Top 7 Shoe Manufacturers in China

What makes a shoe manufacturer the right choice for your brand? The answer lies in their ability to meet your specific needs—and I’ve analyzed the best manufacturer in China to help you decide.

As a shoe designer with years of experience, I’ve collaborated with various manufacturers and know what truly works in the industry.

Out of the manufacturers I reviewed, XDS impressed me most for their streamlined services and focus on private label clients.

In this review, I’ll introduce you to 7 leading shoe manufacturers in China, breaking down their strengths and how they can benefit your business.

Let’s get started!

1. Industry Zone Overview

Shoe manufacturing is concentrated in specific regions that specialize in different types of footwear. Knowing these zones can help you choose the right manufacturer:

China

• Guangzhou: Produces 60% of China’s fashion shoes.
• Quanzhou: Supplies sports shoes to over 30 international brands.
• Wenzhou: Home to 4,000 factories making leather shoes.
• Chengdu: Produces 100 million pairs of women’s shoes annually.
• Jinjiang: Accounts for 20% of global sports shoe production.

Worldwide

• United States: Hosts 200 small manufacturers in California and New York.
• Italy: Over 1,000 artisanal shoemakers in Milan and Florence.
• Vietnam: Exports 1 billion pairs of shoes yearly.
• India: Produces 2 billion pairs, focusing on affordable footwear.
• Germany: Has 500 precision footwear manufacturers.

2. Quick Comparison Chart

Comparing different shoe manufacturers can be a big task. To help out, here’s a quick look at the top 7 shoe manufacturers in China. This table gives you an overview of each company before we explore them in more detail below:

3. Xin De Sheng – Best Overall

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

Established Date: 2009

XDS is a footwear manufacturer specializing in sneakers, running shoes, casual shoes, hiking shoes, waterproof shoes, and slippers. Services from design to production and shipment are provided, focusing on private label clients. With 8 production lines and 1,000 workers, 4 million pairs of shoes can be produced each year. Clients globally are served, including well-known brands, and strict compliance standards are met.

Key Products: Their main products include sneakers and hiking shoes. Sneakers are suitable for everyday wear and sports activities. Hiking shoes are designed for outdoor adventures, offering comfort and durability.

Takeaway Note:

Xin De Sheng Shoes is ideal for businesses seeking comprehensive services and high-quality footwear manufacturing. They are well-suited for brands looking for a reliable partner to support their growth.

4. Huali Group – Best for High-End Brands

City & Country: Guangdong, China

Established Date: n/a

Huali Group specializes in the development, design, production, and sales of athletic footwear. Partnerships with famous brands like Nike, Converse, Vans, UGG, and Puma are maintained. Their facilities are located in several countries, offering global production capabilities.

Key Products: Their main products include athletic shoes and casual footwear. Athletic shoes are made for sports activities, providing performance and comfort. Casual footwear is designed for everyday use, combining style and ease.

Takeaway Note:

Huali Group is perfect for high-end brands seeking a manufacturer experienced with premium products. However, smaller businesses might face challenges due to higher costs or order requirements.

5. Qiaodan – Best for Innovation

City & Country: Fujian, China

Established Date: 2000

Qiaodan is a sportswear company offering products like running, basketball, training, and outdoor series. A focus is placed on delivering quality sports apparel and footwear with innovative designs.

Key Products: Their main products include basketball shoes and running shoes. Basketball shoes provide support and traction for playing on the court. Running shoes are designed for comfort and performance during runs.

Takeaway Note:

Qiaodan is suitable for businesses seeking innovative sports footwear with modern designs. Though, they might not be ideal for brands looking for non-sports or casual shoes.

6. HYD Shoes – Best for Customized Designs

City & Country: Guangzhou, China

Established Date: 2008

HYD Shoes offers customized shoe solutions with over ten years of experience. An independent sales team, design team, and quality control team are maintained. High-quality shoe production is focused on, aiming for continuous improvement and excellence. Services are provided to meet specific client needs.

Key Products: Their main products include custom sneakers and boots. Custom sneakers are made to meet specific design requirements. Boots provide durability and style for various uses.

Takeaway Note:

HYD Shoes is best for businesses seeking customized designs with dedicated teams for support. However, larger companies looking for high-volume production might prefer manufacturers with bigger capacities.

