Working with factories / Buyer guides

How do I write an RFQ for a footwear factory?

Specify the last and size run, upper material, sole type and material, construction method (cemented, vulcanised or stitched), insole and size grading, with quantities per colour and size, target price, Incoterm and delivery country. Construction and the last drive both cost and tooling.

Last updated: October 2026 · Guide by Innovtex

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Copy paste RFQ template

Subject: RFQ - [Brand name] - Footwear

Brand:
Website or Instagram:
Footwear type:
Number of styles:
Quantity per style:
Quantity per colour:
Last (existing or new):
Size run:
Size grading:
Upper material:
Sole type and material:
Construction method (cemented, vulcanised, stitched):
Insole:
Design files (sketch, tech pack, AI render or photo):
Labels and packaging (box, tissue):
Target unit price:
Incoterm (FOB or DDP):
Delivery country:
Target delivery date:
Certifications required:

Thanks,
[Name]

1. Define the last and size run

The last is the foot shaped form the shoe is built on. Say whether you will use an existing factory last or need a new one, and list the size run (for example EU sizes) and how quantities are graded across it.

2. Specify upper and sole

State the upper material (leather type, suede, knit, canvas or synthetic) and the sole type and material (for example rubber, EVA). Note whether the sole is an existing mould or a custom design, since custom soles need moulds.

3. Choose the construction method

Cemented construction glues the upper to the sole. Vulcanised construction bonds rubber with heat, common for canvas sneakers. Stitched construction sews the sole on for durability and repairability. Each changes cost, look and lead time.

4. Insole, labels and packaging

Specify insole material and any branding, inside labels, boxes and tissue.

5. Price, Incoterm and delivery

Give target unit price, quantities per colour and size, Incoterm, delivery country and date, and certifications.

FOB or DDP: who pays for what

FOB (Free On Board) means the factory price covers the goods loaded at the port of export. From that point you arrange and pay for freight, insurance, import duties, taxes and customs clearance, usually through your own freight forwarder.

DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) means the quoted price includes delivery to your door with duties paid and customs cleared. You pay one figure and receive the goods. Always state which Incoterm you want, otherwise two quotes cannot be compared fairly.

Why sample costs are separate from the bulk price

Development and samples cost money because the factory makes patterns, sources small quantities of material and sews or assembles pieces one at a time. That work is billed separately from bulk production and is not deducted from the bulk order.

A unit price quoted before sampling is an estimate. The final unit price is only fixed once the final sample locks the specification: materials, components, measurements, labels and packaging. Any change after that can change the price.

RFQ checklist

Check these before sending.

What to include	Why the factory needs it
Last	A new last means development and tooling cost
Size run and grading	Each size needs patterns and possibly sole moulds
Upper material	Major cost and sourcing driver
Sole type and material	Custom soles need moulds
Construction method	Determines equipment and labour
Insole	Affects comfort and cost
Quantity per colour and size	Material minimums and mould use
Incoterm and delivery country	Defines freight and duty responsibility

Common mistakes that delay quotes

Not stating whether a new last or sole mould is needed. Giving a total quantity without size breakdown. Leaving the construction method open. Approving fit on one size only.

Questions before you choose

What is a shoe last?

The foot shaped form a shoe is built around. It defines fit and shape, so it is the first decision in footwear development.

What is the difference between cemented and vulcanised shoes?

Cemented shoes have the sole glued to the upper; vulcanised shoes bond rubber to the upper with heat, typical for canvas sneakers.

Why does a custom sole cost more?

A custom sole needs its own moulds, usually per size, which is a development cost.

Are footwear samples paid separately?

Yes. Development and samples are paid separately and are not credited against bulk production.

When is the footwear unit price final?

Once the final sample locks the last, materials, sole and construction.

Does Innovtex manufacture footwear?

Yes. Send your RFQ to sales@innovtex.com.

Send your RFQ to Innovtex

Email your brief to sales@innovtex.com or book a call. Innovtex manufactures in China, Spain, Vietnam and Honduras and handles sampling, bulk production, quality control and delivery. MOQs start at 50 to 100 units depending on category and material.

Send your RFQ to Innovtex Book a Call