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Brand shoes adopt PU leather material to lower the average price of footwear

The September 15th hearing on autumn and winter footwear has confirmed that a 10% to 20% price increase this season is almost certain. Retailers are being more straightforward about it, noting that while autumn shoes generally have lower unit prices, the rise in winter boot prices is more noticeable. Compared to last year, the difference is now more apparent. For example, knee boots were among the most popular items in Hangzhou shopping malls during the winter season last year, with prices ranging from 1,600 to 1,800 yuan. This year, it's hard to find any pair priced under 2,000 yuan. NineWest also launched knee boots this season, but at 2,500 yuan, they still use PU leather. Last year, even PU leather knee boots were priced between 1,800 and 2,000 yuan. “Leather knee boots are significantly more expensive, often over 3,000 yuan,” said a store manager. “However, we recommend customers go for PU leather models. Not only are they more affordable, but leather boots can be problematic if worn for long periods. The leather around the knee area tends to deform easily.” To keep overall prices from rising too sharply, many brands are opting for PU leather or PVC materials, which help reduce the average cost. “As soon as a product uses real leather, the price jumps significantly,” said a representative from a Shanghai-based footwear brand. “Additionally, winter boots featuring leather and fur stitching are particularly costly.” They added that shoes combining cortex and fur typically start at over 3,000 yuan. With inflation and material costs on the rise, consumers are becoming more price-conscious. While some brands are trying to balance quality and affordability, others are shifting toward cheaper alternatives to maintain competitiveness. As a result, shoppers are now more aware of what they’re paying for—and whether it’s worth it. Whether it’s a simple PU leather boot or a high-end leather model, the message is clear: this winter, you’ll need to budget more than ever before.

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