What if one choice could reshape the entire trajectory of your footwear business?
In the ever-evolving world of the global footwear market, sourcing shoes isn't just a cost game anymore—it's a strategic play. From timelines and tariffs to quality control and sustainability, your sourcing decisions can either accelerate your growth or stall your progress. And with the global footwear market size was valued at USD USD 457.09 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach a value of USD 588.22 billion by 2030.
Each country on the sourcing map offers something different—some bring unbeatable prices, others deliver artisan-level craftsmanship, and a few strike the perfect balance.
In this article, you’ll uncover:
The top countries to source shoes in today’s global marketplace.
What sets each destination apart in terms of quality, cost, and capabilities.
Tips, challenges, and trends that will help you source smarter, not harder.
Understanding the Global Footwear Industry
Before we get into the “where,” let’s understand the “why.” The global footwear industry is one of the most traded product categories, with supply chains stretching across continents and consumer demand that never sleeps.
Consider this:
The global footwear market is growing at a steady 4.3% CAGR, projected to hit $588.22 billion by 2030.
Asia produces nearly 9 out of every 10 pairs of shoes worn around the world.
Trends like athleisure footwear, sustainable materials, and innovative designs are reshaping how shoes are made—and where they’re sourced.
The industry includes:
Athletic shoes and sports shoes for performance.
Luxury footwear and leather shoes for premium markets.
Casual and dress shoes designed for everyday wear and formal occasions.
Children's shoes, men's shoes, and women's footwear spanning diverse footwear styles.
Each product segment brings different demands for sourcing. With increasing scrutiny on production processes, quality control, and recycled materials, companies must carefully evaluate their supplier base.
Platforms like SourceReady empower footwear companies to find trusted suppliers globally, using data to simplify sourcing across domestic and international markets.
Top Countries to Source Footwear
Let’s break down the top countries to source shoes and what makes each one a key player in the global footwear manufacturing space.
1. China: The Undisputed Giant, But Is It Still Worth It?
China continues to dominate shoe production, with established infrastructure that supports manufacturing shoes across nearly every category. From casual sneakers to basketball shoes, the country’s diverse footwear sector supports high-volume orders and innovative designs.
In 2024, China exported $51.1 billion worth of footwear, reaffirming its massive role in global shoe manufacturing despite rising competition.
Advantages:
Efficient manufacturing processes for everything from training shoes to formal shoes, supported by advanced automation, massive factory floors, and skilled labor.
Deep supply chain ecosystems with easy access to components like rubber soles, leather, textiles, and packaging materials.
A robust logistics network including ports in Guangzhou and Fujian that facilitate quick global exports.
Challenges:
Rising labor costs have narrowed China’s traditional pricing advantage.
Tariffs, especially from the U.S., have impacted landed costs for American brands.
Increasing competition from Vietnam and other Asian countries with leaner operating models.
Key Brands Manufacturing in China: Nike, Adidas, Puma, Skechers, New Balance
Key Regions:
Guangdong Province (Guangzhou, Dongguan, Foshan) – Major hub for sneakers, casual and fashion shoes.
Zhejiang Province (Wenzhou, Taizhou) – Leather and formal shoes.
Fujian Province (Quanzhou, Putian) – Sports shoes and OEM production.
Still, for brands aiming for high quality products and massive scalability, China remains a valuable hub.
2. Vietnam: The Rising Star for Cost-Effective Shoe Production
Vietnam has become a go-to for athleisure footwear and sports shoes, especially among international brands. It has also made significant investments in sustainable materials and eco-friendly production processes.
Vietnam led global footwear exports in 2024 with a staggering $27 billion in sales across leather, footwear, and handbags.
Strengths:
Low labor costs while maintaining output quality, making it perfect for bulk production of high-margin products.
Free trade agreements (like EVFTA, CPTPP) offer preferential export terms to Europe, Canada, and others.
Government-supported infrastructure and compliance with international labor laws make it an attractive long-term partner.
Key Brands Manufacturing in Vietnam: Nike, Adidas, Decathlon, ASICS, Skechers
Key Regions:
Ho Chi Minh City – Primary manufacturing base for athletic and casual footwear.
Binh Duong & Dong Nai – Industrial zones for large-scale shoe factories.
Hai Phong – Emerging region for northern Vietnam exports.
Vietnam is ideal for footwear shopping targeting North America and the EU, offering great value without sacrificing quality.
