5 Footwear Manufacturer Success Stories [2024]

Updated: November 19th, 2023
Start A Footwear Manufacturer

Here are some real life success stories of starting a footwear manufacturer:

1. Boomerangz Footwear ($480K/year)

Brad Munro, the founder of Boomerangz Interchangeable Thongs, came up with the idea after experiencing multiple thong blowouts while traveling in Europe. Recognizing a gap in the market, Brad and his business partner developed thongs with interchangeable bases and straps to minimize blowouts and offer customization options. They launched the product through a crowdfunding campaign, raising $50,000 in sales within six weeks and eventually expanding their distribution to multiple countries.

How much they make: $480K/year
How much did it cost to start: $50K
Current team size: 3

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How I Built A $300K/Year Online Flip Flop Shop

Boomerangz Footwear created interchangeable thongs designed to minimize blowouts and with patented bases and straps, resulting in a successful crowdfunding campaign that raised $50,000 in 6 weeks and led to the company being stocked in over 40 stores around Australia and expanding globally.

About
Brad started Boomerangz Footwear about 10 years ago
Revenue
Brad grew the business to $40K/month
Costs
It cost Brad $50000 to start the business
Read by 9,999 founders

2. zapato FEROZ ($6M/year)

In this case study, Lau García, a shoemaker by trade, came up with the idea for Zapato FEROZ when she couldn't find suitable footwear for her baby. She wanted to create comfortable, natural shoes that would promote healthy foot development. With the brand's focus on quality and customer satisfaction, Zapato FEROZ has experienced incredible growth, increasing their monthly revenue from $900-1000 to $60k in just two years.

How much they make: $6M/year
How much did it cost to start: $10K
Current team size: 6

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How We Created A $65K/Month Healthy Children's Footwear Brand That Sells Almost Everything On Launch Day

Zapato FEROZ is a thriving children's footwear company whose sales have grown exponentially to reach $60,000 per month in the last 12 months, with 80% of sales made directly through their website, due to their dedication to producing the highest quality, healthy shoes for babies and children.

About
Laura started zapato FEROZ over 7 years ago
Revenue
Laura grew the business to $500K/month
Costs
It cost Laura $10000 to start the business
Read by 8,932 founders

So... can you actually make money with a footwear manufacturer?

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3. Under Armour ($5.7B/year)

How much they make: $5.7B/year
Current team size: 10136

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Kevin Plank started Under Armour in his grandmother’s basement

Under Armour, the American sports equipment and sports apparel manufacturing company, started from scratch in 1996 with an initial product of a synthetic base layer that wicks away sweat, and has since expanded their range to include football, cross-training, and running shoes, with 2019 revenues of $5.27 billion.

About
They started Under Armour over 28 years ago
Revenue
They grew the business to $475M/month
Read by 972 founders