Are you considering importing fabric shoes from Vietnam? You might be concerned about common challenges, such as costs, quality control, or navigating the process as a first-time importer.
In this article, we will explore why you should consider importing fabric shoes from Vietnam and take a detailed look at how to import them successfully, including tips to ensure a smooth and risk-free import process.
Overview of the global fabric shoes market
In 2023, the global footwear market reached USD 443.6 billion. Within the footwear material segment, non-leather materials accounted for 67.8% of the market share. This category includes synthetic, fabric, rubber, and other materials. Fabric shoes, which make up 14.4% of this segment. This indicates a growing fashion trend, driven by a clear shift in consumer preferences toward comfort, lightweight design, and breathability.
Fabric shoes are available in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and textures, making them an ideal choice for casual wear, daily activities, and warm-weather seasons.
Vietnam has emerged as a major manufacturing hub in the global footwear supply chain. Remarkably, Vietnam achieved a high export ratio of 90-95% of the country’s footwear output. This is driven by strong demand from key markets such as the United States, the European Union, and Japan. This high export ratio highlights Vietnam’s competitiveness, quality standards, and reliability as a global footwear supplier.
Why Vietnam has become a global footwear hub for fabric shoes
Importing fabric shoes from Vietnam has a lot of advantages, including:
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Low labor cost
Vietnam offers lower labor costs compared with many major manufacturing countries. In 2024, the average manufacturing wage in Vietnam was about USD 321.4 per month, which is significantly lower than in China, where average factory wages often exceed 600 USD per month. This allows Vietnamese footwear factories to offer more affordable pricing for global buyers.
At the same time, many factories have also invested in modern machinery, automated cutting systems, and quality control equipment. These upgrades ensure that the finished shoes reach a high quality that meets international standards. These combinations make Vietnam a cost-effective and reliable sourcing destination for footwear.
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A dedicated workforce
The footwear industry in Vietnam benefits from a large, young, and highly skilled workforce. According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the sector employs more than 1.5 million workers. Many of them have years of hands-on experience in cutting, stitching, and finishing shoes. This abundant and capable workforce supports Vietnam’s position as the third-largest footwear exporter in the world, manufacturing around 1.4 billion pairs of shoes annually. The strong combination of scale and craftsmanship allows factories to handle complex designs and high-volume orders with consistent quality.
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Favorable trade conditions
Vietnam has strategically entered numerous major free trade agreements, such as EVFTA, CPTPP, and RCEP. These agreements help reduce tariffs, simplify customs, and create smoother export flows for many export markets.
For example, under the EVFTA, many footwear tariff rates applied to Vietnamese products that are imported will gradually fall to 0%. Besides, favorable trade conditions also encourage strong partnerships between Vietnamese factories and foreign businesses. This creates safer and more transparent sourcing conditions for importers.
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Transport networks
Vietnam sits in a strategic location close to major Asian supply hubs and manufacturing centers such as China, South Korea, and Japan. This makes it easy for supply chain diversification and faster regional distribution for global buyers.
In addition, Vietnam also lies along key sea routes that connect the Indian Ocean and the Pacific Ocean, which are two of the largest trade routes in the world. This geographic advantage helps shorten transit times and reduce freight costs.
Common challenges when sourcing fabric shoes from Vietnam
Sourcing fabric shoes from Vietnam can help global buyers reduce costs and improve product quality. However, businesses may still face challenges related to quality control, delivery delays, and miscommunication.
Below are common challenges that global buyers encounter when sourcing in Vietnam, along with practical solutions to mitigate risks and ensure smoother import operations.
| # | Challenge | Risk | Solutions |
| 1 | Supplier reliability | Unreliable suppliers cause delays, missed timelines, and higher costs |
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| 2 | Regulatory non-compliance | Failure to meet ISO 9001, ISO 14001, OEKO-TEX Standard 100, GOTS, or EU/US standards can lead to fines, returns, or shipment blocks |
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| 3 | Inconsistent quality | Issues with stitching, fabric durability, outsole bonding, and finishing can affect reliability |
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| 4 | Cultural differences and language barriers | Misunderstandings cause delays and costly mistakes |
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| 5 | Delivery delays | Factory issues or logistics problems extend the shipping time |
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How to find reliable Vietnamese fabric shoe suppliers?
