Top 8 Asian Shoes Manufacturers

With Asia producing nearly 8 out of every 10 pairs of shoes sold globally, it’s the go-to destination for sourcing. But with thousands of manufacturers to choose from, how do you know which ones truly deliver?

As a shoe sourcing specialist, I’ve spent years identifying reliable manufacturers that balance quality, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness.

Out of 8 manufacturers I reviewed, XDS stood out for its exceptional consistency and fast turnaround times.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through Asia’s best shoes manufacturers, exploring their strengths, specialties, and how they can meet your business demands.

Let’s get started!

1. Industry Zone Overview

Shoes are made worldwide, but certain areas dominate in skill and scale. Below is a breakdown of key zones in China and internationally, with their specialties:

China

• Guangzhou (Guangdong Province): Excels in leather and sports shoes with fast updates.
• Quanzhou (Fujian Province): A reliable hub for sports and casual shoes for exports.
• Wenzhou (Zhejiang Province): Known for its craftsmanship in premium leather shoes.
• Chengdu (Sichuan Province): Leads in fashion-forward women’s footwear production.
• Jinjiang (Fujian Province): A powerhouse for sports shoes with a competitive edge.

Worldwide

• Italy: Focuses on stylish craftsmanship, delivering mid-to-high priced footwear.
• United States: Produces custom, high-priced shoes with full-service solutions.
• India & Bangladesh: High-volume, low-cost shoe production for global markets.
• Germany: Precision-made, high-quality shoes with a strong technical focus.

2. Quick Comparison Chart

This quick comparison gives you a clear view of each manufacturer’s strengths and details at a glance. Take a look at the table below before diving deeper into the comprehensive reviews:

3. International Shoes Co., Ltd. – Best for high-end brands

City & Country: Osaka, Japan

Established Date: 1954

International Shoes Co., Ltd. has a long history of making top-quality women’s shoes. They started in a small workshop in 1954 and grew into one of the most trusted names in Japan. They focus on skilled craftsmanship and use modern technology to create stylish and durable footwear.

Key Products: Their main products include high-quality pumps and leather boots. Pumps are perfect for formal events. Leather boots are designed for people who want something both elegant and durable.

Takeaway Note:

International Shoes Co., Ltd. works best for brands focused on luxury footwear with exceptional craftsmanship. But, if you’re looking for lower-cost or high-volume production, they might not be the right choice.

4. Trans Asia Shoes – Best for innovation

City & Country: Taiwan

Established Date: n/a

Trans Asia Shoes has been creating footwear for over 30 years. They stand out for their creative designs, thanks to a team of global designers. With factories in China, Vietnam, and Cambodia, they handle both big and small orders, offering flexible options to fit your needs.

Key Products: Their main products include custom sneakers and ergonomic sandals. Sneakers are made for active lifestyles. Ergonomic sandals are built for comfort giving great support.

Takeaway Note:

Trans Asia Shoes is a great pick if you need unique designs and the flexibility to adjust order sizes. However, managing production across multiple factories might not work for smaller brands needing hands-on oversight.

5. Xin De Sheng- Best overall

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

Established Date: 2009

XDS is a leading shoe manufacturer in China. They offer a full service—from designing to shipping—making them a one-stop shop for your brand. With a factory that produces 4 million pairs of shoes each year, they work with top global brands. They also meet strict international standards like REACH and ROHS.

Key Products: Their main products include hiking shoes and waterproof sneakers. Hiking shoes are built for outdoor adventures. Waterproof sneakers are perfect for wet conditions or rainy days.

Takeaway Note:

XDS is the perfect choice for businesses looking for high-quality shoes with a trusted partner for end-to-end service. Whether you’re starting a new line or scaling up an established brand, they can deliver exactly what you need.

6. Ronsam – Best for customized solutions

City & Country: Japan

Established Date: n/a

Ronsam Co., Ltd. focuses on planning, manufacturing, and OEM services for footwear. They produce men’s and women’s shoes in Japan and China, tailoring their services to meet a wide variety of needs. They stay connected with customers by showcasing their products at events like PROJECT TOKYO and even use crowdfunding to promote their brands.

Key Products: Their main products include formal men’s shoes and casual women’s flats. Formal men’s shoes are designed for work and special occasions. Casual women’s flats are crafted for daily wear providing comfort and versatility.

Takeaway Note:

Ronsam is an excellent choice for businesses that want personalized footwear services with flexibility in design and production. However, if you need large-scale manufacturing with a rapid turnaround, they may not be the best fit.

7. Kingmaker Footwear Holdings Limited – Best for large-scale production

City & Country: Changhua, Taiwan

Established Date: 1980

Kingmaker Footwear Holdings Limited is a major global footwear manufacturer, producing over 10 million pairs annually. They have factories in China, Vietnam, and Cambodia, serving top international brands like CAT, Wolverine, and Jack Wolfskin. They specialize in comfortable footwear for work, athletics, and lifestyle markets, employing 6,300 workers across their facilities.

