PU Soles - Becoming the New Industry Standard

Polyurethane soles, popularly known as PU soles, are made from a new kind of organic polymer material. It has been hailed as the fifth big plastic, and is in the process of revolutionizing the shoe industry.

The current market size of PU soles is USD 4.55 billion and is slated to grow up to USD 5.79 billion by 2023. Research suggests that APAC, or Asia Pacific markets are the biggest markets for PU soles, and for good reason. The sheer durability, affordability and comfort afforded by this sole makes it perfect for these markets.

Advantages

PU sole has lower density than other soles along with a soft texture and high elasticity. This makes it perfect for foot comfort. It not only provides great wear and tear resistance but also has good bending resistance and high hardness along with great shock absorption.

Are you living in rainy climes? Don’t worry, it is water resistant and prevents slippage. The most important factor here is also that it is organic and thus environmentally sound.

PU and its Competition

It is a well-known fact that every shoe manufacturer and every shoe buyer looks for something which is not only long-lasting but also comfortable. This is exactly where the PU sole comes in. It provides an absolutely unmatched comfort, adaptability to pressure and has serious long-lasting mechanical properties that keep it going.

Come to think of it, PU soles have only two major competitors – vulcanized rubber and leather. Having said that, both of these options have serious drawbacks which PU soles have successfully overcome like giving your feet space to breathe and rapid wear and tear among other things. But lately, with technological advancements there have cropped up other competitors like thermoplastic polyurethane and compact sprayed polyurethane with RPU technology. Now while these names might sound daunting and a little too hi-tech to be worn on the feet, their purpose is just that.

But having said that, PU soles are definitely more affordable than the other options available. And with the many advantages of this variety of soles it becomes almost a no-brainer to have a PU sole in the shoes of a range of types.

PU Soles and Shoes

Jogging Shoes:

The great deal of comfort and shock-absorption ability make PU sole the prime choice for jogging shoes. Moreover, PU soles also offer superb slip resistance, limited wear and tear and low density. The last point is what also makes PU soles supremely light weight, making them perfect for running.

Walking Shoes:

Walking shoes need soles which can take a bit of a pounding. This makes it imperative to have a sole that can not only undergo rough use but also keeps the feet comfortable since walking shoes are worn for longer than running or jogging shoes.

Safety Shoes:

Because of the simple fact that they are so light-weight and resist wear and tear, they make for the perfect soles for safety shoes. To add to the list of their benefits, PU sole is also water-resistant, making the argument for it even stronger.

Slippers & Sandals:

Let’s face it, this is one of the biggest footwear markets out there, and PU sole, as you might expect, fits right into this space for all the reasons mentioned above.

There is basically no limit to the market space that can be occupied by PU soles. From mere flip-flops to high-end leisure shoes, this humble polyurethane material is making its presence felt. The key factor that pushes PU soles at the top of the preference list for shoemakers is its long list of advantages and thus, its adaptability to different footwear.

For footwear manufacturers around the world, PU soles are definitely at the top of their list.