Cork fabric for footwear production
Villani Leonello cork fabric is designed for footwear manufacturers, heel manufacturers, wedge manufacturers, insole manufacturers, upper makers, and footwear material suppliers.
The material combines a thin layer of natural or agglomerated cork with selected technical backings, making it suitable for different footwear components. It is supplied in rolls, 140 cm width, and can be evaluated for industrial cutting, covering, gluing, shaping, and finishing processes.
The main footwear applications are heel covering, wedge covering, platforms, insoles, insole coverings, footbeds, and uppers. Other uses, such as welts, decorative inserts, and footwear details, can also be evaluated according to the product and production process.
Backings for footwear
The choice of backing affects thickness, flexibility, hand feel, and suitability for each footwear application.
R10 backing is the most versatile and widely used option in footwear. Once laminated with cork, it has an approximate thickness of 0.75 mm and a hand feel comparable to leather. It is suitable for heel covering, wedge covering, platforms and components that require flexibility and structure.
Backing A – 100% polyester is a thinner option, with an approximate final thickness of 0.45 mm. It can be considered when reduced thickness is required.
R05 backing has a softer, more textile-like hand. It is used less frequently in footwear, but can be evaluated for specific projects.
Main footwear applications
Cork fabric for footwear can be used for heel covering, wedge covering, platforms, insoles, insole coverings, footbeds, and uppers.
For heels, wedges, and platforms, R10 backing is generally the most versatile option, while backing A – 100% polyester can be considered when a thinner material is required.
When used for insoles, insole coverings, and footbeds, the backing should be selected according to the component structure, adhesive system, and production method, including vacuum processes.
On uppers, we generally recommend the optional water-based polyurethane treatment with natural and synthetic waxes to improve surface protection and performance during use. Final suitability should always be verified through production tests.
Before production, we always recommend carrying out preliminary tests with the customer’s own components, adhesives, machinery, and finishing processes.
Cork textures and finishes
Cork fabrics for footwear are available with different natural, agglomerated, coloured, and printed cork textures. The choice depends on the desired visual effect, target market, and final application.
Coloured cork is produced using colouring products also used in the leather sector, while printed cork is developed through digital printing or transfer printing. Surface treatments can be evaluated according to the final application. Cork fabric can be made water-repellent through a specific surface treatment.
Safety, REACH, and sustainability
Our cork fabrics are produced in accordance with European REACH regulations and do not contain substances restricted by current EU requirements.
The main cork fabric production process does not require water, except for specific surface treatments. This is an important aspect of our production approach and helps reduce the use of resources in the core lamination process.
Catalogs
Download our catalogues and technical data sheets to evaluate cork textures, backings, finishes, and footwear applications.
