How to Design, Market and Sell Custom Shoes

Do you want to know how to design, market, and sell custom shoes? Well, it’s indeed a profitable business and has the potential to make you rich. But the thing is - most people don’t know how to start.

So, if you’re feeling confused, you’re not alone. We understand the frustration. Building a shoe brand from scratch can seem overwhelming. 

But don’t worry. We’ve got you covered!

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to create, promote, and sell your custom shoes step by step. Follow every point and you will learn all the secrets to success.

Key Points

• Offer limited-edition or personalized shoes to attract buyers.
• Create a strong brand with a memorable logo, colors, and tagline.
• Use Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to show off your custom shoe designs.
• Work with influencers to get your shoes noticed by a bigger audience.
• Run Google and Facebook ads to reach more potential customers.
• Send newsletters to keep customers updated and offer discounts.
• Use SEO to make your website easy to find in searches like “custom shoes.”
• FreakyShoes is the go-to platform for those who are looking for a custom shoe manufacturer.

How to Design Custom Shoes?

To design custom shoes, start by researching trends and gathering inspiration. Sketch your ideas or use software to create a design. 

Then, work with a manufacturer like FreakyShoes. They handle production, shipping, and customer service, so you can focus on designing and marketing.

Research & Inspiration: How Do You Begin?

When you start designing custom shoes, the first thing you need to do is research. This step is super important because it gives you a clear idea of what's popular in the shoe world. 

In our experience, you should start by looking at different shoe trends. For example, if you want to design athletic shoes, you should check out what's hot in that space.

But don’t stop there! 

You should also look for inspiration from all over, like: 

• Pop culture
• Fashion runways
• Music videos. 

Also, note that people love shoes that tell a story. Therefore, look at themes that people care about. For instance, maybe you’re into eco-friendly fashion—then designing shoes with recycled materials could be your niche.

Moreover, you should also think about who you want to wear your shoes. Is it athletes, fashion enthusiasts, or everyday people looking for comfortable shoes? 

Remember - Finding your niche is the key to standing out. 

Once you’ve gathered enough ideas, you’re ready to move on to the next step: sketching!

Sketch & Prototype: How Do You Bring Your Idea to Life?

After you’ve got a good idea of what you want, it’s time to put your ideas down on paper or screen. Sketching is the first real step in turning your idea into something you can see.

Some people like to sketch on paper because it feels more hands-on. If that’s you, grab a pencil and start drawing your shoe designs. 

Focus on the shape, the details, and the style. Think about how the shoe will look from different angles—front, back, and side.

If you prefer digital tools, there’s software like Adobe Illustrator. Such tools allow you to try out different colors, materials, and textures. And, using software helps you get a clearer picture of what your shoe will look like in real life.

Once you’ve got a solid design, you’ll need to make a prototype. 

Collaborate with a Manufacturer: How Do You Get Your Shoes Made?

Once your design is ready, you’ll need someone to make the shoes for you. Unless you plan to make each shoe yourself, you’ll want to work with a manufacturer.

You can find local manufacturers or use companies like FreakyShoes. 

FreakyShoes is a great choice because we do everything for you. We make the shoes, ship them to your customers, and even handle customer service. This means you can focus on designing and marketing your shoes.

Working with a manufacturer like FreakyShoes also saves you time. You don’t have to worry about finding materials or figuring out how to make the shoes. We handle it all, which makes it easier for you to grow your business.

How to Design Custom Shoes with FreakyShoes?

At FreakyShoes, you can design your own shoes in a few simple steps.

Step 1: Go to FreakyShoes

First, go to FreakyShoes. Once you’re there, you’ll see a button that says “Customize Now.” Click it to get started. This is where you begin creating your custom shoes. It’s quick and easy, and you’ll be designing your shoes in no time.

Step 2: Pick Your Shoe

Next, choose the type of shoe you want to customize. We offer a lot of styles, from cool sneakers to classy loafers. Think about what you want—something sporty, casual, or maybe a bit more formal? 

Once you pick your style, it’s time to start making it your own.

This step is fun because you get to choose the perfect base for your design. Once you find a style you like, you’re ready to move on.

Step 3: Upload Images & Logos

In step three, you can upload images, logos, or designs to make the shoes exactly how you want them. Want your name or a favorite quote on the shoe? You can do that here.

