All categories
Featured selections
Trade Assurance
Buyer Central
Help Center
Get the app
Become a supplier
(817 products available)
Ready to Ship
KPU shoe upper material comes in a range of types, and each type is mostly aimed at improving on other materials used in making the shoe upper, like leather and polyester. Some of the common types include:
Filled KPU
Filled KPU is a high-performance thermoplastic material that is reinforced with some polymers. The KPU has a number of bubbles or voids, which make it described as filled. These bubbles help reduce the weight of the material while at the same time increasing its structural rigidity. This material is commonly used in shoes meant for heavy-duty work. This is because it offers unparalleled protection while at the same time remaining lightweight and comfortable.
Foam KPU
Foam KPU comes with a thermoplastic polyurethane blend that is reinforced with foam. The material has a high degree of flexibility and elasticity, making it very comfortable. It also has mesh-like structures, which contribute to lightweight and breathability, making it well-suited for athletic and casual shoe lines. This KPU material has shock absorption properties that help reduce the strain on the feet during extended wear.
Matrix KPU
Matrix KPU materials come in a compound thermoplastic polyurethane. The materials are combined with high-performance fibers, such as aramid or carbon filaments. Such materials have greatly increased tensile strength and impact resistance. These KPUs are primarily used in tactical or safety footwear that require further measures to protect against extreme conditions. The advanced composite design enables the shoes to retain their safety features while being lightweight and flexible.
Hybrid KPU
Hybrid KPU is a thermoplastic polyurethane blend. The blend is made with a variety of textures and tensile strength levels. Exploring various textures assists in selecting and designing shoes with unique aesthetic and functional qualities. Also, the multiple levels of hybrid reinforcements allow for shoes with high flexibility footwear, which is great for dancing or other footwear with high resistance to wear and tear.
Reinforced KPU
KPU's strength is increased when reinforced with new age synthetic fibers, such as nylon. These materials offer great abrasion resistance. They also come with flexibility, which has made them very popular in sporting shoes. The reinforced structure also gives additional support to the shoe upper. This, in turn, also extends the lifespan of the shoes whilst increasing comfort for the end consumer.
The shoe upper enjoying the thermoplastic KPU material comes in multiple stylish designs, making the shoes appealing to consumers and useful. The common designs include:
Sporty designs
KPU materials for athletic shoes have very high flexibility and lightness. This makes it suitable for use in sporty design shoes. The shoes have been constructed with KPU thermoplastic material designed with ventilated mesh inserts for breathability. Thus, making sure that the shoes are comfortable during light and heavy workouts. The material's ability to retain shape enables it to give strong support even during stretching, running, or jumping around.
Boots
KPU material used in making boots comes with great durability and water resistance. Thus, it is suitable for use in outdoor and work boots. The shoes have reinforced toe caps and KPU materials that protect the feet from hazards. The boots also have a lightweight outlook, unlike heavy-duty boots made of leather or other tough materials.
Fashion sneakers
These sneakers come in some not very useful but very nice design features. They have bright colors, embossed patterns, and some even have prints. All these are made of KPU materials, which are strong enough to retain their shape and cut against wear and tear. KPU technology comes with a flexibility that enables these shoes to be comfortable when worn with style, enabling the shoes to keep up with current fashion trends.
Slip-ons and loafers
Slip-ons and loafers designed with KPU materials offer both comfort and class. The materials are nearly as elegant as leather but come with much more flexibility and breathability. The designs have been categorized into simple and sophisticated cut designs that can be used in casual and corporate activities.
High-top sneakers
High-top sneakers done in KPU material provide some level of ankle support with a stylish outlook. The designs include elements like adjustable straps and zippers. All these are very useful in function and aesthetics. The materials are tough but enable freedom of movement around the ankle region.
KPU shoes can be a good long-term investment for resellers if they consider a few key factors when buying them in bulk.
Quality of KPU material
Apart from the level of water resistance, the quality of KPU material affects the shoe's breathability, flexibility, lightness, and durability. These properties also affect the quality of the end product since only quality materials can make quality shoes. Resellers should partner with suppliers who understand the market and offer KPU materials of the appropriate quality for the shoes required in that market.
Demand and target market
KPU shoe materials can be very useful for different markets. That includes the sporting shoe market, work boots, and casual shoe markets. When penetrating the market, resellers should first analyze the needs of the market and offer KPU shoes to that specific market. Shoes made of KPU material are strong enough for different uses and are lightweight and more comfortable. They have the potential to perform very well in conjunction with different markets.
Pricing and profit margins
In general, TPU blends have the benefit of being more affordable and at the same time offering similar performance to leather and other materials. Since the blends reduce the costs of materials, resellers can enjoy higher profit margins. They should buy in bulk from the supplier so as to benefit from economies of scale and also negotiate on the price so as to provide a competitive advantage to themselves.
Shipping and logistics
KPU shoes are surprisingly lightweight but may still have some volume. This may offset the costs of shipping. Resellers should partner with suppliers with some measure of shipping efficiency. Use of cheap shipping rates or offering drop shipping services would be a good way to contain the costs.
Sustainability and ethics
KPU material is much more sustainable compared to leather and has the same properties in terms of wear and tear. This makes it easier to clean. It is also much more breathable than leather. It also has a lower carbon footprint, depending on the method of production. This allows resellers to appeal to environmentally aware consumers by getting sustainable products.
Several valuable benefits come with KPU shoes. KPU shoes are suitable for almost all sectors since they are a less costly and highly useful product.
Durability and weather resistance
KPU shoes have abrasion and weather resistance compared to other shoe-making materials, such as leather. It makes KPU suitable for outdoor footwear and work shoes, as they will not easily wear out or get damaged by environmental elements. KPU can also be used on lightweight shoes for everyday use.
Breathability
KPU shoes can be made more breathable through a mesh or perforated pattern, thus allowing air circulation. This makes them suitable for sporty and casual usage. It helps to keep the foot dry and comfortable, reducing overheating or excessive sweating.
Cost-effective
KPU material is much cheaper than leather but offers the same or even greater usefulness at times. This makes the KPU shoes come with great value for money, as KPU shoes can be used for various applications, from regular use to demanding conditions.
Lightweight
KPU material has lightweight properties. It makes it comfortable for everyday use, as well as for special wear, such as sports and for people who are on their feet the whole day. It makes the shoe easy to wear the whole day without experiencing some discomfort.
Flexibility
KPU shoes have a high degree of flexibility, allowing the movement of the feet in any activity. This is particularly beneficial in performance shoes and even in casual shoes, where freedom of movement is important.
A1: KPU is a kind of synthetic polymeric material that comes with some very useful properties. These include abrasion and weather resistance, breathability, and flexibility. It makes the material suitable for use in the upper parts of shoes.
A2: Yes, KPU is breathable. The material creates a breathable upper or comes with perforated mesh inserts, thus enabling air circulation. This keeps the feet dry and fresh; that is why KPU materials are ideal for casual and outdoor use.
A3: KPU is better than leather in some aspects. These aspects include cost, breathability, and abrasion resistance. Leather, however, comes with a classic appeal and may not be as tough as KPU.
A4: KPU shoes are suitable for outdoor use. They are abrasion resistant and weather resistant. It makes them fit for hiking shoes, work boots, or any other outdoor activity.
A5: KPU shoes are relatively easy to care for. Just use a damp cloth and mild soap to clean them. Avoid harsh chemicals that may damage the KPU material.
A6: Yes, KPU is suitable for people with sensitive skin since it is hypoallergenic. They are made of non-animal origin KPU material, which has no associated allergens.
