Open Cell and Closed Cell Foams

Many different foams used in footwear and foot orthotic manufacturing.

A foam is any rubber or plastic compound with air bubbles or cells inside it.

Foams be be either open cell or closed cell – they have different characteristics.

Open Cell Foam:
The foam cells are open – air and water can move to enter and leave foam (eg dish washing sponge)
Typically very soft
Can be used to wick sweat away from the foot
Mostly a polurethane (U) foam

Closed Cell Foam:
Individual air cells are closed; internal gases can not escape
Waterproof
eg
Ethyl vinyl acetate (EVA)
Styrene butadiene rubber (SBR)
Polyurethane (PU)
Latex
Neoprene