Your design, developed with our partner shoemakers.
For founders with an original design. From a sketch or a reference shoe, we build the tech pack with you, select the last and materials, and bring in the right partner maker. We then direct the sample rounds until the fit and finish are right. Every design is different, so timing and cost are set out in a written proposal.
Updated
At a glance
- Who it is for
- Founders and brands with their own design
- You bring
- A sketch, photos or a reference shoe
- We prepare
- Tech pack, material and colour specs, branding placements
- Sample rounds, timing, cost
- Agreed in your written proposal
What a factory needs to quote and sample.
We build the tech pack with you from your sketch or reference. Ownership is set out in your written proposal.
Technical drawings
Side, top and sole views with the key measurements.
Materials and components
Upper, lining, insole, outsole, heel and hardware, each specified.
Colourways
Colour references for each material in each colourway.
Construction
How the shoe is lasted, stitched and soled.
Branding placements
Insole, outsole, heel, tongue and hangtag artwork with sizes and positions.
Packaging
Box, dust bag, tissue and labels.
How we work together.
Six steps, and nothing proceeds without your approval.
Share the brief
A few lines on the product, the quantities and the timing. We reply with considered questions.
See it as yours
We shortlist styles, materials and partner makers, and show your name or logo on them.
A clear proposal
Minimums, sample time, lead time and every cost, per piece, in writing.
Approve the sample
Samples are made by the partner maker to your brief. You review fit, finish and branding.
Production, overseen
Production begins after your approval. We follow it with the maker through to shipping.
Launch
Photography, line sheets, your store or wholesale set-up, with our brand and marketing partners.
Private label or your own design?
- Private label
- Starts from an existing style. You change the branding, materials and colours. Usually the faster route. Private label shoes
- Custom development
- Starts from your design. Needs a tech pack, a last and often new moulds. More time, more originality.
- Both
- Launch on private label styles, then develop your own design for a later season.
Related services.
Frequently asked.
What is a footwear tech pack?
The document a factory builds from: technical drawings, measurements, materials and components, colours, construction, branding placements and packaging. Without one, quotes and samples vary from maker to maker.
Do I need my own last?
Every shoe is built on a last, the foot-shaped form that sets fit and shape. Many designs start from a maker’s existing last; a new last adds time and cost. We tell you which applies before sampling.
Can you work from a sketch?
Yes. A sketch, photos or a reference shoe is enough to start. We turn it into a tech pack with you.
How many sample rounds will I need?
Plan for more than one: the first sample settles shape and materials, later rounds settle fit and finish. The number of rounds is agreed in your quote.
Is private label faster?
Usually, because the style, last and moulds already exist. If speed matters more than an original design, start with private label shoes and develop your own style for a later season.
Tell us what you have in mind.
A few lines is enough: the product, the quantities and the timing. We reply by email, then send a written proposal with minimums and timing for each piece.
- We reply by email with considered questions.
- You receive a written proposal, per piece.
- Nothing proceeds until you approve a sample.
Marcel Afters, our own label, was built this way. See the case study.
Prefer email? hello@socelle.com