Finding a Shoe Manufacturer

**VS247** · 05-24-2010 08:40 PM

I am launching a shoe business and I am beating my head against the wall trying to find a manufacturer. The shoes are low-cut canvas shoes, similar to a low-cut Converse Chuck Taylor or Keds. The trend in my industry seems to be manufacturing overseas (China, India, etc.), but I am hesitant b/c I have no way of validating an overseas company's credibility. A U.S. manufacturer would be great, but my internet search (now lasting 5 months) hasn't pulled any leads. Does anyone know of any reliable manufacturers that may be able to manufacture my product? Your help is greatly appreciated. Without a manufacturer, my startup is at a stand-still.

**Dave89** · 05-24-2010 10:05 PM

Have you thoroughly searched through thomasnet.com? You should be able to find a manufacturer for just about anything through this site. If not directly through the site, it should provide some sort of lead to another manufacturer.

Dave

**Dave89** · 05-24-2010 10:08 PM

Also, have you checked out TOMS Shoes? They retail low-cut canvas shoes as well. I suggest you take a look at their company and research how they have been able to successfully enter a very competitive market.

Hope this helps!

Dave

**VS247** · 05-25-2010 12:46 PM

I have looked at several companies, including Toms. He sources his shoe from Italy, I believe. But i would like to find a U.S. manufacturer preferably. Any suggestions? Any YEs launch a shoe business?

**yourhostingspot.com** · 10-13-2010 05:29 PM

I have a shoe company. We've been in business for five years now. I can help you out with sourcing your shoes. We sub-contract a factory in China and have made many reliable contacts over years of getting rid of the unreliable ones. PM me.

**yourhostingspot.com** · 11-25-2010 12:50 PM

Any updates? You ever get the company off the ground or get anything in motion?

**shoesexie** · 11-28-2010 02:15 PM

Hello! Wilbs , am in the process of starting my own shoe line. Can you give me any advice are the good connection you have with the manufacture in china? are here in the states

Thanks,
shoesexie

**clay.steen** · 08-13-2011 04:41 PM

I got a few designs lined up and I am trying to understand what a manufacturer would want, need and cost for a small batch to be made. I am having the same problem; finding a manufacturer to reply to my emails. How did you did you do all this?

**TeamTandy** · 10-07-2011 05:41 PM

Hello,
I am an American and my family and I currently live in Costa Rica learning Spanish. We are moving to Guatemala to help and possibly own a shoe manufacturing company. This company currently makes high quality men and women's shoes such as sandals, wedges, etc. The man who designs the shoes is amazing. He can look at anything and make it as well as create a unique design. Our goal is similar to Toms shoes, for every pair we sell, a child in need gets a free pair.

Our biggest need is to find someone who wants to sell and market shoes. We are open to new designs. We just want to make shoes. If we have shoe orders then people in Guatemala have an opportunity to work in a safe and healthy work environment and earn a fair wage for their work.

Matt

**teebradford** · 10-24-2011 04:10 PM

I am so glad I stumbled across this thread. I'm in the same boat. I have a shoe idea, an artist, and motivation. What I don't have is a manufacturer, or at least one that will respond to my emails. If you could kindly point me in the right direction I would be forever grateful!

**TeamTandy** · 10-24-2011 04:21 PM

Hello,
We can possibly help get your shoes manufactured. I am in contact with the manufacturing facility in GUA on a regular basis and I will be living there at the end of the year/beginning of January. Do you have a design in mind? If so, we can take a look at them and see if it is something we can make. Our personnel there are very talented and motivated to make shoes.

**teebradford** · 10-24-2011 07:22 PM

Team Tandy, how do I do this?

**SierraLatrice** · 12-27-2011 10:49 PM

Hi This is Sierra,

I am interested in working with you. Please contact me to discuss this further.

**Madie Jane Dallas** · 01-06-2012 04:19 PM

I need a manufacturer for my shoe line. I am currently using a factory in china, but would like to take advantage of the NAFTA agreement and save some money. Please contact me with your info and manufacturing capabilities.

**TeamTandy** · 01-09-2012 07:15 PM

Hi Sierra,
Sorry it has taken so long to get back to you. I just got back to Guatemala on the 4th. Anyway, what questions do you have? We currently hand make men and women's dress shoes and sandals as well as kid's sandals. We primarily use leather, fabric and rubber. What design are you looking to sell?

Thanks!
Matt