Top 9 Knitting Shoe Upper Manufacturer

Are you looking for the perfect knitting shoe upper manufacturer? Finding the right partner is crucial to producing high-quality footwear that meets market demands.

As a footwear manufacturing expert with extensive experience in evaluating suppliers and materials, I understand how the right manufacturer can elevate your product’s quality and performance.

After checking several manufacturers, XDS stands out for its innovative approach to knitting shoe uppers. Their combination of advanced technology and large-scale production capabilities sets them apart from competitors.

In this review, you’ll discover the best knitting shoe upper manufacturers. You’ll learn about their unique strengths and understand what makes them leaders in the industry.

Let’s dive into it!

1. Industry Zone Overview

China

• Guangzhou (Guangdong Province): A leading hub for fashion, leather, and sports shoes, known for rapid design updates and high-quality products.
• Quanzhou (Fujian Province): Renowned for sports and casual shoes, offering stable quality and competitive pricing, and catering to international brands.
• Wenzhou (Zhejiang Province): Famous for high-quality leather shoes, emphasizing skilled craftsmanship and earning the title “China’s Shoe Capital.”
• Chengdu (Sichuan Province): Specializes in stylish and comfortable women’s shoes, with a focus on contemporary fashion and design trends.
• Jinjiang (Fujian Province): A powerhouse in the sports shoe industry, supported by a full industrial chain and strong market competitiveness.

Worldwide Distribution

• United States: Concentrated in California and New York, featuring custom and branded footwear. Offers high-quality fashion footwear at premium prices with excellent service.
• Germany: Home to small-to-medium enterprises producing precision-made, high-quality footwear. Known for technical expertise and superior service at high price points.
• Italy: Renowned for design and craftsmanship in Milan and Florence. Offers uniquely styled, premium-quality footwear at mid-to-high price ranges with strong customer service.
• Japan: Small-to-medium enterprises in Tokyo and Osaka specialize in innovative and high-quality footwear, offering excellent technical support and mid-to-high pricing.
• Turkey: Focused on quality footwear for European markets. Produces above-average products at reasonable prices with reliable service.
• Vietnam & Southeast Asia: Known for high-volume production of simple styles. Offers mid-to-low priced footwear of average quality with basic service.
• India & Bangladesh: High-volume production centers for simple styles. Delivers low-priced footwear with lower quality and average service standards.
• Mexico: Medium-to-large enterprises producing simple styles in high volumes. Provides mid-to-low priced footwear with average quality and service.

2. Quick Comparison Chart

The following chart highlights the key aspects of some of the best knitting shoe upper manufacturers worldwide. Each company is distinguished by its specialization and key strengths, helping businesses make informed decisions based on their needs:

Each company offers unique advantages, making them valuable partners in the footwear manufacturing sector. From premium materials to large-scale production capabilities, their varied strengths cater to a wide range of industry demands.

3. Woolmark – Best for High-End Brands

City & Country: New South Wales, Australia

Established Date: 1936

Woolmark blends traditional wool craftsmanship with modern knitting techniques to create versatile and sustainable products. The company caters to the fashion and footwear industries, offering innovative designs that prioritize comfort and durability. Its dedication to utilizing high-quality wool highlights its commitment to eco-friendly manufacturing practices.

Key Products: Their main products include wool knitted uppers and flatbed knit shoe uppers. The wool knitted upper is a premium fabric made from sustainable wool, offering durability, breathability, and natural insulation. The flatbed knit shoe upper is a precision-knit material designed for seamless construction, providing enhanced flexibility and style.

Takeaway Note:

Woolmark sets itself apart by offering high-quality wool products that combine sustainability and innovative design, appealing to eco-conscious industries. However, their specialization in wool products might not meet the needs of clients looking for synthetic or alternative materials.

4. Eurostil Knitwear – Best in Innovation

City & Country: Ada, Serbia

Established Date: 1971

Eurostil Knitwear expertly blends craftsmanship with contemporary techniques to deliver stylish and functional products. Known for their attention to detail, the company caters to both the fashion and footwear industries, offering versatile solutions that meet modern demands. Their dedication to quality materials and innovative designs makes them a prominent player in the knitwear sector.

Key Products: Their main products include knit shoe uppers and cardigans. The knit shoe upper is crafted for lightweight and breathable footwear, ideal for modern shoe designs. The cardigan is a high-quality, stylish garment that combines elegance with comfortable knit patterns.

