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By Susannah Davda | The Shoe Consultant

How can I find a shoe manufacturer?

How can I find a shoe manufacturer?

So you have your design concept. You know the gap you want to fill in the footwear market, and now you want to find a shoe manufacturer who can make your designs. Finding a shoe factory seems like it should be easy, but you feel as though you are coming up against a series of brick walls.

trying to find a shoe factory is like coming up against a series of brick walls

Your messages to footwear factories are being ignored. When you find a shoe manufacturer who seems keen, they end up ghosting you. So how do you get them to take your shoe startup seriously?

I am going to tell you some truths which might be difficult to hear, but if you want to find the right shoe factory it is better to be armed with this knowledge. In fact, by the end of reading this article, you will be in a much better position to plan your shoe factory approaches.

Here are my shoe manufacturer finding tips:

Are you ready to speak to a shoe factory?

For most shoe entrepreneurs, design is the exciting part, so you naturally want to skip straight to designing. Your next thought is “I need to find a shoe manufacturer now”. If you want to save money, time, heartache, and get shoe factories to take you seriously, you need to first assess the business opportunity. Sounds dull? It really doesn’t have to be.

Assessing the shoe business opportunity circle of shoes

Make sure you have explored the following areas in-depth before even beginning the design process, and definitely before approaching a footwear manufacturer:

  • Your customer – Who are they? What drives them to purchase shoes?
  • Your competitors – Of course you are planning to create something unique, so may not think you have direct competitors, but your customers are buying their shoes from somewhere. Where are they buying them?
  • Your sales model – How are you going to sell your products?

Still feeling a bit lost? My How to Start a Shoe Brand course guides you through the research you will need to complete to be clear on each of these elements.

What does a shoe manufacturer need to know?

Trying to get a shoe manufacturer to work with you is a bit like pitching to an investor. The shoe factory representative needs to believe in you, and your ability to develop a commercial shoe business. Some entrepreneurs are surprised when shoe makers don’t jump at the chance to work on their exciting project. In reality, most shoe manufacturers have worked with some difficult shoe startups in the past, and feel cautious about repeating that experience.

Find a shoe factory Shoe making closing room

 

Some shoe factories simply don’t have the capacity – or perhaps the inclination – to work with entrepreneurs such as yourself.

A shoe factory or footwear sourcing agent is more compelled by the size of your market, than by the tiny details of your customer’s lifestyle. These are the elements they will be most interested in at first:

  • What your product looks like, its construction and materials
  • How many styles and colours you will require
  • Projected volumes – how many pairs you think you will order from them in the first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth seasons
  • Target cost price – they don’t need to know your retail price – but they do need a properly calculated target cost price to work to

If the phrase “projected volumes” fills you with horror, don’t worry, you are just making educated guesses. There is a startup-friendly template for this included in the How to Start a Shoe Brand course. You also get a range planning guide to help you decide how many styles and colours to start off with, and a cost price calculator for wholesale and direct to consumer pricing.

Great, but how do I find a shoe manufacturer?

You need to know which country you want to manufacture in before starting your search. This will be based on your retail and cost price.

Find a shoe manufacturer globe

As a rough guide:

  • Luxury or premium = Europe, USA
  • Premium or mid-market = China, Vietnam, Thailand, India, Brazil, Mexico
  • Value = Cambodia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Ethiopia

Of course there are many exceptions; there are luxury factories in China and mid-market factories in Cambodia etc.

LinkedIn is a good place to start. Find Sourcing is also a good option.

Should I use a sourcing agent or go direct to the factory?

The How to Start a Shoe Brand course goes into much more detail on finding a shoe manufacturer including:

  • How to decide between using a sourcing agent or working directly with a factory
  • Interviews with shoe brand founders who share their tips on how to find a good shoe factory
  • A downloadable checklist of essential points you will need to find out about a manufacturer

Happy sourcing!

Susannah

Back to Shoe News | The Shoe Consultant

About Susannah Davda

I am a professional shoe consultant providing shoe consultancy to startups and established businesses. I enjoy nothing more than working with businesses on a one to one basis and helping them achieve the success they crave. Learn more about how I can help your shoe business.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. michael brooks says

    October 20, 2021 at 2:47 pm

    Hey I have developed a tech pack for my sneakers and look to have the idea brought to life, so I can further my business. I am having a hard time finding a manufacturer and I need help.

    Reply
    • Susannah Davda says

      October 21, 2021 at 8:37 am

      Hi Michael,
      Well done for getting to this stage. I’d love to help you build your product and business. I’ll send you an email shortly.
      With best wishes,
      Susannah

      Reply
      • Cornelia says

        January 27, 2022 at 7:33 pm

        Hi I’ll also app your help in building my brand. It’s hard to find manufacturing companies in South Africa, I’m hoping to get all the help that I need from you.

        Reply
      • June Smith says

        February 1, 2022 at 2:31 am

        Hello, happy to find this information online. I too am interested in finding a shoe designer. I would love for you to assist.