India excels in producing high quality shoes, especially leather shoes and formal shoes. The country's rich craftsmanship supports luxury footwear and stylish footwear lines.
India reported $3.13 billion in footwear exports between 2023 and 2024, showcasing its diverse capabilities across all categories of footwear.
Why source from India:
Access to abundant raw leather through a network of local tanneries and processing units, especially in Kanpur and Chennai.
Skilled artisans capable of creating intricate designs and small-batch custom work—ideal for boutique and heritage brands.
Government incentives through the Leather Development Programme (LDP) support exporters with subsidies and grants.
Key Brands Manufacturing in India: Clarks, Hush Puppies (via licensee), Louis Philippe
Key Regions:
Agra (Uttar Pradesh) – Leather shoes and formal footwear.
Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh) – Leather tanneries and military boots.
Chennai & Ambur (Tamil Nadu) – Leather export clusters and skilled artisans.
While not as automated, India remains one of the best for high quality shoes in smaller batches.
4. Indonesia: Balancing Affordability with Quality
Indonesia is growing in the global footwear scene, offering a mix of low cost and skilled production for casual footwear and sports equipment.
Indonesia's footwear exports reached $7.1 billion in 2024, driven by consistent demand across casual and sports footwear segments.
Perks of sourcing from Indonesia:
Long-standing manufacturing relationships with major global brands; factories understand global compliance and quality standards.
Strong base in Java with SEZs (Special Economic Zones) that reduce overhead and speed up production.
Political and economic stability contributes to reliable fulfillment and low risk for buyers.
Key Brands Manufacturing in Indonesia: Adidas, Reebok, Converse
Key Regions:
West Java (Bandung, Bekasi) – Athletic and sports footwear.
East Java (Sidoarjo, Surabaya) – Sandals, rubber shoes, casual footwear.
Jakarta Metropolitan Area – Corporate HQs and production for top brands.
Indonesia stands out in delivering everyday wear at scale with impressive quality.
5. Bangladesh: The Low-Cost Leader for Basic Footwear
Bangladesh is increasingly known for its value-focused footwear products. While not ideal for luxury lines, it’s perfect for mass-produced shoes like casual sneakers, slippers, and children’s shoes.
Key Points:
One of the lowest labor costs in the world, ideal for price-sensitive markets and bulk orders.
Government has prioritized footwear exports alongside garments, creating EPZs and simplifying customs procedures.
Factories are expanding capacity and adopting ISO and BSCI standards to appeal to Western buyers.
Key Brands Manufacturing in Bangladesh: H&M, Decathlon
Key Regions:
Dhaka (Savar, Gazipur) – Central footwear manufacturing hub.
Chittagong – Port access, export-oriented zones with newer factories.
Use Bangladesh when price is paramount, but vet for quality assurance.
6. Turkey: The Gateway Between Europe and Asia
Turkey's shoemaking industry combines EU-grade quality with quick delivery to European markets. It’s especially strong in synthetic shoes and stylish footwear.
In 2023, Turkey exported $1.2 billion worth of footwear, positioning itself as a fast-shipping option for European markets.
Why it’s a smart pick:
Excellent geographic location with trucking access to the EU within 1–2 days, reducing shipping time and cost.
Factories in Istanbul and Izmir specialize in fashionable lines, including leather boots and contemporary dress shoes.
Access to both local materials and European design sensibilities makes Turkey a flexible and creative partner.
Key Brands Manufacturing in Turkey: Zara, Mango
Key Regions:
Istanbul – Design-led manufacturing for fashion and casual shoes.
Izmir – Export-oriented footwear and synthetic production.
Gaziantep – Budget footwear and rubber/PVC shoe production.
If your market is the EU, Turkey offers the perfect sourcing solution.
7. Portugal: The Premium Footwear Specialist
Portugal leads in crafting luxury footwear using traditional techniques. It’s ideal for brands emphasizing sustainable materials, ethics, and uniqueness.
Portugal’s 2024 export value reached approximately €1.72 billion, equivalent to around $1.87 billion, with 67 million pairs shipped globally.
Standout qualities:
Home to heritage craftsmanship in the Porto and Felgueiras regions, specializing in Goodyear welted and hand-stitched shoes.
High attention to detail and low MOQs make Portugal suitable for DTC and startup brands.
Strong adoption of ethical labor practices and renewable energy in factories.
Key Brands Manufacturing in Portugal: Christian Louboutin, Fly London, Carlos Santos
Key Regions:
Felgueiras – Known for high-end and artisanal shoe production.
