Materials

     Many materials are used in Nike’s soccer cleats. Since these shoes are supposed to be light, they are made out of minimal material while still providing enough protection to the player. They are made out of materials such as:

 

• polyurethane microfibers

• leather

• kangaroo leather

• goat skin

• string for laces

• foams

 

     Nike is constantly trying to improve upon their materials. As of 2013, 11% of cotton used in products was organic and 100% of leather used was certified by the Leather Working Group, an organization that promotes environmental standards for leather processing. Leather is commonly used for the upper part of the cleat. Specifically, kangaroo leather is used becuase of its comfort and ability to sculpt to the player's foot. Other materials used are laces and foams for lining and reinforcement and even goat skin has made appearances in a few models. Although Nike's material vendors are not easily found in public documentation, Nike does provide data on the materials they use. Nike has used over 16,000 different materials from over 1,500 material vendors when creating their products. They score each of these materials, to keep track of which ones are most environmentally friendly. 

 

     Each cleat made by Nike receives a Footwear Sustainability Index (FSI). This index shows what materials were used in the product and how environmentally friendly it is.