Footbags are made of fabric panels sewn into a ball and filled with a weighted material. The shell is usually synthetic suede, leather, or crocheted cotton; the fill is usually sand, plastic pellets, or metal beads. Every one of those choices changes how the bag feels under your foot.
The shell: suede vs. leather vs. crochet
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Synthetic suede is the modern freestyle standard — grippy, soft, consistent, and animal-free. It catches the bag and helps it “stick” on stalls. Colorado Footbags uses Ultra Synthetic Suede.
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Leather is traditional and durable but stiffer and less grippy until broken in.
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Crocheted cotton is soft and cheap but bouncy and less precise, with an open weave that collects dirt.
The fill: sand, pellets, metal
Sand is the go-to for control: it’s dense, dead, and settles into a soft landing that stalls well. Plastic pellets are lighter and livelier. Metal is a newer, very heavy option that some advanced players like because it’s ultra-collapsible and sits still. Colorado Footbags uses purified natural sand for a consistent weight and feel.
Panels and weight
Panel count controls shape: more panels make a rounder ball with flatter stall faces. Weight controls speed: heavier bags move slower and are easier to control. A typical footbag is about two inches across (palm-sized) and weighs roughly 40–60 grams; the 14-Panel OG is 58 grams.
Putting it together
The best-feeling bags pair a grippy suede shell, a dense sand fill, enough panels for a round shape, and a controllable weight. That’s the recipe Colorado Footbags builds to across the OG and CORE lines.
Quick answers
What are footbags made of? Sewn fabric panels — synthetic suede, leather, or crocheted cotton — filled with sand, pellets, or beads.
How heavy is a footbag? Typically ~40–60 grams; the 14-Panel OG is 58 grams.
What size is a footbag? About two inches in diameter, palm-sized; denser sand bags sit lower for control.
Feel the suede-and-sand difference — see the full lineup.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the filling in a hacky sack made of?
Usually sand, plastic pellets, or metal beads. Sand gives a soft, controllable, “dead” feel that is ideal for stalls; Colorado Footbags uses purified natural sand.
What are footbags made of?
Fabric panels sewn together — synthetic suede, leather, or crocheted cotton — filled with sand, pellets, or beads. Colorado Footbags uses Ultra Synthetic Suede with a purified natural sand fill.
What is the difference between a footbag and a juggling ball?
Footbags are kicked and controlled with the feet (usually sand-filled suede); juggling balls are thrown and caught with the hands. The fills can be similar, but they are designed for different sports.