Sneakers, silk, and leather shoes are some of the top favorite shoes of all time. Sneakers, silk, an...
Sneakers, silk, and leather shoes are some of the top favorite shoes of all time.
But do you know what they are made of?
Most shoe styles will wear out, but the shoe materials used will remain the same. They will only evolve into a higher form of fashion. That’s the reality of shoes and the ever-dynamic trend each year. It’s almost part of the routine to check fashion magazines of what shoe styles made it to the year's top trend. You may even wonder if leather, synthetic, and canvas remain the best material choices or if they will be a fad.
If you came across this article, we suppose you’re in for a fun rediscovery about shoes and their materials. Sit back and relax and let’s take this ride on to the top 10 most common shoe materials in 2023.
Leather shoes are a classic sort that never goes out of style.
For men and women, adults and children, leather shoes are a total fashion must-have. They are a classic staple of the wardrobe and look good on everybody. They can last for years without deteriorating as long as you store and clean them the right way.
Leather shoes are also very comfortable and flexible—you can walk, run, and dance in them!
You can choose from dress shoes, boots, sandals, and flip-flops. Name it; they have it! But if you’re after top-notch quality leather shoes, using suede or natural leather is the best option. It gives you an effortless high-class chic look, whatever the occasion is.
When buying leather, make sure to check if it's water-resistant to prevent early damage.
Want to top up your look for a fancy night out or a daytime stroll at the mall? Then you must consider taking a look at braided shoes.
Not only are they comfortable to use, but they are also good eye candies. Their detailed braided patterns transform a simple fit into a whole new vibe. Its colorful and braided strands add life to a plain dress, turning basic into aesthetic. They are a classic that you can pair with almost anything you draw from the cabinet. The name braided describes its braided sole out of weaved or braided strands.
Here’s the catch: this is the best material for you if you care about environment-friendly fits. Most braided shoes come from natural resources, but some are from plastic or leather.
3. Canvas
Canvas shoes still thrive despite the fast-evolving fashion sense and style. It continues to make a statement of its own with its best features. Unlike fancy shoe material types, canvas is more affordable and convenient to wear.
One thing to describe these shoes- is comfortable. Easy to slide and put on, requiring low maintenance. They are worth your dime and have a quality that will last for years.
Unlike leather, this shoe material is lightweight and breathable. It makes your toes move freely on a busy day. Most canvas shoes have rubber soles and often look like a clever combo of boots and sandals.
Casual, basic formal, with or without socks, all up to you! You can always recreate your outfits with canvas shoes.
Aiming for a chic and gorgeous look? Can’t find any better option but a cork shoe! They look great and blend with almost every style.
Why are cork shoes called cork?
From the name itself, cork shoes look like the cork on your favorite wine bottle. They can be covered with leather or other fabric, but their interior is made of cork!
I know—you probably think that cork shoes are an expensive way to protect your feet from cold conditions. But they are more than that. Cork shoes are a symbol of better times to come. They are an ode to the designers, artists, and people who know how to use them to make something truly classy.
Not only are corks made of natural materials, but they are also often crafted by local shoe-makers. Who wouldn’t love to support small yet premium-quality brands, right?
Nylon remains in the dynamic trend each year as one of the original staples in the fashion world. No wonder it's considered a classic choice in the modern days. Aside from its convenience and durability, it has a versatile and flexible style.
Nylon is one of the most common shoe materials. They come in a variety of colors, and they are very comfortable. Nylon is a synthetic fiber much like cotton but more durable. Nylon fabric is also hypoallergenic and resists moisture and stains better than leather or other fabrics.
You can wear them with almost any outfit, and the best part? They're easy to clean! You can pair nylon shoes with a cozy plain shirt and denim pants, which smoothly add flair to your outfit of the day. They come in various styles, patterns, and colors to complement various styles.
Nylon shoes are a good alternative if you want a warm pair of footwear but are not a suede leather fan.
If you have yet to hear of neoprene shoes, anticipate the drop. They are a great alternative to traditional footwear, and we recommend trying them out. These shoes offer a multitude of benefits, and when it comes to comfort and style, they surely exceed expectations.
Gear up your gym, running, or hiking attire with a pair of these shoes. It is lightweight, breathable, flexible, and can be molded into any foot shape. This shoe material is designed to endure extensive physical activities.
