Upper

Upper material in running shoes

The upper material defines to a large extent the type of shoe and the runner profile for which it is intended. It directly affects weight, breathability, foot fit and running responsiveness. The choice of material is key to achieving a shoe that offers the perfect balance of support, lightness and comfort. It also determines how the shoe performs in different

Natural materials

Although less and less common in running, some models still use natural materials such as leather, mainly in trail running shoes or retro-inspired lifestyle models. Leather, especially kangaroo or cowhide, offers a comfortable fit due to its ability to adapt to the foot and conveys a premium feel to the finish. However, its weight and low breathability make it less suitable for technical performance.

  • Great fit to the foot thanks to its ability to yield in pressure areas.
  • Premium feel and greater structural durability.
  • Increased weight.
  • Low breathability and water absorption.
  • Less presence in high performance models.
Natural Materials

Synthetic materials

Synthetic materials dominate the running market for their versatility, lightness and ability to offer advanced technical solutions. Here we distinguish mainly two types:

Synthetic microfibers Lightweight, resistant and with a great capacity to repel water. In addition, they allow greater control over the design and customization of the fit. They are common in training or competition shoes, where a high ratio between durability and low weight is required.

Knit o technical materials Since their breakthrough in the running world, knitted uppers have revolutionized running shoes. These knitted fabrics create a seamless structure that is highly breathable, flexible and extremely lightweight. Some models combine knit with strategic reinforcements to maintain stability without losing natural movement.

  • Maximum lightness (this applies only to knit fabrics, not to microfibers).
  • Excellent breathability.
  • Sock-like fit on knit models (this applies only to knit fabric, not microfiber).
  • Almost unlimited aesthetic options.
  • Some knit fabrics offer less structure and lateral support.
  • In microfibers, fit does not improve with wear as leather does.
  • In some cases, less durability in high wear areas.
Synthetic