Free Shipping* • Free Returns & Exchanges

Rubber Shoes

Style and practicality, rain or shine.

Stylish, functional, and durable — that’s what makes rubber shoes universally loved. When you hear or read the words rubber shoes, you likely think of athletic rubber sole shoes, not unlike the ones used by basketball players. It’s either that or all-rubber rain boots.

Regardless, both offer a high level of practicality. Rubber soles remain the undisputed best shoe outsole material for most physically demanding jobs. Meanwhile, rubber sole sneakers and slip-ons are favorites of anyone who walks extensively or plays sports.

All-rubber shoes are also experiencing a revival in worldwide fashion trends. Gone are the days when rubber boots were worn just for rainy days. Today, they are worn to make a statement and turn heads.

In short, rubber shoes are a tried and true footwear. And now, KURU has elevated it to even greater heights by incorporating our signature personalized foot comfort in your favorite rubber shoes.

What are Rubber Shoes?

Rubber shoes are versatile and functional footwear that can withstand tough physical activities. Whether you’re an athlete, a hiker, or someone who just wants a durable pair of shoes, rubber shoes can be your best bet.

Rubber shoes can also be a fashion statement. From the classic white sneakers with rubber soles to the trendy all-rubber shoes, there are various styles to choose from. Rubber shoes come in different colors, prints, and designs, so you can match them with your outfit and express your personality. Plus, with KURU’s patented KURUSOLE technology, you can experience pain relief and comfort while wearing your favorite rubber shoes.

  • Woman wearing KURU TEMPO Chelsea boots.

Types of Rubber Shoes

From sneakers to boots, learn which type of rubber shoe is best for you!

There is a seemingly endless variety of rubber shoes. It seems almost any type of shoe can be a rubber shoe, as long as they have full rubber soles.

The most beautiful shoe styles and designs can still leave you wanting more if the shoes themselves don’t properly fit your foot.

The activity you want to wear the shoes can affect the type of fit you’ll need. If you’re wearing rubber shoes for gym sessions or running, look for a snug yet comfortable fit. Make sure your shoes won’t slide around while exercising.

If you’re looking for winter-ready rubber-soled shoes and boots, look for ones that are a half or a full size bigger to accommodate thicker or multiple socks.

For more business-casual rubber shoes, choose ones with either canvas or leather uppers. For industrial settings or nature trekking, look for thicker rubber sole shoes and reinforced uppers, preferably waterproof leathers or synthetics.