You can also customize each shoe separately. You’ll see options for the left and right shoe, so if you want them to look different, go for it.

Step 4: Finalize & Purchase

Finally, double-check your design to make sure everything looks good. Once you’re happy with it, go ahead and complete your purchase. In just a few clicks, your custom shoes will be ordered.

After that, FreakyShoes take care of the rest.

How to Sell Custom Shoes? (Proven Tips)

Selling custom shoes will make you money. You just need to know how to price your shoes, attract customers with discounts, and build an online store. Let’s break it down into easy steps.

Determine Pricing: How to Set the Right Price?

To sell your shoes, you need to know how much to charge. First, think about how much it costs to make each pair. This includes: 

• The materials
• The time you spent designing
• Cost to get the shoes made. 

Once you know the total cost, you can add a little extra money, which is your profit.

Also, check what other people charge for similar shoes. This way, you can price your shoes so they aren’t too expensive or too cheap. 

Run Promotions & Discounts: How to Get More Buyers?

Giving customers a special deal is a great way to get them excited about your shoes. You can offer a discount for a short time, like when you first release a new design.

You can also have sales during holidays. Moreover, offer discounts for the first few people who buy your shoes. 

Promotions like these make customers feel like they’re getting something special. Once they try your shoes and love them, they’ll come back to buy more!

Just remember not to give too many discounts all the time, or people will always wait for a sale to buy from you.

Build a Professional Website/Online Store

To sell your shoes, you need a website where people can easily see and buy them. Platforms like Shopify or BigCommerce help you build a website (even if you’ve never made one before).

Make sure your website is simple to use. People should be able to find what they’re looking for quickly. Also, make sure it works well on phones since lots of people shop from their phones these days.

It’s a good idea to add a blog to your website too. You can write about how you design your shoes, what’s trending in shoes, and how people can wear your shoes with different outfits. 

This helps keep people interested in your brand.

How to Market Custom Shoes?

Marketing custom shoes is all about showing people why your shoes are special. You need to grab their attention and give them a reason to choose your shoes over others. 

Here are some easy ways to get started:

Create a Strong Brand Identity

The first step is to build a strong brand. This means having a logo, colors, and a tagline that people remember. Your logo should be simple but unique. 

Think about something that represents your style. If your shoes are fun and colorful, your logo should show that. If your shoes are classy, keep the logo sleek and simple.

Also, come up with a tagline. This is a short sentence that tells people what makes your shoes special. For example, if you make eco-friendly shoes, your tagline could be something like “Step into style, save the planet.” 

Leverage Social Media Marketing

Social media is one of the best ways to market your shoes. Let’s look at how to use different platforms.

Instagram

Instagram is all about pictures and videos. Show off your shoes from different angles. Use high-quality photos and short videos to let people see the details. You can also share how the shoes are made. 

Use hashtags like #custom shoes or #sneaker style to help more people find your posts.

TikTok

TikTok is great for short, fun videos. You can show how your shoes are designed, made, or styled. Keep it fun. 

People love behind-the-scenes videos, so show them how you make your shoes.

Pinterest

Pinterest works like a digital inspiration board. Link each pin back to your website so people can easily buy what they see.

Facebook

On Facebook, create a business page for your brand. Post pictures of your shoes, share updates, and answer questions from your followers. You can also join fashion-related groups to talk about your shoes.

Twitter

Twitter is great for quick updates. Share news about new shoe drops, sales, or promotions. Use fashion-related hashtags to get more people interested in your posts.

Influencer Marketing

Influencers can help you reach more people. These are people with lots of followers who can promote your shoes for you. Find influencers who love fashion, especially shoes. You can send them a free pair in exchange for a post or a review.

In addition, you can also work on collaborations. This means designing a special pair of shoes with an influencer. Their followers will love having something unique.

Google Ads & Facebook Ads

Running ads on Google and Facebook is a smart way to reach more customers. With Google Ads, you can target people searching for shoes like yours. If someone searches for “custom sneakers,” your ad will pop up at the top.

On Facebook, you can target people based on their interests. For example, if someone follows fashion pages or sneaker brands, your ad can show up in their feed. You can also set ads to show only to people in a certain location or age group.

