The footwear industry is undergoing significant transformation driven by the need to reduce its environmental footprint. Global footwear production reached 24 billion pairs in 2022, with Asia contributing over 87%. However, the sector heavily depends on petroleum-based materials and complex, non-recyclable designs, contributing to high carbon emissions and waste. The typical running shoe emits approximately 14 kg CO₂ equivalent during its lifecycle. Footwear materials often release microplastics and involve toxic components like phthalates and heavy metals.

This document centres on material innovations, particularly in footwear sole materials, including ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), polyurethane (PU), thermoplastic elastomers (TPE), and rubber. It introduces concepts such as bio-based and recycled content, alternative chemistries, and performance versus environmental trade-offs. It explores the use of next-gen materials, circular design, reverse logistics, and innovations in manufacturing and end-of-use systems. Additionally, it classifies footwear types, outlines detailed shoe anatomy, and discusses testing and sustainability standards. This systems-thinking approach identifies intervention points and calls for unified sustainability benchmarks to foster impactful innovation.