With the invention of coronary stent, promising clinical outcomes appeared. However, the long-term success of stent has been beaten by significant in-stent restenosis and consequently stents fractures (SF). Cardiologists have been looking on SF as a threat to patients’ life because it is associated with short- and possibly long-term morbidity rate. In this review, stent materials and properties from the perspective of materials engineering and clinical drivers are discussed. The review also outlines how stent materials and design have evolved with time. Opinions are given as to the merit and direction of various on-going and future developments.