001 — Footwear OEM / ODM
Full-category footwear manufacturing
SoleForge develops and mass-produces shoes across six categories for brand owners, importers, and distributors worldwide — single low-MOQ launch capsules or full mixed ranges, engineered to your fit, weight, and landed-cost targets.
Six categories
Choose a footwear category
Each category links to a dedicated page with constructions, materials, specs, applications, and FAQs for that product type.
Athletic
Athletic & Running Shoes
Casual
Casual Sneakers
Safety
Safety & Work Shoes
Leather
Leather & Dress Shoes
Seasonal
Sandals & Slippers
Kids
Kids' Footwear
Buyer guide
How to choose a footwear OEM and category
A few decisions up front keep your program on budget and on schedule. Here's how procurement teams scope a footwear order with us.
1 · Start from the use case
Performance, fashion, protection, formal, seasonal, or kids — the end use sets the category, which sets the available constructions and the certifications you'll need. Pick the category page that matches and read its spec table first.
2 · Decide the construction
Construction drives cost, durability, and look: cementing and injection are economical; vulcanization gives a classic court feel; Strobel suits flexible runners; Goodyear welt is premium and resoleable. Each category page lists the methods we run for it.
3 · Lock the materials and target cost
Uppers (knit, mesh, leather, PU, canvas) and soles (EVA, phylon, rubber, PU) move both comfort and unit price. Tell us your target landed cost and we engineer the BOM to hit it — see the materials library for options.
4 · Confirm fit, then sample and test
We grade from your last or a reference pair, build a confirmation sample, run wear and lab tests, and only then start bulk. This sequence is the same across every category and is detailed on the process page.
Why SoleForge
One audited factory, the full footwear range
Consolidating multiple categories with one Wenzhou-based manufacturer means a single point of accountability, aligned lead times, and consistent quality control across every SKU you carry.
Quality & compliance
- +ISO 9001
- +BSCI audited
- +SGS / ITS testing
- +REACH compliant
MOQ: 500 pairs / style / color
Samples: 7–12 days
Bulk: 30–45 days after sample approval
Terms: FOB Ningbo / Shanghai, EXW, CIF, or DDP
FAQ
Footwear sourcing questions
Common questions from procurement teams scoping an OEM/ODM footwear program.
What types of footwear can SoleForge manufacture?+
We produce across six categories — athletic and running shoes, casual sneakers, safety and work shoes, leather dress shoes, sandals and slippers, and kids' footwear. Each category has its own dedicated tooling, lasts, and skilled lines, so we can take a brand from a single category or supply a full mixed range.
What is your minimum order quantity (MOQ)?+
Our standard MOQ is 500 pairs / style / color. Because programs that share a last and tooling can be split across colorways, most new brands launch a small multi-color capsule within the minimum.
Do you offer OEM and ODM, or only one?+
Both. OEM means we build to your designs and tech pack. ODM means you start from our existing development library or a reference and we engineer an original, brand-owned design for you. Many buyers combine the two across a range.
How long does development and production take?+
Confirmation samples take 7–12 days and bulk production runs 30–45 days after sample approval. Certified safety footwear and welted leather shoes sit at the longer end because of testing and hand construction.
What quality and compliance certifications do you hold?+
We are ISO 9001, BSCI audited, SGS / ITS testing, REACH compliant. We arrange third-party lab testing (SGS / ITS) for category-specific standards such as EN ISO 20345 safety, EN 71 / CPSIA for kids, and REACH for the EU.
Can you handle private label, packaging, and shipping?+
Yes. We add your logo, custom outsole tooling, hangtags, and retail boxing, and ship FOB Ningbo / Shanghai, EXW, CIF, or DDP. See our customization and process pages for the full service scope.
Have a different question? Talk to our sourcing team or browse our buyer guides.
Ready to develop your footwear line?
Send us your tech pack, target price, or a reference pair. We'll come back with a quote and a development plan within one business day.