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footwear manufacturing in mexico

Footwear manufacturing in Mexico has 400 years of history. The State of Guanajuato is the leading footwear manufacturing Mexican state, representing 70% of the domestic footwear production.

According to data provided in 2011 by INEGI (The National Institute of Statistics and Geography) and CICEG (Mexican Footwear Chamber), Mexico has 7,981 footwear manufacturers producing an average of 244 million pairs of shoes.

Footwear manufacturing in Mexico advantages

We have listed a total of 6 advantages to manufacture footwear in Mexico.

1. Favorable location

Leon City and Guanajuato State is well connected through highways with the rest of the country. Mexico’s infrastructure and roads are of a high standard. There are currently 45 USA-Mexico border crossings with 330 ports of entry.

Guanajuato has an international airport with 250 weekly inbound flights from main cities in Mexico. It receives direct international flights from USA cities such as Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago, Dallas among others.

Shipments from Mexico can arrive to USA in 2 or 3 days. In other Latin American countries shipments take around one week. Shipments to Europe take around 10 days.

2. Free trade agreement with 44 countries

Free trade agreements are a huge advantage for footwear manufacturing in Mexico. International companies can import Mexican footwear with 0% customs duty, giving buyers the opportunity to be more price competitive.

Countries with free trade agreement with Mexico are: United States, Canada, Japan, Iceland, Norway, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Colombia, Costa Rica, Uruguay, Chile, El salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Perú, Israel and the entire European Union. Mexico is currently in negotiations with the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPP) with Australia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, United States, Malaysia, New Zealand, Peru, Singapore and Vietnam.

3. Quality Programs and International Certification

Many Mexican companies are involved in quality certification programs and international standards to ensure high quality in footwear manufacturing in Mexico. Many famous brands are manufactured in Mexico, for example: Nike, Converse, Crocs, Steve Madden, Skechers, New Balance, Zappos, Dockers, Justin Boots, Pikolinos, Sorel, Levis, Lacrosse, Bosi, Frye, Itochu, Aldo, Zara, Nine West among others. These brands have been gaining trust in mexican shoes quality.

4. Different and highly specialized footwear manufacturing systems

You will find a broad range of footwear styles and constructions:

  • Goodyear Welt
  • Opanka
  • California
  • Hand Sown
  • Cemented
  • Vulcanized
  • Moccasin
  • Full Plastic
  • Stitched
  • Direct Attached

5. Companies of many sizes

In the Mexican footwear industry you will find companies from different sizes for your production volume needs. You can order small quantities without a problem. Footwear manufacturing in Mexico will adapt to your specific needs.

6. Specialized in leather shoes

The main Mexican footwear exports are high quality leather shoes. Every year since 2010, leather footwear exports have increased an average of 15%. In Guanajuato there are 696 tanneries providing leather to footwear manufacturers. Tanneries help mexican footwear manufacturers have raw material so they can keep increasing leather shoes exports.

Please write your comments below if you are interested in manufacturing in Mexico. Contact us if you need help finding a footwear or leather goods manufacturer.

30 Comments

  • Irfan Mughal says:

    Hello,

    I am looking for manufacturer of medical pediatric shoes, diabetic shoes, medical ladies sleeper with removable insole options.

    Thank you,

    Irfan M

  • Ruth says:

    I emailed several times and no one has responded to me… I just need some information about finding a manufacturer

    • Fuad Dawabeh says:

      Hello Ruth,
      Thank you for contacting us. I already sent you an email requesting more information about your project. Let me know if you received it. Regards.

  • Hello,
    I am a VP of footwear for Tory Burch, and I am interested in exploring making some shoes in Mexico, where I have worked before with other brands.
    Do the factory codes 0514 and /or 0516 correspond to any manufacturers that you know!?
    I think they might be good resources for us, since they do Goodyear welt, etc.
    Thank you in advance for any information!
    Sincerely, Miranda Morrison

    • Fuad Dawabeh says:

      Hello Miranda,
      We do not identify factories with codes. We know several manufacturers that work with goodyear welt footwear construction in Mexico. We’ll be glad to help you find a goodyear welt footwear construction manufacturer. I will send you an email requesting more information about your project. Thank you.

