Where Are Skechers Made? Manufacturing Locations, Quality & Care Guide

Quick Answer

Skechers shoes are primarily manufactured in China and Vietnam by independent contractor factories, with additional production in Indonesia and Cambodia. While Skechers is an American brand headquartered in Manhattan Beach, California, none of their shoes are made in the USA. Founded in 1992 by Robert Greenberg, Skechers is now the third-largest footwear brand in the world by sales and maintains strict quality control measures across all manufacturing locations despite not owning the factories directly.

Where Are Skechers Shoes Manufactured?

Skechers operates a global manufacturing network that spans multiple Asian countries, allowing the company to optimize production costs, maintain supply chain flexibility, and meet worldwide demand for their comfortable footwear.

Primary Manufacturing Countries

Country	Production Focus	Key Facilities	Market Share
Chiny	All shoe categories, socks	Dongguan, Putian City, various provinces	Largest share (~60-70%)
Wietnam	Athletic shoes, performance footwear	VSIP Binh Duong, multiple facilities	Second largest (~25-30%)
Indonezja	Casual and lifestyle shoes	Various partner factories	Small percentage
Kambodża	Assembly and finishing	Rozwijające się centrum produkcyjne	Emerging role

Dongguan, Guangdong serves as one notable manufacturing location where Skechers partners with Dongguan Luzhou Shoes Co., Ltd., contributing significantly to the brand’s footwear production. China’s Putian City represents another strategic manufacturing hub where Skechers produces alongside other major athletic brands like Nike, Adidas, and Puma.

Related Reading: Athletic Shoe Manufacturing

• Where Are Nike Shoes Made? – Learn about Nike’s global manufacturing network and production strategies
• Where Are Adidas Shoes Made? – Discover Adidas manufacturing locations and quality control processes

• If you’re shopping for Skechers internationally or need to convert shoe sizes between countries, check out our International Shoe Size Conversion Guide for accurate sizing across US, UK, EU, and Asian measurements.

Why Skechers Manufactures in Asia

Skechers manufactures in Asian countries because of lower production costs, skilled labor, efficient supply chains, and large-scale factory operations. These countries have well-established footwear industries with decades of experience, making them ideal for mass production of shoes at competitive prices.

Key advantages of Asian manufacturing:

• Cost efficiency: Labor costs and materials are significantly more affordable than in the United States or Europe, allowing Skechers to produce shoes at prices consumers can afford
• Skilled workforce: Workers in China and Vietnam have specialized expertise in footwear assembly, with years of experience in cutting, stitching, and molding techniques
• Supply chain infrastructure: Easy access to rubber, synthetic fabrics, leather, and other raw materials at lower prices
• Production scale: Factories can produce thousands of shoes daily with consistent quality standards
• Manufacturing flexibility: Working with independent contractors allows Skechers to scale production up or down based on demand

Manufacturing Strategy

Skechers doesn’t own these factories. Instead, it works with outside suppliers, which gives the company significant flexibility. This asset-light approach allows Skechers to:

• Increase production quickly without capital investment in facilities
• Manage costs more effectively by negotiating with multiple suppliers
• Diversify risk across countries and factories
• Maintain quality through on-site inspection teams

The company has quality control teams in place at these factories, keeping close oversight on how shoes are made even without owning the facilities. This ensures each pair meets the same standards whether manufactured in China, Vietnam, or elsewhere.

Are Skechers Made in America?

No, Skechers shoes are not made in the USA. Despite being an American company with headquarters in California, Skechers doesn’t hire factories in the USA for its shoes. They mainly manufacture in Vietnam and China.

According to industry estimates, approximately 98-99% of shoes sold in the United States come from foreign countries, as higher labor costs have made domestic footwear manufacturing economically challenging. Major athletic brands including Nike, Adidas, and Skechers have all moved production overseas for cost and efficiency reasons.

