How To Find Shoe Manufacturers In Vietnam // Top 10 Footwear Suppliers And Factories In Vietnam List
In the intricate tapestry of global footwear manufacturing, Vietnam has emerged as a powerhouse, carving out a significant niche in the shoe industry. With its blend of skilled craftsmanship, cost-effective production, and a rapidly evolving manufacturing infrastructure, Vietnam presents a compelling destination for shoe brands worldwide. From athletic sneakers to elegant formal shoes, Vietnam's factories are adept at producing a wide array of footwear that meets international standards of quality and style.
This blog post will explore the burgeoning world of shoe manufacturing in Vietnam. Whether you're a well-established brand looking to diversify your manufacturing base, a new label seeking reliable production partners, or simply interested in the dynamics of global footwear production, understanding Vietnam's role in this industry is crucial.
We will delve into why Vietnam has become a magnet for shoe manufacturing, examining the factors that make it an attractive option, such as its competitive labor market, favorable trade policies, and commitment to quality. Furthermore, we will look at the challenges and opportunities of manufacturing shoes in Vietnam, from navigating the local business landscape to leveraging the country's growing focus on sustainable and ethical production practices.
Join us as we lace up to dive deep into the world of shoe manufacturing in Vietnam. This journey reveals the processes and products and the stories and strategies behind one of the most dynamic sectors in the global fashion industry.
Shoes at a display room in Vietnam
If you’re considering manufacturing shoes in Asia, Vietnam is the best country. We’ll break down information such as the Vietnamese footwear economy, manufacturing capacity, finding shoe suppliers, placing orders with Vietnamese manufacturers, and a list of the top manufacturers in Vietnam. Scroll below for our top 10 list of shoe manufacturers in Vietnam.
The following shoes can be manufactured in Vietnam:
✔ Sneakers in Vietnam
✔ Sports shoes In Vietnam
✔ Lace-up shoes In Vietnam
✔ Formal shoes/Oxfords In Vietnam
✔ Loafers in Vietnam
✔ Sandals In Vietnam
✔ Slippers In Vietnam
✔ Ballet shoes in Vietnam
✔ Boat shoes in Vietnam
✔ Snowshoes in Vietnam
✔ Traditional shoes (Klompen, bast, geta, opanci, etc.)
✔ And many, many more shoe styles!
Pro Tip: Contact Cosmo Sourcing, and we’ll get in touch with Vietnamese suppliers to find the brand of shoes you need to manufacture.
Vietnam’s Shoes and Footwear Industry Overview
The Vietnamese Leather and Footwear Association, or ‘LEFASO,’ stated that Vietnam exported over $22B worth of shoe products in 2019 alone - this represents an increase of 12% compared to the year prior. Vietnam was used exclusively to export shoes to US- and EU-based markets. However, it’s recently started exporting footwear to locations in Asia and Latin America - it’s now expected to find Vietnamese-made footwear in countries like Chile, Mexico, Peru, Korea, and Japan.
The president of LEFASO also stated, “Our annual industrial production index has expanded by over 10%, and our exports exceeded USD 22 billion for the year, surpassing the target we’ve set. The positive economic data signals that the footwear sector in Vietnam has been growing exponentially since 2014, and we intend to seize every opportunity”.
The Vietnamese footwear export market has reached almost every corner of the Earth, but 70 countries imported more than $1M worth of Vietnamese footwear last year. The wide variety of countries that import Vietnamese-made footwear means that almost half of all countries consume Vietnamese footwear in large quantities. Vietnamese factories can manufacture millions of pairs of shoes every month. Now is the best time to get involved in the footwear industry in Vietnam.
Vietnam Shoe Manufacturing Capacity & Exports
Vietnam has a near-unlimited shoe manufacturing capacity. Footwear is one of the leading industries in which Vietnamese manufacturing excels, and we’d argue it’s the best location to manufacture shoes globally. Yes, it beats out China. The quality is identical to China’s, and the labor force is significantly lower, while dozens of factories employ thousands of workers specializing in footwear. Cosmo Sourcing can help put you in touch with every single one!
Let’s examine the primary data points. First, Vietnam exports nearly 50% of all footwear to two primary markets: the US and China. Last year, Vietnam exported nearly $6B worth of footwear to the US and around $2B to China. The list includes EU countries (France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Spain, etc.), Canada, Korea, Japan, and Mexico.
