Silicon nanowires (SiNWs) are new one-dimensional material with unique properties, which have been widely used in field-effect devices, nano-sensors and other nano-electronic devices. In this paper, the new progress in research on the synthesis methods of SiNWs is summarized. The influencing factors and characteristics of each synthesis method are discussed. Finally, a new method is put forward which based on the advantages both on thermal evaporation and template method, and this method can synthesize SiNWs arrays with uniform diameter, high-order, high-purity and with high-yield. This method will be a new research orientation in the future.