Design and Development

While manufacturing happens overseas, Skechers maintains its American identity through:

• Headquarters: Manhattan Beach, California
• Design teams: Creating new styles and innovations in the US
• Research and development: Developing comfort technologies like memory foam and Arch Fit systems
• Corporate operations: Marketing, sales, and distribution managed from California

The company expanded its California headquarters in 2019, doubling its office, design, and showroom space in the South Bay area.

Who Owns Skechers?

Skechers is a public company, but is still run by its original founding family. Robert Greenberg founded Skechers in 1992 and is still the chairman. His son, Michael Greenberg, is the president and helps lead the company.

Ownership Structure

Stakeholder	Ownership Type	Details
Robert Greenberg	Founder & Chairman	Founded company in 1992 after stepping down from LA Gear
Michael Greenberg	President & Co-Founder	Son of Robert, helps lead day-to-day operations
Public Investors	~80% of shares	Major institutional investors include BlackRock and Vanguard

Skechers went public in 1999, allowing the company to raise capital for expansion while the Greenberg family maintained significant influence over company direction.

Company History

Robert Greenberg had previously founded LA Gear in 1983, stepping down as CEO the same year he founded Skechers. Greenberg sought to focus on men’s street shoes; Skechers’ early products were utility-style boots popular in grunge fashion.

The company quickly expanded beyond its initial focus:

• 1992: Founded with utility boots for men
• Mid-1990s: Expanded to women and children’s shoes
• 1999: Went public on the stock market
• 2011: Launched performance sportswear line for athletes, signed runner Meb Keflezighi
• 2023: Skechers had its debut on the Fortune 500

Today, Skechers sells footwear, apparel, and accessories across more than 180 countries through retail stores, e-commerce, and wholesale partnerships.

Where Is Skechers Headquarters?

Skechers U.S.A., Inc. is headquartered in Manhattan Beach, California, a beach city in the South Bay region of Los Angeles County. The company significantly expanded its headquarters in 2019 to double its office, design, and showroom space.

The Manhattan Beach location serves as the central hub for:

• Product design and development
• Marketing and brand management
• Corporate leadership and strategic planning
• North American distribution coordination
• Customer service and support

Manufacturing by Country: Detailed Breakdown

China Manufacturing

A significant portion of Skechers shoes comes from China, making it the brand’s primary manufacturing base. Chinese factories handle everything from cutting and stitching uppers to assembling and packaging finished products.

Notable Chinese facilities:

• Putian City, Fujian Province: A major shoe manufacturing hub that became prominent in the 1980s
• Dongguan, Guangdong: Partners with Dongguan Luzhou Shoes Co., Ltd. for footwear production
• Various provinces: Multiple contractor facilities across China’s industrial regions

All Skechers socks are made in China, with the brand relying on Chinese factories for its entire line of athletic and casual socks.

Important context: Though there were recent reports on Uyghurs being relocated from their home areas to factories across China, Skechers has since carried out audits and have firmly stated that no evidence of forced labor was found. The company opened a store in Ürümqi, Xinjiang in September 2024 amid ongoing scrutiny.

Vietnam Manufacturing

Vietnam offers more affordable labor and materials, making it an attractive option for brands looking to optimize production costs. The country has become increasingly important to Skechers’ supply chain.

Many of their athletic shoes, including running and walking styles, are made there. The country has skilled workers and strong infrastructure for making sports shoes.

One manufacturing location is VSIP Binh Duong, Vietnam, where they make shoes through the Kingmaker Vietnam Footwear Co.. This manufacturer also produces shoes for Timberland, Clarks, Wolverine, and Stride Rite, demonstrating the quality standards of Vietnamese footwear production.

Strategic reasons for Vietnam expansion:

• Diversification away from single-country dependence
• Response to rising labor costs in China
• Avoidance of tariffs and trade restrictions
• Access to skilled athletic shoe workforce

The move to Vietnam became especially important during global supply chain challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, allowing Skechers to maintain production when disruptions occurred in other regions.

