Knoy Soet is a Canadian immigrant who was once unable to find a job. But he loves fashion design, especially shoes. Five years ago, he started his shoe brand and went through a journey from zero to $2 million in annual revenue. Many Canadians have the dream of starting their shoe brand. They have their shoe designs but don’t know how to find a good shoe factory to help them produce shoes.

 

Find a shoe manufacturer in Canada

Now let Knoy Soet tell you how to find a shoe manufacturer in Canada. Here is the record of what he said:

Finding a shoe manufacturer in Canada can be a daunting task. Still, with the right research and planning, it is possible to find a reliable and high-quality partner to help bring your shoe ideas to life. In this article, we will provide a step-by-step guide on how to find a shoe manufacturer in Canada, covering topics such as research, networking, and considerations for choosing the right manufacturer.

 

Step 1: Research

The first step in finding a shoe manufacturer in Canada is to do your research. This includes understanding the different types of shoe manufacturing processes, as well as the analysis of the market.

There are three main types of shoe manufacturing processes:

Cut and Sew: This is the most traditional shoe manufacturing method, where the shoe’s upper part is cut from a single piece of material and sewn onto the sole. This process is often used for high-quality, handmade shoes.

Injection Molding: This process involves injecting molten material into a mold to create the shoe’s sole. This method is often used for mass-produced shoes and is more cost-effective than the cut-and-sewn method.

Compression Molding: Similar to injection molding, this process involves using a mold to create the shoe’s sole. Still, it uses heat and pressure to form the material into the desired shape. This method is often used for rubber or foam soles.

It’s important to understand the differences between these manufacturing processes and how they may affect the quality and cost of your shoe project. You don’t need to know much about this, but at least you need to know some. Otherwise, you don’t understand what your supplier is talking about when you meet. You should also consider the specific needs of your shoe project, such as the materials you want to use, the desired quantity, and the target price point.

You also have to understand the market. You need to know what products the market needs and find the right factory to help you produce that product.

How do I know what shoes are popular in the market? Is there an easy way to know?

Let me tell you 3 ways that don’t cost anything.

 

1. You can use Google Trends to compare the popularity and trends of different product keywords. You have to choose the products that are trending.

 

2. You can use Instagram to compare the number of Hashtags for different product keywords. The larger the number, the more people like and search for the product.

 

3. You can check Bestsellers on Amazon and find out which products are the best sellers. This way, you will understand what kind of products you want to produce.

Now you will understand what shoes you want to produce and find the corresponding shoe factory.

 

 

Step 2: Networking

Once you understand the shoe manufacturing process and your project needs, the next step is to start networking and reaching out to potential manufacturers. There are several ways to do this:

Industry associations: Joining industry associations, such as the Footwear Association of Canada or the Canadian Apparel Federation, can provide access to industry professionals and potential manufacturers. These organizations often host networking events and have online directories of member companies.

Trade shows: Attending trade shows, such as the Toronto Shoe Show or the Montreal Fashion and Apparel Show, can provide an opportunity to meet with potential manufacturers and see their products in person.

Google search: By searching Google for the keywords “shoe manufacturer in Canada”, “shoe factory in Canada,” ,”running shoe manufacturer in Canada”, “custom shoe manufacturer in Canada”, you can find many shoe suppliers’ websites.

You should browse their websites carefully to find out how long their company has been established (preferably 30 years), what products they produce, and what well-known brands they work with.

Referrals: Asking for referrals from industry professionals or other entrepreneurs in the footwear industry can be a great way to find potential manufacturers.

 

 

Step 3: Considerations for Choosing the Right Manufacturer

Once you have a list of potential manufacturers, it’s important to carefully consider which one is the best fit for your project. Here are some factors to consider:

 

Quality: Quality is likely the most important factor when choosing a shoe manufacturer. Working with a manufacturer that produces high-quality products and has a proven track record of producing consistent results is essential.

 

Capacity: Make sure the manufacturer can handle your production volume. If you’re planning a large production run, you’ll need a manufacturer with the equipment and personnel to handle it. On the other hand, if you’re starting with a small batch of shoes, you may be able to work with a smaller manufacturer.

 

Lead time: It’s important to consider the lead time for production, as this can affect the overall timeline of your project

 

 

A friend from Canada told me: It’s hard to find a shoe manufacturer in Canada. Because there are not many shoe factories in Canada, and the cost of production is very high.

Yes, he is right. I use overseas factories to produce shoes for me. I have worked with many foreign factories, including Italy, China, India, and Vietnam. But the Chinese shoe factory is the best.

There are several potential advantages to choosing Chinese shoe factories for your footwear manufacturing needs. Some of these advantages may include the following:

1. Cost: Chinese shoe factories often offer lower production costs compared to factories in other countries. This can be particularly beneficial for businesses looking to keep their production costs down. Yes, the quality of Italian shoes is good, but the cost is too high. To tell you a secret, many famous brands of Italian shoes are also produced in China.

 

2. Production capacity: China has a large and well-developed shoe manufacturing industry, with a wide range of factories producing various types of footwear. Finding a factory in China that can meet your specific production needs may be easier. There are over 2,500 shoe suppliers in China, and some shoe factories have been established for over 30 years. They have rich experience in shoe design and production

 

3. Quality and Innovation: Many Chinese shoe factories have invested in modern production equipment and technology, which can help to ensure high-quality products. China’s shoe manufacturing industry is constantly evolving. Many factories actively seek new technologies and techniques to improve their production processes. This can lead to more innovative and high-quality products. Nike and Adidas also produce their shoes in China.

 

4. Speed: Chinese shoe factories are often able to turn around orders quickly due to their large production capacity and efficient processes. I once worked with a Vietnamese shoe factory. Still, the delivery was a month late, and I was delayed in telling me the real situation.

 

The above is Knoy Soet’s experience sharing how to find a shoe manufacturer in Canada. I hope it is helpful to you. If you have a better way, please send me a message.