35 Profitable Shoe Related Business Ideas (Ultimate List!)
If you are looking for shoe related business ideas to begin your path to entrepreneurship, you are in the right place.
With starting a shoe related business, there are plenty of opportunities that can help you follow your dreams and build a successful career.
In this post, you will discover profitable business ideas, perfect for those who want to have a flexible job, capable of multiplying the average income, while becoming your own boss.
Check out the full list below to help you find your next idea!
Here they are:
1. Start a shoe brand
Starting a shoe business can be very lucrative - you can make money by selling shoes, but you can also make money by buying shoes and then reselling them at a higher price.
It's an industry that's been around for hundreds of years, so it's well-established and has plenty of room for growth—especially if you can get in at the ground level. It's also easy to start with minimal investment: even if you only have enough money for two months' worth of inventory, you can still get started right away.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $4,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 455 days (?)
16-year-old entrepreneur founds KASA, an online luxury shoe and accessory boutique with over 270 luxury shoes in the collection, generating $80k in monthly profits and exploring expansion into lower-end shoes and custom shoes for the poor.
2. Start a shoe brand
Starting a shoe business can be very lucrative - you can make money by selling shoes, but you can also make money by buying shoes and then reselling them at a higher price.
It's an industry that's been around for hundreds of years, so it's well-established and has plenty of room for growth—especially if you can get in at the ground level. It's also easy to start with minimal investment: even if you only have enough money for two months' worth of inventory, you can still get started right away.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $4,000,000/month
How long does it take to build: 455 days (?)
16-year-old entrepreneur founds KASA, an online luxury shoe and accessory boutique with over 270 luxury shoes in the collection, generating $80k in monthly profits and exploring expansion into lower-end shoes and custom shoes for the poor.
3. Start a youtube channel
For anyone looking to start a successful YouTube channel, there are plenty of YouTube channel success stories that can be used as inspiration and encouragement. In addition, YouTube has an established monetization system and boasts incredible popularity, making it a potential platform for revenue generation.
In this article, we'll look at different approaches you can use to help promote your channel and grow your viewers. While there's no quick and easy way to success, you can take these tips to build your own YouTube Channel Success story. If you love content creation, you can capitalize on YouTube's popularity to earn extra income.
If you want to join the Youtube partner program to monetize your channel, you will need to reach a minimum of 1,000 subscribers and 4,000 watch hours in the previous 12 months.
How much you can make: $800 — $1,000,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $625 (?)
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Time commitment per week: Min. 5 hours/week
Learn how this entrepreneurial couple made $5-7k a month by helping others find legitimate work from home jobs and creative ways to make money online through their blog and YouTube channel, as well as offering two flagship products designed to help beginner freelancers and new bloggers accelerate growth.
4. Start a bikers customized boots manufacturing business
5. Start a shoe gum manufacturing business
6. Start a safety boots production business
7. Start a military footwear manufacturing business
8. Start a shoe soles production and supply business
9. Start a shoes wholesaling supply business
Thinking about diving into the world of shoes wholesaling supply? This business involves sourcing bulk quantities of footwear from manufacturers and distributing them to retailers and other businesses.
The concept is straightforward: you purchase shoes in large volumes at discounted rates and then supply them to retail stores or online sellers, who in turn sell them to end consumers. This middleman role allows you to leverage relationships with manufacturers and retailers, creating a lucrative network.
You'll need to establish connections with reliable manufacturers, understand market trends, and maintain a catalog of in-demand styles. While some initial capital and effort in relationship-building are required, the potential for consistent cash flow and scalability makes this a compelling option for aspiring entrepreneurs.
The need for quality, affordable footwear is perpetual, offering ongoing business opportunities. If you have an eye for fashion and a knack for negotiation, this could be your chance to step into a profitable industry.
How much you can make: $4,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)
Susannah Davda explains how she started a niche consultancy business helping people start shoe brands, earning $3.5k per month through personalized services and a highly successful online course.
