Upper

Upper material in running shoes

The type of shoe and the profile of the intended runner are largely defined by the upper material. It directly affects weight, breathability, fit, and responsiveness while running.

Selecting the right material is essential for achieving the perfect balance of support, lightness and comfort in a shoe. It also determines how the shoe will perform in different weather conditions and over different distances.

Natural materials

Although they are becoming increasingly rare in running shoes, some models still use natural materials such as leather, mainly in trail running shoes or retro-inspired lifestyle designs.

Leather, particularly kangaroo or cowhide, provides a comfortable fit thanks to its ability to mould to the shape of the foot, giving the shoe a premium finish. However, its weight and low breathability mean it is not ideal for high-performance activities.

  • Thanks to its ability to give in pressure areas, it provides a great fit to the foot.
  • It has a premium feel and increased structural durability.
  • Increased weight.
  • Low breathability and water absorption.
  • Less prevalent in high-performance models.
Natural Materials

Synthetic materials

Synthetic materials dominate the running market thanks to their versatility, lightness, and ability to provide cutting-edge technical solutions. There are mainly two types:


Synthetic microfibres

These are lightweight, resistant and highly water-repellent. They also allow greater control over design and customisation of the fit. They are commonly found in training or competition shoes, where a high durability-to-weight ratio is desired.


Knit or technical fabric

Since their introduction to athletics, knit uppers have transformed running shoes. These knitted fabrics create a seamless structure that is highly breathable, flexible and extremely lightweight. Some models combine knitted fabric with strategic reinforcements to maintain stability while allowing natural movement.

  • Maximum lightness (applies only to knit fabric, not microfibre).
  • Excellent breathability.
  • A sock-like fit for knit models (this only applies to knit fabric, not microfibres).
  • 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