When you pick a new pair of shoes in the store, you may notice small shapes on the shoe labels insid...
When you pick a new pair of shoes in the store, you may notice small shapes on the shoe labels inside the lining, or even on the box of the shoes. Those small shapes are called shoe material symbols. Shoe material symbols show the type of materials used to make those shoes.
Material symbols provide customers with information about the materials used to make footwear. This helps customers make purchasing decisions based on their preferences, ethical concerns, and quality. Symbols also guide customers on the correct way to care for shoes, which prevents damage. In the footwear industry, shoe symbols build trust since brands and manufacturers use them globally.
This guide will explain different shoe material symbols, their meaning, and their importance. For each symbol, we will look at the shoe material it represents and where the symbol appears on the shoe.
Shoe material symbols are small icons or pictograms found on shoe labels, boxes, or product descriptions to show the materials used to make each part of the shoe. Shoe material symbols are used by shoe brands or manufacturers to inform customers about the materials used in the shoe's upper, lining, and sole.
Each symbol tells you the material used to make part of the shoe. For example, a hide-shaped icon means leather, and a grid pattern means textile material. Other symbols show synthetic materials or rubber. Because material symbols are standardized, they are the same in the footwear industry and in different countries. This makes it easy for customers to recognize and understand them, no matter where you are.
Shoe material symbols are found on shoe labels, boxes, or in the online product listing. Recognizing them helps you understand shoe quality and make better buying decisions as a customer.
Shoe material symbols are used in the footwear industry because of the following reasons:
●Regulatory requirements. In regions like Europe, the use of shoe symbols is required by the law under EU Directive 94/11/EC. International standards like ISO also have rules about how materials must be identified.
●Consumer transparency and trust. Symbols allow customers to know what the shoes are made of. This builds trust between customers, retailers, and manufacturers. Also, symbols inform customers about the correct way to care for their shoes.
●Universal communication. Symbols use images instead of words, so they can be understood across different languages and countries.
Types of Shoe Material Symbols
Shoe material symbols are grouped into three main categories based on the part of the shoe they represent:
●Upper: the outer surface of the shoe that covers the top of the foot and extends up to the ankle.
●Lining and sock: the inner lining and insole area that comes into direct contact with the foot.
●Outer sole: the bottom part of the shoe that makes contact with the ground.
Within each part, the symbols show the type of material used. Common materials include leather, coated leather, textile, synthetic, or rubber.
The upper is the part of the shoe that covers the top of the foot and extends up to the ankle. Symbols for upper materials tell you what the outside of the shoe is made from. Common Upper materials and their symbols include:
●Leather: shown by a hide symbol.
●Coated leather: represented by a leather hide symbol with a diamond inside.
●Textile: shown by grid or woven pattern.
●Synthetic: represented by a diamond-shaped symbol.
On shoe labels, these upper material symbols usually appear in the first section. They are clearly separated from the lining and sole information.
The lining and sock are the parts of the shoe that come into direct contact with your foot. Symbols for these parts show the materials used inside the shoe. Knowing those inside materials helps you understand comfort, breathability, and care needs.
Common materials and their symbols include the following:
●Leather: represented by a hide icon.
●Textile: shown by a small grid or a woven pattern.
●Synthetic: represented by a diamond-shaped icon.
Lining and sock symbols usually appear in the middle section of the label, and they are separated from the upper and sole materials.
The outer sole is the bottom part of the shoe that touches the ground. Symbols for the sole show material used to make the bottom part of the shoe. Knowing material helps you know about the shoes' grip, durability, and flexibility.
Common materials and their symbols include:
●Rubber and synthetic materials: represented by diamond-shaped icons.
●leather: shown by the hide icon.
Outer sole material symbols appear in the last section of the label.
Shoe Materials and Their Symbols
Common shoe materials and their symbols include the following:
●Leather → hide icon
●Coated leather →hide icon with a small diamond inside
●Textile → grid or woven pattern
●Synthetic →diamond-shaped icon
●Rubber →diamond-shaped icon
Understanding these symbols will help you know the features, uses, and care instructions for each material.
The leather symbol, represented as a hide icon, indicates that a part of the shoe is made from genuine leather. Leather is known in footwear for its durability, comfort, and premium feel. Leather is breathable, allowing air circulation. Leather is commonly used for uppers, linings, and sometimes soles in high-quality shoes.
Here are ways to care for your leather shoes:
●Polishing: keeps the leather smooth and shiny.
●Waterproofing: Apply specialized sprays or creams to protect leather from water damage.
●Storage: Keep shoes in a cool, dry place to maintain shape and quality.
The coated leather symbol uses the leather hide icon with a small diamond inside. The symbol shows that the material is leather with a surface coating that is more than 0.15mm in substance. But the substance does not exceed more than one-third of the total thickness of the leather material. The coating used is often made of synthetic substances.
Compared to genuine leather, coated leather has a lower price and has limited breathability. Coated leather is used in shoes where appearance and durability are more important than premium comfort.
The textile symbol, shown as a small grid or woven pattern, indicates that a part of the shoe is made from fabric material. Textile materials are lightweight, flexible, and breathable, making them comfortable for everyday wear. Some shoes even use eco-friendly fabrics like organic cotton for a more sustainable option.
Here is how to care for your textile shoes:
●Clean gently with a soft brush or a damp cloth to remove dirt.
●Avoid soaking in water, which can damage the fabric.
●Let shoes air dry naturally and store shoes in a cool, dry place.
The synthetic symbol, shown as a diamond-shaped icon, means that a part of the shoe is made from man-made materials instead of leather or textile. Man-made materials used to make shoes include many plastics and polymers such as PU, PVC, and EVA.
Synthetic materials are affordable, waterproof, and durable. These features make synthetic materials a popular choice for casual and athletic footwear. But synthetic materials are less breathable compared to natural materials.
Care tips for synthetic shoes include the following:
●Wipe clean with a damp cloth to remove dirt or stains.
●Avoid exposure to high heat, which can damage the shoes.
●Store in a cool, dry place to maintain shape and lifespan.
The rubber symbol, shown as a diamond-shaped icon, indicates that the outer sole of the shoe is made from rubber. Rubber, synthetic leather, non-textile materials, non-animal-derived materials, and other man-made materials all fall into the category of “other materials”, which are represented by the diamond-shaped icon.
Rubber soles provide high grip, durability, and flexibility. This makes them popular for athletic shoes, casual footwear, and outdoor use.
Care tips for rubber soles:
●Remove dirt or mud with water and a soft brush.
●Avoid prolonged exposure to extreme heat, which can cause cracking or warping.
●Check regularly for wear, especially the heel and front, to maintain traction.
FAQs about Shoe Material Symbols
Yes, synthetic shoes can be good quality, depending on the material and construction. Synthetic shoes are lightweight, water-resistant, and more affordable than natural materials. But the quality varies depending on the synthetic materials used and the manufacturer. Compared to high-quality leather, synthetic shoes are less durable and breathable.
The best shoe material depends on the part of the shoe and the sport. For the upper, engineered mesh, knit fabrics, and synthetic leather are lightweight and breathable. This makes them ideal for running and training. Leather can be used in certain areas requiring extra durability, but it is heavier and less breathable.
For the midsole, materials like EVA, PU, or premium foams like PEBA provide cushioning, shock absorption, and energy return. Rubber soles provide grip, durability, and traction. The combination of these materials ensures comfort, performance, and safety for different sports.
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