Running shoe quality control checklist before shipment

Three inspection stages

• Incoming materials: mesh, synthetics, foam and outsole colours are checked against the approved sample and swatches.
• In-line: stitching, lasting and sole bonding are checked while production is running, so errors are caught early.
• Final inspection: finished, packed pairs are sampled before shipment.

The approved sample is the standard

Every check compares production against the signed, approved sample and the written specification. Keep one sealed sample on each side. Without it, "acceptable" becomes a matter of opinion.

Appearance

• Colour matches the approved sample under daylight.
• No glue marks, stains, scratches or loose threads.
• Left and right shoes match in colour, height and shape.
• Logos are in the right position, straight and complete.

Construction

• Sole bonding: no gaps at the toe, heel or along the sidewall when the shoe is flexed.
• Stitching: even stitch length, no skipped or broken stitches.
• Toe and heel alignment: the upper sits centred on the sole — small errors are very visible on thick soles.
• Inside the shoe: no wrinkles in the lining, no sharp edges, insole fixed correctly.

Sizing and fit

Measure a few pairs in each size against the size chart, and try on core sizes. Check that size labels match the shoe actually inside the box.

Labelling and packing

• Tongue label, size label and country-of-origin marking as agreed.
• Barcode on the box scans and matches the style, colour and size.
• Box quality, tissue, hang tags and silica gel as specified.
• Carton marks, pairs per carton and carton weight match the packing list.

How AQL sampling works

Inspecting every pair is rarely practical, so inspectors use AQL (acceptance quality limit) sampling: a set number of pairs is drawn at random according to the order size, and the order passes if defects stay under agreed limits. Defects are normally grouped as critical, major and minor, with stricter limits for the more serious groups. Agree the AQL levels in the purchase order.

Who inspects

The factory's own QC team inspects every order. Many buyers add their own inspector or a third-party inspection company for the final check. Tell the factory the planned inspection date early so packing is finished in time.

If something fails

Record defects with photos and counts, agree on rework or replacement, and re-inspect the corrected goods. Clear written standards make this conversation short.