Email Marketing

Email is a great way to keep in touch with your customers. You can build an email list by offering something in return, like a discount on their first purchase.

Once you have a list, send out newsletters. These can share news about new designs, upcoming sales, or even behind-the-scenes looks at how you make your shoes. Make sure the emails are short, fun, and full of pictures. People like to see what’s new and exciting.

You can also send personalized emails. For example, if someone buys a pair of sneakers, you can send them an email with a special offer on similar styles. This keeps them engaged with your brand.

SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

To help people find your shoes online, you need to make sure your website shows up when they search for custom shoes. This is where SEO comes in.

Start by using keywords like “custom shoes” or “design your own sneakers” in your product descriptions and blog posts. The more relevant words you use, the easier it is for people to find your site.

Make sure your website is fast and easy to use. It should work well on phones too. Google ranks sites higher when they’re fast and mobile-friendly, so these things are important.

Content Marketing

Creating content is a fun way to keep your audience interested. You can write blog posts about fashion trends.

You can also create videos on YouTube. Share how you design your shoes or tell the story behind your brand. People love seeing the personal side of a business.

Another idea is to create a podcast. Talk about the custom shoe industry, new trends, or collaborations with other designers. This helps build a community around your brand.

Offer Limited Editions or Personalized Designs

People love having something exclusive. Offering limited-edition designs can create excitement and urgency. If they know there are only a few pairs available, they’re more likely to buy now (instead of later).

Pop-up Shops and Events

While selling online is great, don’t forget about real-life events. You can set up pop-up shops in busy areas or during fashion events. These temporary stores let people see and try on your shoes in person.

You can also attend sneaker conventions or fashion expos. 

Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Happy customers are your best promoters. Encourage people to leave reviews on your website or social media. These reviews help build trust with new customers. When people see others loving your shoes, they’ll feel more confident about buying.

Final Words

To successfully design, market, and sell custom shoes, focus on these essential steps:

• Build a strong, memorable brand identity.
• Use social media to showcase your designs and engage your audience.
• Partner with influencers to expand your reach.
• Offer limited-edition or personalized designs to attract customers.
• Create an engaging website and run targeted ads.

With these strategies, you can create a thriving business.

Do you want to know how to design, market, and sell custom shoes? Well, it’s indeed a profitable business and has the potential to make you rich. But the thing is - most people don’t know how to start.

So, if you’re feeling confused, you’re not alone. We understand the frustration. Building a shoe brand from scratch can seem overwhelming. 

But don’t worry. We’ve got you covered!

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to create, promote, and sell your custom shoes step by step. Follow every point and you will learn all the secrets to success.

Key Points

• Offer limited-edition or personalized shoes to attract buyers.
• Create a strong brand with a memorable logo, colors, and tagline.
• Use Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook to show off your custom shoe designs.
• Work with influencers to get your shoes noticed by a bigger audience.
• Run Google and Facebook ads to reach more potential customers.
• Send newsletters to keep customers updated and offer discounts.
• Use SEO to make your website easy to find in searches like “custom shoes.”
• FreakyShoes is the go-to platform for those who are looking for a custom shoe manufacturer.

How to Design Custom Shoes?

To design custom shoes, start by researching trends and gathering inspiration. Sketch your ideas or use software to create a design. 

Then, work with a manufacturer like FreakyShoes. They handle production, shipping, and customer service, so you can focus on designing and marketing.

Research & Inspiration: How Do You Begin?

When you start designing custom shoes, the first thing you need to do is research. This step is super important because it gives you a clear idea of what's popular in the shoe world. 

In our experience, you should start by looking at different shoe trends. For example, if you want to design athletic shoes, you should check out what's hot in that space.

But don’t stop there! 

You should also look for inspiration from all over, like: 

• Pop culture
• Fashion runways
• Music videos. 

Also, note that people love shoes that tell a story. Therefore, look at themes that people care about. For instance, maybe you’re into eco-friendly fashion—then designing shoes with recycled materials could be your niche.

Moreover, you should also think about who you want to wear your shoes. Is it athletes, fashion enthusiasts, or everyday people looking for comfortable shoes? 

Remember - Finding your niche is the key to standing out. 

Once you’ve gathered enough ideas, you’re ready to move on to the next step: sketching!

Sketch & Prototype: How Do You Bring Your Idea to Life?