        Reply
        • Susannah Davda says

          February 1, 2022 at 8:16 am

          Hi June,
          Thanks for your comment.
          I will send you an email now.
          Best wishes,
          Susannah

          Reply
        • P says

          September 14, 2022 at 12:41 pm

          Hey I am also looking for a shoe designer

          Reply
          • Susannah Davda says

            September 14, 2022 at 3:02 pm

            Hello,
            Thanks for your comment. I’ll send you an email now.
            With best wishes,
            Susannah

  2. Terica Carlisle says

    December 12, 2021 at 3:51 am

    Hello Susannah,

    I found your web page. I have a shoe business, I’m looking for manufacturer and I need help. Is it possible you could share information?

    Reply
    • Susannah Davda says

      December 13, 2021 at 10:16 am

      Hi Terica,
      I’ll send you an email now.
      Best wishes,
      Susannah

      Reply
      • Q Michael Dixon says

        February 16, 2023 at 8:03 am

        Hello I’am Q Michael Dixon I’ve been in this Industry for quite awhile doing freelance shoe designs. Found a buyer from J.c.pennys she took me to Hong Kong in 2000 found a suitable factory established Q MICHAEL’S SHOES. rented a trade show both & made our way to WSA Vegas. I managed to acquire sales federated .Whenshoe customs lost one Shoe they shipped the Shoes back to China . Time to try again .

        Reply
        • Jen says

          February 17, 2023 at 7:38 am

          Hello Q Michael Dixon

          Thank you for sharing your experiences. Feel free to send Susannah an email if you need additional guidance on getting started again: susannah@shoeconsultant.co.uk

          Best wishes,
          Jen

          Reply
  3. George says

    December 13, 2021 at 1:08 pm

    I have a design and am looking to find a shoe manufacturer, can anyone help?

    Reply
    • Susannah Davda says

      December 13, 2021 at 1:14 pm

      Hi George,
      This is exciting! I’m going to email you now.
      Best wishes,
      Susannah

      Reply
      • Amy Brooks says

        December 18, 2021 at 4:29 am

        Want to sell idea for fashion shoes for woman. There isn’t any out there yet n I truly believe its one of the best ideas No doubt it would b a huge success but don’t know how to create it just want to sell the idea help

        Reply
        • Susannah Davda says

          December 20, 2021 at 3:16 pm

          Hi Amy,
          Thanks for your message.
          The best way to sell an idea is to start a successful shoe brand. This way, you prove that it is a commercial idea.
          I will send you an email with details of how I can help you.
          Best wishes,
          Susannah

          Reply
      • Amy Brooks says

        December 18, 2021 at 4:32 am

        Can u also send that to me

        Reply
        • Susannah Davda says

          December 20, 2021 at 3:16 pm

          Sure Amy! I’ll email you now.

          Reply
  4. Bero Langdon says

    December 14, 2021 at 1:26 pm

    Hi, I’m new in the shoe community. I have some designs and I need help finding a shoe manufacturer. Please help!

    Reply
    • Susannah Davda says

      December 15, 2021 at 12:40 pm

      Hi Bero,
      Thank you for your comment. I can help you with this.
      I will email you now.
      Best wishes,
      Susannah

      Reply
  5. Abigail says

    December 16, 2021 at 6:47 am

    I would like to get guided on where to start with a shoe design.

    Reply
    • Susannah Davda says

      December 16, 2021 at 8:39 am

      Hi Abigail,
      This Shoe Design book is a good place to start.
      Please contact me if you need anything else.
      Best wishes,
      Susannah

      Reply
  6. James says

    December 22, 2021 at 10:19 pm

    Hi Susannah my name is James I would like to know if you have list of manufacturers who can assist me with designing and manufacturing shoes for men women and kids for me please.

    Reply
    • Susannah Davda says

      December 23, 2021 at 1:51 pm

      Hi James,
      Thanks for your message. I will email you details of how I can support you.
      Best wishes,
      Susannah

      Reply
  7. ideas says

    December 24, 2021 at 2:10 am

    What about finding someone who can mk a particular shoe if you have the picture. That if you see a picture of a shoe you like and this shoe is no longer being produced and you will like to reproduce i

    Reply
    • Susannah Davda says

      January 4, 2022 at 10:16 am

      Hello,
      Yes this is achievable although you may need some help from a freelance shoe designer. You will also have many decisions to make regarding materials, last shape, sole etc.
      Feel free to send me an email if you need additional guidance: susannah@shoeconsultant.co.uk
      Best wishes,
      Susannah

      Reply
  8. Larry says

    January 1, 2022 at 5:00 am

    I’m trying to start my shoe brand. I have an idea of my design and need help with getting someone to translate it into full production?

    Reply
    • Susannah Davda says

      January 4, 2022 at 10:17 am

      Hi Larry,
      Thank you for your comment. I will email you details of how I can support you.
      Best wishes,
      Susannah

      Reply
  9. Audrey Davis says

    January 19, 2022 at 6:37 pm

    I’m starting a shoe line for Women. I have designs and need help with getting someone to translate it into full production?

