China has long been known as the world’s most manufacturing-forward country, with its economy growing at an impressive rate. As such, it's no wonder that they make everything from whitegoods and women underwear to other popular consumer items like smartphones or cars.
And when it comes to the footwear industry, this country is always a step or two ahead compared to the others. If you look at Statista’s report on China’s contribution to global footwear production from 2016 to 2019, China had produced nearly 57.5% of global footwear in 2017. The same report shows that the country produced 55.5% and 55.8% of global footwear in 2018 and 2019, respectively.
There is no doubt that China is one of the leading producers as well as consumers of footwear, selling 3.94 billion pairs of shoes in 2020. Well, all these statistics must have sparked the curiosity in you, which Chinese shoes and sneakers brands are the best, right?
Without further ado, let’s take a look at the best-selling Chinese shoes and sneaker brands. Let’s get started.
Best Chinese Sneaker and Shoe Brands
1. XTEP
Located at Kowloon Bay, Hong Kong, Xtep International Holdings Limited is a Chinese manufacturer of sports equipment that was established in 2001. It was listed on the Main Board on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange on 3 June 2008. The company also designs, develops, manufactures, sells markets and manages brands for sports paraphernalia, including, apparel, accessories and footwear. A brand that manufactures shoes for both men and women, Xtep has been making waves in recent years, and they're not slowing down anytime soon. The company is leading a charge for professional sports brands with their extensive distribution network that covers 31 provinces across China as well as autonomous regions and municipalities.
Xtep's sponsorship of international marathon races is just one way that shows its commitment to being an active participant in the sporting world. In 2005, Xtep won exclusive rights for the 10th National Games which took place throughout China that led them to a major victory!
Xtep shoes continue to be popular in China. The brand is now considered a mid-range one that focuses on premium quality, price and performance with profits being higher within 3-, 4 or 5 tier cities.
2. Anta
Anta Sports Products Limited is the largest sportswear company not only in Jinjiang, China, but throughout the world. The multinational company has been taking over market share from other competitors for years now and continues its reign as one of China’s most successful companies across the globe. Reputable for having operations in all aspects of the business and similar to Xtep, the brand also designs, develops and manufactures sportswear as well as other products such as apparel and accessories for customers around the world to enjoy.
Anta has 25 sub-brands under its wings and allows them to maintain its focus on this wide range and ensure an international reach by having different brands within each category. The Anta KT3 is a shoe that provides the user with great traction, perfect fit and an effective cushioning setup. For players who have not yet tried playing their basketball games in other than big brand names such as Adidas or Nike, Anta is a good place to start because of its $120 price point which offers premium quality sneakers and running shoes for men and women, worth every penny.
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3. Erke
In 2000, ERKE was established with a goal to provide the Chinese people with high quality sporting goods at affordable prices. With more than 30 thousand total employees worldwide across all departments including R&D, manufacturing, channel development marketing, ERKE is one of China's top-rated sports brands in this field aiming to offer superior quality professional sporting essentials like apparel, accessories and certainly, footwear to the people in China.
In addition, Erke was also the official apparel sponsor for 3 events – the Qatar Open Table Tennis tournament, 2012 WTA Tour Championships and Shanghai ATP 1000 tennis tournament. When compared to Anta, Xtep or 361 Degree (another brand we’ll discuss shortly), ERKE may as well-known as them but the brand still enjoys enormous popularity among Chinese buyers from Tier 2 and 3 cities. Reasons? There are two:
- Excellent quality
- Affordable price
Aren’t these the two most important considerations when choosing a shoe brand? If you’re wondering whether buying footwear from ERKA is worth your money, we’ll be clear here with you. It can be disappointing if you’re expecting a Nike or Adidas feel but overall, it is a reliable brand that manufactures quality and comfortable shoes within every price range, be it for running, outdoor, tennis, team sports or cross training and lifestyle.
4. Peak
Based in Quanzhou, PEAK is another renowned Chinese footwear brand that was founded in 1989. The company has been listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange in 2009 but it had low performance and so it was acquired by another manufacturer in 2017. PEAK has been the leading brand in sportswear for years, with a stronghold over basketball. But now, their business extends to various sports, including football (soccer), volleyball and running, among others. The good news is that this Chinese footwear brand is currently extending its business in Asia, America, Europe and Australia with more than 5000 exclusive stores.
Anyone who’s looking to buy quality basketball shoes, Peak is a great place to be at. For instance, Peak Dwight Howard DH4 basketball shoes are designed to protect the ankle well and uses P-MOTIVE tech. The shoes stand out for their amazing capacity to offer perfect stability, responsiveness, support and cushioning while in action.
Even Peak Taichi 1.0 plus × IDX 2019 is an in-demand sports shoes for men. With its attractive theme inspired from SHAN HAI JIN, the ancient Chinese ancient book, the shoes not only carry a unique appeal but also offer a great deal of comfort, balance and stability to your feet during high-performance activities.