After you’ve got a good idea of what you want, it’s time to put your ideas down on paper or screen. Sketching is the first real step in turning your idea into something you can see.

Some people like to sketch on paper because it feels more hands-on. If that’s you, grab a pencil and start drawing your shoe designs. 

Focus on the shape, the details, and the style. Think about how the shoe will look from different angles—front, back, and side.

If you prefer digital tools, there’s software like Adobe Illustrator. Such tools allow you to try out different colors, materials, and textures. And, using software helps you get a clearer picture of what your shoe will look like in real life.

Once you’ve got a solid design, you’ll need to make a prototype. 

Collaborate with a Manufacturer: How Do You Get Your Shoes Made?

Once your design is ready, you’ll need someone to make the shoes for you. Unless you plan to make each shoe yourself, you’ll want to work with a manufacturer.

You can find local manufacturers or use companies like FreakyShoes. 

FreakyShoes is a great choice because we do everything for you. We make the shoes, ship them to your customers, and even handle customer service. This means you can focus on designing and marketing your shoes.

Working with a manufacturer like FreakyShoes also saves you time. You don’t have to worry about finding materials or figuring out how to make the shoes. We handle it all, which makes it easier for you to grow your business.

How to Design Custom Shoes with FreakyShoes?

At FreakyShoes, you can design your own shoes in a few simple steps.

Step 1: Go to FreakyShoes

First, go to FreakyShoes. Once you’re there, you’ll see a button that says “Customize Now.” Click it to get started. This is where you begin creating your custom shoes. It’s quick and easy, and you’ll be designing your shoes in no time.

Step 2: Pick Your Shoe

Next, choose the type of shoe you want to customize. We offer a lot of styles, from cool sneakers to classy loafers. Think about what you want—something sporty, casual, or maybe a bit more formal? 

Once you pick your style, it’s time to start making it your own.

This step is fun because you get to choose the perfect base for your design. Once you find a style you like, you’re ready to move on.

Step 3: Upload Images & Logos

In step three, you can upload images, logos, or designs to make the shoes exactly how you want them. Want your name or a favorite quote on the shoe? You can do that here.

You can also customize each shoe separately. You’ll see options for the left and right shoe, so if you want them to look different, go for it.

Step 4: Finalize & Purchase

Finally, double-check your design to make sure everything looks good. Once you’re happy with it, go ahead and complete your purchase. In just a few clicks, your custom shoes will be ordered.

After that, FreakyShoes take care of the rest.

How to Sell Custom Shoes? (Proven Tips)

Selling custom shoes will make you money. You just need to know how to price your shoes, attract customers with discounts, and build an online store. Let’s break it down into easy steps.

Determine Pricing: How to Set the Right Price?

To sell your shoes, you need to know how much to charge. First, think about how much it costs to make each pair. This includes: 

• The materials
• The time you spent designing
• Cost to get the shoes made. 

Once you know the total cost, you can add a little extra money, which is your profit.

Also, check what other people charge for similar shoes. This way, you can price your shoes so they aren’t too expensive or too cheap. 

Run Promotions & Discounts: How to Get More Buyers?

Giving customers a special deal is a great way to get them excited about your shoes. You can offer a discount for a short time, like when you first release a new design.

You can also have sales during holidays. Moreover, offer discounts for the first few people who buy your shoes. 

Promotions like these make customers feel like they’re getting something special. Once they try your shoes and love them, they’ll come back to buy more!

Just remember not to give too many discounts all the time, or people will always wait for a sale to buy from you.

Build a Professional Website/Online Store

To sell your shoes, you need a website where people can easily see and buy them. Platforms like Shopify or BigCommerce help you build a website (even if you’ve never made one before).

Make sure your website is simple to use. People should be able to find what they’re looking for quickly. Also, make sure it works well on phones since lots of people shop from their phones these days.

It’s a good idea to add a blog to your website too. You can write about how you design your shoes, what’s trending in shoes, and how people can wear your shoes with different outfits. 

This helps keep people interested in your brand.

How to Market Custom Shoes?

Marketing custom shoes is all about showing people why your shoes are special. You need to grab their attention and give them a reason to choose your shoes over others. 

Here are some easy ways to get started:

Create a Strong Brand Identity

The first step is to build a strong brand. This means having a logo, colors, and a tagline that people remember. Your logo should be simple but unique. 

