EVA Foam by Hardness
A quick guide to Shore C hardness and which grade fits your build — from soft, forgiving padding foam to firm, structural sheets. Supplying makers and manufacturers since 1997.
All of our closed-cell EVA foam is measured on the Shore C hardness scale. The higher the number, the firmer the foam — so hardness, not thickness, is usually your first decision. We stock three ranges, each suited to a different kind of work.
What Shore C hardness means
Shore C is a standard scale for the firmness of foams and soft rubbers. Lower numbers feel soft and forgiving; higher numbers feel dense and rigid and hold a crisp edge. Choosing by hardness first tells you how the foam will behave — whether it carves and contours easily, or stays stiff and load-bearing.
The three grades at a glance
| Grade | Feel | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 20–35 Shore C | Soft & springy | Comfort insoles, padding, cushioning, protective inserts & costume padding, sculpting |
| 40–55 Shore C | Medium-firm | Footwear midsoles & platforms, sports padding, crafts, industrial |
| 60–75 Shore C | Firm, structural | Footwear platforms, flooring, soundproofing, load-bearing builds |
20–35 Shore C — Soft & carve-friendly
The most forgiving grade. It sculpts cleanly with a utility knife or Dremel and thermoforms with a heat gun, which makes it the go-to for comfort insoles, padding, cushioning and protective inserts, plus costume padding like muscle suits, mascots and body builds — anywhere you need detail and contour rather than rigid structure.
Shop 20–35 Shore C →40–55 Shore C — Medium-firm all-rounder
Strong and durable but still workable. It’s the dependable middle grade for footwear midsoles and platforms, sports and protective padding, general crafts, and industrial parts. Available in thick 20–40 mm blocks; heavier sheets cut best with a circular saw.
Shop 40–55 Shore C →60–75 Shore C — Firm & structural
The firm end of the range — smooth, water-resistant, and dense enough to hold an edge and carry weight. Ideal for footwear platforms, structural builds, gym and industrial flooring, and soundproofing. E600 covers the 60–65 range; E700 is the firmer 70–75.
Shop 60–75 Shore C →Working with EVA foam
Softer grades cut cleanly with a utility knife; thick, firm blocks are best cut on a circular saw. All grades sand, heat-form, and take contact adhesive, so they’re straightforward to fabricate at scale.
Ordering EVA foam in volume?
We supply EVA foam by the sheet and in bulk to costume makers, footwear makers, and manufacturers. Pick your grade above, or contact us for bulk and wholesale pricing.
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