  • Sneakers
    Made with a rubber sole and upper. The rubber material provides a durable and flexible foundation for the shoe, allowing for comfortable and supportive movement during physical activities such as running or playing sports. Rubber sneakers can come in a variety of styles and colors, and are popular among people of all ages for their versatility and functionality. They are often used for casual wear as well, due to their comfort and ease of maintenance.
    Sneakers
  • Sandals
    Feature a sole made of rubber material and straps that secure the sandal to the foot. The rubber sole provides a durable and slip-resistant surface for the wearer to walk on, while the straps can be made of various materials such as nylon or leather. Rubber sandals are popular for their comfort and versatility, and are often used for outdoor activities such as walking on the beach or hiking in wet conditions. They are also a popular choice for casual wear, as they are easy to slip on and off and require minimal maintenance. Rubber sandals come in a range of styles and colors to suit different preferences and occasions.
    Sandals
  • Slip-ons
    Combine the slip-on style with the durability and flexibility of rubber material. They are designed with a rubber sole and upper that can provide a comfortable and supportive fit for the wearer. Rubber slip-ons are popular for their convenience and ease of use, as they can be quickly slipped on and off without the need for laces or straps. They are also popular for their water-resistant properties, making them a great choice for activities such as boating or gardening. Rubber slip-ons can come in a variety of styles and colors to suit different preferences and occasions, and are often used as casual or outdoor footwear.
    Slip-ons
  • Loafers
    Designed with a rubber sole and upper, providing a comfortable and supportive fit for the wearer. Rubber loafers are popular for their versatility and functionality, as they can be worn for both casual and formal occasions. They are also popular for their water-resistant properties, making them suitable for wet weather conditions. Rubber loafers come in a variety of styles and colors to suit different preferences, and can be paired with a variety of outfits. They are a popular choice for those seeking a comfortable and practical shoe option without sacrificing style.
    Loafers
  • Sports shoes or trainers
    Feature a rubber sole that provides durability and flexibility, allowing for comfortable and supportive movement during exercise. Rubber sports shoes also often feature additional cushioning and support to protect the foot during high-impact activities such as running or jumping. They come in a variety of styles and colors, with some specifically designed for certain sports or activities. Rubber sports shoes are popular among athletes and fitness enthusiasts, as they provide the necessary support and comfort for physical activity while also being stylish and versatile for everyday wear.
    Sports shoes or trainers
  • Hiking boots
    Designed for outdoor activities such as hiking or trekking. They are made with a rubber sole and upper that provides durability and traction on various terrains. Rubber hiking boots also often feature additional cushioning and support to protect the foot during long hikes or rugged terrain. They are designed to be water-resistant, allowing the wearer to comfortably hike in wet or muddy conditions. Rubber hiking boots can come in a variety of styles and colors, with some specifically designed for certain types of terrain or weather conditions. They are popular among outdoor enthusiasts for their functionality, durability, and comfort during long hikes or backpacking trips.
    Hiking boots
  • Work boots
    Designed for use in various industries and workplaces, such as construction, agriculture, or manufacturing. They are made with a rubber sole and upper that provides durability and traction on various surfaces, as well as protection from hazards such as chemicals or sharp objects. Rubber work boots can also often feature additional safety features such as steel-toe caps or insulation for working in extreme temperatures. They are designed to be comfortable for long hours of wear, and are often water-resistant to provide protection from wet or muddy conditions. Rubber work boots come in a variety of styles and colors to suit different industries and preferences, and are an essential piece of safety equipment for many workers.
    Work boots
  • Rubber toe shoes
    Feature a rubber toe cap to provide additional protection and durability for the toes. They are designed for activities such as rock climbing, hiking, or other outdoor sports that may involve impacts to the toe area. Rubber toe shoes often also feature a rubber sole for traction and flexibility, as well as cushioning and support for the foot. They come in a variety of styles and colors, with some specifically designed for certain sports or activities. Rubber toe shoes are popular among outdoor enthusiasts for their functionality and protection, allowing them to enjoy their activities with peace of mind.
    Rubber toe shoes
  • Rain boots
    Rubber rain boots, also known as Wellington boots or galoshes, are a type of footwear that are designed to keep the feet dry and protected during wet weather conditions such as rain or snow. They are made with a rubber upper and sole that provide water resistance, and often feature a lining for additional warmth and comfort. Rubber rain boots can come in a variety of styles and colors, with some featuring decorative designs or patterns. They are popular among outdoor enthusiasts and those who work outside, as they provide necessary protection from the elements while also being comfortable and durable.
    Rain boots

How to Pair Your Rubber Shoes

Who knew rubber shoes could be so stylish? This guide will show how to pair your rubber shoes with any outfit!

  • Sporty or Athleisure
    Women and Men: Go with lace-up rubber shoes, joggers, and long sleeve shirts.
    Sporty or Athleisure
  • Monochrome
    Match the color of your rubber boots with your pants, top, coat, or jacket for an instantly sleek and sophisticated look.Choose slim-fit pants that tuck well into the boots.
    Monochrome
  • Casual
    Women: Try chunky, high, or mid-cut rubber shoes and high socks with short, high waist skirts and oversized sweaters or invisible socks with flowy pants ending above the ankle and a printed shirt.Long socks in contrasting colors and pants with elastic ankles can pair well with ankle-high boots.Men: Blue jeans, a white shirt, and a jacket or open plaid button-down is a classic look. Make it more modern by folding the hem of your jeans and going sockless.
    Casual
  • Business Casual
    Women: Go for rubber shoes, white pants, a striped shirt or silk blouse, and a formal blazer. Alternatively, you can pair rubber shoes with knee or calf-length pencil skirts, a collared blouse or knit cardigan (or both with the collar showing on top), and low socks.Men: Go for low-cut white rubber shoes and pair them with turtlenecks or long sleeve shirts, suit blazers, and dark pants or ones in the same color as the blazer. Alternatively, you can forgo the suit blazer and instead wear a tie with a less formal leather jacket.
    Business Casual

Shoe Care Tips

Maintain your rubber shoes for a long time to come. Use these tips for maintaining them.

Rubber rain boots are easy to clean: simply soak them in a tub of soapy water and scrub well. Since rubber doesn’t easily deteriorate from cleaning solutions, you can safely use many commercial cleaners to get rid of any dirt or grime.

