Shoe components are as basic and as varied as the clothes we put on each day. If you are ready to expand retail offerings to include shoes, define your target customer by gender or by style, and then decide on what products and services to offer in the store.

Men's shoe components and women's shoe components are sold in three categories: shoe accessories, insoles, and shoe outsoles or soles. Consider stocking replacement shoe soles for customer convenience. If your client base consists of younger customers and athletic shoe shoppers, stock shoe accessories such as laces and charms to increase sales. Insoles are mostly used in shoes that are worked in or worn for extended periods of time. Shoe outsoles or soles are used on all different types and styles of shoes.

1. Stock shoe accessories.

2. Locate insoles for your shoe components department.

3. Find sole components of a shoe.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Locate providers of shoe accessories

Shoe accessories include items such as laces and charms. Providing shoe accessories for customers provides them with a one-stop shop for shoes, repairs or accessories.

I recommend: Laces can be colored, glittered, for athletic equipment, or for formal or casual footwear. LacesForLess is a great site for familiarizing yourself with the range of lace products available. Flibbers offers eye-catching and whimsical lace accessories that both children and adolescents will like. Shoe Charmers carries a variety of charms for children's and teens' shoes.

Buy insoles as shoe components

In order to remain competitive in products or services, you will have to be familiar with the latest shoe technology and style offerings, especially if you offer shoe repair services. Shoe insoles are available for men's and women's casual or dress shoes.

I recommend: Visit the FootSmart website to view a number of today's replacement insoles that offer orthopedic support, help with summer heat, or that simply enhance comfort. Indiamart offers a wide assortment of casual shoe components for women's and men's shoes. Springbak provides performance insoles for men's and women's athletic shoes.

Purchase shoe repair soles or new soles

The sole is one of the most important shoe components. Repairing an old shoe sole gives new life to the shoe. Shoe soles are made from cork, leather and rubber that is formulated to withstand the wear and tear of shoe outsoles.

I recommend: View the vast list of shoe sole types and products available at Boris Shoe Components Supplies. Xiamen Biyate carries athletic shoe components for manufacturing or repair. Buy leather shoe soles and many other shoe components at German Shoe Repair.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you add shoe accessories, such as lace charms, to your inventory, create a visually stimulating merchandising display near the store's entrance to introduce the new products. Add shoe components such as soles to the display to cover consumer wants and needs.