Different types of shoes, such as sneakers and women’s fashion shoes, are made in different footwear hubs across China. Where to source them also depends on whether you’re buying ready-made shoes, adding your logo to an existing style, or developing a new design.
Choose the wrong sourcing channel, and you could end up paying more, facing high MOQs, or working with suppliers who can’t handle your customization needs.
This guide covers practical tips for sourcing shoes from China, including:
How to use footwear manufacturing hubs to find right suppliers
If you’re new to the shoe business and haven’t decided what types of shoes to sell yet, start by browsing styles and suppliers on Chinese wholesale websites like Alibaba.
If you have specific shoe types in mind, some sourcing experience, and a trip to China planned, head straight to the relevant wholesale markets and footwear hubs. You can check samples from different suppliers, compare prices, shortlist suitable suppliers, and discuss mixed orders and MOQs face to face.
Either way, it’s worth looking for suppliers in the footwear hubs. Prices are often more competitive, and you’re more likely to find suppliers that accept small custom orders.
China’s main footwear manufacturing hubs are in Zhejiang, Guangdong, Fujian, and Sichuan. Some other areas also specialize in safety shoes, winter boots, and slippers.
Sneakers and sports shoes
One in every five pairs of sports shoes worldwide is made in Jinjiang. You can find everything from soles to uppers there. It’s also where Chinese sportswear brands like Anta and Xtep got their start.
Putian factories have years of experience making shoes for international brands like Nike and Adidas. Putian counterfeit shoes were once widely known, but in recent years, more local manufacturers have started building their own brands.
Women's shoes
Huidong in Guangdong and Chengdu in Sichuan are two of China’s leading women’s footwear hubs. But they have different strengths:
- Huidong: Plenty of women’s shoe factories, a wide range of styles, and competitive prices.
- Chengdu: A good place to find factories specializing in unique designs and handcrafted shoes.
Leather and casual shoes
If you’re looking for mid- to high-end genuine leather shoes, Dongguan in Guangdong is worth checking out. There are quite a few factories that make shoes for international brands.
Wenzhou in Zhejiang is another established leather shoe hub. You’ll find plenty of business and casual leather shoes there, with options ranging from budget-friendly to mid- and high-end styles.
For children’s shoes, take a look at Wenling in Zhejiang. The city has over 1,200 children’s shoe manufacturers, making everything from everyday shoes to sports shoes and functional footwear.
Safety and work shoes
If you’re sourcing safety shoes with impact-resistant toe caps, puncture protection, and slip-resistant soles, Gaomi in Weifang, Shandong, is a good place to look.
Winter boots
The main winter boot hubs to look at are Sangpo Village in Jiaozuo, Henan, Gaoqiao in Zhenjiang, Jiangsu, and Luqiao in Taizhou, Zhejiang.
For example, Sangpo Village in Henan is known for its sheepskin boots, with plenty of sheepskin available locally. There’s also a nearby OEM manufacturer for UGG.
Slippers and sandals
For cotton slippers and indoor slippers, look to Cixi, Zhejiang, especially Xiaolin (逍林) and Qiaotou (桥头). Around 8 out of every 10 pairs of indoor cotton slippers in China are made here. It’s a good place to source fall and winter slippers.
For plastic slippers, flip-flops, and slides, check out two places in Guangdong:
- Wuchuan (吴川) in Zhanjiang (湛江), which accounts for about one-third of China’s plastic footwear production.
- Jieyang (揭阳), which is known for trendy designs and exports.
For EVA slippers and casual sandals, also check out Neikeng (内坑) in Jinjiang, Fujian. There are plenty of factories here specializing in slipper production.
Which shoe markets are worth visiting in China?
Guangzhou shoe wholesale markets
Guangzhou is a popular stop for overseas shoe buyers sourcing in China. Its shoe wholesale markets are spread across several districts, but the main clusters are around Zhanxi and Sanyuanli, near Guangzhou Railway Station. Popular markets include Metropolis Shoe City (大都市鞋城) and Zhanxi Shoe City (站西鞋城).
For more details, check out our guide to Guangzhou shoe markets.
Yiwu shoe wholesale markets
Most shoe stalls are on the 3rd floor of District 4, Yiwu International Trade City, selling everything from sneakers and casual shoes to leather shoes, sandals, children’s shoes, and boots. You’ll also find some shoe stalls on the 5th floor.
Overseas buyers usually come to Yiwu to source shoes alongside socks, hats, and everyday goods. It’s a good place for wholesalers looking to source multiple product categories and SKUs in one trip.
Jinjiang International Shoes & Textile City
If you’re looking for finished sports shoes or shoe materials, Jinjiang International Shoe & Textile City (晋江国际鞋纺城) is worth checking out. It’s known as the world’s largest hub for sports shoe materials, with suppliers of shoe uppers, soles, fabrics, leather, and other footwear materials.
What to know when importing shoes from China?
Shoe sizing
Different markets use different shoe sizing systems, such as US, EU, and BR sizes or foot-length measurements in centimeters (cm).
Ask the supplier for the size chart for the specific shoe style. Also, make sure the size labels and product descriptions match the sizing system used in your target market to avoid confusion and reduce returns.
MOQ
Our minimum order requirements depend on the type of order:
- Ready-made shoes: On JingWholesale, you can mix SKUs in one order, as long as you spend at least $50 on each SKU and $500 in total.
- Adding a logo or pattern to existing shoes: The MOQ is 300 pairs per style, per size.
- Shoe development involving molds: The MOQ starts at 1,000 pairs.
Avoid unauthorized branded shoes
Buying and reselling counterfeit branded shoes can lead to trademark infringement. Once customs inspect the shipment, the goods may be detained or seized, and buyers may face fines or legal action.
Even if you’re buying them for personal use, customs may still detain or seize the package.
Shoe quality is another thing to check. For more details, check out our guide to shoe quality checks, defects, and QC solutions.
Already have a shoe style in mind but struggling to find a supplier that offers the right balance of price and quality and can handle mixed orders? Or want to customize an existing style with your own logo, materials, and packaging, or develop a brand-new shoe style?
As a leading sourcing company based in Yiwu, China, JingSourcing can help you verify suppliers, negotiate prices, follow up on samples and production, and inspect stitching, sole bonding, surface scratches, and left-right symmetry. Once the shoes pass quality inspection, we’ll arrange shipping.
China has a long-standing tradition of craftsmanship, and the best seeds suppliers from the region embrace this legacy. Their expertise is reflected in the meticulous production processes that result in seeds known for their softness, durability, and luxurious feel. Craftsmanship is not just a tradition; it’s a commitment to delivering products that exemplify excellence.