Indonesia and Cambodia

Cambodia is another location where Skechers produces its footwear. It’s smaller compared to China and Vietnam, but it’s growing. Cambodian factories typically focus on assembling shoes and finishing final details.

What makes Cambodia attractive:

• Affordable labor costs
• Government encouragement of foreign manufacturing investment
• Growing role in global footwear industry
• Additional supply chain flexibility

Indonesia also contributes to Skechers production, though on a smaller scale than China or Vietnam, primarily handling casual lifestyle shoes.

Other Potential Manufacturing Locations

While Skechers is a global brand with manufacturing facilities in various countries, its primary production locations are China, Vietnam, Mexico, Brazil, and Romania. However, most consumer products sold in North America and Europe come from Asian facilities.

Skechers signed an exclusive deal with Grupo Charly in Mexico in 2010, though this partnership primarily focused on distribution to Mexican markets rather than manufacturing for global export.

Are Skechers Good Shoes? Quality and Performance Review

The answer depends on your intended use. Yes, Skechers are good shoes for everyday comfort, casual wear, and light activity. But like any brand, they’re not perfect for everything. Some styles shine, while others fall short if you’re looking for serious support or long-term durability.

Strengths of Skechers Shoes

Comfort The midsole of Skechers slip-in shoes is where the magic happens — they really are like walking on a cloud. Many users, including doctors and nurses who spend long hours on their feet, praise Skechers for exceptional comfort.

Customer reviews frequently highlight the long-lasting comfort and durability of Skechers walking shoes, making them a preferred choice for daily use.

Key comfort features:

• Air-Cooled Memory Foam insoles: Personalized cushioning that adapts to foot contours
• Arch Fit technology: Podiatrist-certified arch support systems
• Generous cushioning: Thick midsoles that absorb shock and reduce foot fatigue
• Breathable materials: Mesh uppers that keep feet cool

Value for Money Most Skechers range between $50 and $80, delivering real value compared to $150 sneakers from big-name brands. The brand frequently offers sales and outlet discounts, making it easy to find good deals.

Versatility Skechers offers shoes for multiple purposes:

• Walking shoes (Go Walk series)
• Running shoes (Performance line)
• Work shoes (slip-resistant styles)
• Casual sneakers (lifestyle collections)
• Slip-on styles (Slip-ins technology)

Weaknesses and Limitations

Durability Concerns Most pairs start showing wear within 6 to 8 months of regular use. The soles start to flatten. The fabric gets loose. And if you wash them in a machine, some pairs lose shape quickly.

Common durability issues reported:

• Memory foam flattening over time
• Heel deterioration in work shoes
• Sole peeling after several months
• Upper materials showing wear quickly

Not Ideal for Intense Activities Many Skechers shoes, especially the memory foam ones, are built more for comfort than control. They feel soft and easy to wear, but they don’t always offer the support needed during high movement.

Limitations include:

• Too soft for running or intense workouts
• Flat soles don’t help with plantar fasciitis or arch correction
• Feet can move around too much during high-impact activities
• Ankles may feel unstable during sports

Inconsistent Fit Fit can be inconsistent, so it’s best to try them on before buying. Different styles fit differently, which can make online purchasing challenging.

Best Skechers Models

Based on professional testing and user reviews:

Best for Walking: Skechers Max Cushioning Arch Fit is a master of all trades from top-notch and all-embracing comfort to outstanding quality

Best for Comfort: Skechers Summits is god-sent in terms of on-foot sensation with a non-constricting toebox and cloud-like softness

Best Lightweight: Skechers Gowalk Joy is 31.7% lighter than average at 6.17 oz (175g) while still providing generous cushioning

Best Slip-On: Skechers Slip-in Max Cushioning Smooth for effortless wear and plush comfort

How to Wash Skechers Shoes: Complete Care Guide

Proper cleaning extends the life of your Skechers and maintains their comfort and appearance. The washing method depends on your shoe’s materials and whether they’re machine-washable.

Are Skechers Washable?