10. Start a riders shoe manufacturing business
11. Start a rain and snow boots production business
12. Start a shoe buckles production business
13. Start a rock climbing boots manufacturing business
14. Start an used shoe consignment store business
15. Start a shoe craft school business
16. Start a children shoe store
17. Start a shoe repair business
A shoe repair business focuses on replacing worn-out heels and soles to restore high-quality footwear. The cost of shoe repair is often lower than that of purchasing a new pair, hence why people demand shoe repair services.
If you intend to start a shoe repair business, research the target market and estimate the demand for shoe repair services. Target opening a shoe repair shop within residential areas, as that’s where more customers are likely to come from.
Decide what shoe repair services are in demand in the region, and invest in the necessary tools.
18. Start a rubber and latex distribution business
19. Start a footwear store
Looking for a solid business idea rooted in tangibility and everyday necessity? Consider opening a footwear store.
Footwear stores offer a variety of shoes for every occasion, ranging from casual sneakers to formal dress shoes, catering to a diverse customer base.
Starting a footwear store means you get to curate an appealing range of products that meet the needs and tastes of your community. The work involves sourcing inventory, maintaining a well-organized store, and offering exceptional customer service to ensure repeat business.
While it requires initial investments in inventory and a prime location, the steady demand for quality footwear can result in a consistent revenue stream. If you have a passion for fashion and a knack for retail, opening a footwear store can be a rewarding business venture that allows you to combine personal interests with entrepreneurial goals.
20. Start a shoe making business
Imagine creating unique footwear tailored to individual tastes and needs. A shoe making business centers on producing custom-made shoes, blending craftsmanship with creativity.
You’ll be designing, stitching, and assembling high-quality shoes from raw materials, ensuring that each pair meets customer specifications. The process, while labor-intensive, offers rewarding opportunities for artistic expression and hands-on work.
Investing in this business means developing a keen eye for design, sourcing quality materials, and mastering shoemaking techniques. As demand for bespoke products grows, a shoe making business can carve out a niche market, attracting customers who value uniqueness and durability.
Whether focusing on fashion-forward designs or orthopedic comfort, the potential for growth and customer loyalty in this industry is considerable. Start small, build your reputation, and watch your craft garner appreciation from an ever-growing clientele.
How much you can make: $4,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $700 (?)
Susannah Davda explains how she started a niche consultancy business helping people start shoe brands, earning $3.5k per month through personalized services and a highly successful online course.
21. Start a shoe designing business
Designing shoes that people love to wear isn't just a creative dream—it's a viable business venture. A shoe designing business involves creating custom footwear tailored to your customers' tastes and needs. By leveraging your unique design skills, you can produce original shoe designs that stand out in the crowded fashion market.
You'll need to familiarize yourself with materials, design software, and possibly even basic manufacturing processes. Partnering with reliable manufacturers and quality suppliers is pivotal to ensure your designs come to life efficiently and to high standards.
The global market for personalized and unique footwear is booming, making this a promising field for budding entrepreneurs. If you're passionate about fashion and design, this venture allows you to tap into a niche while blending art with functionality. With dedication and creativity, launching your own shoe designing business could be the perfect step toward a fulfilling career.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $60,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 30 days (?)
Meet Blake Barash, a custom shoe painter who grew his business from his bedroom to now making $50k per month and employing six people.
22. Start a handmade shoe cottage business
23. Start a leather shoes manufacturing business
24. Start a flip-flops manufacturing business
25. Start an online shoe store business
Buying shoes should be as convenient as ordering a latte. Enter the online shoe store business—a straightforward yet promising venture in the world of ecommerce.
In simple terms, you create an online platform to sell a diverse range of footwear. Your work mainly involves curating shoe collections, managing inventory, and ensuring smooth logistics for timely delivery. You don’t need a physical store, which significantly cuts down on overheads.
Why should you consider this? The global shoe market is enormous, with a persistent demand for trendy, comfortable, and functional footwear. Leveraging digital marketing strategies like social media ads and influencer partnerships can elevate your brand visibility.