5. Belle
Belle is first-rated women’s shoe retailer in China and their products perfectly define two things – grace and elegance. The brand is well-known for the production, distribution and marketing of a wide variety of footwear under various brand names like Tata, Bata, Joy & Peace, Staccato and Fato, among others. The company’s IPO in 2007 demonstrates that it had 3,828 retail outlets spread across 150 cities in China and a total of 35 cities in Macau, Hong Kong and the US. Reports show that Belle holds a 22% market share in the shoe retailing business in China.
Belle caters to the footwear requirements of middle-class women and the shoes are popular for being fashionable, thus, a favourite among young ladies. The brand also targets men as their customers, but women are the primary customer target. At Belle, you can come across a stunning collection of boots for work as well as sports and comfortable wear.
6. 361 Degrees
When it comes to considering the sneaker brands in China, you shouldn’t be missing out on 361 Degrees. As a sought-after company for sports goods and shoes, till March 2009, it had 5,543 qualified retail outlets in China and then it increased to 7,950 authorized retail outlets all over the world in 2020. The company not only manufactures high-quality shoes for running, exercising, basketball or racing but also has a range of footwear designed exclusively to support foot deformities or problems like high arch, flat feet, pronation, supination and more.
The brand creates highly comfortable sports shoes for both men and women. For instance, you may be searching for the best running shoes that come with features responsive to high-performance activities. Your best choice would be, if you’re a man, 361-SPIRE 4: Raft / Canary. It is equipped with premium cushioning and the upper part is made of a breathable knitted material that helps in ensuring proper ventilation and foot movement. The construction of this shoe is such that it offers a secure, supportive and comfortable feel to your feet. It has pressure-free tongue that helps maximize comfort and prevents irritation on the feet.
For women, 361-STRATA 4: Blue Sapphire/Peacoat is a great pair of running shoes from this brand. It is ideal for mid to high mileage training and designed to maximize support and comfort at every step. 361 Degree has a vast array of new arrivals that not only look super stylish but are also built to last and become your feet’s best friend during training, exercising, running or any other high-performance activities.
7. Belle
Belle International Holdings, also known simply as Belle, is a Chinese shoe manufacturer and retailer that has been making waves in the fashion industry for the past three decades. The company was founded in 1991 and has since become a household name in China and beyond, with over 20,000 stores across the world.
The success of Belle can be attributed to the company's dedication to quality and innovation. The brand is known for offering stylish and comfortable footwear that combines cutting-edge design with traditional craftsmanship. From high-heeled pumps to casual sneakers, Belle has something for everyone, and its products have won numerous awards for their quality and style.
But what sets Belle apart from other shoe makers is its commitment to social responsibility. The company has implemented a number of initiatives to reduce its environmental impact and support local communities. For example, it has established a zero-waste policy in its factories, and it has launched a program to provide education and training to female workers in its supply chain.
In addition to its focus on sustainability, Belle has also been a pioneer in the digital world. The company was one of the first in China to embrace e-commerce, and it has since developed a strong online presence. Today, Belle's online platforms offer a wide range of products and services, from fashion advice to online shopping and delivery.
Despite its success, Belle has not been immune to challenges. Like many businesses, it has faced significant disruption due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, the brand has taken a proactive approach to managing these challenges, exploring new business models and implementing innovative solutions to adapt to the changing environment.
One of the company's latest initiatives is its partnership with top Chinese fashion blogger Becky Li. Under this collaboration, Belle has launched a range of trendy and affordable shoes that are designed to appeal to young, fashion-conscious consumers. The collection has been a hit with both domestic and international audiences, and it reflects Belle's commitment to evolving with the times and staying relevant in a rapidly changing industry.
In conclusion, Belle International Holdings is a force to be reckoned with in the world of shoes and fashion. As one of China's leading footwear manufacturers, it has established a reputation for quality, innovation, and social responsibility. With its focus on digital innovation and customer engagement, Belle is well-positioned to continue its growth and success in the years to come.
8. Warrior
Warrior Shoes founded in Shanghai is a cool, fun and hip brand from China. They make everyday shoes that are super stylish, sturdy and elegant. In my experience, they are the vans and New Balance of China. They make these cool sneakers that are super hip.
Final words: The list of best Chinese shoe or sneaker brands is an interesting one, and it’s worth noting that the country has several world-renowned companies in this industry. While some are relatively new to the scene, there are also well-established favourites like Anta or Erke. Whether you're looking for casual shoes or sneakers, these are the best Chinese shoe brands to buy from. If you're looking for both top-quality sneakers or shoes at a reasonable price, there's no better place than these brands! Which one will it be? Let us know if you want help finding your next favourite pair!