Think about something that represents your style. If your shoes are fun and colorful, your logo should show that. If your shoes are classy, keep the logo sleek and simple.

Also, come up with a tagline. This is a short sentence that tells people what makes your shoes special. For example, if you make eco-friendly shoes, your tagline could be something like “Step into style, save the planet.” 

Leverage Social Media Marketing

Social media is one of the best ways to market your shoes. Let’s look at how to use different platforms.

Instagram

Instagram is all about pictures and videos. Show off your shoes from different angles. Use high-quality photos and short videos to let people see the details. You can also share how the shoes are made. 

Use hashtags like #custom shoes or #sneaker style to help more people find your posts.

TikTok

TikTok is great for short, fun videos. You can show how your shoes are designed, made, or styled. Keep it fun. 

People love behind-the-scenes videos, so show them how you make your shoes.

Pinterest

Pinterest works like a digital inspiration board. Link each pin back to your website so people can easily buy what they see.

Facebook

On Facebook, create a business page for your brand. Post pictures of your shoes, share updates, and answer questions from your followers. You can also join fashion-related groups to talk about your shoes.

Twitter

Twitter is great for quick updates. Share news about new shoe drops, sales, or promotions. Use fashion-related hashtags to get more people interested in your posts.

Influencer Marketing

Influencers can help you reach more people. These are people with lots of followers who can promote your shoes for you. Find influencers who love fashion, especially shoes. You can send them a free pair in exchange for a post or a review.

In addition, you can also work on collaborations. This means designing a special pair of shoes with an influencer. Their followers will love having something unique.

Google Ads & Facebook Ads

Running ads on Google and Facebook is a smart way to reach more customers. With Google Ads, you can target people searching for shoes like yours. If someone searches for “custom sneakers,” your ad will pop up at the top.

On Facebook, you can target people based on their interests. For example, if someone follows fashion pages or sneaker brands, your ad can show up in their feed. You can also set ads to show only to people in a certain location or age group.

Email Marketing

Email is a great way to keep in touch with your customers. You can build an email list by offering something in return, like a discount on their first purchase.

Once you have a list, send out newsletters. These can share news about new designs, upcoming sales, or even behind-the-scenes looks at how you make your shoes. Make sure the emails are short, fun, and full of pictures. People like to see what’s new and exciting.

You can also send personalized emails. For example, if someone buys a pair of sneakers, you can send them an email with a special offer on similar styles. This keeps them engaged with your brand.

SEO (Search Engine Optimization)

To help people find your shoes online, you need to make sure your website shows up when they search for custom shoes. This is where SEO comes in.

Start by using keywords like “custom shoes” or “design your own sneakers” in your product descriptions and blog posts. The more relevant words you use, the easier it is for people to find your site.

Make sure your website is fast and easy to use. It should work well on phones too. Google ranks sites higher when they’re fast and mobile-friendly, so these things are important.

Content Marketing

Creating content is a fun way to keep your audience interested. You can write blog posts about fashion trends.

You can also create videos on YouTube. Share how you design your shoes or tell the story behind your brand. People love seeing the personal side of a business.

Another idea is to create a podcast. Talk about the custom shoe industry, new trends, or collaborations with other designers. This helps build a community around your brand.

Offer Limited Editions or Personalized Designs

People love having something exclusive. Offering limited-edition designs can create excitement and urgency. If they know there are only a few pairs available, they’re more likely to buy now (instead of later).

Pop-up Shops and Events

While selling online is great, don’t forget about real-life events. You can set up pop-up shops in busy areas or during fashion events. These temporary stores let people see and try on your shoes in person.

You can also attend sneaker conventions or fashion expos. 

Customer Reviews and Testimonials

Happy customers are your best promoters. Encourage people to leave reviews on your website or social media. These reviews help build trust with new customers. When people see others loving your shoes, they’ll feel more confident about buying.

Final Words

To successfully design, market, and sell custom shoes, focus on these essential steps:

• Build a strong, memorable brand identity.
• Use social media to showcase your designs and engage your audience.
• Partner with influencers to expand your reach.
• Offer limited-edition or personalized designs to attract customers.
• Create an engaging website and run targeted ads.

With these strategies, you can create a thriving business.