- The market is experiencing notable transformation due to the shift towards advanced sole materials such as thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA), rubber, and polyurethane (PU), which offer better grip, flexibility, and longevity
- Growing urbanization and lifestyle changes have boosted the demand for comfortable and functional footwear, especially in developing economies
- China dominated footwear sole materials market in Asia-Pacific in 2024, driven by the country's robust footwear manufacturing industry, expanding export volumes, and rising domestic demand for high-performance footwear
- Japan is expected to witness the highest compound annual growth rate (CAGR) in the Asia-Pacific footwear sole materials market due to its strong focus on innovation, quality-conscious consumers, and rising demand for performance-oriented and sustainable footwear
- The EVA segment held the largest market revenue share in 2024, attributed to its lightweight nature, superior cushioning, and cost-effectiveness, making it widely used in both athletic and casual footwear. EVA’s shock-absorbing properties and flexibility have made it the preferred choice for high-volume shoe production, especially in running shoes and lifestyle sneakers
