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 direction 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 customers who need to purchase in bulk, it is recommended to describe hardness together with usage. For example, whether the sheets are for shoe lining materials, packaging cushioning, bag linings, or sports mat applications, whether subsequent lamination, slitting, or die-cutting is required, and whether the desired feel is softer or more supportive, all of this information will affect the specification communication.
When Buyers Consider 38 Shore C EVA Foam
38 Shore C is generally discussed as the softer of these two reference directions 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 direction 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 direction 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 Direction | Common Understanding | Factors that still need to be confirmed |
|---|---|---|
| 38 Shore C | Slightly soft, with a more noticeable sense of fit | Density, thickness, usage, target feel, subsequent processing method |
| 45 Shore C | Stronger support feeling, more noticeable firmness | Direction of force, dimensions, color, quantity, packaging method |
| Other hardness | Communicate According to Order Direction | samples, reference panels, budget, and application scenarios |
There is a correlation between hardness, density, and thickness. If the customer has samples or reference sheets, it is recommended to provide them together; if there are no samples, the requirements can also be described based on the desired feel, usage location, load-bearing conditions, and subsequent processing methods. This is more conducive to communication than providing just a single hardness number.
How 45 Shore C Compares with 38 Shore C
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.
- Purpose: footwear materials, packaging, bags, sports padding materials, industrial cushioning, or other directions.
- Specifications: thickness, density, dimensions, color, quantity, and packaging method.
- Reference: sample, desired tactile feel, subsequent processing method, or usage part.
- 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.
Procurement/Inquiry Parameter List
| Parameter | Recommendation Explanation | Why does it affect hardness selection |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Shoe materials, packaging, bags, sports mat materials, etc. | determines a softer, supportive, or cushioning direction |
| Density | already has parameters, reference samples, or target feel | Impact on sense of fulfillment, support, and cost communication |
| Thickness | Single sheet thickness, whether multiple thicknesses are needed | affects actual force and user experience |
| Subsequent Processing | Customer subsequent slitting, laminating, die-cutting, or combination | affects the texture of the sheet and the 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.
For foreign trade customers, if there is no hardness expression in Chinese, sample photos, intended use, finished product structure diagrams, or target texture descriptions can also be provided. For domestic customers, if there are existing old panels, samples or measurements of thickness, dimensions, color, and use can be provided. Regardless of the method, the core is to clearly explain the actual usage requirements.
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 involves multiple thicknesses or multiple colors, it is also recommended to confirm the hardness direction separately. Even if sheets of different thicknesses have similar hardness, the feel and support may differ, and communicating separately can reduce discrepancies after bulk purchases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is 38 Shore C EVA Foam Always Very Soft?
Not necessarily. 38 Shore C is usually discussed as the softer direction 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 a firmer support direction, but it is not suitable for every use. Packaging, footwear material and industrial cushioning buyers may evaluate support and rebound differently.
Can we discuss other hardness levels?
can be discussed according to order requirements. It is recommended to provide the intended use, samples, thickness, density, dimensions, color, and quantity, so that both parties can confirm feasible specification directions.
has no hardness parameter, can a price inquiry be made?
is fine. The customer can first explain the purpose, desired feel, subsequent processing method, and expected quantity, and then the factory will assist in discussing possible suitable specification directions.
If you need to discuss the EVA Foam Slab specifications, you can provide the purpose, thickness, hardness, density, size, color, and estimated quantity.