How Vietnam Overtook China as Global Sneaker Hub

Vietnam has overtaken China as the world’s leading hub for sneaker production, supplying major brands such as Nike, Adidas, Saucony, and Brooks

Factories around Ho Chi Minh City produce everything from foam soles and insoles to laces and mesh fabric, which are then assembled and shipped globally.

The shift reflects broader trends in the industry, as rising wages in China, intellectual property concerns, and the disruptions of COVID-19 pushed brands to diversify their supply chains.

The sneaker industry’s migration mirrors earlier movements in the 1970s and 1980s, when production initially moved from South Korea and Taiwan to China.

By the early 2000s, Vietnam had opened its economy and attracted foreign investment, offering a young, growing workforce and a government supportive of international business.

Even amid trade tensions—like the tariffs threatened by U.S. President Trump—Vietnam’s factories continued to grow, producing high-quality components and finished shoes with minimal reliance on China.

Companies like Jones & Vining relocated their operations to Vietnam to produce lasts, insoles, and footbeds for global brands, creating a localized supply chain capable of rapid production and shipping.