Takeaway Note:

Eurostil Knitwear excels in creating elegant and durable knitwear that appeals to clients seeking quality and timeless designs. However, their focus on traditional knitting techniques may limit their appeal to buyers seeking cutting-edge, tech-integrated solutions.

5. Xin De Sheng – Best in Innovative Shoe Uppers

City & Country: No.45 YanHe Road, Jinjiang City, Fujian Province, China

Established Date: 2009

XDS founded by Mr. Andy Hong, serves both startups and established brands across global markets, including the USA and EU. Their state-of-the-art factory houses 8 production lines and employs 1,000 workers, producing 4 million pairs annually. Known for working with top brands like Tommy Hilfiger and JapanFila, the company is committed to delivering products that meet international standards such as REACH and ROHS.

Key Products: Their main products include flyknit shoe uppers and PU synthetic shoe uppers. The flyknit shoe upper is a lightweight, flexible material engineered for sports and casual footwear. The PU synthetic shoe upper is a durable and cost-effective option, offering resistance to wear and tear while maintaining aesthetic appeal.

Takeaway Note:

XDS impresses with its large-scale production capacity, advanced manufacturing techniques, and strong partnerships with globally recognized brands. Their ability to meet strict compliance standards while catering to both startups and established labels highlights their adaptability and expertise. Additionally, their focus on innovative designs guarantees clients can stay competitive in their respective markets.

6. Cixing – Best in Overall

City & Country: Zhejiang, China

Established Date: 1988

Cixing merges traditional craftsmanship with cutting-edge techniques to deliver exceptional products. Their commitment to innovation places them at the front of the textile industry, consistently offering creative solutions for footwear and apparel. The company prides itself on its attention to detail and ability to meet diverse client needs, making them a preferred choice for global brands.

Key Products: Their main products include knitted shoe uppers and knitted sweatshirts. The knitted shoe upper is a versatile material, perfect for creating comfortable and high-performance footwear. The knitted sweatshirt is a soft, breathable fabric ideal for casual wear with excellent insulation properties.

Takeaway Note:

Cixing impresses with its creative approach to knitting and its consistent delivery of high-quality products that appeal to modern markets. However, its limited focus on expanding its product portfolio might be a consideration for some buyers seeking broader options.

7. M/S R.S. International – Best in Artistic Footwear

City & Country: Uttar Pradesh, India

Established Date: 2015

M/S R.S. International combines modern knitting techniques with intricate embroidery to create footwear that stands out in style and comfort. With a strong emphasis on meeting client specifications, the company delivers high-quality products tailored to diverse needs. Their dedication to craftsmanship and attention to detail has earned them a trusted reputation in the footwear industry.

Key Products: Their main products include flyknit knitted uppers and embroidered women’s sneakers. The flyknit knitted upper is a modern material that combines stretch and support for active footwear. The embroidered women’s sneakers are intricately designed shoes that blend functionality with artistic craftsmanship.

Takeaway Note:

M/S R.S. International shines in offering stylish and well-crafted footwear that combines modern knitting techniques with artistic embroidery. However, their narrower focus on women’s embroidered sneakers may limit options for clients seeking a broader footwear range.

8. Solamni – Best in Versatile Materials

City & Country: Fujian, China

Established Date: 2008

Solamni operates its own TPU film and synthetic leather factory, leveraging strong relationships with material suppliers to expand its offerings. With over 15 years of expertise, the company is recognized for delivering quality materials that cater to the footwear, garment, and furniture industries. Their commitment to blending style, durability, and functionality makes them a trusted partner for businesses worldwide.

Key Products: Their main products include flyknit shoe uppers and TPU leather. The flyknit shoe upper is designed for lightweight comfort and performance in sports and casual shoes. The TPU leather is a synthetic material offering excellent durability, flexibility, and water resistance.

Takeaway Note:

Solamni excels in offering diverse, high-quality materials that appeal to a wide range of industries, making them a versatile supplier. Their long-standing expertise and strong partnerships contribute to their reliability. However, their specialization in synthetic materials may limit options for clients seeking natural alternatives.

9. Texpark Fashion Loopz – Best in Contemporary Knitwear

City & Country: Tamil Nadu, India

Established Date: 2023

Texpark Fashion Loopz caters to diverse needs, from casual to specialized wear like diabetic-friendly socks. With an eye on market trends, the company consistently delivers products that align with modern demands. Their use of high-quality materials and dedication to craftsmanship make them a trusted choice in the industry. 13

Key Products: Their main products include knitted shoe uppers and unisex socks. The knitted shoe upper is crafted for superior comfort and breathability, catering to modern footwear demands. The unisex socks are high-quality, multi-purpose products that provide comfort and support for daily use.

