Questions to ask sneaker manufacturers
Sole platform and development
Which sole units or cupsole programmes can this style use, and what are the MOQs for each?
Stock soles are the fastest path to sane MOQs. Custom rubber usually means mould fees and higher bulk. Ask to see the sole catalogue early.
What does sampling include: 3D, CNC, single cavity mould, or shared mould?
Sampling fidelity affects how much bulk can change. Listen for whether the sample sole compound matches bulk and who approves the shrinkage.
Who owns moulds and CAD after the project—us or the factory?
Ownership affects portability if you switch factories. Get it in writing before you pay tooling.
Uppers, materials, and MOQ
What is the MOQ for each upper material (knit, mesh, leather) and each colour?
Knit and jacquard often have yarn MOQs; leather has hide yield. Strong suppliers break this down without hand-waving.
Can we share materials across multiple styles to hit minimums?
Good factories suggest consolidations. If they cannot, they should explain which vendor drives the floor.
How do you handle embroidery, TPU, and welded overlays?
Each decoration may carry placement minimums. Ask for decoration MOQ separate from shoe MOQ.
Timeline, testing, and production
What is the critical path from approved upper and sole samples to ex-factory?
You want dependencies named: material buy, mould readiness, line trial, bulk cutting. Sneaker delays usually hide in material or mould queues.
Which wear, slip, or chemical tests do you run in-house vs. third-party labs?
Match tests to your retail market. Ask typical fail modes and whether retests are included.
How do you manage size runs and unbalanced curves?
Some factories cap small sizes or require minimums per size. Clarify before you lock grading.