Key Products: Their main products include athletic sneakers and children’s shoes. Athletic sneakers are designed for high-performance activities. Children’s shoes are lightweight with safety and comfort in mind.

Takeaway Note:

Kingmaker is a great partner for brands needing large-scale production and expertise in multiple footwear categories. However, their size and focus on global brands might make them less ideal for startups or businesses with smaller order volumes.

8. Asian Footwears – Best for emerging brands

City & Country: New Delhi, India

Established Date: 1994

Asian Footwears offers a wide variety of footwear solutions but keeps a low profile regarding their company history and specific offerings. They are recognized as a versatile manufacturer, likely supporting brands that are just starting or looking to scale their business.

Key Products: Their main products include running shoes and sandals. Running shoes focus on performance for athletic needs. Sandals caters to everyday wear and seasonal demand.

Takeaway Note:

Asian footwear is a good option for emerging brands or businesses testing new footwear lines. However, their lack of a clear specialization might not suit brands looking for expertise in a specific product category.

9. Ability Squared – Best for small-lot production

City & Country: Japan

Established Date: n/a

Ability Squared is known for producing women’s shoes for select shops and apparel manufacturers. They specialize in small-batch production and domestic manufacturing, making them a top choice for high-quality, limited-edition footwear. With experience handling Italian brands and working with major apparel manufacturers, they allow clients to focus on design while handling production.

Key Products: Their main products include luxury heels and ballet flats. Luxury heels combine elegance with expert craftsmanship for premium markets. Ballet flats offer comfortable options for everyday wear or casual settings.

Takeaway Note:

Ability Squared works well for businesses needing high-quality shoes in small quantities with precise delivery schedules. However, they may not be the best for brands seeking mass production or budget-friendly options.

10. Innolux Footwear – Best for sustainable shoemaking

City & Country: Vietnam

Established Date: 2011

Innolux Footwear is a leading shoemaker in Vietnam, focusing on fashion and lifestyle footwear. They opened MU1 in 2017, the only Western-owned factory in Vietnam, and work with global brands to create shoes that reflect their unique identity. It prioritizes sustainability, using recycled and biodegradable materials to reduce their environmental impact.

Key Products: Their main products include eco-friendly fashion sneakers and lifestyle boots. Eco-friendly fashion sneakers incorporate recycled materials for style-conscious consumers. Lifestyle boots blend functionality with sustainable practices.

Takeaway Note:

Innolux Footwear is a great choice for brands prioritizing sustainability and fashion-forward designs. Though, businesses focused on basic or low-cost footwear might find their emphasis on sustainable materials less aligned with their needs.

4 Tips to Consider When Choosing Asian Shoes Manufacturers

The quality of your products starts with the manufacturer you choose. Below are some important tips to help you make a smart and informed choice:

• REACH or ROHS Certifications: These certifications show that the manufacturer complies with strict safety and environmental standards, particularly for chemical usage in materials. This is crucial for meeting international requirements, especially in the EU or US markets. Always request documentation to confirm these certifications are up-to-date and valid.
• Stitching and Finish Precision: Shoe stitching and finishing are key to product durability and aesthetics. For instance, you can visit or ask for photos showing their stitching accuracy and finishing techniques. Uneven stitches or poorly glued soles can damage your brand’s image.

• Quality Control Measures: Footwear manufacturing demands strict attention to detail at every stage. For example, a good manufacturer might conduct a 3-step inspection process, checking the stitching, sole attachment, and final finish before packing. Ask if they have dedicated quality control teams and systems to catch defects early.
• Sample Development Process: Sample creation is crucial for refining your designs and testing materials. Look for manufacturers who offer fast, detailed prototyping services. They should provide multiple iterations until the design is perfect. An efficient sampling process can save time and reduce the risk of production errors.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the world of Asian shoe manufacturing is full of possibilities. This guide highlights some of the best names in the industry, helping you understand which one fits your brand’s needs. With the right partner, you can turn your footwear ideas into reality.

We hope this guide has been helpful in your search for the right manufacturing partner. If you’re worried about large minimum order quantities, XDS is the perfect match for you, with options starting as low as 500 pairs per colorway. Contact us today, and let’s bring your footwear ideas to life together!

Discover More Options

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

Asian Footwear Industry:

• How to Manufacture a Shoe: Step by Step Guide
• Top 7 Shoe Manufacturers in Vietnam
• Top 7 Shoes Manufacturers in Pakistan
• Top 7 Shoes Manufacturers in Turkey

Regional Suppliers:

• Top 7 Shoes Manufacturers in Malaysia
• Top 6 Shoe Manufacturers in Thailand
• Top 7 Shoe Manufacturers in Indonesia

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