Yes, you can machine wash Skechers if they are one of the specially designed machine washable styles. Check the product detail page for a “Machine Washable” icon before washing.

Important warnings:

• DON’T ever put your Skechers in a machine dryer. DON’T use bleach or hot water. DON’T submerge light-up shoes in water
• Light-up shoes’ electronic components are not made to survive a trip through the washing machine

Machine Washing Instructions

For machine-washable Skechers:

Step 1: Preparation

• Remove laces and insoles (wash separately)
• Brush off loose dirt and debris
• Check for stains and pre-treat if needed

Step 2: Washing

• DO use a laundry bag or pillowcase for machine washable styles
• DO use cold water and a gentle cycle
• Use mild laundry detergent (avoid bleach or harsh chemicals)
• Wash shoes one at a time to avoid discoloration
• Add a few towels for cushioning and load balancing

Step 3: Drying

• DO let your shoes air dry completely before wearing or storing
• For shoes with Skechers Memory Foam insoles, allow shoes and insoles to air dry for 10 to 12 hours to ensure the insoles are fully dry
• Never use direct heat or sunlight
• Stuff with newspaper to maintain shape
• Place in well-ventilated area or near a fan

Hand Washing Instructions

For non-machine-washable styles:

Create a Solution: Mix a few drops of mild laundry detergent with warm water. Wipe Them Down: Dip a soft cloth or a clean brush into the solution and gently scrub the shoe’s surface. Rinse Carefully: Use a separate, clean, damp cloth to wipe away any soap residue. Air Dry: Let them air dry completely, away from direct sunlight or heat.

Special Material Care

Leather Skechers:

• Use a Leather Cleaner: Apply a cleaner specifically designed for leather using a soft cloth. Condition Periodically: To keep the leather supple, consider applying a leather lotion or oil after cleaning. Protect from Water: Before wearing them in wet conditions, treat them with a water-proofer spray

Suede/Nubuck Skechers:

• Start Dry: Use a suede brush to gently brush away loose dirt and dust before cleaning. Apply a Specialized Cleaner: Use a cleaning product made specifically for suede and nubuck
• Never machine wash or submerge in water

Light-Up Shoes:

• Clean them with a mild soap mixture, warm water, and a soft cloth or use baby wipes, damp sponges, or the down-and-dirty scrub approach
• Never submerge in water

How to Wash Skechers Slip-Ins

Skechers Slip-ins with the “Machine Washable” icon can be safely washed following the same machine-washing instructions above. The hands-free design doesn’t affect washability—just ensure you use a laundry bag for protection.

Maintenance Tips

• Apply Skechers Water Proofer Spray before wearing in wet conditions
• Use shoe deodorizer spray to keep them fresh
• Rotate between multiple pairs to extend lifespan
• Store in cool, dry place away from direct sunlight
• Address stains promptly before they set

Do Skechers Run Big or Small? Sizing Guide

Skechers generally fit true to size, but some styles may feel tighter or roomier. Slip-ons and memory foam models can feel snug at first but loosen up over time.

General Sizing Guidelines

Style Category	Sizing Advice	Notes
Most Skechers	True to size	Skechers shoes tend to run true to size. This means that if you usually wear a size 8 shoe, you should order a size 8 in Skechers
Go Walk Series	May run large	Many customers size down half a size, especially if wearing without socks
Slip-ons	May feel snug initially	Loosen up after a few wears as memory foam adjusts
Arch Fit	Generous fit	Extra room for comfort, may consider going down half a size
Sandals	Run large	Skechers Sandals run a full size too big, but it all depends on the style you buy. Skechers doesn’t sell half sizes in the sandals, so you have to buy one size smaller
Running Shoes	Sometimes recommend sizing up	Some buyers go up half a size for athletic/performance styles

Width Options

In terms of width, Skechers shoes are available in both narrow and wide widths, accommodating various foot types:

Classic Fit: Medium width (Women’s B, Men’s D) – standard fit for average feet

Relaxed Fit: Has a wide toe box and is very popular, offering extra wiggle room for toes (Women’s B/C, Men’s D/E)

Wide Fit: Wider around entire foot (Women’s D, Men’s 2E/3E)

Extra Wide: Maximum space (Men’s 4E/5E)

Sizing Compared to Other Brands

Skechers is consistent with other brands that follow the same principle. That includes New Balance, Saucony, ASICS, Brooks, etc. However, there can be 0.5 to 1 US size discrepancies with Nike and Adidas, as their sizing schemes differ.

