Technical Q&A · 2026-06-07
How to Choose Between 38 and 45 Shore C EVA Foam
38 and 45 Shore C are common starting points for EVA foam sheet discussions, but buyers should evaluate them together with density, thickness, intended use, samples and downstream processing.
What Does Shore C Hardness Mean for EVA Foam?
Shore C hardness helps describe the feel, rebound and support of EVA foam sheet. Buyers often mention 38 or 45 Shore C, but hardness is not the only selection factor. Sheets at the same hardness may feel different when density, thickness, color, foam-cell condition or downstream processing differs, so hardness should be treated as a starting point rather than a stand-alone suitability test.
For bulk purchases, describe hardness together with the intended use: for example, whether the sheets are for footwear linings, packaging cushioning, bag linings or sports mats; whether they will be laminated, slit or die-cut later; and whether the target feel is softer or more supportive. All of this affects which specification is recommended.
When Buyers Consider 38 Shore C EVA Foam
38 Shore C is generally discussed as the softer of these two reference points for base-sheet applications that prioritize touch, fit or cushioning. Some footwear material, luggage lining or sports mat processors may use it as an initial reference. This does not mean every 38 Shore C sheet suits the same use or that a fixed ready-made specification is available.
When considering 38 Shore C, provide thickness, density, size, color, quantity and reference samples. Buyers planning lamination or die cutting should also describe the processing method and use position so the target feel and support can be discussed.
When Buyers Consider 45 Shore C EVA Foam
45 Shore C is usually discussed as the firmer option with stronger support. It may be considered for sheet requirements that prioritize firmness, support or shape retention, including some packaging cushioning, industrial padding and footwear support applications.
For 45 Shore C, thickness and density still need to be considered. Thin and thick sheets with a similar hardness can feel different in use. If a buyer provides only '45 Shore C,' the factory still needs to confirm intended use, size, color, quantity and packaging.
Why Hardness Should Not Be Chosen Alone
| Hardness | Generally Understood As | Factors that still need to be confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| 38 Shore C | Softer, with a more noticeable conforming feel | Density, thickness, usage, target feel, subsequent processing method |
| 45 Shore C | Stronger support, noticeably firmer | Load direction, dimensions, color, quantity, packaging method |
| Other hardness | Discussed per order | Samples, reference sheets, budget and application |
Hardness, density and thickness are linked. If you have samples or reference sheets, provide them together; if not, describe the target feel, position of use, load conditions and later processing. This is more useful than a single hardness number.
What Else to Include in Your Inquiry
If the customer already has a target product, they can also provide additional information such as the usage environment, whether long-term pressure resistance is needed, whether it needs to bond with other materials, and whether roll or full board packaging is required. These details will not replace the hardness and density parameters, but they can help the factory understand the actual usage scenario more quickly and reduce repeated confirmations based solely on a single number.
- Intended use: footwear, packaging, bags, sports padding, industrial cushioning or other applications.
- Specifications: thickness, density, dimensions, color, quantity, and packaging method.
- Reference: a sample, the target feel, the later processing method or the position of use.
- Series: If you are not sure about the A series or C series, you can first specify the budget and usage requirements.
The relationship between hardness, density, and thickness
When buyers compare 38 and 45 Shore C, they often understand hardness as the 'soft or hard feel.' That has some reference value but is incomplete. Density affects solidity and support, thickness affects stress and cushioning behavior, and foam-cell condition may affect the sheet surface. For downstream processing, hardness, density and thickness should be considered together.
For example, for sheets that are similarly on the softer side, if the thickness is relatively thin, the actual support may be insufficient; likewise, for sheets with stronger support, if the density and intended use do not match, it may also affect subsequent laminating or die-cutting effects. Therefore, when factories receive an inquiry, they usually continue to confirm the density, thickness, dimensions, and intended use, rather than judging solely based on a hardness number.
Purchasing and Inquiry Checklist
| Parameter | What to State | Why It Affects Hardness Choice |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Shoe materials, packaging, bags, sports mat materials, etc. | Decides whether a softer, more supportive or cushioning sheet is needed |
| Density | Known values, reference samples or target feel | Affects solidity, support and cost |
| Thickness | Single sheet thickness, whether multiple thicknesses are needed | Affects load-bearing behavior and feel in use |
| Subsequent Processing | Later slitting, laminating, die-cutting or combining by the customer | Affects the sheet feel and choice of size |
How to Describe Requirements When the Target Hardness Is Unclear
If a buyer does not know whether to choose 38 or 45 Shore C, describe the usage scenario and target feel instead. Examples include a softer sheet for later fabric lamination, packaging cushioning for a light product, a more supportive layer, or an existing sample with unknown hardness. These details help establish a preliminary direction.
Overseas buyers who cannot express hardness in Chinese terms can send sample photos, the intended use, a structure drawing of the finished product or a description of the target feel. Domestic buyers with existing sheets can send a sample or the measured thickness, dimensions, color and use. Either way, the key is to explain the actual requirements clearly.
Why Samples Matter in EVA Foam Hardness Selection
Hardness numbers establish an initial direction, but samples and actual use better represent the target feel. Buyers planning lamination, die cutting or support layers should provide a reference sheet or explain the target structure where possible. Sample comparison helps show the difference between 38 Shore C, 45 Shore C or another hardness at the required thickness.
If an order covers several thicknesses or colors, confirm the hardness for each separately. Sheets of different thicknesses can feel and support differently even at a similar hardness, and confirming them one by one reduces deviations in bulk orders.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 38 Shore C EVA Foam Always Very Soft?
Not necessarily. 38 Shore C is usually discussed as the softer of these two options, but density, thickness and intended use also affect the actual feel. Confirm it against a sample or target feel.
Is 45 Shore C EVA Foam Always Very Hard?
45 Shore C generally provides firmer support, but it is not suitable for every use. Packaging, footwear material and industrial cushioning buyers may evaluate support and rebound differently.
Are Other Hardness Levels Available?
Yes, other hardness levels can be discussed per order. Provide the intended use, samples, thickness, density, dimensions, color and quantity so both sides can confirm a workable specification.
Can I Request a Quote Without a Hardness Value?
Yes. Start with the intended use, target feel, later processing method and estimated quantity, and the factory will help suggest suitable specifications.
If you need to discuss the EVA Foam Slab specifications, you can provide the purpose, thickness, hardness, density, size, color, and estimated quantity.