However, athletic or sports rubber shoes with fabric uppers require a little more care:

  • Brush off loose dirt using a dry, soft-bristled shoe brush or an old toothbrush. If you step on any mud, let it dry first before brushing off.
  • Use a mild cleaning solution. You can make one using mild laundry detergent or dish soap and water.
  • Make sure to remove the laces and wash them separately.
  • Thoroughly wash the rubber outsole and midsole using the cleaning solution and brush.
  • Be more gentle when brushing the fabric uppers. You may use a damp soft cloth instead of a brush.
  • Check out material-specific care instructions. Take note that mesh and canvas have different washing dos and don’ts compared to leather.
  • Air-dry the rubber shoes overnight or for at least eight hours. Avoid leaving rubber shoes with colored fabric uppers out in the sun for too long to prevent color fading.
  • Avoid drying your rubber shoes with a hairdryer. This can potentially damage or weaken the glue that holds the shoes together. Too much heat is bad for the rubber material too.

How to Clean White Rubber Shoes:

Since rubber does not easily deteriorate, they are generally safe to use with bleach or chlorine. Just make sure to exercise caution when using bleach.

  • Never dump or use a whole bottle of bleach to brighten white rubber shoes.
  • Use a bleach solution instead. Check your bleach bottle brand-specific recommendations. Some recommend three tablespoons of bleach per gallon of water while others suggest mixing one part bleach with five parts of water.
  • Baking soda and vinegar may also help bring back white rubber shoes’ original brightness. Create a paste with one tablespoon each of baking soda, white vinegar, and hot water. Work this into the shoes using your brush.
  • Lay your shoes out in the sun to dry and help whiten them further.

FAQs

  • How do I clean rubber shoes?

    It all depends on the style and type of rubber shoe. Rubber rain boots are easy to clean: simply soak them in a tub of soapy water and scrub well. However, athletic or sports rubber shoes require a little more care.

    Follow these tips to learn how to clean rubber shoes properly:

    • Brush off loose dirt using a dry, soft-bristled shoe brush or an old toothbrush. If you step on any mud, let it dry first before brushing off.
    • Use a mild cleaning solution. You can make one using mild laundry detergent or dish soap and water.
    • Make sure to remove the laces and wash them separately.
    • Thoroughly wash the rubber outsole and midsole using the cleaning solution and brush.
    • Be more gentle when brushing the fabric uppers. You may use a damp soft cloth instead of a brush.
    • Air-dry the rubber shoes overnight or for at least eight hours.

  • Can I wear rubber shoes in winter?

    Yes, you can. Non-slip rubber bottom shoes are the best type to use in snow and ice. Rubber boots are amazing for the cold and snow. Waterproof rubber shoes and boots offer a reasonable amount of insulation and don’t suffer from salt stains.

    If you’re planning to wear sneakers with rubber soles, here are some tips to help you choose the right ones for the weather:

    • Go for high-top style sneakers to keep your ankles warm
    • Opt for black or darker colors
    • Choose shoes with uppers made of warm or waterproofed material, like leather
    • Look for rubber shoes with have lining

  • How do I take care of my KURU shoes?

    All KURU shoes are made of durable materials to ensure better performance for a long time. Still, taking good care of them helps prolong their life.

    Here are our top tips for taking care of your KURU leather shoes and sneakers.

    • Store your KURU shoes in a cool, dry environment. Avoid keeping them anywhere with direct light or sun.
    • Store your leather KURU shoes with a cedar or poplar shoe tree to help absorb moisture and odor from the leather.
    • Use a moistened, lint-free cloth or a soft-bristled brush to remove dried mud and dirt.
    • Let the mud or dirt fully dry before gently brushing them off the shoes.
    • Always air dry your KURU footwear. Remove the sockliner insole to dry separately and to ensure the inside dries properly.
    • Use the KURU Shield water-resistant shoe protector spray for added protection against stains, water, oils, and other substances.

  • Do your shoes contain latex or formaldehyde?

    Our manufacturer assures us that none of the KURU shoes contain latex. While it is unlikely that any of our shoes contain latex, we are still unable to guarantee they are 100% latex-free.

    We also cannot guarantee that all KURU shoes are formaldehyde-free. We use a variety of industry-standard glues to create different shoes. As such, formaldehyde may be used during the manufacturing process for different products.

