Before acquiring materials for the manufacture of footwear, it is essential to have a design briefing and know what the best textiles are or the most used to make them. It is a document that includes the vital aspects and expectations for design projects and defines the type of product to be manufactured, whether it be sneakers, ballroom dance shoes, running shoes, industrial boots, economical shoes, or high-end ballet shoes, among others.
Knowing the qualities of each textile and what type of footwear they are most appropriate for will allow you to guide yourself throughout the creation process and help in the selection of materials for the different parts of the footwear, such as synthetics, foams, leather, and fabrics.
Humans have always taken advantage of what they have around them, sometimes naturally and other times, by transforming it. We know all of this as materials, and we can classify them in 3 different ways depending on the modifications you make and their origin.
- Natural ones: They come from nature, and you can use them without making substantial modifications to them.
- Artificial ones: People manufacture and transform them. But they use naturally existing elements.
- Synthetics: You obtain them through chemical processes.
In the world of footwear, this difference is significant since whether a product is artificial, natural, or synthetic can change the characteristics of the shoe, like design, breathability, grip, and safety. Therefore, it is essential to briefly comment on which materials can compose a shoe and its characteristics.
Natural Materials
Cotton
It is a fiber of plant origin used for the industrial process of manufacturing fabrics, becoming the most important natural fiber in the world for centuries. It is ideal for hot and humid climates (such as Miami); lightweight, easy to wash, and comfortable.
Wool
It is a natural fiber and a used resource in cold areas due to its ability to maintain body heat, which can also be interesting when making footwear for winter.
Leather
It is known as animal skin treated by tanning. Thanks to its flexibility and resistance, you can manipulate it easily. Thus, it is one of the most used materials due to its advantages, which are the following:
- Good thermal insulation.
- Water permeability.
- It is hot in winter and cool in summer.
- Its elasticity means that you can model it. Once you give it a new shape, it retains it without any inconvenience.
- It has good heat resistance.
Artificial and Synthetic Materials
Rayon
Also known as viscose, it is a cellulose fiber previously solubilized and subsequently regenerated. It is a very versatile material with properties that make its use comfortable. In this way, its touch can imitate silk or cotton. It can be easily dyed in colors and is a soft, light, cool, comfortable, and very absorbent material. Although, it is not a good insulator. It is ideal for hot and humid climates for those reasons.
Rubber
There are many varieties of rubber in the world. Whether artificial or synthetic (made from petroleum), you can use both for footwear. It is mainly used for the soles of shoes and, together with other polymers, provides the perfect grip, achieving good cushioning and safety.
Nylon
It is a synthetic polymer to which you can add fiberglass to increase its rigidity. It is an elastic and resistant textile fiber. Since it is not a natural fiber, moths do not attack it and is used in many areas of fashion, including footwear, where it historically replaced silk and rayon.
Polyester
It comes from petroleum distillation. PET is the most commonly known thermoplastic polyester. This material has several advantages:
- Its cost is economical.
- It is an elastic material.
- Abrasion resistant.
- It is easily combinable with other fabrics.
Polypropylene
It is a polymer structure with which it is easy to produce yarn for knitting. You find the following among the most notable characteristics:
- Resistance to stains, dirt, and easy washing.
- High coating power.
- It is a material that resists mold and bacteria.
- This material is widely used for healthcare centers or jobs where it is necessary to protect other footwear.
Lycra
Elastane is a synthetic textile fiber that has significant elasticity. It is commercially known as Lycra or Spandex, all of which are the same compound. It is also usual to find this fabric fused with cotton, other natural fibers, and even synthetic fibers such as polyester. In addition to elasticity, it has other notable characteristics:
- Good drying ability.
- Sweat-resistant.
- It can be a more durable fabric by binding it with cotton or polyester.
Materials for Vegan Shoes
You cannot use animal leather to make vegan shoes, nor materials containing wool or silk. Glues and other elements used in the manufacture of footwear must also not be of animal origin, and be the product of their exploitation. Raw material of vegan footwear may vary and they can be made of synthetic materials and plant fibers.
Some of the most used ecological options are pineapple leaf fibers used to make Piñatex, a popular plant fabric made of leftovers from corn, flax, hemp, and organic cotton. All of these are friendly to the environment and ideal for creating comfortable and comfortable footwear.
Some materials are used to make vegan shoes but are not ecological, for example, PVC, imitation leather, and others. Those are of synthetic origin, which means that they are made from plastics. Despite being a good alternative to leather, shoes made of these materials are not breathable enough. They might even be a little stiff
The sole of vegan shoes is generally made from cork or recycled rubber since these materials provide good cushioning.
Conclusion
Creating a shoe is a process that requires effort and dedication, and of course, the best materials. Choosing the necessary materials for the shoe also requires prior knowledge or research, so after having read this article, you will know which material is suitable for the shoe you want to make, and that will guarantee to achieve a high-quality result.
Fraquoh and Franchomme
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