In 2019, Vietnam exported 883,000,000 pairs of shoes internationally. Of that total, 75,000,000 pairs were textile footwear, and 282,000,000 were leather footwear.
According to the latest data from the WFY (World Footwear Yearbook), Vietnam’s footwear exports are expected to reach 1 billion pairs.
Regarding worldwide ranking, Vietnam is currently the #2nd largest footwear manufacturer after China, with a 7.1% share of the world market.
China is still the undisputed leader in footwear manufacturing, with 67% of the world market.
Footwear Manufacturing In Vietnam // Future Predictions
Vietnam’s government plans to support shoe manufacturers in the future. The Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade stated: “Vietnamese shoe manufacturers must undergo reforms to improve their technology, boost their productivity, and become more competitive on the global market. Our ministry is currently building a footwear strategy for this valuable Vietnamese sector with an emphasis on 2030 and a vision for 2035 - the government will assist all shoe manufacturers who need help to stimulate this industry”.
LEFASO claims that even after the COVID-19 crisis in 2020, footwear industrial output will continue growing at over 10% a year, which means that next year, the export value will be closer to $25B/year. In addition, footwear’s localization rate will continue growing in the domestic market.
If we analyze historical patterns, we at Cosmo noticed that the significant shift in Vietnamese footwear happened around the middle of the 2010s, when big brands like Nike and Adidas closed factories in China and moved manufacturing almost exclusively to Vietnam. So, the world’s biggest apparel brands made moves that clearly show how Asia’s manufacturing sector is shifting and how the map is being redrawn.
Vietnam currently manufactures 2x more Adidas footwear than China. Nike still manufactures similar footwear in both countries, but it’s expected to shift to Vietnam soon.
Even though certain economies can manufacture footwear at cheaper rates (such as Bangladesh, India, etc.), manufacturers are still choosing Vietnam due to its high production capacity, product quality, and convenient shipping location along the Pacific Coast. The proximity to China is another benefit, as it allows suppliers to source materials from China directly. Most shoe manufacturers in Vietnam are located in Hanoi, a province bordering Guangxi in southern China.
Are you ready to get started manufacturing shoes in Vietnam? We can connect you with the leading shoe manufacturers in Vietnam and negotiate on your behalf. We can ensure that your designs are manufactured in a world-class factory and that your goods are suitable for export to US/EU markets. Contact Cosmo now - we’ve sourced over $40M worth of Vietnam products.
The footwear industry in Vietnam is closely connected to other large export industries and is one of the pillars of the Vietnamese export economy. Aside from footwear, we can also help you source related products such as:
Fashion/clothing
Bags/handcrafts
Suitcases
Leather products
Fashion accessories
And more.
Nike & Adidas Manufacturing Shoes In Vietnam
What is the main reason for the start of shoe manufacturing in Vietnam? The big boys are doing it! Nike and Adidas both chose Vietnam over China for their footwear manufacturing HQ. At the start of the 2010s, with surging labor costs in China, manufacturers were looking for alternative countries. One of those options was Bangladesh, but Adidas chose Vietnam due to its more convenient shipping logistics and superior infrastructure. As a result, Adidas cut 50% of its production in China and moved almost all those jobs to Vietnam.
According to Kasper Rorsted (CEO of Adidas), in 2017, 44% of all Adidas footwear was manufactured in Vietnam. For comparison, only 19% of Adidas footwear was manufactured in China. The shift means that the world’s largest corporations are now ditching China in favor of Vietnam, and this trend only keeps accelerating. For instance, Adidas only manufactured 31% of its footwear in Vietnam in 2012; now, it manufactures almost 50%.
Nike started slowly moving sneakers and appeal production out of China to Vietnam. They specifically built extensive production facilities in the country, and now Nike manufactures more footwear in Vietnam than in China. If you pick up any random Nike shoe at the moment, there’s more than a 50% chance Nike made it in Vietnam. These corporations are not the only footwear companies that have moved to Vietnam. German footwear giant Puma announced that it would likely choose Vietnam as its next manufacturing destination.
What Shoe Brands Are Made In Vietnam?