7. Aokang – Best for Men’s Leather Shoes

City & Country: Yongjia County, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China

Established Date: 1988

Aokang has been specializing in men’s leather shoes for over 34 years. Numerous patents have been obtained, and data from millions of foot molds have been collected. A focus is placed on providing comfortable men’s leather shoes.

Key Products: Their main products include men’s leather dress shoes and casual leather shoes. Men’s leather dress shoes are suitable for formal occasions and professional settings. Casual leather shoes offer comfort and style for everyday wear.

Takeaway Note:

Aokang is ideal for businesses focusing on men’s leather footwear with an emphasis on comfort and quality. However, they might not suit brands seeking athletic or non-leather shoes.

8. Shoetown Group – Best for Global Manufacturing

City & Country: Guangdong, China

Established Date: 1987

Shoetown Group is known for being one of Nike’s footwear supplier partners. A vision to become a world-leading intelligent manufacturer is pursued, serving brands like Nike, Crocs, Columbia, New Balance, and more. Various shoe categories are produced, including basketball, tennis, golf, and lifestyle footwear.

Key Products: Their main products include basketball shoes and lifestyle footwear. Basketball shoes are designed for performance on the court. Lifestyle footwear combines fashion and comfort for everyday use.

Takeaway Note:

Shoetown Group is great for businesses needing a manufacturer with global reach and experience with major brands. But, smaller companies might find it challenging due to scale and requirements.

9. Mescot Shoes – Best for Women’s Footwear Variety

City & Country: Guangzhou, China

Established Date: 1983

Mescot Shoes is one of the largest shoe manufacturers in China, providing OEM and ODM services for international brands for over 40 years. A wide variety of women’s shoes is offered, including sneakers, boots, sandals, pumps, loafers, and children’s shoes.

Key Products: Their main products include women’s sneakers and boots. Women’s sneakers are designed for comfort and style in everyday wear. Boots provide fashionable options for different seasons and occasions.

Takeaway Note:

Mescot Shoes is ideal for businesses looking for a wide range of women’s footwear with customization options. However, they might not be suitable for brands focusing on men’s or athletic shoes exclusively.

4 Tips to Consider When Choosing a Shoe Manufacturer in China

Choosing a shoe manufacturer in China can seem tricky at first. Let’s look at some tips to help you find the right partner:

• Specialization: Find out what types of shoes the manufacturer specializes in making. Picking a manufacturer skilled in your specific kind of footwear can improve quality. For example, if you want to produce Athletic Sneakers, choose a factory experienced in athletic footwear.
• Quality Control Processes: Ask about the factory’s quality control methods. A good manufacturer should check the shoes at different stages to catch any problems early. For example, they might inspect materials before production and test finished shoes for durability.
• Assess Prototyping Services: Find out if the manufacturer can make prototypes for you. Creating samples lets you tweak the design until it’s just right. This way, the final product can match what you have in mind.

• Design Support: Check if they offer help with design and engineering. Getting advice from experts can really enhance your shoe designs. Working together can lead to even better products.

Conclusion

Finding the right shoe manufacturer can be challenging, especially when high MOQs feel like a barrier. At XDS, we understand this frustration and aim to support new and growing brands with low and flexible MOQs, starting as low as 500 pairs for select styles. With our experienced team, a wide range of designs, and rigorous quality control, we ensure every pair meets your expectations while keeping costs manageable.

We hope this guide to the top shoe manufacturers in China has provided you with valuable insights to find the perfect partner for your needs. Whether you’re starting small or scaling up, XDS offers tailored solutions designed to fit your goals and budget. Contact us today to bring your vision to life!

Check Out These Additional Resources

For more in-depth knowledge, take a look at these recommended reads. We think you’ll find them useful:

Production & Sourcing Insights:

• How to Manufacture a Shoe: Step by Step Guide
• Top 7 Sneaker Manufacturers in China
• Top 7 Custom Shoe Manufacturers in China
• Top 5 Private Label Shoe Manufacturers in USA
• Top 7 Chinese Shoe Manufacturers & Exporters

Guides & Essentials:

• Shoe Sizing: A Quick Guide for Perfect Fit
• How to Import Shoes From China?
• Top 5 Sole Manufacturers in China

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