316210 - Footwear Manufacturing

The NAICS code 316210 specifically covers the dynamic and multifaceted industry of Footwear Manufacturing, encompassing an extensive range of products and manufacturing processes. Whether you are a government contractor, entrepreneur, or industry analyst, understanding the details of this NAICS category is critical for regulatory, procurement, and market research purposes. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into what NAICS 316210 entails, explore the sector it fits within, highlight typical business activities, and shed light on industry standards and examples.

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What is NAICS Code 316210 – Footwear Manufacturing?

The Footwear Manufacturing industry, under NAICS code 316210, comprises establishments primarily engaged in manufacturing footwear such as shoes, boots, and sandals. These products are made from a variety of materials including leather, rubber, synthetics, and fabric uppers, catering to men, women, and children.

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Sector Information and Typical Business Activities

• Sector: Manufacturing
• Industry Description: This sector includes manufacturers producing a broad array of footwear types — from athletic shoes to dress boots, ballet slippers to hiking boots, and protective footwear to casual sandals. The production processes involve working with different materials such as leather, rubber, plastic, vinyl, and fabric.
• Common Business Activities Include:
  • Shoe manufacturing plants
  • Boot production companies
  • Sandal fabrication facilities
  • Manufacture of specialized footwear such as orthopedic shoes, cleated athletic shoes, and water shoes

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Size Standards for NAICS 316210

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), to qualify as a small business under NAICS code 316210, a company must have 1,000 or fewer employees. This size standard is crucial for businesses seeking eligibility in government contracting or small business programs.

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Examples of Businesses Under NAICS 316210

• Athletic Shoes Manufacturing Plants: Specialized in plastics or rubber soled athletic footwear.
• Boot Manufacturers: Producing dress boots, hiking boots, and protective boots for various demographics.
• Sandal Production Facilities: Manufacturing plastic or rubber soled fabric upper sandals for men, women, and children.
• Leather Footwear Companies: Focused on leather upper shoes and boots including moccasins and slippers.
• Orthopedic Shoe Makers: Creating custom-fit shoes for children and adults with specific orthopedic needs.

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Detailed Code Breakdown: Footwear Types Manufactured Under NAICS 316210

Footwear Type	Materials Involved	Manufacturing Details
Arctics	Plastics/plastics soled fabric upper; Rubber soled fabric	Manufacturing of insulated outdoor boots
Athletic Shoes	Plastics/rubber soled fabric upper	Manufacture of athletic and cleated shoes
Ballet Slippers	Various	Manufacturing of lightweight, flexible shoes for dance
Beach Sandals	Plastics/rubber soled fabric upper	Production of open-toe sandals ideal for casual wear
Boots (Dress & Casual for men, women, children)	Leather, plastics, rubber	Various styles of boots for formal and casual settings
Boots (Hiking & Protective)	Leather, plastics, rubber	Durable boots designed for outdoor and work environments
Canvas Shoes	Plastics/rubber soled fabric upper	Casual canvas shoes with different sole materials
Casual Shoes	Leather, plastics, rubber	Everyday footwear for all ages
Children’s Shoes (except orthopedic)	Leather, vinyl, plastics, rubber	Various materials for children’s non-orthopedic footwear
Climbing Shoes	Plastics/rubber soled fabric upper	Specialized shoes for climbing sports
Dress Shoes (Men’s, Women’s, Children’s)	Leather, vinyl	Formal footwear manufacturing
Footwear (Orthopedic, non-extension)	Leather, vinyl, plastics, rubber	Custom and therapeutic shoes for medical needs
Galoshes	Plastics, rubber	Overshoes for wet or muddy conditions
Golf Shoes (Men’s & Women’s Cleated)	Various	Specialized cleated shoes for sports use
House Slippers	Leather, plastics, rubber	Indoor slippers manufactured for comfort
Infant’s Shoes	Various	Footwear designed for infants
Leather Footwear	Leather	Various types of leather footwear including slippers
Moccasins	Leather	Traditional soft leather shoes
Sandals (Men’s, Women’s, Children’s)	Plastics, rubber	Open footwear for warmer climates
Shoes (Athletic, Cleated, Theatrical, Wooden, etc.)	Variety of materials	Specialty and general-use footwear
Shower Sandals or Slippers	Rubber	Waterproof sandals often used in showers or pools
Slippers (Ballet & House)	Various	Comfort-oriented footwear types
Water Shoes	Plastics, rubber	Designed for water activities
Work Shoes	Various	Footwear designed for industrial and work safety

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FAQ About NAICS Code 316210 – Footwear Manufacturing

Q1: What types of businesses fall under NAICS 316210?
A1: Businesses such as shoe manufacturing plants, boot making companies, sandal producers, and specialty footwear manufacturers.

Q2: What materials are typically used in footwear manufacturing under this NAICS code?
A2: Common materials include leather, rubber, plastic, vinyl, and fabric uppers combined with various sole materials.

Q3: What is the SBA size standard for small businesses in Footwear Manufacturing?
A3: A small business under NAICS 316210 has 1,000 or fewer employees.

Q4: Does this industry include orthopedic shoe manufacturing?
A4: Yes, orthopedic shoes (except extension shoes) for men, women, and children are included under NAICS 316210.

Q5: Are athletic shoe manufacturers part of this classification?
A5: Yes, manufacturing of athletic shoes, including cleated and vinyl upper shoes, falls under this NAICS code.

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Conclusion

NAICS code 316210 — Footwear Manufacturing — encapsulates a broad and essential segment of the manufacturing industry. From athletic shoes to children’s sandals, and specialized orthopedic footwear to protective boots, this industry plays a pivotal role in fashion, comfort, and safety across various consumer needs. Whether you are a small business operator gearing toward government contracts or a market researcher, understanding this classification helps in identifying relevant opportunities and regulations.

For businesses in this vibrant industry, staying knowledgeable about NAICS 316210 and associated size standards is key to aligning with federal and commercial markets successfully.

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Keywords: NAICS 316210, Footwear Manufacturing, shoe manufacturing, boot production, sandal manufacturing, athletic shoes, small business size standards, footwear industry, leather shoes, rubber soles