The TPU Counter Sheet is a flexible thermoplastic interlayer providing structural integrity and backstay support. It ensures persistent shape retention for the heel and toe box, delivering essential stability and durability in footwear construction.
Product Specifications
|
Item |
Specification |
|
Material |
100% Virgin TPU (Thermoplastic Polyurethane) |
|
Thickness |
0.4-1.5mm (±0.02mm tolerance) |
|
Sheet Size |
1.0×1.5m / 0.9×1.5m |
|
Abrasion Resistance |
Over 50,000 Martindale abrasion cycles |
|
Shape Retention |
Over 95% rebound memory after 10,000 compression tests |
|
Temperature Resistance |
Maintains performance down to -15°C |
|
Tensile Strength |
≥25 MPa longitudinal strength |
|
Processing Temperature |
90-120°C thermal activation range |
|
Color Options |
Customized Pantone colors available |

Footwear Applications
Athletic & Running Shoes: Toe box and heel counter reinforcement (0.4mm–0.8mm) compatible with automated cold and hot-lasting machines.
Formal Leather Shoes: Rear heel counter stiffeners (0.8mm–1.0mm) designed to retain sharp heel profiles post-lasting.
Safety & Work Boots: Heavy-gauge backstay placement (1.2mm–1.5mm) integrated alongside steel or composite safety toe caps.
Casual Sneakers: Mid-gauge ankle and heel support (0.6mm–1.0mm) tailored for high-volume vulcanized or cemented production lines.
Children's Shoes: Flexible toe caps and heel stays (0.6mm–0.8mm) engineered to withstand high-cycle impact without breaking.
Customization Options
Custom gauge output from 0.4mm to 1.5mm controlled within a strict ±0.02mm tolerance range.
Shore hardness tuned from 80A to 95A to match specific footwear rigidity requirements.
Opaque or semi-transparent sheet tinting based on customer-supplied Pantone references.
Pre-cut, ready-to-stitch counter panel shapes supplied directly to your factory assembly line.
Manufacturing Control
Laser Thickness Measurement: Automated inline laser sensors scan 100% of the sheet width to eliminate thickness variations.
Thermal Lamination: Temperature-controlled rollers bond TPU to non-woven fabric without compromising peel strength.
Lab Batch Testing: In-house verification of peel force, heat activation range (90°C–120°C), and flex endurance before release.
AQL 1.5 Inspection: Strict dimensional and visual sampling performed before sealing goods in moisture-proof pallet packaging.
Supply Support
Trial Run MOQ: Low minimum order quantity starting at 1,000 sheets per thickness to support sampling and line trials.
Mass Capacity: Monthly production output exceeding 200,000 sheets to fulfill peak seasonal manufacturing orders smoothly.
Payment Terms: T/T deposit structures with final balance released upon pre-shipment QC approval report.
Global Shipping: Direct export dispatch from Quanzhou or Xiamen ports under FOB, CIF, or DDP terms.
Certifications & Compliance
REACH SVHC Compliant: Fully tested under EU Regulation 1907/2006 for hazardous substance compliance in European footwear.
RoHS Directive Certified: Free from heavy metals, polybrominated biphenyls, and restricted toxic flame retardants.
Phthalate-Free Formulation: Formulated without prohibited plasticizers to ensure worker safety during factory thermal activation.
SATRA / SGS Tested: Durability and flex resistance verified against international SATRA physical footwear testing standards.






FAQ
Q: Can the pre-cut counter panel shapes be supplied to match a specific shoe last provided by the buyer?
A: Yes, buyers can submit their shoe last CAD files or physical samples, and pre-cut panels will be die-cut to match the exact heel counter and toe box contour, reducing factory trimming waste.
Q: Can you share examples of past supply to athletic shoe or safety boot manufacturers?
A: Yes, this counter sheet has been supplied to athletic footwear and safety boot manufacturers in Southeast Asia; specific references are available through the account manager under NDA.
Q: What happens if a batch fails the abrasion resistance or shape retention test after arrival at the destination port?
A: Buyers must submit a claim with test evidence within 15 days of port arrival, after which a credit note or free replacement is issued within 10 business days upon verification.
Q: What peel strength does the thermal lamination between TPU and non-woven fabric actually achieve?
A: The thermal lamination achieves a minimum peel strength of 8 N/cm per SATRA TM49, ensuring the TPU layer remains fully bonded to the non-woven backing.
Q: What test standard verifies the 50,000 Martindale abrasion cycle rating?
A: Abrasion resistance is tested per ISO 12947-2 using the Martindale method, applying standardized rubbing motion under controlled pressure until visible surface wear or thread breakage occurs.
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