What does it take to make a high-quality shoe from scratch? Great ideas? An expert team of craftsmen? Experience?
At COMUNITYmade, it takes all that—and more.
Every shoe we make at COMUNITYmade starts with an idea and ends with a product designed, tested, and built with purpose. Unlike mass-produced footwear, our shoes are handcrafted in small batches with a level of attention you can see and feel.
Here’s a quick look at our full product development process - from design files and material sourcing to prototyping, fine-tuning, and quality control.
Design Conceptualization
We don’t just jump into production when a new project comes in. We take time to understand the story behind the design. What’s the vision? Who’s it for? How will it be used? These questions help shape everything that follows.
Our design team begins with research and brainstorming. We look at market trends, performance needs, aesthetic goals, and your personal style cues if it’s a custom project. Inspiration comes from everywhere. Sometimes, it’s a classic sneaker silhouette, other times, it’s a detail from art, architecture, or even a piece of vintage gear.
Then, we move into concept development. Sometimes, that means quick hand sketches. Other times, we jump straight into digital 3D renderings. However, the goal is always the same: create something that looks great and works from a construction standpoint.
This is where experience matters. Our founders and design leads come from brands like Nike, ASICS, Vans, and TOMS. We’ve seen every challenge in the book, and that knowledge helps us spot issues before they become problems. If a curve looks cool but won’t hold up in the real world, we catch it early. If a stitch line needs to shift for durability, we make the call.
Sourcing Sustainable Materials
Once the design is locked in, we move straight into sourcing. This is one of the most essential parts of the shoemaking process—because if you want to build quality shoes, you have to start with quality materials.
At COMUNITYmade, every material we choose is deliberate. Nothing is random, from premium leathers and natural textiles to laces, thread, and foam. We source for performance and purpose. That’s why we prioritize local suppliers whenever possible. Sourcing right here in the US gives us greater control, cuts down on waste, and allows us to support American manufacturing, which we’re proud to be part of.
And we’re always looking for ways to do it better. Take The Mayor, for example—one of our standout projects. The upper was crafted using upcycled leathers from the automotive industry in Detroit. These are high-quality hides that would’ve otherwise been discarded. Instead, we gave them new life as custom sneakers with bold character and a powerful sustainability story built in.
When we need something more specialized, we sometimes look beyond the US. But even then, we only work with select international partners who meet strict standards for both quality and sustainability.
Prototyping
Our prototyping process is hands-on and highly detailed. There are no shortcuts. Every component is cut, stitched, assembled, and reviewed in our Los Angeles shoe factory. We use your design files as our blueprint, but the real work happens at the bench, with skilled hands, trained eyes, and decades of experience guiding each move.
We start by crafting patterns for the upper, using the final product design and material specs. Our team then builds the first sample, often by hand, checking alignment, fit, and construction as we go. The upper is formed around a custom last to ensure the proper structure and shape. If your shoe calls for specific performance features, we may incorporate injection molding techniques to develop durable, high-performing outsoles or midsoles.
Throughout the build, we’re making all the necessary micro-adjustments. Maybe a seam needs reinforcing, or the collar height could be better for comfort. This fine-tuning is part of what sets small-batch, custom work apart from mass production. We don’t just blindly build; we refine, test, and iterate until everything feels just right.
Because everything is happening under one roof, we can make changes fast without losing time or compromising quality.
Testing and Refinement
After the first prototype is built, we test it. The goal is to ensure it looks good on a shelf and feels great on your feet.
We wear the shoe, move in it, and pay close attention to how it performs. How does the heel sit? Does the toe box allow enough room? Is the cushioning doing its job? This stage is all about real-life feedback and real-time adjustments.
Comfort and durability are non-negotiable. Whether it’s an everyday lifestyle shoe or a pair of athletic shoes, we build with wearability in mind. Our team’s background at Nike, ASICS, Vans, and TOMS means we know how to design for performance, even in custom shoes.
As we test, we go back to the bench for more fine-tuning: a shift in material, a tweak in shape, better padding, and cleaner lines. This can take a few rounds—and that’s okay. Our rule of thumb is we don’t move forward until it feels exactly right.
By the end of this phase, we have a working prototype that matches the user experience we promised visually, physically, and functionally.
Quality Control
We do quality checks every step of the way. From the moment materials arrive to the final inspection, we’re constantly checking, adjusting, and improving. Our team doesn’t wait until the end to find flaws—we spot them early and fix them right away. That’s one of the biggest advantages of small-batch, American-made production. There’s no disconnect between teams. The same makers who build your shoe are involved in inspecting and perfecting it.
Because we aren’t producing thousands of pairs on an assembly line, we can give each shoe the attention it deserves. That’s how we maintain consistency across even the most limited runs. No corners cut, and no compromises.
Our approach to product development makes it easier to catch issues early, adjust quickly, and ensure every pair lives up to our standards, and yours.
Final Production
We follow the specs in the design files and bill of materials. The patterns are precise. The materials are ready. The methods are proven. Our team here in Los Angeles assembles every pair, using the same hands-on techniques we used for the prototype.
We don’t treat production as a volume game. Our focus is on building high-quality shoes, one pair at a time. That’s why we work in small batches. It keeps our process lean, focused, and scalable without sacrificing quality craftsmanship.
If your shoe design includes special features, like embroidery, alternate colorways, or premium add-ons, we integrate those during this phase. Because everything is done in-house, we’re able to stay flexible while maintaining control.
And unlike overseas operations, our lead time is much shorter. No shipping delays, no miscommunication between contractors, and no surprises. Just a tight, efficient, transparent production process built around your timeline.
When the final pairs are finished, they go through one more round of quality control. We polish, pack, and prep every pair with the same care we gave the first. We even inspect packaging because the user experience doesn’t stop when the shoe is made. It continues until it’s in your hands.
Why It All Matters
At COMUNITYmade, we don’t follow the industry standard. We set a new one. Our process isn’t the fastest, and we’re okay with that. We don’t rush because quality takes time. Every design we produce, every shoe we build, is made with a purpose: better materials, tighter processes, and more intention in every stitch.
From the first sketch to the final box, we’re here to help you bring your vision to life. Whether you're a brand looking to create a limited-edition drop or a designer building your first prototype, you can trust us to deliver quality shoes that perform, fit, and feel exactly the way they should.
