Applications of PA and PES Hot Melt Adhesives in the Footwear Industry

Applications of PA and PES Hot Melt Adhesives in the Footwear Industry

With the continuous development of the footwear industry, hot melt adhesives have become widely used as an efficient and environmentally friendly bonding material. Among them, PA (Polyamide) and PES (Polyester) hot melt adhesives are two commonly used types with broad application prospects. Each has different performance characteristics and is suitable for various footwear materials and manufacturing processes, enhancing the quality, comfort, and durability of shoes.

1. What is Hot Melt Adhesive?

Hot melt adhesive (HMA) is an adhesive that melts at high temperatures and solidifies when cooled. It is solvent-free, which means it does not require the addition of solvents or moisture during use, making it an environmentally friendly option. The adhesive melts when heated, allowing it to quickly adhere to surfaces, and it forms a strong bond as it cools and solidifies.

2. PA Hot Melt Adhesive Applications in the Footwear Industry

PA (Polyamide) hot melt adhesive is a type of hot melt adhesive based on polyamide, known for its excellent thermal stability and mechanical properties. It is widely used in the production of footwear, especially in the manufacturing of leather shoes and sports shoes.

a). Leather Shoe Bonding

PA hot melt adhesive has excellent heat resistance and durability, making it ideal for leather shoe manufacturing. Leather materials require high bonding strength, and PA hot melt adhesive, when melted, can quickly penetrate the surface of the leather, forming a strong bond between the upper and sole of the shoe.

b). Production of Sports and Casual Shoes

In the production of sports and casual shoes, PA hot melt adhesive is commonly used for bonding the upper and the sole. Since sports and casual shoes are subjected to complex physical stress, PA hot melt adhesive provides high mechanical strength and abrasion resistance, ensuring the durability of the shoes during long-term wear.

c). High Temperature and Chemical Resistance

PA hot melt adhesive is able to withstand extreme temperature changes, making it suitable for footwear products in harsh environments. For example, it can be used in the manufacturing of work shoes or outdoor footwear, where the shoes need to maintain structural stability and durability under extreme conditions.

d). Water Resistance and Aging Resistance

PA hot melt adhesive offers excellent resistance to water and UV degradation, ensuring the shoes’ bond remains intact even in humid or sunny conditions, thereby increasing the longevity of the footwear.

3. PES Hot Melt Adhesive Applications in the Footwear Industry

PES (Polyester) hot melt adhesive is another commonly used type of hot melt adhesive in footwear production. PES hot melt adhesive is known for its good transparency, lower cost, and excellent bonding performance, especially for bonding upper materials, soles, and linings.

a). Bonding of Uppers and Linings

PES hot melt adhesive is widely used for bonding various materials in the shoe upper, such as fabric, synthetic leather, etc. It provides strong initial tack and lasting bond strength. Due to its transparency, it is often used in footwear products that require a high aesthetic standard, such as sports and fashion shoes.

b). Flexibility and Comfort

PES hot melt adhesive has good flexibility and elasticity, making it particularly suitable for footwear that requires high comfort and flexibility. It maintains a strong bond even under pressure and bending, preventing the adhesive from breaking down or delaminating during wear.

c). Environmental Friendliness and Low Volatility

PES hot melt adhesive is solvent-free, with low volatility and non-toxic properties, making it an environmentally friendly option. It helps reduce harmful gas emissions in the production process, which is important for large-scale production and products that must meet environmental regulations.

d). Versatile Applications

In addition to bonding shoe uppers, PES hot melt adhesive is also widely used for bonding the sole to the upper, fixing insoles to linings, and other applications. Due to its strong bonding capabilities and relatively low cost, PES hot melt adhesive has become the preferred material for many footwear manufacturers.

Both PA and PES hot melt adhesives have their advantages in the footwear industry and serve different applications based on performance requirements. PA hot melt adhesive is ideal for footwear products that require high durability and heat resistance, such as leather shoes and sports shoes. On the other hand, PES hot melt adhesive is favored for its good flexibility, environmental benefits, and transparency, making it ideal for fashion shoes, sports shoes, and comfort-driven footwear. Selecting the appropriate hot melt adhesive type helps improve the performance, comfort, and durability of footwear products, while also enhancing production efficiency and product quality for manufacturers.

From JCC Tianyang group---Expert hot melt adhesive solution supplier 

2025.11.21