Leather & PU Footwear (Dress/Casual)

Product scope: Oxfords, Derbies, loafers, boots, mules, ballerinas, moccasins; PU fashion shoes.

Materials & construction

• Uppers: Full-/top-grain bovine/buffalo, nubuck/suede, corrected grain; microfiber/PU (solvent-free options).
  
• Linings/insocks: Sheep/cow split, microfiber, mesh; latex/EVA foam.
  
• Constructions: Cemented, Blake, stitch-down, Goodyear welt (premium), California.
  
• Soles/midsoles: TPR, rubber, PU (direct-injected or poured), EVA/Phylon, leather, TPU inserts.
  
• Counters/toe puffs: Thermoplastic/fiberboard; shanks: steel/nylon.
  

Compliance & tests

• Restricted substances: Chromium VI, azo dyes, formaldehyde, DMFa, phthalates, PAHs (REACH/Prop-65 where applicable).
  
• Physical: Bond/peel strength, flex (Bennewart), abrasion (DIN/NBS), hardness (Shore A/D), color rub (dry/wet), hydrolysis (PU), slip (SRA/SRB).
  

MOQ & lead time

• Leather/PU: 600–1,200 pairs/style/colour • 55–75 days after PP & materials.
  

Price drivers

• Leather grade & cut yield, construction (Goodyear > Blake > cemented), outsole (rubber > TPR/EVA), lining type, hand-sewn details, branded components, packing (dust bags/boxes).
  

QC checkpoints

• Upper grain/finish uniformity, vamp/toe symmetry on last, stitch SPI & alignment, outsole adhesion (peel), heel height & alignment, size/fit trials vs last spec, color/shade matching, weight pair matching.
  

RFQ checklist

• Style & construction • Upper/lining spec • Sole type/compound • Last profile & size run • Insole/footbed • Stitching/edge spec • Branding (emboss/foil/metal) • Packaging • Tests/compliance • Target FOB & Incoterm.
  

Sneakers / Athleisure

Product scope: Lifestyle cupsole, vulcanized, running/walking, court, knit uppers, slip-ons.

Materials & construction

• Uppers: Engineered mesh/knit, PU/microfiber, split suede, synthetic leather.
  
• Sole systems: Cupsole rubber, EVA/Phylon midsole + rubber outsole, TPU heel clips; vulcanized foxing.
  
• Lasting: Strobel (athletic), board-lasted (cupsole), California (slip-ons).
  

Compliance & tests

• Abrasion (DIN), flex (whole shoe), outsole slip (SRA), bond strength, lace pull, eyelet tear, restricted substances (REACH/Prop-65). Kids: CPSIA.
  

MOQ & lead time

• 800–2,000 pairs/style/colour • 50–70 days after PP.
  

Price drivers

• Midsole tech (EVA/Phylon density), rubber coverage %, knit vs cut-&-sew upper, branded zips/TPU parts, printed patterns, molded counters.
  

QC checkpoints

• Midsole–outsole bond, outsole rubber thickness/wear points, upper pattern symmetry, toe spring/heel pitch, knit defect rate, lace stay reinforcement, in-shoe comfort (hot spots).
  

RFQ checklist

• Use-case (lifestyle/running), stack heights & weight target, upper material map, sole construction, last fit (toe box width), colorways, branding placements, tests, packaging.
  

Sandals / Slides / Flip-Flops

Product scope: PU/leather sandals, cork/EVA footbeds, EVA flip-flops, sport slides, comfort sandals.

Materials & construction

• Uppers/straps: Leather, microfiber/PU, webbing, neoprene.
  
• Footbeds: Molded EVA, cork-latex, memory foam, microfiber cover.
  
• Outsoles: EVA, rubber, TPR; stitched or cemented; welt-look options.
  

Compliance & tests

• Slip resistance (SRA/SRB), strap pull, bond strength, flex, hardness, restricted substances (phthalates, PAHs, DMFa), color rub (wet/dry).
  

