Global Footwear Sole Material Market – Industry Trends and Forecast to 2031

Global Footwear Sole Material Market, By Product (Non-Athletic and Athletic), Soling Material (Plastic, Rubber, Leather, Bio-Materials, and Other Materials), Sole Component (Outsole, Innersole, and Midsole), Sole Type (New Soles and Repair Soles), Distribution Channel (Direct sale/B2B, and E-Commerce, Retail Stores, Specialty Stores, Supermarkets, and Others), End-User (Women, Men, and Kids) - Industry Trends and to 2031.

Footwear Sole Material Market Analysis and Size

The global footwear sole material market focus on optimized performance characteristics. This entails the strategic selection of materials such as natural rubber, leather, polyurethane, and PVC compounds, each tailored for specific footwear types and applications. Prioritizing flexibility, strength, and comfort, these materials enhance performance, ensuring that footwear soles meet the diverse needs of consumers across various environments, making the market dynamic and responsive to user expectations.

Data Bridge Market Research analyses the global footwear sole material market, which was USD 25.55 billion in 2023, is expected to reach USD 40.42 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 5.90% during the forecast period of 2024-2031. In addition to the insights on market scenarios such as market value, growth rate, segmentation, geographical coverage, and major players, the market reports curated by the Data Bridge Market Research also include in-depth expert analysis, geographically represented company-wise production and capacity, network layouts of distributors and partners, detailed and updated price trend analysis and deficit analysis of supply chain and demand.

Report Scope and Market Segmentation

Market Definition

Footwear soles material are crafted from a diverse range of materials, such as natural rubber, leather, polyurethane, and PVC compounds. These materials, comprising both natural and synthetic elements such as leather and polymers, are chosen based on the specific type of footwear, its intended use, and the prevailing environment. Rubber, daintier, and thermoplastic polyurethane are among the key materials utilized, providing a blend of flexibility, strength, and optimum comfort for the wearer's feet in various conditions.

Global Footwear Sole Material Market Dynamics

Drivers

• Growing Focus on Health and Wellness Increases Demand for High-Performance Sole Materials

As consumers increasingly prioritize an active lifestyle, there is a heightened demand for high-performance sole materials that provide superior comfort, support, and durability. This trend is particularly prominent in the sports and fitness sectors, where individuals seek specialized footwear with advanced materials to enhance their athletic experience. Manufacturers are responding to this market demand by innovating and developing sole materials that align with the growing focus on health, contributing to the expansion of the footwear sole material market.

• Growing Manufacturer Shift to Sustainability Drives Eco-Friendly Sole Material Demand

As environmental consciousness intensifies, companies are increasingly adopting eco-friendly practices, emphasizing the use of sustainable materials in footwear production. This shift is driven by a growing consumer preference for products with minimal environmental impact, prompting manufacturers to innovate and incorporate eco-friendly sole materials. Consequently, this trend is reshaping the dynamics of the footwear industry, influencing purchasing decisions and contributing to the overall growth of the market.

Opportunities

• Technological Advancements Increases the Demand For Functional Footwear Solutions

Developing intelligent soles that offer features such as temperature regulation, impact absorption, or health monitoring can attract tech-savvy consumers. Companies can position themselves as pioneers in the market and lead the way by investing in research and development, meeting the growing demand for innovative and functional footwear solutions.

• Increased Prevalence of E-commerce Elevating Accessibility and Driving Sales

As online platforms continue to proliferate, they offer a substantial avenue for enhancing accessibility to a global consumer base. Companies in the footwear sole material industry can leverage this trend to reach a broader audience, reaching to diverse markets and consumer demographics. The digital landscape provides a convenient and efficient means for consumers to explore and purchase footwear sole materials, ultimately driving sales.  

 Restraints/Challenges

• Growing Environmental Awareness Results in Stringent Regulatory Measures

This heightened environmental consciousness has prompted regulatory bodies to impose stringent measures on the industry. Specifically, concerns about the environmental impact of certain materials, such as PVC compounds, have led to stricter regulations governing their use. This regulatory landscape compels manufacturers to adopt more sustainable practices and materials, driving up production costs and influencing decision-making within the footwear sole material market.

• Supply Chain Disruptions Affects the Availability of Raw Materials

Events such as geopolitical tensions, natural disasters, or trade conflicts can disrupt the seamless flow of raw materials, leading to shortages and uncertainties in the manufacturing process. These disruptions hinder production schedules and contribute to increased operational costs as companies may need to explore alternative sourcing options. This volatility in the supply chain poses a challenge for market players in maintaining a stable and cost-effective procurement of essential materials for the production of footwear soles.

This global footwear sole material market report provides details of new recent developments, trade regulations, import-export analysis, production analysis, value chain optimization, market share, impact of domestic and localized market players, analyses opportunities in terms of emerging revenue pockets, changes in market regulations, strategic market growth analysis, market size, category market growths, application niches and dominance, product approvals, product launches, geographic expansions, technological innovations in the market. To gain more info on the global footwear sole material market contact Data Bridge Market Research for an Analyst Brief, our team will help you take an informed market decision to achieve market growth.

Impact and Current Market Scenario of Raw Material Shortage and Shipping Delays

Data Bridge Market Research offers a high-level analysis of the market and delivers information by keeping in account the impact and current market environment of raw material shortage and shipping delays. This translates into assessing strategic possibilities, creating effective action plans, and assisting businesses in making important decisions. Apart from the standard report, we also offer in-depth analysis of the procurement level from forecasted shipping delays, distributor mapping by region, commodity analysis, production analysis, price mapping trends, sourcing, category performance analysis, supply chain risk management solutions, advanced benchmarking, and other services for procurement and strategic support.

