If you want to charge a premium for your product, you must provide the same value. Which is the quality of the material used, the comfort it provides and its durability. Different materials like leather, textiles, synthetics, rubber and plastic offer different benefits for different shoes. Offering the right material of shoes gives the customer comfort when they wear it and a creative design makes the shoe look appealing and makes it stand out in the crowd.
Being a retailer you need to have a detailed understanding of the different materials of the shoe, how it affects the design and their impact on customer satisfaction. This detailed knowledge will help you to understand the requirements of customers and you’ll be able to provide the best material of shoes that align with your consumer’s requirements. This unique approach can become your USP and make your brand stand out from the crowd.
Let’s learn in detail about different types of material shoes and increase your sales!
A] Types Of Material Of Shoes
1. Leather
Leather is one of the most in-demand materials when it comes to jackets and shoes. It comes in various types, such as calfskin, box calf, and polished or patent leather. Calfskin is predominantly used in crafting high-quality footwear, especially in fine dress shoes, and remains the preferred choice in the production of Rana Cheika Shoes.
On the other hand, action leather is available in different colours. Although durable, it is relatively inexpensive. Suede, a soft leather type, features a napped finish. Bonded leather, a blend of leather and plastic, does not boast the highest quality. If your goal is to become the leading Men shoes distributor in India, it is essential to possess detailed knowledge of leather materials, as they are popular among Indians.
2. Textile
Textile fabric is created by weaving threads together. These fabrics are essential in making shoes look and feel good. Some common textiles used are cotton, polyester, wool, nylon, and more. Cotton is light and comfy, while polyester is flexible and dries fast. Wool keeps feet cosy in winter and cool in summer. Nylon is strong and long-lasting. These fabrics each have their unique qualities and are used for different purposes in shoe-making. Textiles became popular for shoes a long time ago, mostly during the time of Napoleon. But it wasn’t until factories and machines made them affordable for everyone during the Industrial Era that they became widely available. Just like leather, textile shoes are available in various colours, styles, and types, and they can last long if taken care of properly.
3. Synthetics
Synthetics and human-made fibres are created through chemical processes and play a significant role in shoe production. It involves a dual-layered construction. One layer consists of woven or non-woven polyester fibres, forming the backing. The second layer, the external surface, is then applied through either a “dry” lamination method or various liquid “wet” processes. It offers alternatives for those favouring vegan options. Polyurethane-coated fabrics (PUCFs) emulate leather, featuring a cotton or polyester base coated with a thin, soft polyurethane layer, ensuring lightweight comfort. Polyvinyl-chloride-coated fabrics (PVC) are affordable and water-resistant but may deform over time and offer less comfort.
4. Foam
There are multiple types of foam used to make shoes, but generally, it is divided into two categories: “Open Cell” and “Closed Cell” foam. As the name suggests, open-cell foam features open plastic compound cells which allow free flow of air. Whereas, Closed-cell foam comprises sealed cells, which restricts the movement of air.
Open-cell foam, notably softer and typically made from Polyurethane plastic, includes variants like “KF or KFF” foam. Available in diverse densities, colours, and thicknesses, it is commonly used in backing fabric in uppers. Meanwhile, closed-cell foam is denser and used to form shoe midsoles. EVA backs mesh materials and provides waterproofing. Neoprene and SBR offer elastic properties, Latex for collar linings, and PE is exceptionally lightweight but less durable, limiting its use.
5. Plastic
With the advancement in technology and awareness among people companies are focusing on recycling and making new products. In the making of a shoe, old thrown plastics are recycled and woven into fibres. Polyester and plastic bottles share a common material called polyethene terephthalate. They undergo a purification and cleaning process before clear bottles are shredded to produce the fibres used for making shoes. Clear bottles are preferred for shoe manufacturing, primarily because the resulting fibres can be dyed during the production process. However, shoes made from this material often lack breathability due to the nature of plastic, which can make them less comfortable for extended wear.
B] Factors To Consider While Offering Specific Material Shoes To Your Customer
1. Comfort And Fit
When it comes to shoes, comfort and fit are the primary factors on which the customer’s satisfaction is dependent. The right size of shoe, quality of shoe upper material, lining and outsole influence the comfort. The lining of shoes is often ignored but it plays an essential role in providing comfort. So offer shoes that ticks all the above requirements to build a strong customer base.
2. Durability And Longevity
High-quality materials, skilled workmanship, and the type of material used for making shoes significantly impact their durability. Shoes made of soft leather and with sufficient room in all three dimensions (height, width, and length) provide comfort and durability. So consider the quality of the material and if it surpasses high quality and assurance to last for a longer duration, then you can offer those shoes to your customer. Being a leading shoe manufacturing company in India, at ShopTribe we ensure to deliver high-quality products that last long.
3. Style And Aesthetics
Style and aesthetics play a significant role in a customer’s mind when choosing a shoe or any commodity. A customer often considers the type of material used such as leather, textiles, synthetics, or even recycled plastic as it affects the appearance, durability and comfort of the shoes. Different types of shoe material offer multiple colours, designs, and patterns which influence the overall look and feel of the shoes.
4. Cost And Pricing Strategy
Ultimately, it boils down to cost. Before setting the price, assess the shoe’s value and determine the pricing strategy. This allows you to justify the price to customers and explain the reasoning behind it, making it easier to resist bargaining by clarifying the shoe’s worth.
5. Environmental Impact
Nowadays, customers are increasingly concerned about the sustainability and eco-friendliness of the products they purchase. This leads to using materials that don’t affect the environment leading customers to pursue sustainable fashion. Leather and other materials like textiles and synthetics have a significant environmental impact. So, it’s important to learn about the materials, how they’re made, and what happens when they’re thrown away. To match what customers want, you need to pick eco-friendly options to add to your inventory.
6. Target Market And Niche
In the shoe business, deciding which materials to use for different types of shoes depends on your target audience and niche. Knowing what your customers like and need is super important for creating and promoting shoes that match what they want. Every customer group has different tastes, so offering shoes that fit their specific needs and preferences is a key factor for doing well in the market.
C] Which Material Is Best For Shoes?
There is no single best material for shoes, as the choice of material depends on the specific requirements of the shoe, such as its purpose, style, and target market. Leather is a popular choice for luxury shoes due to its durability, breathability, and elasticity, while textiles and synthetics offer affordability and sustainability. Rubber is a durable material ideal for sneakers, while foam is lightweight and comfortable.
Further Read: A Step-By-Step Guide To Designing A Shoe
Conclusion
Choosing the best materials for shoes is a complex process that requires retailers to balance customer preferences, quality, and cost considerations. Leather, textiles, synthetics, rubber, foam, and plastic are some of the most common materials used in footwear, and the choice of material depends on the specific requirements of the shoe, such as its purpose, style, and target market. Being a retailer you must continuously research and adapt to stay competitive in the ever-evolving footwear industry.
Additionally, having a great product with valuable features, being creative, and promoting marketing initiatives are necessary to attract consumer attention. At ShopTribe India, we study the target audience and offer products that stand out to enhance customer satisfaction and drive success in the footwear market.