Key Considerations Before Making Your Purchase

Wondering if rubber shoes are the right addition to your wardrobe?

Rubber, with its incredible durability, is the ideal material for athletic shoes as these types of footwear can experience a lot more wear and tear than your everyday shoes. High-quality rubber shoes can last for years, especially when well-maintained.

This means buying premium quality rubber shoes can be a worthy investment, as they can cost you less than purchasing a couple of pairs of less expensive shoes.

Here’s what you need to think about before making a purchase.
  • Anti-slip
    Rubber shoes are highly slip-resistant. They have better grips on most surfaces compared to other common shoe soles. Additionally, the grip of rubber soles increases with well-designed treads.
    Anti-slip
  • Waterproof
    There’s a reason why most rain boots are made of rubber. This further enhances rubber soles’ anti-slip qualities.
    Waterproof
  • Heat Protection
    Wearing all-rubber shoes or boots may feel a bit stifling after a few hours, but at the same time the material also protects your feet from high external temperatures and even chemicals.
    Heat Protection
  • Shock absorption
    Rubber sole shoes naturally have a high level of shock absorption, allowing you to walk comfortably and reduce the feel of the hardness of the ground.
    Shock absorption
  • Synthetic
    There are also synthetic rubber options available. Man-made synthetic rubber or elastic polymers offer much of the same benefits as natural rubber. Some popular examples of synthetic rubber include neoprene and polyurethane.
    Synthetic

Three Layers of Support

At KURU, we pride ourselves on our unique approach to shoe design. We believe that shoes should be shaped to fit the natural contours of your feet, which is why we create every pair in three distinct support layers, not just an insole.

Our revolutionary ergonomic design starts with a curved footbed and adds unparalleled triple-layer support that includes shock-absorbing KURUCLOUD, heel-cupping KURUSOLE, and arch-supporting ULTIMATE INSOLES. The result? Shoes that are so comfortable you’ll stop thinking about your feet.

  • 1

    KURUSOLE

  • 2

    KURUCLOUD

  • 3

    ULTIMATE INSOLE

    • How KURU brings relief

    KURUSOLE

    Protect your heel with each step with our patented KURUSOLE technology. It securely and comfortably cups your heel, allowing it to dynamically flex with every step and reduce foot pain. The KURUSOLE extends to your arch, adding more support to redirect stress, improve alignment, and stimulate a healthy gait.

Our Secret

Animated GIF showing KURUSOLE tech in KURU shoes vs. typical flat interiors for plantar fasciitis pain.
Why Others Love KURU

Why Others Love KURU

View More

ratings.

View More

Cozy, cute, and complements every day! I bought a pair of black Lunas two years ago after breaking my ankle because I heard they would be incredibly helpful during my recovery. So true! I can walk miles in those boots. I recently decided to get a new pair, and this time purchased the taupe Tempos. I’m just an impressed with how comfortable they are, and I literally get complements on them every day!”

Marley_Colorado

Great support. I have purchased 4 pairs. My plantar fasciitis is completely gone. I play pickleball 4 to 5 times a week and I will not get on the court without them, although not expressly a court shoe they are very supportive and are non-marking, I do wish they had a finger tab in the back to make getting them on easier also the rubber soles will wear down pretty quickly when playing on a concrete surface. They look good and feel good. I have recommended them to four of my fellow pickelball players and they are all hooked on them.”

Pickleball_Bob

Another win from Kuru A++++++. Love these I have ordered a pair of Luna’s in a 10.5. They were too big and I exchanged them for the Tempo’s in a size 10 as they had just come out. I love these boots and so glad I switched styles. Super comfy and my feet still don’t hurt when wearing Kuru’s!!!! Super cute boots!!!”

 

Skingfrog

Comfortable right out of the box! I bought these for my husband and he started wearing them around the house and yard right away. He usually gets blisters from new rubber flip-flips but these caused no issues due to the straps being leather inside and out. He loves them!”

LisaW

Draft Comfort. I love these shoes for doing things around the house. I can cook all day and my feet and legs don’t hurt from standing. Great rubber soles lets me run the trash out too!”

Tracey

Recommended Shoes in Rubber
Explore by Material
View All

Sign Up for Our Newsletter

 

 

 

 

Stay informed on the latest in foot health and wellness. Gain access to advanced foot care knowledge and receive tips for healthy feet from our team of experts.

 

 

 

 

You’re Subscribed
Subscribe To Our Emails