Materials Used in Shoes
The most common materials for shoes are leathers, textiles, synthetics, rubber, foam, and plastic. Each has its specific uses in footwear. Depending on your design, each material will have a place in your shoe. Material selection is one of the fundamentals of shoe design.
Leather for Shoes
Leather is a popular luxury material used for designing shoes due to its durability and sleek feel. It is also very sturdy and durable when properly cared for. Uppers can be made from a variety of materials, with the most popular being leather, satin, suede, and canvas.
Rubber in Shoes
Rubber is often used in most shoes, especially athletic footwear, on the shoe soles. It is harvested in latex form from trees and provides slip resistance and traction. Synthetic rubber is also commonly used as an alternative to natural fibers like leather.
Shoemaking Materials
Leather, textiles, synthetics, rubber, foam, and plastic are the most common materials used in the production of shoes. Shoemaking materials offer creative and versatile alternatives and are simple to clean and dye-friendly.
Raw Materials Used by Nike
Nike uses six main materials for manufacturing its footwear: polyester, rubber, foam, cotton, synthetic leather, and leather. These materials are sourced globally and manufactured in contracted footwear factories to uphold quality, sustainability, and ethical standards.