Guimarães – Clusters of premium shoe factories.
São João da Madeira – Traditional leather shoe manufacturing.
It’s a top pick for high-end footwear options that stand out.
8. Mexico: Nearshoring Powerhouse for North America
Mexico benefits from geography, trade agreements, and proximity to the U.S., making it a powerful choice for footwear exporters.
Mexico exported $980 million worth of shoes in 2024, totaling 48.1 million pairs—largely driven by demand from North America.
Why it matters:
León is Mexico’s leather capital, offering vertically integrated production from raw hides to finished goods.
Compliance with USMCA ensures tariff advantages and easier customs processes.
Nearshoring reduces lead time dramatically—weeks instead of months for replenishment.
Key Brands Manufacturing in Mexico: Nike, Flexi, and Andrea
Key Regions:
León (Guanajuato) – Leather capital of Mexico, major export hub.
Guadalajara (Jalisco) – Casual and fashion footwear.
Mexico City region – Some light assembly and branding operations.
It’s ideal for U.S.-based footwear companies seeking responsive inventory systems.
9. Brazil: Latin America's Footwear Titan
Brazil is one of the largest footwear exporters in the Western Hemisphere. Known for its strength in PVC, leather shoes, and casual footwear, Brazil serves both regional and global needs.
Why consider Brazil:
Huge domestic market with over 200 million consumers creates demand stability for suppliers.
Homegrown brands have honed mass production techniques and efficiency.
Rich in raw materials including leather, EVA, and rubber.
Key Brands Manufacturing in Brazil: Havaianas, Ipanema
Key Regions:
Novo Hamburgo (Rio Grande do Sul) – Leather shoe manufacturing.
Franca (São Paulo) – Men’s formal and casual shoes.
Campina Grande (Paraíba) – Northeastern budget and PVC footwear.
Top Countries to Source Footwear
How to Choose the Right Country for Footwear Sourcing
Choosing the top countries to source shoes depends on your:
Use SourceReady to filter options, compare shoe suppliers, and vet partners for your specific market.
Supplier Vetting Tips for Footwear Sourcing
No matter where you source, your success depends on choosing the right shoe manufacturers.
Here’s how to do it right:
Ask for quality control certifications (ISO, WRAP, etc.)
Review sample shoe designs before scaling
Use digital sourcing tools to manage communications
Arrange third-party factory audits
Ensure suppliers understand your desired shoe styles
Sourcing Footwear with SourceReady: Your Competitive Edge
SourceReady offers a tech-first platform to help footwear companies streamline supplier discovery and qualification.
Why it’s better:
Connect with verified global suppliers.
Match by product category, region, MOQ, or quality assurance criteria.
Track inquiries, orders, and documentation in one place.
Whether you’re sourcing athletic shoes or formal shoes, SourceReady simplifies the process.
Conclusion: Make Smart Sourcing Your Competitive Advantage
With increasing pressure to innovate and deliver, your sourcing choices will define your competitive edge.
The top countries to source shoes each offer unique benefits—cost, quality, speed, or sustainability. Pairing the right country with the right shoe suppliers can cut costs, speed up delivery, and elevate your brand.
Your action plan:
Pinpoint your top priorities (e.g., budget, quality, ethics)
Explore international markets that align with your goals
Use SourceReady to make informed supplier decisions
Let’s walk the talk—start sourcing high quality shoes today with SourceReady.
FAQ
1. How do I verify if a shoe supplier is reliable?
Look for third-party certifications like ISO, WRAP, or BSCI. Request product samples, perform audits, and use trusted sourcing platforms like SourceReady to evaluate supplier history and customer feedback.
2. Is it cheaper to source shoes from India or Vietnam?
Vietnam typically offers lower costs for sports shoes and high-volume casual footwear, while India excels in leather shoes, offering great value for bespoke and luxury segments.
3. How can I minimize shipping delays when sourcing internationally?
Consider nearshoring from regions like Mexico (for North America) or Turkey (for Europe). Confirm logistics capabilities with your supplier and plan inventory buffers to handle customs or freight issues.
Head of Marketing
Judy Chen
Graduating from USC with a background in business and marketing, Judy Chen has spent over a decade working in e-commerce, specializing in sourcing and supplier management. Her experience includes developing strategies to optimize supplier relationships and streamline procurement processes for growing businesses. As SourceReady’s blog writer, Judy leverages her deep understanding of sourcing challenges to create insightful content that helps readers navigate the complexities of global supply chains.
