Gladiator sandals remain prevalent

	The model CGA622 sandals from Shantou Chengguo have PU leather uppers, lining and insoles. A pair goes for $6.60.

Ruched and crisscrossed bands adorned with beads and lace update the enduring gladiator sandal trend.

China suppliers of sandals are contemporizing ankle cuff details on their latest releases as Roman-style footwear continues to be the best-sellers.

For a clean yet interesting look, makers are draping soft leather or fabric around the collar. The majority of designs, however, feature heavy embellishment on the straps. Studs, chains and beads are the commonly used trimmings. Some companies employ rhinestones and Swarovski crystals to create the effect of jewelry.

While many still adopt traditional buckle closures, more pairs now have zippers on the counter. Slide fasteners are quicker to open and close. In addition, they do not get in the way of the uppers’ dangling ornaments.

At the same time, wellness sandals are gaining ground. These are designed to improve posture and reduce impact on the feet, knees and back. Some are even said to strengthen the core, improve blood circulation and metabolism, and prevent injuries in the tendons, ligaments and muscles.

As the products are intended for extended wear, suppliers utilize odor-resistant and anti-bacterial materials.

Most China suppliers of sandals are OEM-oriented, but maintain a selection of ODM releases. They offer styles for both men and women. The former are available in dark neutral colors such as navy blue and brown. Women’s versions are in silver, khaki, blue, yellow, peach, fuchsia and turquoise.

Prices are from $1 to $15 per pair depending on the components adopted. Low-end models reach $3 and have webbing, mesh, or PU or PVC leather uppers. The insoles and outsoles are made of EVA. The latter can also come in PVC. The closure options are buckles, zippers, and hook-and-loop tape. The only trimming is a silk-screened logo.

Midrange designs go for $3.50 to $8. They are fitted with PU leather, pigskin or suede uppers. The first is used for the insoles as well, along with embossed EVA. The outsole choices are PU, TPR and rubber.

Embroidery, rhinestones, feathers, studs rosettes and lace decorate women’s variants.

High-end sandals employ materials similar to intermediate counterparts, but the leather and rubber may be imported.

Inputs are checked for heavy metal, azo, formaldehyde and phthalate content. Leather thickness and fabric colorfastness are also measured. Products are tested for bending and wear resistance.

The next six months are part of the low season for the line. Quotes are therefore expected to remain stable, if not decrease slightly.

Even so, sandal makers are wary of possible currency losses due to the appreciation of the yuan. Because of this, they are currently favoring short-term orders that can be fulfilled in two months.

Related article:
Women's sandals: Initiatives focus on sustaining viability

Fuzhou Pingchi Imp. & Exp. Trading Co. Ltd

Model: BH002-01
MOQ: 1,000 pairs per color
Delivery: 35 days
Description: Women’s sandals; PU leather uppers; TPR outsoles; zipper closure; bead trimming; sizes 36 to 40; polybag packaging

Fuzhou Waltz International Trading Co. Ltd

Model: WZM-XA909-36L
MOQ: 2,000 pairs per color
Delivery: 30 days
Price: $2.30
Description: Men’s sandals; webbing, mesh uppers; multispandex lining; EVA insoles, outsoles; sizes 40 to 45; 0.4kg per pair

Fuzhou Waltz International Trading Co. Ltd

Model: WZL-XA610-16L
MOQ: 2,000 pairs per color
Delivery: 30 days
Price: $2.40
Description: Men’s sandals; PU leather, multispandex uppers; multispandex lining; EVA insoles, outsoles; sizes 36 to 41

Shantou Chengguo Shoes Co. Ltd

Model: 90716
MOQ: 1,200 pairs per color
Delivery: 15 days
Price: $1.90
Description: Women’s sandals; PVC; sizes 36 to 40; doubles as water shoes; custom colors; box packaging

Shantou Chengguo Shoes Co. Ltd

Model: CGA622
MOQ: 1,000 pairs per color
Delivery: 40 days
Price: $6.60
Description: Women’s sandals; PU leather uppers, lining, insoles; TPR outsoles; zipper closure; chain, rhinestone trimmings; sizes 36 to 41; custom colors; box packaging

Shantou Chengguo Shoes Co. Ltd

Model: CGA7808
MOQ: 1,000 pairs per color
Delivery: 40 days
Price: $3.40
Description: Women’s sandals; PU leather uppers, lining, insoles; TPR outsoles; bead trimming; sizes 36 to 41; custom colors; box packaging