High-performance thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)/ rutile titanium dioxide (TiO2) composites were prepared by melt-compounding method. TPU composites were investigated for their improved hydrophobicity, and free surface energy upon the addition of TiO2. The hydrophobicity of TPU/TiO2 composites at filler loading of 15 phr, increased up to 46% compared to that of the neat TPU. The decrease in free surface energy further confirmed the hydrophobic behavior of TPU/TiO2 composites. Furthermore, hardness, abrasion resistance, tensile strength, and elongation at break were improved at lower filler loading of 2 phr and 5 phr. At Tmax, thermal stability value of TPU also increased up to 407 ºC for 5 phr of TiO2 however, the recorded value of thermal stability for neat TPU was only 334 °C. The residual content for TPU/TiO2 composites also increased with the increase in the filler content. Due to such unique properties especially the hydrophobicity and abrasion resistance, these composites have potential applications in shoe sole industry. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]