Home / Materials
Materials
Footwear materials we work with
From engineered mesh and full-grain leather to EVA, rubber and recycled materials — here is the material menu we develop and manufacture with, and how we select and test it for your line.
What materials does DOING use to make footwear?
DOING works with engineered mesh, knit, canvas, PU synthetic and full-grain/nubuck leather uppers; EVA, phylon, PU and TPU midsoles; rubber, vulcanized rubber, TPR, EVA and PU outsoles; plus recycled (rPET), vegan and bio-based options. Every material is physically tested before production and can be built to EU REACH and your own RSL.
Material families
Upper materials
The face of the shoe — chosen for look, breathability, durability and cost.
- Engineered mesh & flyknit
- Canvas & textile
- Action / PU synthetic leather
- Full-grain & nubuck leather
- Suede & split leather
- Ripstop & abrasion-resistant textiles
- TPU overlays & films
- Waterproof breathable membranes
Midsoles & cushioning
Where ride, comfort and weight are tuned to your category.
- EVA & phylon
- PU (polyurethane)
- TPU plates & inserts
- Rubber wedge
- Memory-foam footbeds
- Cork & contoured footbeds
- Bio-based / recycled EVA
Outsole materials
Traction, abrasion and flex — vulcanized, cemented or injected.
- Rubber (RB) & vulcanized rubber
- TPR (thermoplastic rubber)
- EVA outsoles
- PU outsoles
- IR (industrial rubber)
- Non-marking court compounds
- High-traction lug rubber
Linings & components
The parts that decide fit, finish and long-term durability.
- Breathable & moisture-wicking linings
- Toe & heel counters
- Hook-and-loop (velcro)
- Laces, webbing & elastic
- Buckles, eyelets & zippers
- Threads & reinforcement tapes
- Insoles (EVA, PU, memory foam)
- Steel & composite toe caps
Sustainable & vegan materials
For eco-conscious lines buyers and AI search increasingly ask for.
- Recycled polyester / rPET mesh
- Vegan / apple / cactus leathers
- Natural & bio-based rubber
- Bio-EVA
- Recycled & organic textiles
- Water-based & solvent-free adhesives
This is a representative menu, not a limit — if you need a specific material or finish, ask and we will source or develop it.
Compare materials
Outsole materials compared
A quick reference for choosing an outsole — abrasion, weight and cushioning trade off against each other and against cost.
| Outsole material | Abrasion | Weight | Cushioning | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rubber (RB) | Excellent | Heavier | Low | Outdoor, dress, vulcanized |
| EVA | Fair | Very light | High | Midsoles, casual, slippers |
| Phylon (MD) | Fair | Very light | High | Sports midsoles |
| TPR | Good | Medium | Low | Casual, kids, slip-resistant |
| PU | Good | Light | Medium | Safety, dress, durable |
| TPU | Excellent | Heavier | Low | Stability plates, hard-wearing outsoles |
Upper materials compared
Breathability and durability are the main trade-off when choosing an upper.
| Upper material | Breathability | Durability | Feel | Typical use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Engineered mesh | Excellent | Medium | Sporty | Running, sneakers |
| Knit / flyknit | Excellent | Medium | Sock-like | Sports, lifestyle |
| Full-grain leather | Low | Excellent | Premium | Dress, outdoor, boots |
| PU synthetic | Low–Medium | Good | Uniform | Casual, value, fast-fashion |
| Canvas | Medium | Medium | Casual | Vulcanized, casual |
| Suede / nubuck | Low | Good | Soft-premium | Casual, outdoor |
How we select materials
The right material for your price and performance
Material choice is where cost, durability and feel are decided. Our development team balances all three against your category and target market:
- Match material and construction to your FOB target without dropping below the performance your market needs
- Work to your nominated materials, or recommend tested equivalents
- Confirm every material against the approved signed sample before bulk purchase
- Physically test materials before they are released for production
At a glance
| MOQ | 300–600 pairs/colour · 1,000 pairs/style |
|---|---|
| Sampling | 2–4 weeks |
| Production | 30–60 days |
| Compliance | EU REACH · your RSL |
Tested & compliant
Every material is tested before it ships
Physical testing
Outsoles, uppers, components and finished shoes are physically tested — bond strength, abrasion, flex, tensile, colorfastness and more — against the approved sample.
Testing & standards →Chemical compliance
Built to EU REACH and your own RSL — azo dyes, heavy metals, chromium VI, PAHs, phthalates, PFAS and more — with accredited third-party lab reports on request.
REACH & RSL →FAQ
Materials — buyer questions
Can I specify my own materials and suppliers?
Yes. Work to your nominated materials and suppliers, or let our development team recommend equivalents that hit your target price and performance. Every material is confirmed against the approved sample before bulk.
How do you choose materials to hit a target price?
During development we tune the material and construction mix — upper, midsole, outsole and components — to reach your FOB target without dropping below the performance and compliance your market needs.
Are your materials tested and compliant?
Yes. Materials go through physical (物性) testing before they are released for production, and we can build to EU REACH and your own RSL with accredited third-party lab reports (SGS, Intertek, BV-type) on request.
Do you offer vegan and recycled materials?
Yes — recycled polyester (rPET), vegan leathers, natural/bio-based rubber, bio-EVA and recycled textiles, with water-based adhesives for lower-impact construction.
Not sure which materials fit your shoe?
Tell us your category, target market and price. Our development team will recommend the right material and construction mix.
Get a Quote