    Reply
    • Susannah Davda says

      January 20, 2022 at 3:18 pm

      Thanks for your comment Audrey.
      I have just sent you an email.
      Best wishes,
      Susannah

      Reply
  10. Hyper Sk8t says

    March 17, 2022 at 6:43 pm

    hello i would like to start my own shoe brand, but i cant find any manufacturers. i have designs that i would like brought to life.

    Reply
    • Susannah Davda says

      March 21, 2022 at 8:54 am

      Hello,
      Thank you for your comment. I will email you details of how I can support you.
      Best wishes,
      Susannah

      Reply
  11. Carina says

    March 21, 2022 at 8:54 am

    Hi Susannah

    I am looking for a shoe manufacturer to make the shoe designs I currently have

    Please help

    Reply
    • Susannah Davda says

      March 21, 2022 at 8:57 am

      Hi Carina,
      Thanks for your message.
      I’ll send you an email now.
      Best wishes,
      Susannah

      Reply
  12. Jessica says

    April 5, 2022 at 5:57 am

    I would like to start my own shoe business but I have no Idea where to start in picking a manufacturer? Please help.

    Reply
    • Susannah Davda says

      April 11, 2022 at 11:00 am

      Hi Jess,
      Thanks for your comment. I’ll email you now.
      Best wishes,
      Susannah

      Reply
  13. Bronson wendruck says

    May 9, 2022 at 5:44 am

    Hey I have a design with a set of unique features for my shoe design but need a manufacturer to make it motion

    Reply
    • Susannah Davda says

      May 9, 2022 at 10:41 am

      Hi Bronson,
      Thanks for your comment. I’ll send you an email now.
      Best wishes,
      Susannah

      Reply
  14. Christi Giarrusso says

    May 19, 2022 at 8:04 pm

    Hello,
    My name is Christi, I already have shoes designed. I have no idea where to go from here. I designed wedges, athletic, stilettos, and so many other styles of shoes. I need to know how to find a manufacturer, also who I can contact for textiles. Would I be better to just design for a company or should I just do my own thing? I already have my logo picked out, and I have several pair of shoes designed. So please help if you can.

    Sincerely, Christi

    Reply
    • Susannah Davda says

      May 20, 2022 at 7:49 am

      Hi Christi,
      Thank you for your comment.
      I’ll send you an email now.
      Best wishes,
      Susannah

      Reply
  15. Emily says

    June 2, 2022 at 2:34 pm

    Helloo! We are in the process of designing some shoes, I was wondering if you would be able to send me more information about manufacturers please? Thanks so much
    Emily

    Reply
    • Susannah Davda says

      June 6, 2022 at 1:48 pm

      Hi Emily,
      I’ll send you an email now.
      Best wishes,
      Susannah

      Reply
      • Mahlatsi Rakgoale says

        July 15, 2022 at 9:55 am

        Good day
        My name is Mahlatsi Rakgoale. I already designed a shoe I need a manufacturer to work with.

        Reply
        • Susannah Davda says

          July 18, 2022 at 9:24 am

          Thank you for your comment Mahlatsi.
          I’ll send you an email now with some information.

          Reply
  16. Bonolo says

    December 10, 2022 at 7:16 am

    Hello!
    I actually wanted to ask about selling ideas 💡
    What do I need to know or what should I expect from shoe manufacturers?
    Thank you!

    Reply
    • Susannah Davda says

      December 12, 2022 at 3:33 pm

      Hi Bonolo,
      Thank you for your question.
      Because shoe brands and manufacturers tend to have their own R&D departments, they tend not to be open to licensing ideas from external parties. In my opinion, the best way to prove that your idea is commercial is to start your own shoe brand. Successful brands get noticed by the bigger players, so you may be able to use that as a way to open doors.
      Feel free to email me susannah@shoeconsultant.co.uk if you have further questions.
      Best wishes,
      Susannah

      Reply
  17. Jazzmyn Simmons says

    December 15, 2022 at 5:58 pm

    Hello, I already have my shoe designed with spec for manufacturing. I am looking for a manufacturer to create the physical shoe to wear. can you help?

    Reply
    • Susannah Davda says

      December 19, 2022 at 12:24 pm

      Hi Jazzmyn,
      Thank you for your message. I’ll email you with some suggestions now.
      Best wishes,
      Susannah

      Reply
  18. Boostedcar says

    January 19, 2023 at 10:40 pm

    Hello, I have an old worn out shoe that I want a manufacturer to use as a blueprint to make another shoe. Is this possible?

    It’s my older trainers that are discontinued. I live in UK.

    Thanks.

    Reply
    • Jen says

      January 20, 2023 at 9:53 am

      Hello,
      Yes this is achievable although you may need some help from a freelance shoe designer.
      Feel free to send Susannah an email if you need additional guidance: susannah@shoeconsultant.co.uk
      Best wishes,
      Jen

      Reply

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Susannah Davda
The Shoe Consultant Ltd
Greater London
UK

Email: susannah@shoeconsultant.com

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