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Work with sourcing agents
Working with experienced sourcing agents such as Cosmo Sourcing, Vietnam Sourcing Agent, and Seditex can make the process much easier. These companies specialize in connecting businesses with reliable suppliers, managing procurement, and handling import logistics in Vietnam.
Pros
- Having local expertise and in-depth knowledge of regulations, standards, and the import process.
- Providing end-to-end support, including selecting reliable suppliers, negotiating contracts, handling customs clearance, and managing shipping logistics.
- Reducing risks associated with supplier reliability, shipment delays, and regulatory compliance.
- Saving time and effort for businesses, allowing them to focus on core operations.
Cons
- Partners with sourcing agents will charge service fees or commissions, which increase the total cost of importing. Hidden costs may also arise if the scope of service is unclear.
- The sourcing process and product quality mostly depend on the agents’ expertise and credibility.
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Use online B2B e-commerce platforms
Some popular platforms include Alibaba, VinaSources, Global Sources, and Made in China. These platforms allow buyers to browse many suppliers at once and quickly compare product options.
Pros
- Users can access a wide range of suppliers in one place.
- Users can save time when comparing prices, materials, and product designs since everything is displayed on one platform.
- Reduce the risk of choosing unreliable suppliers because users can review supplier ratings, certifications, and past transaction history.
Cons
- Even with verification systems, there are still bad ones or even scams.
- Fake certifications can occur. Some suppliers upload scanned documents that are expired, modified, or fake.
- Product quality can be inconsistent because images and listings on online sourcing platforms often do not accurately reflect the actual product.
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Visit trade shows
Trade shows are effective events for discovering footwear suppliers, reviewing product samples, and meeting factory representatives directly. These events help buyers verify capabilities in person and build stronger business relationships. Some popular footwear sourcing trade shows in Vietnam: Vietnam International Footwear and Leather Exhibition, Global Sourcing, VIFA Expo, etc.
Pros
- Buyers can see product fabric shoe samples in person, which helps evaluate materials, stitching, comfort, and overall finish.
- Direct conversations allow buyers to understand factory capacity, lead times, and customization abilities more accurately.
- Trade shows help build trust and long-term relationships between buyers and suppliers.
Cons
- Attending trade shows requires significant investment, including travel, accommodation, visas, and registration fees.
- Trade shows take place on fixed dates, which limits scheduling flexibility. Buyers may need to wait several months for the next event.
How to import fabric shoes from Vietnam
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Define product requirements
You should research your market and target customers to understand their needs. Understanding buyer preferences will help you request the right features from manufacturers.
When submitting a product request, you should clearly specify the following details:
- Shoe type (men’s shoes, women’s shoes, children’s shoes, or sports shoes)
- Size range that fits your market (for example, EU 40 to 44 or US 7 to 11, including half sizes when required)
- Preferred colors with Pantone codes or reference samples
- Upper material (canvas, cotton, or mesh)
- Insole material and thickness (4 to 5 mm, depending on comfort requirements)
- Outsole material (rubber, EVA, or TPR)
- Inner lining material (cotton, mesh, or leather)
- Packaging instructions, including shoe box design, inserts, and labeling
- Required labels such as brand logo, barcode sticker, or quality assurance labels
A good specifications sheet may include the top materials used in manufacturing the shoe, lining materials, insole, outsole, insole thickness, Pantone colors, and the full size chart for production. This helps factories understand your expectations and produce accurate samples.
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Shortlist suppliers
As mentioned above, there are many ways to find reliable suppliers, such as working with sourcing agents, using online B2B platforms, or contacting commercial service companies in Vietnam that can search on your behalf.
To ensure success when importing fabric shoes from Vietnam, it is necessary to communicate with reliable shoe suppliers, avoid misunderstandings, and reduce the risk of fraud.
You can assess the credibility of a supplier by:
- Looking at the reputation of the company they work for. Most credible suppliers have official websites where you can review company details, product catalogs, and customer feedback.
- Ask the supplier about the clients they have previously worked with. This helps confirm their real experience in the footwear industry.
- Requesting the supplier’s business licenses and compliance certificates, such as ISO, SGS, CE, or other relevant test reports.