Takeaway Note:

Texpark Fashion Loopz stands out for its fresh approach to knitwear manufacturing and its ability to offer a wide variety of unisex socks. Their focus on quality and affordability appeals to a broad audience. However, as a newer company, their limited experience in the market might concern clients seeking a longer track record.

10. Gassil Industries – Best in Premium Knit Fabrics

City & Country: Haryana, India

Established Date: 2002

Gassil Industries combines craftsmanship and innovation to produce high-quality products for the footwear and textile industries. Their expertise in knitting techniques has made them a trusted supplier for manufacturers seeking reliable and stylish materials. The company is known for its ability to meet diverse industry demands while maintaining a focus on quality and design.

Key Products: Their main products include flyknit shoe uppers and caps knitted fabric. The flyknit shoe upper is a cutting-edge material ideal for creating lightweight, flexible footwear. The caps knitted fabric is a durable, stretchable textile designed for stylish and comfortable headwear.

Takeaway Note:

Gassil Industries excels in producing durable and stylish knit materials, making them a reliable partner for both footwear and apparel manufacturers. However, their focus on raw materials and limited finished product offerings may not appeal to all buyers.

11. Jinjiang Wode Shoe Material – Best in Advanced Shoe Components

City & Country: Fujian Province, China

Established Date: 2011

Jinjiang Wode Shoe Material offers a wide range of shoe materials designed to meet diverse industry needs. Their expertise extends to research, development, and manufacturing, making them a reliable partner for businesses in the footwear sector. The company stands out for its ability to provide high-performing materials that enhance the durability and design of modern shoes.

Key Products: Their main products include knitted shoe uppers and TPU hot melt for shoe uppers. The knitted shoe upper is a breathable and stretchable fabric suited for innovative footwear designs. The TPU hot melt is a high-performance adhesive material that enhances the durability and structure of shoe uppers.

Takeaway Note:

Jinjiang Wode Shoe Material excels in delivering high-quality shoe materials that meet modern design and performance requirements. However, the complexity of their product catalog might make it challenging for smaller businesses to navigate their offerings.

4 Tips to Consider When Choosing a Knitting Shoe Upper Manufacturer

Selecting the right knitting shoe upper manufacturer can significantly impact the quality, performance, and longevity of footwear products. To achieve the best outcomes, consider these technical factors when evaluating potential manufacturers.

• Stitch Density of 10-12 SPI for Durability: Check if the manufacturer provides precise stitch density, typically measured in stitches per inch (SPI), to match specific design requirements. For instance, a density of 10-12 SPI supports durability and smoother finishes, while consistent sole stitching patterns guarantee uniformity across all production batches.

• Tensile Strength of 20-40 MPa: Confirm that the manufacturer works with specific materials like flyknit or TPU blends to meet your product specifications. Testing for tensile strength between 20-40 MPa and elasticity guarantees the final product aligns with functional demands like stretchability and longevity.
• Production Capacity of 500,000+ Pairs per Month: Review the manufacturer’s ability to meet your order volume, ensuring they can produce at scale without compromising quality. For instance, factories with capacities exceeding 500,000 pairs per month are better suited for larger brands, while smaller facilities can offer flexibility for custom or niche orders.
• Heat Resistance of 150°C+ in Knitted Materials: Verify that the manufacturer’s materials withstand high temperatures, especially for TPU or synthetic uppers used in sports or high-performance footwear. Heat resistance above 150°C allows the product to maintain structural integrity during production processes like heat pressing or molding.

Conclusion

Choosing the right knitting shoe upper manufacturer is crucial to achieving superior product quality and market success. Among the many options available, XDS stands out as the best choice, offering innovative designs, flexible solutions, and exceptional service. We can replicate and provide the quality, upper fabrics, sole materials, and innovations of top brands.

We hope this guide has provided valuable insights to help you find the best knitting shoe upper manufacturer. If MOQ requirements are a common frustration, XDS addresses this by offering flexible options, with minimum orders as low as 500 pairs for certain styles. Contact us today to discover high-quality, customizable solutions at competitive pricing and experience the advantage of working with a trusted industry leader.

Explore More of Our Resources

We’ve gathered a few more articles that could help you out. Check them out for more great advice:

• Top 6 Outsole Suppliers
• Top 9 Leather Sole Manufacturers

Still haven’t found what you’re looking for? Don’t hesitate to contact us; we’re available around the clock to assist you.