MOQ & lead time

• 600–1,200 pairs/style/colour • 45–60 days after PP.
  

Price drivers

• Footbed (cork-latex > EVA), leather vs PU straps, metal hardware, molded logos, stitching, packaging.
  

QC checkpoints

• Strap pull strength, toe-post integrity, footbed–outsole adhesion, surface defects/warping, pair weight/fit, logo registration.
  

RFQ checklist

• Strap materials & colors, footbed spec (shape/cover), outsole compound/pattern, size run, hardware finish, branding, tests, packaging.
  

Safety Shoes / Industrial (EN/ASTM)

Product scope: Low/ankle/hi-top safety, welders’ boots, metatarsal guard, ESD/antistatic, electrical hazard (EH), waterproof variants.

Standards & classifications

• EU: EN ISO 20345: S1/S1P/S2/S3/S4/S5; slip rating SRA/SRB/SRC; ESD per EN IEC 61340.
  
• US: ASTM F2413-18/-23: Impact (I/75), Compression (C/75), EH, PR (puncture resistant), MT (metatarsal), SD (static dissipative).
  

Core specs

• Toecaps: Steel, aluminum, or composite (fiberglass/carbon).
  
• Midsoles: Steel plate or textile (Kevlar®-type) for P rating.
  
• Uppers: Full-grain/barton leather, microfiber/PU, water-resistant nubuck; ballistic mesh panels.
  
• Soles: Dual-density PU/PU, PU/TPU, rubber/PU; heat-resistant (HRO) options; oil/fuel resistant.
  
• Linings: Moisture-wicking mesh, Cambrelle®-type; padded collars/tongues.
  
• Features: ESD/EH constructions, reflective tapes, ankle support, metatarsal guards, composite shanks.
  

Validation & tests

• Toe impact/compression, puncture resistance, slip (SRC), fuel/oil, heat (HRO), cold flex, hydrolysis (PU), abrasion (DIN), outsole electrical (ESD/EH), water penetration (WR/WRU), seam strength, bond/peel.
  

MOQ & lead time

• 800–1,500 pairs/style/colour • 60–90 days (components & certification builds drive timing).
  

Price drivers

• Cap type (composite > steel), PR plate (textile > steel), sole system (rubber/PU > PU/PU), WR membranes, ESD/EH builds, metatarsal guards, certified third-party testing.
  

QC checkpoints

• Cap centering & clearance, PR plate coverage, slip test samples, outsole hardness & thickness, bond strength, water-resistance outcomes, in-shoe comfort, size/weight consistency, labeling per standard.
  

Safety RFQ checklist

• Standard & class (e.g., EN 20345 S3 SRC ESD) • Toecap & PR type • Upper & lining spec • Sole system • EH/ESD/WR/HRO needs • Size run • Color/branding • Required test reports/certificates • Packaging & labeling • Target FOB.
  

India sourcing notes (clusters)

• Leather & safety: Kanpur, Agra, Kolkata, Chennai/Ambur–Ranipet (Vellore belt).
  
• Sneakers/athleisure & sandals: Delhi-NCR/Noida, Bengaluru, Tiruppur, Mumbai/Pune/Nashik (sports, corporate, export hubs).
  

Inspections & QA plan

• DUPRO (30–60%): Upper cutting/yield, component conformity (caps/PR), outsole adhesion, size set fit, stitching SPI, hydrolysis cycle logs for PU.
  
• PSI: AQL 2.5/4.0; peel tests, slip result review, pair weight/measurements, carton drop tests, needle control.
  

Packaging & labeling

• Tissue/bag + desiccant (no DMF), size stickers, barcode/UPC/EAN, standard marks (EN/ASTM icons for safety), carton ECT/BCT, humidity-controlled packing for PU.
  

Organic Cotton / GOTS

Scope: Single jersey, interlock, rib, fleece, French terry, poplin, twill, sateen, canvas; garments & home textiles.

