The Role of Textile Materials in Sports Footwear: A Comprehensive Review

Review Article

Adv Res Text Eng. 2023; 8(1): 1081.

The Role of Textile Materials in Sports Footwear: A Comprehensive Review

Rupayan Roy*; Gayathri Udhayakumar; Parinita Bhardwaj

Department of Fashion Technology, National Institute of Fashion Technology, Kannur, Kerala-670 562, India

*Corresponding author: Rupayan Roy Department of Fashion Technology, National Institute of Fashion Technology, Kannur, Kerala-670 562, India. Email: rupayan.roy@nift.ac.in, rupayan666@gmail.com

Received: April 27, 2023 Accepted: June 08, 2023 Published: June 15, 2023

Abstract

This article explores the application of textile materials in sports shoes, examining their types, properties, advantages, challenges, and innovations. Textile materials have revolutionized the sports shoe industry, providing improved performance, increased comfort, enhanced style, and eco-friendly options. Different types of textile materials such as natural, synthetic, and blended, are used in different parts of sports shoes such as upper, insole, midsole, and outsole. Innovative technologies such as 3D printing, knitting, weaving, and nanotechnology offer exciting opportunities for creating even more innovative and high-performance sports shoes. However, challenges such as wear and tear, cleaning and maintenance, and pricing must be addressed by manufacturers. Overall, the use of textile materials in sports shoes has transformed the industry, and as technology and sustainability continue to advance, we can expect even more exciting developments in the field of textile materials for sports shoes.

Keywords: Textile materials; Sports shoes; Upper; Insole; Midsole; Outsole; Durability; Sustainability

Introduction

Textile materials have become an integral part of our daily lives. From the clothes we wear to the furnishings in our homes, textile materials play a significant role. The use of textile materials in sports shoes has been on the rise in recent years due to their numerous benefits [1-3]. This article will explore the applications of textile materials in sports shoes, their importance, and their brief history. Textile materials are materials that are made from fibers or yarns that are woven, knitted, or crocheted together [4,5]. These fibers can be natural, such as cotton, wool, or silk, or synthetic, such as polyester, nylon, or spandex. Blended materials, which combine natural and synthetic fibers, are also commonly used in textile materials [6]. The properties of the textile material depend on the fiber used, the weave or knit of the fabric, and any special finishes that may be added to the material. Sports shoes are designed to provide comfort, support, and protection to the feet during physical activity. Textile materials have become increasingly important in the design and production of sports shoes due to their numerous benefits [7,8]. Textile materials provide breathability, which helps to prevent the buildup of heat and moisture inside the shoe. This can help to prevent blisters and other foot injuries. The lightweight nature of textile materials also makes them ideal for use in sports shoes. The flexibility and durability of textile materials ensure that the shoe can withstand the stress and strain of physical activity [9,10].

Figure 1 represents the composition of different materials used in shoes. Textile materials also provide an opportunity for customization and style in sports shoes. The use of different colors and patterns in textile materials allows for the creation of unique and stylish sports shoes. Additionally, the use of sustainable and eco-friendly textile materials has become increasingly important in the production of sports shoes [11]. Many companies are now incorporating recycled materials and natural fibers into their sports shoe designs, which is beneficial for both the environment and consumers. The use of textile materials in sports shoes has a long history. The earliest sports shoes were made from natural materials such as leather and canvas. These materials provided durability and protection but were often heavy and inflexible [12,13]. As technology advanced, new materials were developed that improved the performance and comfort of sports shoes. In the 1960s, the use of synthetic materials such as nylon and polyester became more common in sports shoe production. These materials were lightweight and flexible, providing a better fit and greater comfort for athletes [14]. The development of new weaving and knitting technologies has also had a significant impact on the use of textile materials in sports shoes. In the 1990s, Nike introduced Flywire technology, which used high-strength threads to provide support and stability in sports shoes. The use of 3D printing technology has also allowed for the creation of custom-fit sports shoes that are tailored to the individual athlete's foot shape [16].