Most Durable Shoe Material & Accessories
Shoes have been an indispensable part of our clothing. We can hardly go anywhere without them. Schools, offices, and other social gatherings have made it mandatory for us to wear shoes as makes our outfits look complete. Not only are shoes worn as a fashion piece but they protect us from so much inconvenience. Shoes protect us from sharp objects on the ground like stones and other metals, they keep our feet warm in the winters and protect them from the sun in the summers. The earliest signs of shoes are found to be from places in and near Egypt. These shoes are made of palm leaves and other plant materials. It is assumed that the people in Egypt started making these shoes because the climate is very hot and the ground would burn their feet and hence the invention of shoes. Now shoes are made of a variety of materials. The sole is usually made of polymer or rubber and the upper material is made of leather, fabric, polyester, etc. Listed below are the different types of shoe materials explained in detail:
Types of Shoe Material
1. Leather
Leather is arguably the most common high-end material used to make shoes. There are numerous justifications for why shoe designers and producers choose to use leather. In addition to having a premium, elegant feel, leather is also highly strong and long-lasting, especially when properly cared for. Additionally, leather has an elastic property that enables it to mold to your feet over time and aids in temperature control because it is a breathable material. But there are several things to think about while utilizing leather for shoes. For instance, it can cost more and weigh more than other materials or other shoe styles.
2. Textiles
Textiles are another material that is frequently used to make shoes. The term "textiles" refers to a broad category of materials created by weaving a web of yarns or threads. During the Napoleonic Era, when materials were utilized to make the elite's shoes, the use of textiles for shoes initially gained popularity. However, it wasn't until the Industrial Revolution, when factories and machinery were developed, that textile-based shoes for the general public became readily accessible and reasonably priced. Textile shoes are available in a wide range of hues, designs, and variations, just like leather shoes. Listed below are some of the common materials in the textile category used to make shoes:
- Polyester- shrink resistant, fast drying, flexible
- Nylon- cheap, insulated, and durable
- Wool- keeps feet warm during winters
- Cotton- lightweight, easy to wash, comfortable
- Propylene- chemical and pressure resistant
- Lycra- stretchable and strong
- Rayon- comfortable and soft
3. Synthetics
Synthetics are yet another type of shoe material. Synthetics are made of fibers obtained through the process of chemical synthesis. There is a plethora of synthetic materials but only a select few of these materials are suitable for shoemaking. Listed below are the various types of synthetic materials perfect for manufacturing shoes:
a. Polyurethane-coated fabrics (PUCFs)- These are materials used to make the shoe's upper that have a basis of polyester/cotton or cotton and a thin layer of polyurethane that covers the entire piece of cloth. Polyurethane-coated fabrics are lightweight, soft, and easy to wear and are excellent for imitating leather.
b. Polyvinyl-chloride-coated fabrics (PVC)- It is a member of the upper portion of the shoe and is often constructed over a woven base and is then applied with a plasticized PVC layer through spraying. This type of material is easy to wash and clean, water-resistant, and cheaper.
c. Poromeric coated fabrics- Poromeric coated fabrics are another commonly used synthetic material used in the making of the upper portion of the shoe. This type of material exhibit a leather-like appearance and qualities.These materials frequently repel water and are quite simple to clean.
4. Plastic
Plastic has also started to become a common choice for making shoes. Although some have opposed the use of plastic in shoes due to their potential for waste, other businesses have started turning old, discarded plastic into woven fibers that are used to make shoes.
Polyethene terephthalate is a chemical that is frequently used to make polyester and plastic bottles. Clear bottles are shredded to create the fiber required to make the shoes after being purified and cleaned. Due to the nature of plastic, shoes made from this material are not breathable. Hence shoemakers would usually make a portion of the shoe in this material and make the rest of the shoe with a more breathable material.
Types of Shoe Accessories
Some of the shoe accessories that might play a very important role to maintain and make the shoes comfortable are:
Shoe Stretchers
Shoe stretchers help with the adjustment of some standard-size shoes in order to get a perfect fit. Hence, shoe stretchers can help one customize their shoes by adjusting the shoe stretcher making them either long or wide.
Shoe trees
Shoe trees include tissue papers that are stuffed in shoes preventing them from damage in their shape. This can help when the individual keeps the shoes for later use.
Boot Shapers
Boot shapers are helpful in keeping the boots in shape especially tall boots as they can flip over causing creases and cracks if stored without shapers for a long time. A boot shaper is used in order to keep boots in a straight position along with proper ventilation.
Dust Bag
Dust bags can protect onea s shoes from direct sunlight and dirt. Wherever one keeps his/ her shoes, using dust bags is very helpful in keeping the shoes clean and the dust bag must be of soft fabric to prevent scratches on the shoes.
Shoe Protector Spray
This kind of spray is usually needed for repelling dirt, stains, and water from shoes. The shoe protector spray is generally used for delicate materials namely leather, suede, and, silk. The sprayed shoes need to be fully dried.
Sole Grips
Sole grips are used for preventing slipping. One may be very much concerned with shoes that are slippery as well as slippers. A sole grip can be used the d with slippery soles, especially when wearing high heels. This can easily be attached easily by sticking the sole flip at the bottom of the shoes for increased traction. There are many colors to choose from and the one which matches best is chosen.
Heel Liners
The heel liners are also shoe accessories that play a vital role in stopping the edge of the shoe to cut into your heel.
Insoles
This accessory will give extra cushions and arch support for the shoes to be comfortable and gives a better fit.
Heel Cups
The heel cup is another accessory that has the capability of adding more padding and protecting onea s feet. By using this, the discomfort of wearing shoes will reduce especially for people with plantar fasciitis.
Foot Cushions
Foot cushions are shoe accessories that aim in helping to alleviate pain in the feet preventing the toes to slide far toward the open-toe shoes.
Arch Support Inserts
Arch support can be placed additionally in order to protect the curve of the foot, which is natural.
Odor Balls
Odor balls can be placed inside each shoe in order for the shoes to be fresh even in storage. Some people use a dryer sheet and also some use tea.
Foot Powder
The foot powder helps in reducing sweat and keeping the feet cool.
Shoe Raw Material Suppliers in India
Some of the top suppliers of shoe raw materials in India are as follows:
- Leather Industrial Shoe Upper
- Shoe Tree
- Shatkon Fabs
- Chrome India Tannery
- Peter Impacts
FAQs: Shoes Materials & Accessories
1. What are shoe accessories?
Answer: Not everyonea s feet are the same size and shape. Each persona s feet are different in shape and size but shoe companies cannot cater to each persona s foot shape and this is where shoe accessories come in handy. Shoe accessories help the different foot shape to adjust to their shoes to make it comfortable and pleasant to wear the shoes. Shoe accessories also include different kinds of shoe cleaning materials as not all shoes are made of the same material.
2. What is the best material to make a shoe?
Answer: The best material to make shoes out of is leather. Leather is arguably the most common high-end material used to make shoes. There are numerous justifications for why shoe designers and producers choose to use leather. In addition to having a premium, elegant feel, leather is also highly strong and long-lasting, especially when properly cared for.
3. What are the non-leather materials used in footwear?
Answer: Some materials used for making footwear that is not leather are listed below:
- Polyurethane
- Cotton
- Cork
- Recycles rubber
- Natural rubber
- Microfibre
- Recycled bottles
- Hemp
- Upcycled materials