The Footwear Forum - Latest Selection

The upper materials this season presented a rich variety, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and technical performance. Highlights included recycled polyester blends, ripstop fabrics, and mesh designed for breathability and lightweight comfort. Notable innovations included T2T recycled polyester solutions, Ventile® for shoes, and premium sustainable leather treatments such as plant-tanned leather. Decorative and functional detailing, such as technical shoelaces and embossings, also enhanced the aesthetic appeal of uppers.

Leather innovations continued to balance durability, aesthetics, and sustainability. Plant-tanned leathers and other eco-conscious finishes stood out, offering premium appeal with reduced environmental impact.

This segment showed innovation in durability and performance, with lightweight and highly engineered compounds for sport and outdoor use. Attention was given to functional design elements that improve grip, energy return, and comfort. Materials and technologies prioritized recyclability and performance balance.

For the first time the Footwear Forum presents its own Footwear Forum Theme “Sustainable ways to produce waterproof shoes”. In the membrane sector, many new approaches are causing a stir. The selection ranges from microporous to hydrophilic membrane variants, covering everything from new designs to classic versions. Dimpora, eVent, Sympatex oder HDry. HDry ‘b5’ membrane is the biobased version of HDry 3D direct lamination technology for footwear. Waterproof and planet positive, eVent BIO Footwear is designed to withstand the wettest conditions. Made with highly renewable plant-based and biomass sources, eVent BIO Footwear offers PFAS-free protection against the elements and is highly breathable, allowing the body to move heat and humidity away and naturally regulate its microclimate. Sympatex sets the focus on comfort in shoes - this is provided by the innovative layer of 100% recycled polyester fleece combined with 100% recycled Polyester lining instead of the polyurethane foam currently used.

Here, you'll find a wide range of new, beautiful options. Oyester rope Nylon, recycled Polyester, carbon capture PU or solvent free PU and PET from textile waste. Really outstanding and therefore awarded for a Jury Like - Sugarcup BioFoam von Fullstride Ventures LLC  made from 83% renewable, sustainable sugarcane. Sugarcup BioFoam production requires less energy, less water, and reduces the bra pad carbon footprint by 71% compared to polyurethane pads. Sugarcup BioFoam is Oeko-Tex Standard 100, USDA biobased product, and Bonsucro global sugarcane platform. Another highlight: DualEco Shield, an innovative double-layer fabric made entirely from 100% recycled polyester textile waste, ushering in a new era of sustainability in functional fashion, Reflective fabrics with high visibility illuminate by reflecting the light that hits their surface.

In the accessories sector, it is clear that it also possible to work sustainably in terms of laces, zippers, buckles, clips, eyelets and ribbons. The jury was particularly impressed by a new variant of a cord stopper from SAB Europe made from 100% TPU, which stands out due to its softness, lightness, compact size, and minimal impact.The Lacing Loop V provides a fashionable look for lace loop adjuster to easy pick up and adjust the lace system. It is made with Azolyx, a bio-mass based POM material which can be biodegradable under anaerobic condition with remarkable 99.13% biodegradation rate in 510 days (1.4 years) tested under ASTM D5511. Another highlight: a 100% recycled polyester tape, treated with DWR water based (PFAS FREE) and printed with water based screen printing inks.

This category highlighted integrated innovations, such as fully sustainable constructions and hybrid designs. Accessories included functional yet stylish features such as custom fastenings, injection-molded elements, and reflective detailing for safety. Technical shoelaces and ergonomic design details demonstrated a fusion of function and fashion.

The lining category emerges as the largest and one of the most diverse areas at the event, showcasing a wide variety of thermal linings designed to provide comfort and functionality while aligning with sustainability standards.
A significant focus is placed on materials that deliver thermal insulation, making them ideal for both footwear and apparel applications. Approximately 80% of the linings feature wool, a testament to its superior performance properties and growing popularity in sustainable design. Nearly all submitted materials containe sustainable content and are supported by an impressive range of certifications, ensuring their environmental and ethical credibility. Several of the linings presented are not only suitable for footwear but also extend their use to apparel, highlighting their versatility and appeal to multiple segments of the textile industry.

The lining membranes category features an unprecedented variety of materials, with major innovations in waterproof solutions, designed to elevate comfort and performance for footwear in all weather conditions. The focus is particularly on waterproof shoes, as manufacturers sought to meet the growing demand for sustainable and high-performance footwear. eVent® StormST: Mid-weight, PTFE-free laminate, this 4-layer material is made of 60% plant-based content and ensures comfort and protection even in cold and wet conditions. Key features: High waterproofness, excellent breathability, and durability, making it perfect for sustainable footwear. The combination of a 100% Polyester white knit face fabric, open cell foam, and the eVent® StormST Membrane offers dry and comfortable feet while remaining environmentally friendly.
Sympatex with Caserta NW EU: An innovative membrane solution combining 100% recycled polyester for both lining and nonwoven layers, replacing traditional polyurethane foam. This change delivers a 10% reduction in CO2 emissions and a 15% reduction in water consumption, marking a significant step in making footwear more sustainable without compromising comfort or performance.

Three providers of padding showcase beautiful examples of insulation in recycled form: G-Loft, Freudenberg, and Baur. The weights vary between 400, 160, 120, 30, and 50 grams. Recycled Lavalan shows a mixture of  50% virgin wool, 30% recycled wool, 20% PLA lavalan®re. The highly functional fibrefill solely made from natural, renewable and recycled raw materials – post production wool waste, virgin wool and corn. lavalan®re is the sustainable alternative to synthetic fiber fillings. It combines European sheep farming with the meaningful utilization of production waste. High performance thermal insulation made of 70% recycled fibers from post-consumer PET bottles comes from Freudenberg: comfortemp® Fiberball Snowstorm. G-Loft® NI SB is a new type of needle fleece specially developed for use in ski boots or ice skating boots. This special insulation impresses with an exceptionally high warmth-to-weight ratio and is extremely warm with minimal thickness. The fiber blend consists of the best premium polyester and scores with optimal insulation performance combined with particularly good water-repellent function.