The current market for nonwoven fabrics for shoe linings exhibits the following trends:

The application of spunbond nonwovens in the clothing and industrial materials sectors continues to grow, with a significant increase in demand for shoe linings as a functional material. Its advantages of lightweight, breathable, and malleable properties are driving the replacement of traditional materials in the footwear industry, with particularly rapid penetration in athletic and casual shoes.

The Asia-Pacific region (particularly China, Vietnam, and Indonesia) has become a major global growth engine due to its concentrated footwear industry chain. The European and American markets, however, are more focused on environmental standards, driving the use of recyclable nonwovens in high-end shoe linings, in line with the EU's Circular Economy Action Plan.

The industry is moving towards high-performance, with increased investment in R&D for composite functional nonwovens, such as antibacterial, deodorizing, and moisture-wicking properties. Some companies are using nano-coating technology to enhance the durability and comfort of shoe linings, meeting consumers' dual demands for functionality and sustainability.

With tightening global environmental regulations, the use of bio-based nonwovens (such as polylactic acid (PL)) in shoe linings is increasing. Data from 2025 shows that the proportion of nonwovens sourced from renewable raw materials in the footwear supply chain increased by 12% year-on-year, and leading brands are incorporating this into their ESG strategies.

Companies are advised to focus on developing emerging production capacity in Southeast Asia and strengthen collaboration with materials technology companies to meet rapidly evolving market demands.