With the development of fabrication technology, SiC nanowires have broad application prospect and development potential in field emission, photocatalysis, electricity and optical materials. SiC nanowires are widely used as reinforcers of various structral materials in aerospace, nuclear, braking systems and other industrial fields. The properties and preparation methods of SiC nanowires are reviewed in this paper. The research progress and mechanisms of SiC nanowires as reinforcing materials applied in ceramic materials, C matrix composites and SiC matrix composites are introduced in detail, and its development in the future is looked forward.