Shoes are available in all sizes and colours. But to determining the quality, durability, and affordability of a shoe depends on the type of material used. The only material that we think of is leather. But leather is not the only component. Some shoes cost way higher than we think. It is because many of the industries are using sustainable raw materials over non-sustainable ones. This blog post covers both of these cases and explains why some shoes cost sky-high. And also addresses some curious questions that most people have about shoe alternatives, replacing cruelty-free norms.

 

Popular raw materials

  1. Leather


It is mostly obtained from hides of goats, sheep, crocodiles, snakes, and more through tanning or chemical treatments. It is the most known raw material in the shoe-making industry. It is durable, supple, affordable, wrinkle-free, flexible, and elastic but prevents wear and tear due to abrasion. It is the most favourable fabric for men during summers as it offers ample space to breathe, regulates temperature, a popular choice among men and popular shoemakers. 


Fabric: 


This is also a popular shoe material as leather is not-so-affordable to buy. These fabrics are available in a plethora of colours and a lot of varieties. Some of the popular ones are cotton, wool, polyester, nylon, Lycra, rayon, polypropylene. Shoes made of fabrics come in a variety of styles and colours, offering ample choice to the customers.


Synthetic leather: 


It is also known as faux leather or PU leather (polyurethane leather) It is more durable, economical, low maintenance, better texture, more fashionable, and most importantly does not peel and crack like genuine leather.


Canvas: 


These are durable, inexpensive, sweat-free, easy to maintain, easy to wash and can be worn without wearing your socks. A wonder raw material for all shoe lovers across the globe who are into workouts, gyming, and mostly running.


Foam: 


Foam is divided into two types: open cell and closed cell. The open-cell foam allows air and water to pass through while closed-cell foam blocks the open cells and traps all gases. KFF is another name for open cells. They're frequently spotted on shoe collars and tongues.


Rubber: 


In the sports sector, it's utilized to produce shoe soles. Tennis and running shoes are examples of shoes with rubber bottoms. Natural rubber shoes are also available in a variety of styles. Rubber-soled shoes are suitable for all seasons, unlike leather-soled shoes, which are only suitable for the summer. Your rubber-soled shoe will get you to your destination in one piece whether it's snowing or raining. Rubber-soled shoes are also less expensive than leather-soled shoes. Furthermore, because of its environmentally friendly nature, natural rubber has grown in popularity over standard polyester throughout the years.


Denim: 


For many people looking for fashionable footwear, denim has become a wardrobe staple. It's used to make everything from ballerina shoes to sneakers, flats, and wedge sandals. Because denim is a fabric, washing your denim shoes is as easy as throwing them in the washing machine. They are also less expensive than other materials like leather.

Rise of sustainable materials

Industries all across the world have been dumping potentially polluted chemicals directly into the water bodies, rivers, and streams. A lot of toxins, fossil fuels, harmful chemicals are propelled into the environment causing a hazardous effect on it - people are suffering from asthma, irritation, all sorts of allergies are creating a problem. And because of this many of the popular brands have come up with the solution of using sustainable raw materials and recycled ones rather than using materials that cause crucial pollution. Eco-friendly footwear made from sustainable raw materials is priced at the nominal price as that of the normal footwear. But you won’t find it cheap, as a lot of effort has been invested to create footwear like this that can provide comfort, is durable, does not cause blisters, is eco-friendly and does not add to the waste products in the world.

  1. Adidas: From 2021 onwards Adidas has been constantly using 60% of recycled polyester for its manufacturing process. And 2024 onwards, Adidas is committed to making use of only recycled polyester to make its complete shoes range from disposed of bottles from the beach to recycled plastics from coastal regions.
  2. Nike: Nike produces environmentally friendly footwear for men, women, and children in a variety of pricing levels. When you want a new pair of kicks, our eco-friendly sneakers and running shoes come in a range of styles, so you don't have to sacrifice your style to live sustainably and be nice to the environment. One of its popular style, the Nike Flyknit upper uses less waste than standard cut-and-sew uppers because it is constructed of recycled polyester yarn. It also extends over your foot to give you a unique fit.