Expected Impact of Economic Slowdown on the Pricing and Availability of Products

When economic activity slows, industries begin to suffer. The forecasted effects of the economic downturn on the pricing and accessibility of the products are taken into account in the market insight reports and intelligence services provided by DBMR. With this, our clients can typically keep one step ahead of their competitors, project their sales and revenue, and estimate their profit and loss expenditures.

Recent Developments

• In 2022, Hotter collaborated with BASF to incorporate Infinergy, Expanded Thermoplastic Polyurethane (E-TPU), enhancing cushioning in Hotter's casual shoes. The synergy of Hotter's cushion plus technology and BASF's Infinergy contributed to exceptional cushioning, enabling the brand to diversify into both formal and casual footwear
• In 2021, Portuguese universities collaborated on the Safety Materials for Shoe project (SM4S) to create a virus-resistant shoe sole, specifically designed to combat the coronavirus and other viruses. This innovative initiative reflects the intersection of academia and practical application in response to global health challenges
• In 2021, Dow announced strategic initiatives to boost material capacity, supporting the expansion of its Consumer Solutions segment. These efforts underline Dow's commitment to meet the growing demand for materials, potentially impacting various industries, including footwear manufacturing
• In 2020, Columbia Sportswear Company introduced Omni-Heat Black Dot technology, a groundbreaking exterior thermal protection for the outdoor sector. Launched as the first line of defense against the cold, this innovation marked a significant advancement in providing enhanced warmth in outdoor apparel
• In 2020, Puma, in collaboration with First Mile, introduced a new line of eco-friendly apparel and shoes made from recyclable plastic. This sustainable initiative demonstrates Puma's commitment to environmental responsibility, utilizing recycled materials in the production of sportswear

Global Footwear Sole Material Market Scope

The global footwear sole material market is segmented on the basis of product, soling material, sole component, sole type, distribution channel and end-user. The growth amongst these segments will help you analyse meagre growth segments in the industries and provide the users with a valuable market overview and market insights to help them make strategic decisions for identifying core market applications.

Product

• Non-Athletic
  • Casual Footwear
  • Fashion Footwear
  • Military boots
• Athletic
  • Running shoes
  • Soccer shoes
  • Basketball shoes
  • Tennis shoes

Soling Material

• Plastic
  • EVA
  • PU
  • PVC
  • Others
• Rubber
  • Natural
  • Synthetic
• Leather
• Bio-Materials
• Other Materials

Sole Component

• Outsole
• Innersole
• Midsole

Sole Type

• New Soles
• Repair Soles

Distribution Channel

• Direct sale/B2B
• E-Commerce
• Retail Stores
• Specialty Stores
• Supermarkets
• Others

End-User

• Women
• Men
• Kids

Global Footwear Sole Material Market Regional Analysis/Insights

The global footwear sole material market is analysed and market size insights and trends are provided by product, soling material, sole component, sole type, distribution channel and end-user as referenced above.

The countries covered in the global footwear sole material market report are U.S., Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Argentina, Rest of South America, Germany, France, Italy, U.K., Belgium, Spain, Russia, Turkey, Netherlands, Switzerland, Rest of Europe, Japan, China, India, South Korea, Australia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of Asia-Pacific, U.A.E., Saudi Arabia, Egypt, South Africa, Israel, Rest of Middle East and Africa.

The Asia-Pacific is expected to dominate the footwear sole material market, primarily driven by the surge in global footwear production. This dominance is fueled by a growing consumer demand for stylish, comfortable, and convenient footwear options. The region's ability to cater to the evolving preferences of consumers and its significant contribution to the global footwear industry positions Asia-Pacific as a key player in shaping the trajectory of the footwear sole material market.

Europe is expected to experience growth due to a surge in knee and ankle issues among the ageing population. The rising demand for specialized footwear addressing orthopedic concerns is expected to drive market expansion. Furthermore, the region benefits from the global upswing in footwear production, contributing to its overall market growth as manufacturers respond to increased consumer needs and preferences.

The country section of the report also provides individual market impacting factors and changes in regulation in the market domestically that impacts the current and future trends of the market. Data points such as down-stream and upstream value chain analysis, technical trends and porter's five forces analysis, case studies are some of the pointers used to forecast the market scenario for individual countries. Also, the presence and availability of global brands and their challenges faced due to large or scarce competition from local and domestic brands, impact of domestic tariffs and trade routes are considered while providing forecast analysis of the country data.   

Competitive Landscape and Global Footwear Sole Material Market Share Analysis

The global footwear sole material market competitive landscape provides details by competitor. Details included are company overview, company financials, revenue generated, market potential, investment in research and development, new market initiatives, global presence, production sites and facilities, production capacities, company strengths and weaknesses, product launch, product width and breadth, application dominance. The above data points provided are only related to the company’s focus related to global footwear sole material market.

Some of the major players operating in the global footwear sole material market are:

• INOAC CORPORATION (Japan)
• Unisol India (India)
• Vibram  (Italy)
• Allbirds, Inc. (U.S.)
• Solvay (Belgium)
• MICHELIN(France)
• Arkema (France)
• Covestro AG (Germany)
• Evonik Industries AG (Germany)
• BASF SE (Germany)
• Dow (U.S.)
• Huntsman International LLC (U.S.)
• Asahi Kasei Corporation (Japan)
• Continental AG (Germany)