Materials & specs

• Yarn counts: Ne 20s–40s (knits), Ne 40s–80s (wovens fine); combed/compact; slub/mélange options.
  
• GSM: 120–220 (knits), 110–180 (shirt-weight wovens), 220–400 (bottoms/canvas).
  
• Finishes: Bio/enzymes, low-impact softeners, silicone, peaching, G2/ozone/foam where available; no restricted auxiliaries per GOTS.
  

Certification & claims

• GOTS chain-of-custody (TC for each shipment); input, processing, and labeling all certified.
  
• OCS if only content claim is needed (less stringent processing than GOTS).
  
• On-product labeling follows GOTS label grades (Made with X% Organic vs Organic).
  

MOQ & lead time

• Greige/stock programs: 300–800 m/colour; custom dyed/print: 800–2,000 m/design.
  
• 35–55 days ex PP; longer for all-over prints with rotary/digital.
  

Price drivers

• Staple length & yarn type (compact > ring), GOTS chemical basket, enzyme/peach finishes, digital prints, low-MOQ dye lots.
  

QC checkpoints

• Fiber content verification (TC), shade consistency, residual shrinkage (AATCC/ISO), pilling (Martindale), spirality (knits), print crocking.
  

India clusters

• Tiruppur/Karur/Erode (knits, home), Gujarat–Surat/Bharuch (wovens, dyeing), Ludhiana (fleece/winter).
  

RFQ checklist (Organic/GOTS)

• Fabric type, yarn count/GSM, dye/print method, hand-feel/finish, GOTS/OCS required, tests (shrink/crock/pill), packaging (FSC swing tags), target FOB.
  

Better Cotton (BCI) / “Better Cotton”

Scope: Same constructions as conventional cotton; ideal for large, staple programs (tees, polos, bed/bath).

Program notes (important)

• Mass-balance system: cotton is physically mixed; do not claim a % of Better Cotton content on-product.
  
• Use approved Better Cotton claims language off-product (e.g., “By choosing this product, you’re supporting…”)—not a content label.
  

Materials & specs

• Yarn counts: Ne 20s–40s; carded/combed; mélange possible.
  
• GSM: 140–220 (knits), 120–200 (wovens).
  

MOQs & lead time

• Similar to conventional: 500–1,500 m/colour; 30–45 days.
  
• Requires supplier membership/credits allocation in the Better Cotton Platform.
  

Price drivers

• Sourcing season, mélange (dope/dye), finishing; minimal premium vs conventional if volume.
  

QC checkpoints

• As conventional cotton; plus documentation of credits (platform transactions) where required by buyer.
  

India clusters

• Tiruppur, Ludhiana, Gujarat (large spinners & knit/woven mills with program membership).
  

RFQ checklist (Better Cotton)

• Fabric map (types/GSM), colorways, finishing, Better Cotton participation & credit handling, tests, packaging, target FOB.
  

Recycled PET (rPET) – GRS/RCS

Scope: Knits (single jersey, fleece), wovens (taffeta, twill, oxford, ripstop), performance meshes, microfibers, softshells.

Materials & specs

• Feedstock: PCR bottles (preferred) or pre-consumer waste; chip → filament/spun yarn.
  
• Yarn: 50D–300D filaments (wovens), 10–40 den microfilaments (peach/microfiber), spun yarns for fleece.
  
• Constructions: 75D/150D mechanical stretch, cationic-dyeable options, dope-dyed colors to reduce water/energy.
  

Certification & claims

• GRS (preferred) or RCS with declared recycled % (e.g., 30/50/100%).
  
• Transaction Certificates required through the chain; on-product claims must match certified content.
  

Performance & finishes

• Wicking, quick-dry, DWR (C0 PFAS-free preferred), anti-microbial (biocide disclosure), brush/peach, bonding/lamination.
  
• Consider microfibre shedding mitigation (tighter weaves, finishes, garment construction).
  

MOQ & lead time

• 500–2,000 m/colour; 40–60 days (dope-dyed may be longer).
  

