What Sets Oasis Apart

Midsole Construction

Many of our shoes have an insole/midsole/outsole assembly featuring six elements working together as a system. Some elements are exclusive to Oasis while others are not, but only Oasis has all these elements together as a system.

• Strobel Construction - Our uppers are stitched to flexible innersoles rather than glued to a flat fiberboard layer. The innersole conforms precisely to Oasis' anatomical last. The innersole conforms precisely to Oasis' anatomical last. The result is a shoe that fits better and has a more flexible forefoot. The flexibility of our innersole allows the foot to enjoy all the benefits of our unique cushioning system. All Oasis extra-depth shoes employ Strobel construction (also known as California construction).

• Extra Forefoot Cushioning - In our men's extra-depth shoes the strobel innersole covers a layer of shock-attenuating polymer gel. It is easy to provide shock absorption in the heel where the thicker midsole gives us more to work with, but in the thinner forefoot only Oasis offers this type of protection.

• Full-Length Shock-Absorbing Midsole -All our shoes have full-length compression-molded EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) or EPR (ethylene propylene rubber) midsoles. This provides cushioning for the entire foot. Some companies offer rubber "cup soles" which provide little or no cushioning. Other companies offer polyurethane unit soles that provide cushioning but, because they also act as outsoles, compromise on durability and grip.

• Foot Cradle Technology (FCT) - A thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) heel cup compliments the flexibility of our shoe's forefoot by supporting and stabilizing the rear foot. Nearly all our men's styles have F.C.T.

• Nylon Composite Shank - Composite shanks are state-of-the-art. Unlike steel shanks, composite shanks are molded together with the midsole. This means they are always positioned correctly, there are no sharp edges, protrusions, or uneven surfaces, and their shape varies according to shoe size (not "one size fits all"). The composite shank stiffens the midfoot but has been engineered to still allow for just the right amount of torsional flex. Steel shanks do not do this. Composite shanks also add less weight than steel shanks. All these characteristics combine to create a more comfortable walking shoe. All our extra-depth shoes and slippers have composite shanks.

• Abrasion-Resistant Outsole - The outsole of our men's extra-depth shoes are made of abrasion-resistant synthetic rubber. It provides excellent durability and grip on all surfaces. It has slightly flared sides to help stabilize the foot. A rounded heel strike area combined with extra "toe spring" creates a "rocker" effect which allows the foot to gently roll through the gait cycle. The entire perimeter of our outsole has a radiused edge making it more difficult to "catch an edge" thereby reducing the chance of tripping or stumbling.