This business can start small with a manageable inventory and scale as you grow. If you have an eye for what consumers want and are willing to put in the effort, the online shoe store business offers a rewarding path to entrepreneurship.
How much you can make: $1,000 — $500,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $2,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 288 days (?)
Meet Blake Barash, a custom shoe painter who grew his business from his bedroom to now making $50k per month and employing six people.
26. Start a shoe polish manufacturing business
27. Start a retail sports footwear business
Ready to step into a thriving market with a retail sports footwear business?
This involves curating a collection of popular athletic shoes and offering them through a physical store or an online platform. The goal is to cater to diverse customer needs, from casual runners to professional athletes. You’ll need to focus on sourcing products from reliable suppliers, keeping up with trends, and managing inventory efficiently.
The allure of retail sports footwear lies in its ever-growing demand, fueled by increasing health consciousness and athleisure trends. Launching this business affords you the chance to create a specialized shopping experience that stands out in the crowded market.
By paying close attention to market preferences and ensuring quality customer service, you can position your store as the go-to destination for sports enthusiasts. The passion for sport and comfort never dulls, making this business idea a promising venture.
How much you can make: $140,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Founder Kola Tytler managed to build a profitable business, Dropout, worth over $2.5 million by selling limited edition sneakers and streetwear, despite having no prior experience and juggling medical school; the company saw over 50,000 in-store visitors and over $100k in sales in December 2021 alone and raised €750k via equity crowdfunding in 6 days.
28. Start a rubber shoes mass production business
29. Start a shoe lace business
30. Start a synthetic leather supplying business
31. Start a babies shoe store business
32. Start a men's shoe store business
Looking to step into the world of retail with a timeless product? Consider starting a men's shoe store. This business idea revolves around offering a curated selection of quality men's footwear, catering to various styles from formal to casual.
A men's shoe store can tap into a consistent demand as styles change and evolve. By prioritizing comfort and aesthetics, you can attract a diverse clientele. Your tasks will include sourcing products from reliable manufacturers, creating an inviting store environment, and possibly managing an online storefront to expand your reach.
The appeal of this business lies in its evergreen nature; every man needs shoes, after all. If you have an eye for fashion and a knack for creating a customer-friendly shopping experience, this could be a fulfilling venture. Investing time in understanding market trends and customer preferences will be crucial to sustaining and growing your business.
How much you can make: $50,000/month
How much does it cost to start: $1,000 (?)
How long does it take to build: 180 days (?)
WALK London Shoes, a family-run footwear brand, launched their own brand in 2013 and today they sell over 100,000 pairs a year with a focus on creating high-quality, fashionable products at affordable prices, from a sweet spot range between £55-£95.
33. Sell sandals
34. Start a football boots production business
35. Start a sneaker line production business
Ready to step into the competitive world of fashion with a twist? Consider launching a sneaker line production business. This endeavor involves designing, manufacturing, and marketing your unique sneaker creations to a growing market of sneaker enthusiasts and fashion-forward consumers.
Producing sneakers from scratch offers you complete control over quality, design, and brand identity. You'll need to source materials, find reliable manufacturers, and navigate logistics, but the rewards can be substantial. The sneaker market is rife with opportunities for innovation and brand differentiation, making it an exciting space to bring your creative vision to life.
Imagine your distinct designs being worn by trendsetters, athletes, and everyday fans. If you have a passion for footwear and a knack for business, this venture can be both fulfilling and profitable. All it takes is commitment and creativity to turn your sneaker line production business into the next big thing.
How much you can make: $140,000/month
How long does it take to build: 90 days (?)
Founder Kola Tytler managed to build a profitable business, Dropout, worth over $2.5 million by selling limited edition sneakers and streetwear, despite having no prior experience and juggling medical school; the company saw over 50,000 in-store visitors and over $100k in sales in December 2021 alone and raised €750k via equity crowdfunding in 6 days.
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Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
Download the report and join our email newsletter packed with business ideas and money-making opportunities, backed by real-life case studies.
