Around 22 billion pairs of shoes are produced annually, which is about three for every person on Earth. From sandals and boots to sneakers and slippers, footwear comes in endless styles, colors, and materials designed to attract a wide range of consumers. Today, growing incomes, urban lifestyles, and rising demand for premium and fashionable shoes are driving sales worldwide.
Behind this booming market are countries that have become powerhouses in shoe manufacturing. Some benefit from natural resources and skilled labor, while others have invested and built a strong infrastructure and trained workforce from scratch. Curious to see which nations lead the way in global shoe production? Browse this gallery to discover the top 10 footwear manufacturing giants.