  • Y. Guzman says:

    Hello there, could your team help connect me with a shoe manufacturer in Leon? I am seeking to manufacture high end children shoes (leather moccasin design). I am familiar with factories in China but not in Mexico, please help.

    Thank you

  • Rhett Sander says:

    Hello i am looking for a manufacturer in Mexico that can make quality flip flops, huaraches and possibly other styles of shoes but do the soles in recycled tires like the true old school ones used to be. Also, if leather uppers could be created out of recycled leather as well it would be a plus. Thanks

    • Fuad Dawabeh says:

      Hi Rhett. It will be difficult to find soles made of recycled tires in Mexico. However, there are other materials for soles that are very similar to the recycled tire soles you want. Leather uppers can be made out of scrap leather, and leather insoles can be made of recycled leather. If you need more information please send an email to info@mexicofootwear.com

  • To whom it may concern,
    Hi, my name is Joseph Maddux. I am looking for a manufacturer of \”slide sandals,\” to make them for a project in Chicago.
    Initially, I would like a smaller order (300-600). They should be made in polymer-type materials.
    I am looking to fill and order before June 30, 2018.
    I look forward to hearing from you.

    Sincerely,
    Joseph Maddux

  • Hello I am interested in looking for a production facility in Mexico that can produce my product. We sell orthopedically correct shoes sandals and clogs. Can someone get me in touch with a factory that works will leather and polyurethane?

  • Emily Claire says:

    Hello,
    I am looking to produce a high quality leather boot. I have my own designer and can also work with an in house team. I would like to use as many sustainable and recycled materials as possible. Are you able to connect me with some factories as a starting point? Thank you very much.

  • Lola says:

    Hi
    I am an entrepreneur looking for a manufacturer for leather female sandals and slippers,all designs are flat at the moment.Kindly help in meeting someone that can make my designs,Thank you.

    • Fuad Dawabeh says:

      Hi Lola, we can help you find leather female sandals and slippers. You need to specify the materials, order quantity, price range, and other information of your project. Please send the information of your project to info@mexicofootwear.com

  • I need a shoe manufacturer for my recently launched brand. Minimum 500 high quality leather athletic shoes

  • Nigma Farha says:

    I wanted to know if I design shoes can you guys make them? how much would it cost?

    • Fuad Dawabeh says:

      Hello Nigma, I sent you an email requesting more information about your project. If you send your designs to footwear manufacturers, they can make your shoes. The cost depends on the type of footwear and type of materials. Developing new designs requires several months of work. The amount of investment you must make depends on the type of footwear you want.

  • Jordyn McCaa says:

    Hello im looking for resources in Mexico who can manufacture children’s shoes including leather, lycra and including zippers, velcrow, and customizing options for width. I appreciate the help! Thank you!

    • Fuad Dawabeh says:

      Hello Jordyn, I already sent you an email requesting more information about your project. We’ll be glad to help you.

  • Marlvin Hunter says:

    Hello, I have a shoe design for a high quality high fashion men’s casual shoe. I’m looking for a manufacturer to make samples and possibly be my source of production going forward. Can you help connect me ?

  • Anthony says:

    I am looking for a manufacturer for Leather flip flop sandals.

    Please contact me at your earliest convenience.

    Regards,

    Anthony

  • Lance Todd says:

    I am a Canadian insole company that is looking to move my manufacturing back to Mexico, the U.S. or Canada.
    Any help or introductions that you could provide would be appreciated.
    Lance

    • Fuad Dawabeh says:

      Dear Lance,
      Thank you for reaching out. We understand the importance of relocating manufacturing operations and are here to assist you with your insole production move.
      Our team at Mexico Footwear Agency has extensive experience in facilitating manufacturing transitions to Mexico. We can provide you with comprehensive assistance and introductions to ensure a smooth process.
      To further discuss your specific needs and explore how we can best support your move, please feel free to send an email to info@mexicofootwear.com. I will also follow up with a detailed email outlining our services and addressing any questions you may have.
      We look forward to the opportunity to assist you in relocating your manufacturing operations to Mexico.

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