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Key differences between the various techniques used to manufacture footwear decorations
In the footwear industry, details make all the difference. Among those details, shoe ornaments play an essential role: they not only decorate but also define a brand’s identity, reinforce perceived quality, and enhance the overall design of the product.
What are the most suitable processes for manufacturing shoe ornaments?
- Screen printing: Applies ink color by color through meshes.
- Stamping and engraving: Uses heat to imprint relief or color on leather and textiles.
- High frequency: High-frequency waves that shape materials such as reflective fabric or neoprene.
- Microinjection: Creates 3D ornaments using bio plastisols, with a rubbery look and multiple textures.
- Thermoplastic injection: Produces technical parts (eyelets, lace loops, etc.) in materials such as TPU, PVC, ABS…
- Digital printing: Prints any design —photos, illustrations, gradients— with eco-solvent inks.
- Digital transfer: UV LED printing with eco-solvent inks to reproduce designs on continuous materials.
At Britigraf, we know how to combine different manufacturing techniques to offer comprehensive solutions: from classic detailing to digital innovation, everything designed to strengthen your brand.
What should you consider when choosing the most suitable manufacturing method for your shoe ornaments? At BRITIGRAF, we have identified these 3 essentials!
The choice of the manufacturing method for shoe ornaments should not be random. It directly depends on multiple factors related to design, footwear material and functionality of the ornament.
Below are the main aspects to consider before deciding which process to use:
1. Type of design and level of detail
- For flat colors and simple shapes: screen printing or stamping.
- For realistic images or full customization: digital printing or digital transfer.
- For three-dimensional relief: microinjection or high frequency.
2. Footwear material
- Leather or synthetic: ideal for high frequency, engraving, or transfer.
- Porous textiles: best suited for digital printing.
- Rigid or structural surfaces: perfect for injection or microinjection.
3. Functionality of the ornament
- If you need structural reinforcement (eyelets, lace loops): thermoplastic injection.
- If you seek comfort: gel heel pads or insoles.
- If it’s purely aesthetic: labels, appliqués, or transfers.
Would you like to learn more? Visit our catalog of design techniques for shoe ornaments and see photos of real products!
Trust a company with more than 50 years of experience in manufacturing shoe ornaments
At BRITIGRAF, with over 50 years of experience, we have witnessed the evolution of manufacturing techniques for shoe ornaments, and we know that not all ornaments are made the same way.
If you are looking to boost your next launch or face specific requirements, we offer a tailor-made shoe ornament manufacturing service. Contact us!
- Email: info@britigraf.com
- Phone: (+34) 965 683 882
- Headquarters address: Calle Alberto Sols, 18 – ELCHE PARQUE EMPRESARIAL - 03203 Elche (Alicante), Spain.
