Want to START YOUR OWN SHOE LINE?
MANUFACTURING
Product Development & Prototyping
How do I submit a design to start the process?
You can submit your designs, tech packs, sketches or image references to us via the Contact Us form. Alternatively you can also email us at [email protected]. Not sure how to make a Tech Pack? Here is a handy Tech Pack Guide with templates.
We generally respond within 24-48 hours.
What is prototyping and sample making?
This step is crucial to developing a new shoe collection before making a production order. Our Startup Package helps you bring your ideas to life and visualize the product before going into quantity production. Samples can also be used to show retail buyers, exhibit them at trade shows or on your website & social media for pre-order. This step also helps you understand the demand for your products to make a confident order.
What is included in the Startup Package?
The first step to getting started is the prototyping stage which is part of our Startup Package. This stage will consist of:
- Technical consultation
- 2D Pattern making & size grading
- Shoe last development
- Material and components sourcing
- Metal stamping dies for your brand label
- Trial Shoe prototype
- Pair of Final Sample as per your requirements
What is a tech pack?
Footwear tech packs are illustrated designs and specifications of a shoe design. Accurate tech packs are required to obtain an accurate quote from a manufacturer, and to ensure that they understand how to make your design. Here is a handy Tech Pack Guide with Excel templates.
How much does prototyping cost?
The cost for prototyping and sample making is generally in the range 1,000 to 3,000 Euro per style. The price may vary depending on complexity of design, materials chosen, hardware and embellishments (if any), or if particular shoemaking techniques are necessary.
Production
What does Production entail?
The Production process is more than just the assembly of shoes. It includes several steps such as material and accessories procurement, manufacturing of all the components and tools, shoe last making in all sizes, cutting dies, hardware, outsole molds and heel development among several other steps that help setup the production line for your collection. It also includes briefing the craftsmen working on your collection, lab testing, wear testing, quality control inspections, labeling, packaging, equipment checks and production scheduling before the products are prepared for shipment.
What is your Minimum order quantity?
There is no minimum order quantity with us. We can produce 1 or several pairs of shoes depending on the clients requirements. However, price per pair will be determined on several factors such as shoe design, the shoe last utilized, the materials, custom components, time for production etc.
What is the manufacturing lead time?
6-8 weeks with ample preparation and all materials on site (excluding shipping).
Note: take into account Italian holidays: 2-3 weeks in August and 1-2 weeks at the end of December.
Do you offer worldwide shipping?
Yes we do offer worldwide shipping at. Cost of shipping is not included on made to order & wholesale products. Taxes may apply as per country.
What brands do you manufacture for?
Over the past 25 years, we have manufactured for several prominent designers and boutiques from all around the world. Unfortunately, the names of the brands that we work with are confidential to secure our designers.
Where will my shoes be made?
All the components and tools are sourced and manufactured from our trusted suppliers in Italy. For small batch production, the final assembly will take place in our factory in Dubai, UAE. If you require the final assembly to take place with our associate factories in Italy, this is also possible, however will require an MOQ of 500 pairs.
It’s a common misconception that a shoe is made solely in just one factory. In reality, it can take anywhere from 3 to 20+ factories to create one shoe. Based on your project needs, we figure out the best factories for your needs and bring them together to make your shoes a reality.
Can I see my shoes in production? Can you send me pictures?
Yes. Clients can arrange visits to our factory at their own expense. Visits during your production run will need to be coordinated with the factory in advance. We typically recommend coming mid way through your production run so that you can see finished shoes and those that are just coming off the production line.
BESPOKE SERVICES
Bespoke Shoes
What are bespoke shoes?
Bespoke shoes are shoes made especially for a client taking into account the intricate measurements and design preferences to create a one of a kind shoes. The bespoke shoes process generally takes upto two appointments. During the first appointment the feet are measured and the shoe model is selected. Next, the shoe last (or the anatomical form of the foot) for each foot is created as per the measurement profile. During the second appointment ‘the fitting’, the customer tries the prototype pair of shoes made in an inexpensive leather for the shoemaker to conduct checks for any minor adjustments to be on the shoe last. If so, the changes are applied to the lasts and the shoe are then handcrafted to perfection with the highest quality of Italian leather.
After the final lasts are created, the client can order more pairs of shoes without any future measurements and fittings required.
How long does it take to make a custom order?