After identifying reliable suppliers, you must communicate with more than one supplier, negotiate all details, and get quotations from each one. This process helps you choose the supplier that offers the best value and fits your business needs.
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Request samples
Requesting samples is a crucial step to evaluate product quality before placing a bulk order. Examine the materials, stitching, outsole bonding, and overall construction to confirm the supplier can meet your standards.
If you notice any issues or want adjustments, you should provide clear feedback to the supplier. This helps refine the sample and ensures the final mass production matches your expectations.
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Negotiate terms
Once you are satisfied with the samples, it is essential to negotiate clear and detailed terms with the supplier. All agreements should be documented in a formal legal contract to protect both parties.
Key points to include:
- Product specifications: Clarify all product details, such as materials, colors, sizes, stitching, packaging, and labeling.
- Production plan and lead time: Specify production start date, major milestones, and expected delivery date.
- Payment terms: Define the payment method, currency, deposit amount, and payment timing.
- Incoterms: Clearly define responsibilities for shipping, insurance, and customs clearance (e.g, FOB, CIF, DDP)
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Quality control
Ensuring strict quality control is a crucial step when importing fabric shoes from Vietnam. Proper quality management can help you identify defects or non-compliance issues that could cause financial losses or shipment delays. By thoroughly verifying every detail during mass production, you can prevent quality problems and safeguard your import project.
If you cannot visit the factory in person, you can work with third-party inspection companies. These firms provide services such as quality testing, factory audits, and production monitoring to make sure your products stay consistent and meet your standards.
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Custom duties, tariffs, and import taxes
To ensure the import process proceeds smoothly, you should prepare all key documents in advance. These include:
- Packing list
- Bill of lading
- Certificate of origin
- Commercial invoice
- Purchase contract
You also need to calculate the import taxes required for your shipment. These taxes depend on several factors, such as:
- The total value of the goods, including insurance and shipping fees
- The description of the products
- The country or region of origin
- The destination country’s tariff rates
- The HS code applied to the goods
Tariff rates vary from one country to another. Vietnam has signed multiple trade agreements with major markets, and many footwear products can qualify for reduced tariffs or even 0% preferential rates when entering FTA (free trade agreement) member countries. However, even when tariffs are reduced, buyers must still pay the relevant import taxes and customs duties required by the destination country.
To make the process easier, you can hire a local customs clearance agent. They can handle paperwork, calculate import duties, and ensure your shipment complies with all regulations, helping to minimize delays and unexpected costs.
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Plan logistics
The time it takes to ship imported fabric shoes from Vietnam depends on several factors, including your country and exact location, the shipping method, and your supplier’s processing time.
You can choose from different shipping options depending on your order size and urgency.
- Air freight offers fast delivery and is suitable for smaller orders or urgent shipments, but the cost is higher.
- Ocean freight is more cost-effective for large orders, although it takes longer due to longer transit times.
Typical MOQ, lead times for importing fabric shoes
For fabric shoes, a typical MOQ (minimum order quantity) ranges from 200 to 1,000 units, depending on the supplier, product type, and even color or size. Sometimes, manufacturers may require higher MOQs for smaller sizes or more complex designs.
Lead times also vary. Small to medium orders usually take 30-45 days, while larger or customized orders may require 60 days or more. Besides, during peak seasons, production may take longer due to higher order volumes.
It’s important to plan and keep clear communication with the supplier to avoid overstocking and unexpected delays.
How VinaSources supports fabric shoe importers?
To begin importing fabric shoes from Vietnam, you can visit VinaSources for complete sourcing information. With years of experience in cross-border e-commerce, supply chain management, and manufacturer sourcing, our team helps streamline every step of the process.
On VinaSources, we offer a wide selection of footwear categories and suppliers, giving you many options to find the right partner for your business. All suppliers on the platform are carefully vetted for quality, export readiness, and compliance with international standards. This helps you make faster and more confident sourcing decisions.
In addition, VinaSources also provides end-to-end support, including quality control services, logistics coordination, and export compliance guidance, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience.
Ready to elevate your sourcing journey? Call 1900 4356 or fill out the quotation form to receive full support from our experienced team and connect with reliable Vietnamese footwear manufacturers.