Neoprene shoes are made from synthetic rubber, a material that is often used for wetsuits. They are usually black or gray and can be worn in water and on land. Neoprene shoes have been used for diving and water sports such as surfing and river trekking. Neoprene is a durable material. It's resistant to heat, cold, chemicals, oil, and more.
The soles of neoprene shoes are reinforced with rubber or plastic. Their inner layer provides insulation, cushioning, and a protective cover against abrasions. Neoprenes also have waterproof exteriors to prevent moisture, especially during the rainy season.
If your criteria are fashion and comfort, silk shoes are the pair for you! They may look like a million bucks, but they don't cost a million bucks.
But first, let me explain what silk is and why it's so special. Silk is a natural fiber that comes from the cocoon of the silkworm. It looks like a ray of light on the inside, but it's made up of thousands of tiny "sulfur fibers," which give it its luster.
They are soft and light, giving you a comfortable runway experience. This shoe material is long-lasting and easy to get on and off. Plus, they are breathable, so you don’t have to worry about your feet while walking under the sun.
While silk shoes look good with dresses and coordinates, they can also look cute with jeans or shorts. The best part about silk shoes is that you can wear them with almost anything! You'll definitely feel like royalty once you put them on any occasion.
An avid shoe lover will not want to miss a good pair of velvet shoes. Why? They’re simply luxurious and stylish. They look fun and flexible to any style, making your outfit a little more unique and extra. There's nothing quite like putting on a pair of velvet shoes that will make heads turn.
Velvet is a material that has been used in clothing for more than 500 years. It was first made by weaving animal hair into cloth to make it soft and comfortable. Today's velvets are made from synthetic fibers or natural materials like cotton or wool, but the texture remains the same.
These shoes look like they should be at least twice their actual cost, and they're worth every penny. Known for their softness, velvet shoes feel nice and comfortable on your skin. They have a fabric upper that's usually made from velvet or some other plush fabric. Some have small patterns on their surfaces, while others are plain.
If you're worried about scuffing up your favorite pair of shoes a little way too much, don't be! This shoe material is durable and won’t tear easily. It also keeps your feet stay cool during the hot summer.
Sneakers but lightweight version.
Textile shoes add flair to your athletic footwear experience. Unlike traditional sneakers, textiles are made of fabric instead of rubber or leather. It's easy to take them off and go barefoot when you get home from work.
The main difference between textile and regular sneaker materials is their main components. Textiles are from synthetic shoe materials that mimic the outer appearance of leather. They often have a suede or nubuck-like texture and have leather or synthetic uppers. They also have soles made from synthetic. Thus, making them easier to maintain and clean compared to other footwear!
This shoe material is popular among those who want more fashionable sneaker shoes. Women can pair them with dresses, skirts, jeans—or whatever they like!
Known as “cushion shoes”, foam shoes are flexible and soft, with small pockets of air. You may not feel like wearing one, for they are lightweight and comfortable to use. They are an excellent choice for running or hiking adventures. These shoes reduce impact forces on the feet by cushioning them from the surface ground.
Foam shoes are often made from polyurethane, polypropylene, or vinyl-coated fabric. Its type of foam will determine how the softness and flexibility of the texture.
The type of foam used will determine how soft or hard the shoes will be. Soft foams tend to be more flexible than hard ones. Its flexibility allows you to move better and avoid discomfort while wearing them.
However, since it's made from foam, these shoes absorb water very quickly. They then become saturated with water inside—so if you step into a puddle, your feet are most likely to get soaked.
Style, comfort, and price should go hand in hand in choosing the perfect pair of shoes for you. Knowing what your shoes are made of can help you identify and make the right choice.
Although leather, textile, or neoprene are common, there is still much to discover. Shoes, no matter how rare they look, will always serve their purpose- to give you foot covering and comfort!
This year 2023, there will be shoe designs that bend and break. Footwear fabrics that shimmer and ripple. Shoes that lock and unlock all by themselves. In other words, many on this list may have evolved from their original selves. But the main highlight here isn't what has changed—it's what hasn't. We still use the same shoe material types regardless of their creative design.
Shoe Designer
Innovative and accomplished shoe designer with 18 years of experience in the footwear industry. I have dedicated my career to creating exceptional shoe designs that blend style, functionality, and market appeal.
Brand Manager
Experienced brand manager with a successful 10-year tenure in the shoes manufacturing and trading industry. I possess a strong passion for brand development that drive business growth and market expansion.