Vietnam is a significant hub for footwear manufacturing, with various international shoe brands making their products in the country. This is due to Vietnam’s efficient manufacturing processes, skilled labor force, and favorable trade agreements. Some of the notable shoe brands that manufacture their products in Vietnam include:
Nike: A leading sports and casual footwear brand, Nike bases a substantial portion of its production in Vietnam.
Adidas: Another giant in the sports footwear industry, Adidas manufactures many of its shoes, including athletic and casual styles, in Vietnam.
Puma: This German multinational company produces a range of athletic and casual shoes in Vietnamese facilities.
Converse: Known for its iconic Chuck Taylor All-Stars, Converse manufactures many of its shoes in Vietnam.
New Balance offers a variety of athletic and lifestyle shoes, and some of its manufacturing takes place in Vietnam.
Asics: A Japanese multinational corporation that produces sports equipment and footwear, Asics produces some of its shoes in Vietnam.
Reebok: Specializing in sportswear and footwear, Reebok manufactures various footwear products in Vietnam.
Vans: Known for its skateboarding shoes and related apparel, Vans has a significant manufacturing presence in Vietnam.
Skechers: An American lifestyle and performance footwear company, Skechers produces many of its shoes in Vietnam.
Under Armour: This brand, known for its sports performance products, including footwear, manufactures some of its shoes in Vietnam.
Timberland: Primarily known for its boots, Timberland also manufactures a range of footwear in Vietnam.
Clarks: A British-based, international shoe manufacturer and retailer, Clarks produces some of its shoes in Vietnam.
These brands choose Vietnam for their manufacturing needs due to its cost-effectiveness, quality of production, and rapidly improving infrastructure. The country’s growing expertise in footwear manufacturing makes it a key player in the global shoe industry.
How To Manufacture Shoes In Vietnam
Manufacturing shoes in Vietnam is relatively straightforward and even more accessible than manufacturing other types of products. The ease is because Vietnamese shoe suppliers have experienced large production capacities - whatever you need, they’ll get it done. In our experience, the order process goes like this:
Finding suppliers (we can recommend reliable footwear suppliers!).
They are consulting the suppliers for designs. Note: Many suppliers ask for your shoe designs or manufacture their own based on pre-existing templates.
Negotiating the MOQ.
Producing the first samples (subject to client approval).
Order fulfillment.
Negotiating export terms/shipping logistics.
Note: The supplier will ask you to send them your shoe designs as a general requirement. We can put you in touch with suppliers who can help you design your shoes, but it goes a lot faster if you have designs you can supply the manufacturer with.
The supplier might require additional documentation, such as a bill of materials and label files. If you want to export the shoes to international markets such as the US or EU, you must work with an accredited supplier whose products comply with international standards.
MOQs For Shoe Manufacturing In Vietnam
The MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) for manufacturing shoes in Vietnam differs from the provider's. The MOQ is our customers’ main concern at Cosmo Sourcing because the manufacturer might require a significant commitment, especially if they’re reliable manufacturers known to work with large brands. On average, the suppliers will ask you to purchase between 500 and 5000 pieces on your first order (for every individual design or color).
The largest manufacturers start at 10,000 pieces and above. This is a relatively good deal, considering the price per pair is still much lower than in China, and the margins are excellent for investors who can support this volume. We will always be able to negotiate the MOQ down to minimize the risk for our clients.
How To Find Shoe Suppliers In Vietnam
There are thousands of shoe suppliers and factories in Vietnam. Even in single provinces like Hanoi, you will stumble upon hundreds of factories specializing in specific sub-categories of shoe manufacturing. Some prominent “do-it-all” shoe manufacturers (listed below) can manufacture every type of shoe and have production capacities of millions of pairs per month. Scroll below for our list of the largest shoe manufacturers in Vietnam. The following are reliable websites where you can find shoe manufacturers in the country:
Check out our complete list of Alibaba Alternatives for Vietnam to find any product, including shoes.
Global Sources Vietnam
Global Sources is the #1 alternative to Alibaba and provides a similar platform where you can directly place orders with shoe manufacturers. The advantage is that there’s additional verification compared to Alibaba, which provides higher security. Be mindful of placing orders for thousands of pieces without consulting a sourcing agency like Cosmo Sourcing beforehand.
