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Hiking shoe soles are typically the most sturdy and inflexible of athletic shoe soles, but offer maximum shock absorption. Basketball Shoes The soles of basketball shoes are moderately flat and made of rubber.
1 Plates are made of thin, somewhat flexible material (often nylon or TPU) that stiffens the forefoot of the shoe. Plates, often used in trail runners, protect the bottom of your foot when the shoe impacts rocks and roots.  Shanks stiffen the midsole and protect the heel and arch.