If switching from Nike or Adidas, you may not need to size up half a size when buying Skechers.

Sizing Tips

1. Measure your feet: It’s always a good idea to measure your feet at the end of the day, when they are most swollen, for the most accurate sizing
2. Check reviews: Read customer reviews for specific styles, as sizing can vary significantly between models
3. Try before buying: Whenever possible, try shoes in-store since fit varies by style
4. Consider the intended use: For running shoes, it’s common to buy a size or half size larger than your typical shoe size to accommodate for swelling during exercise
5. Account for memory foam: Memory foam insoles compress over time, so shoes that feel snug initially often become more comfortable

Sourcing Shoes from China: Understanding Global Footwear Manufacturing

While Skechers manufactures primarily in China and Vietnam, understanding the broader context of Asian footwear production can help businesses and consumers appreciate the global supply chain.

Why China Dominates Footwear Manufacturing

China has established itself as the world’s footwear manufacturing powerhouse for several strategic reasons:

Infrastructure and Expertise

• Decades of specialized footwear manufacturing experience
• Concentrated industrial zones like Putian City and Dongguan
• Integrated supply chains with easy access to materials
• Skilled workforce trained in all aspects of shoe production

Zalety związane z kosztami

• Lower labor costs compared to Western countries
• Affordable raw materials sourced locally or regionally
• Economies of scale from massive production volumes
• Competitive pricing that benefits global consumers

Manufacturing Capabilities

• Ability to produce millions of pairs annually
• Advanced machinery and production technologies
• Quality control systems meeting international standards
• Flexibility to handle both mass production and customization

The Future of Footwear Manufacturing

As labor costs rise in China, manufacturers including Skechers are diversifying to Vietnam, Indonesia, and Cambodia. This trend mirrors the strategies of other major athletic brands.

For businesses considering sourcing footwear or other products from China, working with experienced sourcing agents can streamline the process of finding reliable manufacturers, negotiating prices, and ensuring quality control.

FAQ About Skechers Manufacturing and Care

Where are Skechers manufactured?

Skechers shoes are manufactured in independent factories located overseas, mostly in China and Vietnam, with additional production in Indonesia and Cambodia. The company works with third-party contractors rather than owning factories directly, allowing for production flexibility and cost management.

Where are Skechers shoes made?

Skechers shoes are made primarily in China (largest share at 60-70% of production) and Vietnam (25-30%), with smaller amounts produced in Indonesia and Cambodia. One notable manufacturing location in China is Dongguan, Guangdong, where Skechers operates in partnership with Dongguan Luzhou Shoes Co., Ltd.

Who owns Skechers?

Skechers is a public company, but is still run by its original founding family. Robert Greenberg founded Skechers in 1992 and is still the chairman. His son, Michael Greenberg, is the president. Approximately 80% of shares are owned by public investors including BlackRock and Vanguard.

Are Skechers good shoes?

Yes, Skechers are good shoes for everyday comfort, casual wear, and light activity. They excel in comfort with memory foam technology and offer excellent value at $50-80 price points. However, they may not provide enough support for intense workouts or long-term durability compared to premium athletic brands. Most users praise their walking comfort but note they show wear within 6-8 months of regular use.

How to wash Skechers?

For machine-washable Skechers: Use a laundry bag or pillowcase, wash on cold water with gentle cycle, use mild detergent, and air dry completely. Never put them in the dryer or use bleach. For shoes with Memory Foam insoles, allow 10-12 hours to air dry to ensure insoles are fully dry. For non-washable styles, hand wash with mild soap and water using a soft cloth.