VietAZ
VietAZ is a supplier directory for Vietnam-based manufacturers to find products and contact suppliers directly. Note: Pacing orders through VietAZ is impossible, but you can contact suppliers from the website. They have a dedicated “Footwear” section with over 300 products and suppliers.
Vietnam Trade Shows for Shoes
In Vietnam, a lot of business is conducted the old-fashioned way. You can visit trade shows if you want to meet the largest footwear suppliers in the country. The biggest trade show in Vietnam is the “International Footwear And Leather Products Exhibition,” which virtually every notable manufacturer attends.
This trade show is only held once a year in HCMC. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 epidemic, the 2020 event was postponed. The next IFLE event is scheduled for July 14-16, 2021, at the Saigon Conventional & Exhibition Center (Ho Chi Minh City).
List of Top Footwear Suppliers In Vietnam
Cosmo Sourcing
Cosmo started in Vietnam in 2014 and has sourced thousands of products for over one thousand clients. As a result, we are the most experienced sourcing company in Vietnam. Our team is based in Ho Chi Minh City, and we have associates throughout Vietnam.
Our team helps clients find, make, and ship products from China and Vietnam. Cosmo Sourcing is one of the only sourcing companies that can assist with every part of your project overseas. We act as your overseas sourcing team and help with everything from planning, sourcing, supervising manufacturing, shipping, and more.
Cosmo uses a flat rate fee, unlike other sourcing companies that work on commission, so you can work directly with the factory. We will provide the full contact details of all suppliers and introduce you to them via email or in person. Cosmo maintains one of the largest databases of Vietnam Suppliers with over 14,000 factories.
TBS Group
TBS Group is a prominent fashion manufacturer specializing in several appeal and footwear industries. The group is one of Vietnam’s largest companies, with over 25,000 full-time employees. We estimate they are among Vietnam’s top 5 footwear manufacturers, with over 21 million pairs of shoes manufactured and exported annually. The shoe volume means the company produces nearly 1-2% of all Vietnamese footwear exports.
TBS Group has 33 production factories and has been operational for over 25 years. It is highly experienced in international trade and frequently collaborates with foreign buyers. They also have the most high-tech manufacturing plant in Vietnam. Their clients are large footwear companies like Sketchers. TBS Group’s business services include logistics, hospitality, retail, asset management, handbag manufacturing, and investment services.
Kingmaker Group
Kingmaker Group is one of the longest-standing footwear manufacturers in Asia and Vietnam. It was one of the industry pioneers when the company was founded in 1980 in Changhua, Taiwan, and quickly expanded to Southeast Asia countries. Kingmaker Group has over 40 years of experience in the footwear industry and employs 9,000 workers in its numerous factories.
Kingmaker Group is a publicly traded company on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange with a large manufacturing factory in Vietnam. Kingmaker Group also manufactures footwear in China and Cambodia. Kingmaker Group has an impressive list of big-name clients such as Asics, CAT, Skechers, and Roxy. Kingmaker Group’s factories were modernized in 2014, and since then, they have had a production capacity of 10 million pairs of shoes per year.
Alena Footwear Company
Alena Footwear Company is a contemporary shoe manufacturing company in Vietnam. It has a maximum production capacity of 24,000,000 pairs of shoes and employs 10,000 workers. Based in Thanh Hoa Province, it is owned by the Hong Fu Footwear Corporation, a Taiwanese-based group. The factory was started in 2014 with an investment of $14,000,000 and covers nearly 100,000 square meters.
Properwell Group
Properwell Group is a women’s shoe manufacturer in Vietnam. Properwell Group also specializes in the production of high-end luxury shoes for women. Properwell Group had decades of experience in the footwear manufacturing industry when it was founded in 1988 in Hong Kong. Back then, Properwell Group exclusively manufactured sandals and high heels.
Properwell Group moved to Vietnam in 2016 with a 550 billion VND (USD 24 Million) investment and currently employs 1,000 workers in Vietnam. Between its four factories located in Asia, Properwell Group employs over 1,800 workers—its Vietnamese factory is the largest one. The factory stretches over 10 hectares, and its capacity keeps expanding. In addition, Properwell Group currently offers a women’s shoe manufacturing workshop at its factory.