Price drivers

• PCR content %, dope-dyed vs piece-dyed, denier & weave, DWR type, lamination, GRS chain costs.
  

QC checkpoints

• Recycled % on TC, shade/lot consistency, hydrolysis resistance (for PU laminates), DWR spray ratings, tear/tensile/abrasion (ISO), pilling, dimensional stability.
  

India clusters

• Surat (filament wovens), Bhiwandi (poly knits), Bengaluru/Noida (activewear, bonding).
  

RFQ checklist (rPET)

• Fabric construction & denier, recycled %, certification (GRS/RCS), finishing/DWR, performance tests, color method (dope vs piece dye), packaging & labels, target FOB.
  

Linen / Hemp (Bast Fibres)

Scope: Apparel & home—plain/twill, slub textures, yarn-dyes, blends (linen-cotton/viscose), lightweight to heavy.

Materials & specs

• Linen (flax): Yarn counts Nm 17–50; classic slub character; thermoregulating.
  
• Hemp: Often blended (hemp-cotton 55/45, 30/70); long staple, high tensile.
  
• GSM: 120–220 (shirts/dresses), 180–280 (trousers), 200–450 (home).
  
• Finishes: Enzyme/stone, softening, crushed/washed looks; low-crease resin (formaldehyde-free).
  

Sourcing reality

• Flax/hemp fiber largely imported; India excels at spinning, weaving, processing & stitching.
  
• Blends help price/handfeel; pure hemp has higher MOQs/lead times.
  

MOQs & lead time

• Linen yarn-dyes: 800–1,500 m/color; 45–60 days.
  
• Hemp blends: 1,000–2,000 m; 55–75 days.
  

Price drivers

• Fiber origin/grade (European flax > blended), yarn-dye vs piece-dye, heavy GSM, garment-wash recipes.
  

QC checkpoints

• Slub uniformity, skew/bow control, shrinkage (wash/steam), seam slippage, shade control across panels, linting.
  

India clusters

• Bhagalpur (linen/handloom options), Bhiwandi/Surat (piece dyes), Erode/Karur (home), Jaipur (yarn-dyes/prints).
  

RFQ checklist (Linen/Hemp)

• Fiber blend %, yarn count/GSM, weave & finish, yarn-dye layout (if any), tests (shrink/slip/tear), packaging, target FOB.
  

Compliance Hooks (use across all)

• EU 1007/2011 (Fiber labels): Declare fibers by descending %; use approved generic names (e.g., “cotton,” “linen,” “hemp,” “polyester”). Keep tolerance rules & multi-component labeling in mind.
  
• CPSIA (kids): Lead in substrates/surface coatings, phthalates (where applicable), small parts, tracking labels, flammability for sleepwear; maintain CPC & test reports.
  
• REACH / Azo / Phthalates: RSL compliance for dyes/auxiliaries, plastisol prints, PU coatings, metal trims (nickel release).
  
• GOTS/OCS: Content + chain-of-custody via TCs; use only approved chemical inputs for GOTS.
  
• GRS/RCS: Recycled content verification + supply chain TCs; social/environmental modules for GRS.
  
• Leather Working Group (LWG): If leather trims are used on sustainable textiles, specify LWG-rated tanneries & restricted chemistries.
  

Cross-category add-ons

• Packaging: FSC or recycled paper swing tags, water-based inks, recycled poly or paper mailers; carton ECT/BCT + recycled content targets.
  
• Traceability: Mill + spinner + (for rPET) recycler documentation; maintain TCs/claims through to PO/Invoice.
  
• Testing suite (baseline): Colorfastness (wash/rub/sweat), dimensional stability, pilling/abrasion (Martindale), tear/tensile; formaldehyde; pH; restricted amines (azo). Add DWR spray tests for performance rPET.
  

Inspections: DUPRO for shade/hand/GSM control; PSI AQL 2.5/4.0 with RSL spot checks and label audits (EU 1007/2011 accuracy).