How to wash Skechers slip-ins?

Skechers Slip-ins with the “Machine Washable” icon can be washed in the machine following standard instructions: remove insoles if possible, place in laundry bag, use cold water on gentle cycle, air dry completely. The hands-free design doesn’t affect washability—treat them the same as regular machine-washable Skechers.

Are Skechers washable?

Yes, many Skechers are specially designed to be machine washable. Check the product detail page for the “Machine Washable” icon. However, leather, suede, and light-up shoes should not be machine washed. Always air dry—never use a dryer, as heat can damage materials and the memory foam insoles.

Do Skechers run big or small?

Skechers generally fit true to size, but some styles may feel tighter or roomier. Slip-ons and memory foam models can feel snug at first but loosen up over time. Go Walk shoes often run large, with many customers sizing down half a size. Sandals typically run a full size large. Wide-foot options are available in Relaxed Fit and Wide Fit styles.

Are Skechers made in America?

No, Skechers are not made in America. Skechers doesn’t hire factories in the USA for its shoes. They mainly manufacture in Vietnam and China. While the company is American with headquarters in California, all manufacturing is overseas due to cost considerations and established footwear industry infrastructure in Asia.

Who is the owner of Skechers?

Robert Greenberg is the founder and chairman of Skechers, having established the company in 1992. Greenberg previously founded LA Gear in 1983 and stepped down as CEO the same year he founded Skechers. His son Michael Greenberg serves as president, and together they maintain significant influence despite the company being publicly traded since 1999.

Where are Skechers made in USA?

Skechers are not manufactured in any USA facilities. Despite being headquartered in Manhattan Beach, California, the company produces all its footwear in Asian countries, primarily China and Vietnam. The California headquarters handles design, marketing, and corporate operations, but no actual shoe manufacturing occurs in the United States.

Are Skechers made in sweatshops?

Skechers has quality control teams in place at manufacturing factories, keeping close oversight on how shoes are made. Though there were recent reports on Uyghurs being relocated to factories across China, Skechers has carried out audits and firmly stated that no evidence of forced labor was found. The company partners with established manufacturers that also supply other major brands like Timberland and Clarks.

Where is Skechers headquarters?

Skechers is headquartered in Manhattan Beach, California, a beach city in Los Angeles County’s South Bay region. The company expanded its headquarters in 2019 to double its office, design, and showroom space. The Manhattan Beach location serves as the central hub for product design, marketing, corporate leadership, and North American operations.

Conclusion: Skechers’ Global Manufacturing Strategy

Skechers has built a successful global business model by leveraging Asian manufacturing expertise while maintaining American brand identity and design innovation. As the third-largest footwear brand in the world by sales, Skechers demonstrates that strategic outsourcing to China, Vietnam, and other Asian countries can produce quality products at affordable prices.

The brand’s success stems from several key factors:

Manufacturing Excellence: Partnering with experienced Asian factories provides access to skilled labor, cost efficiencies, and production scale that would be impossible to replicate domestically.

Kontrola jakości: Maintaining oversight through on-site inspection teams ensures consistent standards across all manufacturing locations, even without owning the facilities directly.

Supply Chain Flexibility: Diversifying production across multiple countries mitigates risks and allows the company to adapt to changing trade conditions and market demands.

Innovation and Comfort: While manufacturing happens overseas, Skechers’ California-based design teams continue developing comfort technologies like Air-Cooled Memory Foam and Arch Fit systems that set the brand apart.

For consumers, this manufacturing strategy translates to affordable, comfortable shoes that meet everyday needs, though perhaps not the durability of premium brands. For businesses, Skechers’ model demonstrates how American companies can successfully compete globally by focusing on design, marketing, and brand management while outsourcing production.

Whether you’re buying your first pair of Skechers or you’re a longtime fan, understanding where and how they’re made provides insight into what makes them one of the world’s most popular footwear brands.

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