber Sole Steel Toe Men's Green Suede Construction Work Shoes

    1. Materials: Suede leather upper, rubber sole, soft mesh fabric lining
    2. Size: 36-47
    3. Toe cap & mid sole: Steel toe & steel mid-sole
    4. Standard: CE EN ISO 20345:2022 S1-P FO SR or others
    5. Function: Slip/ oil/ acid/ impact/ puncture resistant, anti static, shock absorption
    6. Package: 1 pair per color box,10 pairs per carton.
    7. Sample Time: 7 days
    8. Order Lead Time: 45 days after receiving the deposit

  • China TM3521 Smart Buckle Anti-slip Steel Toe Anti-puncture Warehouse Fashion Sports Safety Shoes manufacturer

    TM3521 Smart Buckle Anti-slip Steel Toe Anti-puncture Warehouse Fashion Sports Safety Shoes

    1. Materials: knitted fabric upper, PU sole, soft mesh fabric lining
    2. Size: 36-47
    3. Toe cap & mid sole: Steel toe & aramid fiber midsole
    4. Standard: CE EN ISO 20345:2022 S1-P FO SR or others
    5. Function: Slip/ oil/ acid/ impact/ puncture resistant, anti static, breathable, shock absorption
    6. Package: 1 pair per color box,10 pairs per carton.
    7. Sample Time: 7 days
    8. Order Lead Time: 45 days after receiving the deposit

  • China TM3520 Black Canvas Upper Anti-slip PU Sole Steel Toe Puncture-proof Safety Boots manufacturer

    TM3520 Black Canvas Upper Anti-slip PU Sole Steel Toe Puncture-proof Safety Boots

    1. Materials: Canvas upper, Dual Density PU sole, soft mesh fabric lining
    2. Size: 36-47
    3. Toe cap & mid sole: Steel toe & steel mid-sole
    4. Standard: CE EN ISO 20345:2022 S1P FO SR or others
    5. Function: Slip/ oil/ petrol/ impact/ puncture/ water resistant, anti static, shock absorption
    6. Package: 1 pair per color box,10 pairs per carton.
    7. Sample Time: 7 days
    8. Order Lead Time: 45 days after receiving the deposit

  • China TM3519 High Quality Fiberglass Toe Anti-puncture Leather Oil Gas Industry Safety Boots manufacturer

    TM3519 High Quality Fiberglass Toe Anti-puncture Leather Oil Gas Industry Safety Boots

    1. Materials: Genuine leather upper, PU & rubber sole, soft Mesh fabric lining
    2. Size: 36-47
    3. Toe cap & mid sole: Fiberglass toe & aramid fiber mid-sole
    4. Standard: CE EN ISO 20345:2022 S3 FO SR or others
    5. Function: Slip/ oil/ petrol/ impact/ puncture/ water resistant, anti static, shock absorption
    6. Package: 1 pair per color box,10 pairs per carton.
    7. Sample Time: 7 days
    8. Order Lead Time: 45 days after receiving the deposit

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Job Title: General Manager
Cell Phone: +86 13936186368
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News

Hydrolysis and polyurethane explained - A common problem with safety shoe

2025-06-18 13:53:32

Tiger master is safety shoesmanufacturer in china. We have more than 22 years of experience of exporting many different styles ofsafety shoes to foreign market. Our safety shoes are built with good performance and work safety protection. There is a common problem with safety shoes. It is hydrolysis. Now we will explain hodrolysis and polyurethane for you.


Many of our shoes have the soles attached to the uppers by a process where 2 materials are brought together in a mould, the resultant chemical reaction forms polyurethane (PU). the use of polyurethane makes a lightweight flexible sole which is not only shock absorbent but also extremely hard wearing, that's why polyurethane is ideal for shoes.

One of the main technical challenges with polyurethane is overcoming an ageing deterioration known as ‘hydrolysis’. Hydrolysis is the chemical breakdown of the PU polymer and the resulting physical breakdown or crumbling of the PU sole by the attack of water (usually in vapour form), occurring over a period of several years (even when the shoes are in store!).

This process is accelerated by warmth and high humidity. It will, therefore, happen more quickly in tropical climates, but also in confined spaces (such as lockers) if the safety shoes are put away damp. In the most advanced state of hydrolysis, the PU sole will lose all its physical strength, thus cracking or crumbling.

The Tiger Master PU sole has been improved to increase the resistance against hydrolysis and performs better than any average safety shoe.

There are 2 types of PU soles. There is a Polyether based PU sole and a Polyester based PU sole. Polyether based PU soles have a high resistance against hydrolysis and low oil resistance. Polyester based PU soles have a low resistance against hydrolysis and high oil resistance.

Safety shoes are always using a polyester based PU sole. The basic PU sole used in most safety shoes on the market lasts for 1.5 year in tropical conditions and 3 years in normal conditions.

The Tiger Master PU sole, upgraded with improved resistance against hydrolysis, lasts for 3 years in tropical conditions and 6 years in normal conditions.

Hydrolysis Safety Shoes:

Do you have any questions about hydrolysis or crumbling shoe soles?

Don’t hesitate to contact us right away. Tiger master is professional!