EVA Soles - What does EVA mean in footwear? What is EVA? EVA stands for ethyl vinyl acetate and is a foam material, very similar to rubber. It is naturally stretchy and has rubber-like qualities such as softness and flexibility.  EVA is used in lots of different products from food packaging and cable insulation to yoga mats and footwear! In shoes, EVA is used as a cushioning material and is typically used in the midsole of the shoe as EVA is a great shock absorbent; softening the impact on your feet when you run. EVA foam is also incredibly durable and can withstand extreme temperatures. What makes EVA great? EVA is incredibly light, making the shoe feel light on your foot, which is a great benefit when you are using the shoes for running and sports! EVA is softer than rubber, making them more flexible and comfortable on your feet. EVA has shock absorption technology; most running shoes use EVA for this reason.