Contact Sales
Sign Up
Login
back icon

Back

Footwear

Footwear Inspection Checklist and Template

Footwear is a vital accessory that not only protects our feet but also complements our style. From sneakers to sandals, there are various subcategories to suit different needs and preferences. Quality and user experience play a crucial role in ensuring customer satisfaction. While Asian manufacturing countries like China and Vietnam are known for their cost-effective production, there can be potential quality risks. Thorough Quality Control and Due Diligence are essential to mitigate these risks. By prioritizing quality and user experience, product buyers and QC professionals can ensure that the footwear they source from Asia meets the highest standards.

Footwear Inspection

What to look for when inspecting Footwear?

  • Upper material check
  • Sole material check
  • Stitching check
  • Glue check
  • Color compare check (pair of shoes)
  • Logo (position, colors, appearance)
  • Laces quantity check
  • Insole check
  • Outsole check
  • Heel check
  • Toe cap check
  • Size label check
  • Packaging integrity check
  • Smell test
  • Function check (if applicable)
Checkpoints Icon

32+ Checkpoints for inspection used by top retailers.

Instructions Icon

Step-by-step instructions for performance and mechanical tests

Satisfied Customer Icon

99.7% fully satisfied customer with over 200+ clients

Dinesh Kumar

Dinesh Kumar

Based in Tamil Nadu, India, Dinesh specializes in softlines including textiles, fabrics, garments, and home textiles. His expertise ensures meticulous and up-to-date inspection criteria, reflecting industry best practices to maintain product integrity throughout the supply chain.

General Inspection Process

  1. Check for any visible defects or damages on the upper material of the footwear.
  2. Inspect the stitching to ensure it is secure and evenly done.
  3. Look for any signs of discoloration or fading on the material.
  4. Check the laces or straps for any fraying or weakness.
  5. Examine the sole for any signs of wear or unevenness.
  6. Ensure that the sole is securely attached to the upper material.
  7. Check the tread pattern on the sole for any signs of damage or wear.
  8. Inspect the insole for any signs of peeling or detachment.
  9. Look for any loose threads or excess glue on the footwear.
  10. Check the size and fit of the footwear to ensure it matches the labeled size.
  11. Examine the toe box for any signs of deformation or discomfort.
  12. Check the heel area for any signs of instability or unevenness.
  13. Inspect the padding and cushioning inside the footwear for any signs of wear or flattening.
  14. Look for any signs of odor or unusual smells.
  15. Check the flexibility of the footwear by bending it gently.
  16. Inspect the eyelets or hooks for any signs of rust or damage.
  17. Look for any signs of stretching or deformation in the material.
  18. Check the overall weight of the footwear to ensure it is not excessively heavy.
  19. Examine the branding or logos on the footwear for any signs of misalignment or fading.
  20. Ensure that all fastenings, such as zippers or Velcro, are in proper working condition.

Compliance & Lab Standards for Footwear

When importing Footwear from suppliers in China, Asia, or other global regions, making sure your products meet the right compliance standards and lab testing requirements is critical. Failing to comply with U.S., EU, or international regulations can result in customs delays, product recalls, or serious damage to your brand reputation. As your boutique QC partner, we help you think ahead.
Below are the key mandatory and recommended standards to keep your shipments compliant, safe, and trusted.
United States

Mandatory

  • CPSIA: Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act requires testing for harmful substances in children’s products.
  • Flammability Standards: Requires testing to ensure textiles meet flammability requirements.
  • Labeling Requirements: Includes fiber content, country of origin, and care instructions.

Recommended

  • AATCC Test Methods: Evaluates colorfastness and fabric performance.
  • ASTM Standards: Tests for material properties and safety in footwear.
European Union

Mandatory

  • REACH Regulation: Restricts chemicals used in textiles and footwear.
  • CE Marking: Required for specific products to indicate conformity with health, safety, and environmental protection standards.
  • Textile Labeling Regulation: Requires accurate labeling of fiber composition.

Recommended

  • OEKO-TEX Standard 100: Tests for harmful substances in textiles.
  • EN ISO Standards: Evaluates safety and performance of footwear.
United Kingdom

Mandatory

  • UK REACH: Similar to EU REACH, regulates chemicals in products.
  • UKCA Marking: Required post-Brexit for certain products to ensure compliance with UK regulations.
  • Textile Products (Labelling and Fibre Composition) Regulations: Requires accurate labeling of textiles.

Recommended

  • BSI Standards: Offers guidelines on safety and performance for textiles and footwear.
  • OEKO-TEX Standard 100: Tests for harmful substances in textiles.
Canada

Mandatory

  • CCPSA: Canada Consumer Product Safety Act regulates safety of consumer products, including textiles.
  • Textile Labelling Act: Mandates accurate labeling of fiber content and care instructions.

Recommended

  • CAN/CGSB Standards: Offers guidelines on performance and safety for textiles and footwear.
  • OEKO-TEX Standard 100: Tests for harmful substances in textiles.
Australia

Mandatory

  • ACCC Regulations: Australian Competition and Consumer Commission requires compliance with safety standards.
  • Textile Product Labeling: Requires accurate fiber content and care labeling.

Recommended

  • AS/NZS Standards: Evaluates safety and performance of textiles and footwear.
  • OEKO-TEX Standard 100: Tests for harmful substances in textiles.
Gulf Countries

Mandatory

  • GSO Standards: Gulf Standardization Organization requires compliance with regional safety and quality standards.
  • Labeling Requirements: Includes country of origin and care instructions.

Recommended

  • SASO Standards: Offers guidelines on performance and safety for textiles and footwear.
Singapore

Mandatory

  • CPSA: Consumer Protection (Safety Requirements) Regulations mandates safety standards for consumer products.
  • Textile Labeling: Requires accurate fiber content and country of origin labeling.

Recommended

  • SPRING Singapore Standards: Provides guidelines for quality and safety in textiles and footwear.
  • OEKO-TEX Standard 100: Tests for harmful substances in textiles.
Hong Kong

Mandatory

  • TDO: Trade Descriptions Ordinance requires accurate labeling and description of products.
  • Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance: Mandates general safety of consumer products.

Recommended

  • HK Standards and Testing Centre: Offers testing for product safety and quality.
  • OEKO-TEX Standard 100: Tests for harmful substances in textiles.
Need more details on Footwear Checklist?
Footwear

What is inside this checklist

  • Adhesion test
  • Flexing resistance test
  • Abrasion resistance test
  • Slip resistance test
  • Tensile strength test
  • Tear strength test
  • Colorfastness test
  • Water resistance test
  • Sole hardness test
  • Stitching strength test

More About Our Services

Factory Audit

Factory Audit

Qualify your suppliers and inspect your products according to your specifications and local regulatory standards.
Ensure compliance before shipping from your suppliers.

Learn More

Product Inspection

Product Inspection

Ordering products from a supplier in China might present real risks. For this reason, it is critical to confirm your specifications and regulatory standards are met before your goods are shipped.

Learn More

Trusted Worldwide

We inspect products for the world-leading brands and marketplaces.