Comparative Evaluation of Leather and Polyester Non-Woven Materials for Sports Footwear Applications

Abstract

The global sports footwear industry demands high-performance materials that offer durability, flexibility, and resilience while maintaining environmental sustainability. Traditional leather has been the primary choice due to its superior mechanical properties, while polyester non-woven materials are emerging as a sustainable and technologically advanced alternative. This study presents a comparative analysis of three natural leather types (cow, goat, and sheep) with polyester non-woven materials, assessing their suitability for sports footwear applications. A series of standardized tests, including shape retention, collapsing load, resilience, and moisture resistance, were conducted to evaluate the materials' mechanical and functional properties. The results indicate that natural leather exhibits superior tensile strength, flexibility, and breathability, making it an ideal material for high-end sports footwear. However, polyester non-woven materials outperform leather in durability, water resistance, and shape retention, positioning them as a promising alternative, particularly for high-impact and water-resistant applications. This study highlights the trade-offs between traditional and synthetic materials, emphasizing the need for hybrid materials that combine the advantages of both. The research further underscores the importance of sustainable material development, reducing environmental impact while maintaining high-performance standards in the footwear industry.