Horng Shin Footwear
Horng Shin Footwear is one of Vietnam’s most established footwear manufacturing companies. The company Produces More than 2,000,000 pairs of shoes annually and is constantly expanding its capacity. Horng Shin Footwear has been operational for two decades and provides a range of services in addition to shoe manufacturing. For example, it can manufacture shoe soles, cycling cleats, and safety/medical shoes.
Horng Shin Footwear provides exceptional quality control services for clients and manages an extensive supply chain for fast international shipping. Their primary client base is foreign investors looking to manufacture footwear in Vietnam. They have an experienced team that exports over 2 million pairs per year, and we can connect you with them at Cosmo Sourcing.
Aleron Vietnam Footwear Co., Ltd.
Aleron Vietnam Footwear Co., Ltd. is a footwear manufacturing and processing company based in Thanh Hoa Province. Despite being one of the youngest footwear companies in Vietnam, it is among the fastest-growing, with over 9,000 employees. Their factory is located in the Hoang Long Industrial and Urban Zone and stretches 234,218 square meters to manufacture millions of shoes annually. Aleron Vietnam Footwear Co., Ltd. stands out by focusing almost exclusively on sports shoes, and its largest customers are Puma, Clark, and other UK/US-based companies.
AN LAC Footwear Joint Stock Company
AN LAC is an established footwear manufacturer based in Ho Chi Minh City. It started as a leather footwear production company in 1987. With over 30 years of footwear manufacturing, AN LAC produces 12,000,000 shoes annually.
AN LAC mainly manufactures slippers (3M pairs/year) and promises a guaranteed output of 10,000 pairs per day for customers. At the moment, the factory has 8,000 full-time employees. AN LAC is owned by the BS Footwear Company, which is based in Korea.
Innolux Group
Innolux Group owns Innolux Group and is one of the most established footwear manufacturers in the world. The group was founded in Vietnam in 1996 and currently possesses 20 footwear factories. They are among the fastest-growing manufacturers in Vietnam and provide a mix of manufacturing and mediator services. Innolux Group can manufacture everything from women’s footwear to sports shoes.
Currently, Innolux Group employs 1,600 factory workers in their Vietnam-based factory and exports over 500,000 pairs annually. The company also provides production monitoring services for quality control, ensuring every shoe undergoes quality inspections before shipping.
Dong Hung Group
Dong Hung Group stands out among footwear manufacturers for specializing in sports shoes. It has worked with the largest sports apparel companies globally, such as US Polo, Superga, Marks & Spencer, and more.
Dong Hung Group has over 25 years of experience in the footwear manufacturing industry and offers various sports shoes for both genders. The company sees exponential growth and owns Hiep Tri Shoes, Duy Hung Shoes, and Dong Hung Industrial.
Hanoi Rubber Joint Stock Company
Hanoi Rubber Joint Stock Company is a casual shoe manufacturer based in Vietnam that has been exporting to international clients since 2005. Last year, the company exported $4.5M worth of footwear. Hanoi Rubber Joint Stock Company primarily exports to the EU market, and Germany consumes 80% of its products.
Hanoi Rubber’s shoes are ISO 9001 certified, which suits international exports. The company specializes in casual fashion shoes, children’s shoes, and sports shoes. Hanoi Rubber Joint Stock Company also has an R&D team that can produce designs for customers.
Cosmo Sourcing // Your Trusted Partner In Vietnam
If you want to source from Vietnam, contact the Cosmo Sourcing team; we have been helping clients source from Vietnam since 2014. Cosmo Sourcing has the skills and the team to find you the best supplier possible. We are also established in China and are among the only companies that can find suppliers in China and Vietnam. Pick the one you think is best.
Our Vietnam Sourcing services allow you to access new manufacturers that you would not be able to in China and avoid Tariffs. Our services are designed to do everything to take your idea, turn it into a product, and ship it to the final destination. Cosmo can do everything from creating a product spec sheet to validating, sourcing, ordering, evaluating samples, arranging inspections, finding freight forwarders, quality assurance, negotiations, and shipping. We aim to handle every single step of your business in Vietnam for you.
If you start a new business, finding products and suppliers for your products is one of many things you need to handle. Our services are designed to handle every part of your business in China and Vietnam so you can focus on the rest of growing your own business.
We have helped clients from Fortune 500 companies, brick-and-mortar stores, FBA sellers, and brand-new businesses. So don’t hesitate to contact us and let us know how we can help you.