Bespoke shoes and accessories can take anywhere between 4 to 5 weeks to make. Rush order possible for an additional fee.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we ship all products worldwide. Please contact us to get a shipping quote.
My favorite pair of shoes died. Can you replicate my old shoes?
Yes, we can surely replicate your favorite worn out shoes or a much loved pair that you adore and want in different colors. All we need is the original pair or a clear reference image to replicate the design patterns.
Do you make medical shoes?
Yes we do. If you are suffering from Plantar Fasciitis, Arch Pain or Flat Feet, Heel Pain or Heel Spurs or any other related foot condition, we can help you.
Can you design custom orthopedic shoes in fashionable way?
Yes, we are specialists at producing custom orthopedic shoes that look just like a designer shoe. You can provide us with an image of your most loved shoe design and we can make you a pair of bespoke orthopedic shoes with the design in consideration.
My feet are different sizes. Can you modify my shoes to fit properly?
As part of our custom shoemaking process, we make shoe lasts as per the clients foot measurements. This means, the final shoes you will receive will be true to your actual size for both the left and right foot. We can also modify your existing designer shoes to make adjustments and repairs.
Do you sell Ready to Wear (RTW) shoes?
Our Ready to Wear (RTW) line is available online and is made to order. You can access our products through the online store. Please note our RTW shoes are not customizable and made with standard EU fitting.
Can you repair my shoes and hanbags?
Yes, we do repairing, restoring, conditioning, customizing of any kind of footwear, handbags, coats and jackets, etc. You can learn more about our full range of repair offerings here.
COMAPANY
Company
What type of products do you manufacture?
Italian Shoe Factory is the foremost manufacturer of custom made shoes and private label footwear worldwide. Our service offering also includes production of leather goods and accessories. The owner Amin Virani has been supervising the entire manufacturing process for over 20 years now delivering the highest quality of workmanship.
How long has your factory been around?
With three generations of family artistry, design knowledge and experience, Italian Shoe Factory has been around for more than 25 years.
Where is your factory located?
Our head office & small batch production factory is located in Dubai, UAE, the new fashion capital of the world. Our associate factories are located in Marche, Italy.
Do you provide drop shipping?
Yes, a Drop shipping is available for clients that make a commitment with an order size of minimum 100 pairs or more. Kindly email us to discuss details for a drop shipping model.
Can you take photos/videos of my products?
Yes, during the Product Development & Manufacturing stage we can take pictures of the process. If you have any special requirements, kindly inform our team so we can prepare a professional photography shoot during the making process.
Can we work remotely or do I have to visit your factory?
Yes, you can surely work with us remotely. All our staff members are fluent in English and are easy to communicate with. We cater to clients from all around the world, which includes the Bahamas, USA, Canada, UK, Australia, South Africa & France among others.
We generally use Skype & Whatsapp Groups to communicate and share weekly updates. You are of-course also welcomed to visit our Factory at your own expense.
Leather & Materials
Is your leather sustainable?
Each product that leaves the Italian Shoe Factory features pristine quality leather and suede, sourced from the best ethical tanneries in Italy and around the world. When selecting a tannery, we ensure that each leather supplier has been audited against LWG standards also known as the Leather Working Group Environmental Auditing Protocol. The group seeks to improve the leather manufacturing industry by creating alignment on environmental priorities, bringing visibility to best practices and providing suggested guidelines for continual improvement. We also use vegan leather & vegetable tanned leather which is a natural tanning process and chrome-free leather in our production of footwear and leather goods.
What are your leather options?
All our materials are sourced from the best ethical tanneries in Italy and around the world. We offer all kinds of Full Grain or Top Grain Leather, Embossed leather, Split Suede, Microfiber leather, Vegan Leather among others. Exotic Skins such as crocodile, python, Elk leather are also available upon request. Our in-house collection is updated every year as per seasonal trends and we also carry swatch books from the finest tanneries in the world so anything under the sun can be procured.
Do you offer Vegan Leather
Yes we do offer Vegan leather, also known as microfiber or synthetic leather which is made of non-animal materials designed to mimic the look and mechanical qualities of leather. The most commonly used materials for synthetic leathers that we carry are polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and polyurethane (PU).
Do you have exotic leather?
Exotic Skins such as crocodile, python, snake, lizard, Elk leather are also available upon request.
Can I buy leather & raw materials from you?
We do not sell raw materials, only finished products.