The Global PU Sole (Footwear Polyurethane) Market was valued at USD 10.86 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 19.97 Billion by 2030, growing at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 8.07% during the forecast period (2024–2030). This robust growth is primarily driven by the escalating global demand for comfortable, durable, and lightweight footwear across athletic, casual, and occupational segments, coupled with significant advancements in sustainable and bio-based polyurethane formulations.

As the footwear industry pivots towards materials that enhance performance, comfort, and environmental credentials, the spotlight intensifies on the key chemical suppliers and compounders driving this innovation. In this blog, we profile the Top 10 Companies in the PU Sole Industry—a mix of chemical giants, material specialists, and regional leaders shaping the foundation of the global footwear market.

Download FREE Sample Report:
Global PU Sole (Footwear Polyurethane) Market – View in Detailed Research Report

---

🔟 1. BASF SE

Headquarters: Ludwigshafen, Germany
Key Offering: Elastollan® TPU, Cellasto® Microcellular Polyurethane

BASF is a global leader in polyurethane chemistry, providing high-performance material solutions for the footwear industry. Their Elastollan® brand of thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) is renowned for its exceptional abrasion resistance, flexibility, and processing ease, making it a top choice for high-end sports shoes, sandals, and work boots.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of bio-based and recycled content TPU grades

• Advanced material solutions for injection molding and direct soling

• Commitment to CO2 reduction targets across its product portfolio

---

9️⃣ 2. Covestro AG

Headquarters: Leverkusen, Germany
Key Offering: Desmodur® isocyanates, Desmophen® polyols, Bayflex® PU systems

Covestro is a premier supplier of raw materials and customized PU systems for footwear soles. Their comprehensive portfolio supports both conventional and innovative manufacturing processes, offering solutions that deliver on aesthetics, mechanical properties, and sustainability.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

• Pioneering carbon footprint-reduced adipic acid for polyols

• Development of climate-neutral foam solutions for midsoles

• Strong focus on circular economy principles and material recyclability

Download FREE Sample Report:
Global PU Sole (Footwear Polyurethane) Market – View in Detailed Research Report

---

8️⃣ 3. Huntsman Corporation

Headquarters: The Woodlands, Texas, USA
Key Offering: IROGRAN® TPU, AVALON® TPU, TEROL® polyols

Huntsman’s Polyurethanes division is a key global player, offering a wide array of MDI, polyols, and TPU products tailored for the footwear sector. Their technologies are instrumental in creating lightweight, cushioned soles for running shoes, hiking boots, and fashion footwear.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

• Investment in renewable and recycled raw material streams

• Technologies for low-density, high-resilience foams

• Global technical service network supporting footwear manufacturers

---

7️⃣ 4. Wanhua Chemical Group Co., Ltd.

Headquarters: Yantai, China
Key Offering: MDI, TPU, Polyether Polyols

As one of the world’s largest producers of MDI, Wanhua Chemical is a fundamental supplier to the global PU sole industry. The company has vertically integrated operations and offers cost-competitive, high-quality materials that are essential for mass-market footwear production.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

• Massive scale MDI production ensuring global supply chain stability

• R&D focus on environmentally friendly PU dispersions and TPUs

• Expansion of bio-based material research and development

---

6️⃣ 5. The Dow Chemical Company

Headquarters: Midland, Michigan, USA
Key Offering: SPECFLEX™ PU Systems, VORANOL™ Polyols, PURe™ TPU

Dow’s materials science expertise is critical to the footwear industry, providing innovative PU systems that enhance sole performance. Their products are designed to meet specific requirements for durability, comfort, and design flexibility for global brand owners.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

• Leadership in CO2-derived polyols technology

• Development of systems for reduced energy consumption during processing

• Partnerships to advance circularity in footwear

---

5️⃣ 6. Coim Group

Headquarters: Milan, Italy
Key Offering: Isoexter® TPU, Unsaturated Polyester Resins, Polyester Polyols

Coim Group is a prominent specialty chemical company with a strong focus on the footwear market, particularly in Europe. Their high-performance polyester polyols and TPUs are valued for their excellent mechanical properties and finishing characteristics.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

• Focus on water-based and solvent-free PU systems

• Development of products from renewable resources

• Strong regional presence supporting European footwear clusters

Download FREE Sample Report:
Global PU Sole (Footwear Polyurethane) Market – View in Detailed Research Report

---

4️⃣ 7. Lubrizol Corporation

Headquarters: Wickliffe, Ohio, USA
Key Offering: Estane® TPU, Isocyanates, Engineered Polymers

Lubrizol’s Engineered Polymers business is a major force in TPU for footwear, with its Estane® brand being synonymous with quality and performance. Their materials are used in everything from high-abrasion outsoles to flexible, transparent midsoles.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

• Leading portfolio of bio-based and recycled content TPUs

• Innovations in durable, non-yellowing transparent soles

• Collaborations with brands to create sustainable footwear solutions

---

3️⃣ 8. LANXESS AG

Headquarters: Cologne, Germany
Key Offering: Adiprene® and Vibrathane® Urethane Rubbers, Prepolymer Systems

LANXESS is a world-renowned supplier of high-performance urethane elastomers for the footwear industry. Their cast polyurethane systems are prized for their exceptional wear resistance, making them ideal for heavy-duty work boots and high-endurance sports footwear.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

• Expertise in microcellular PU systems for lightweighting

• Development of systems with improved hydrolysis resistance

• Focus on enhancing the sustainability profile of urethane prepolymers

---

2️⃣ 9. Recticel NV/SA

Headquarters: Brussels, Belgium
Key Offering: Engineered Foams, Flexible Foams, Bedding Foams

While diversified, Recticel’s engineered foams business supplies specialized polyurethane solutions to the footwear industry, particularly for comfort-focused insoles and midsoles. Their expertise in foam technology translates into superior cushioning and energy return properties.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

• Production of flame-laminated foams for footwear applications

• Investment in more sustainable foam manufacturing processes

• Customized foam solutions for ergonomic and orthopedic footwear

---

1️⃣ 10. Mitsui Chemicals, Inc.

Headquarters: Tokyo, Japan
Key Offering: TPU, High-Performance Polymers, Polyurethane Raw Materials

Mitsui Chemicals is a significant player in the Asian PU market, supplying high-quality TPU and other polymer materials to footwear manufacturers. The company is known for its technological innovation and strong customer support in the region.

Innovation & Sustainability Initiatives:

• Development of advanced TPU grades with unique aesthetic properties

• Focus on high-transparency and high-flexibility materials

• Commitment to sustainable chemistry and reducing environmental impact

Get Full Report Here:
Global PU Sole (Footwear Polyurethane) Market – View in Detailed Research Report

---

👟 Outlook: The Future of PU Soles Is Sustainable and Performance-Driven

The global PU sole market is in the midst of a significant transformation. While traditional performance attributes like durability and lightness remain paramount, the industry is rapidly embracing sustainability, digital manufacturing, and material science breakthroughs.

📈 Key Trends Shaping the Market:

• Accelerated adoption of bio-based and recycled content polyurethanes

• Rising demand for customization and on-demand manufacturing driving advances in processing technologies

• Increasing regulatory pressures and consumer demand for environmentally responsible footwear

• Integration of digital tools for material selection, design, and supply chain optimization

Get Full Report Here:
Global PU Sole (Footwear Polyurethane) Market – View in Detailed Research Report

The companies listed above are not only supplying the materials that cushion every step—they are pioneering the sustainable evolution of the entire footwear industry.