Manufacturer · Fashion & Home Accessories
Footwear labels in the EU are governed by Directive 94/11/EC: at least one shoe of each pair must carry information on the material of the three main parts – upper, lining and sock, and outer sole – using standard pictograms or text. The material that makes up at least 80% of the surface area or volume of the relevant part is stated. Besides this mandatory label, most brands also add a logo label – leather, woven or printed.
Footwear labels: what the directive requires
The directive applies to footwear sold to the end consumer in the EU. The main rules are:
- Three parts. Information is given for the upper, for the lining and sock, and for the outer sole.
- Four material groups. Leather, coated leather, textiles (natural and synthetic) and other materials.
- The 80% rule. The material that makes up at least 80% of the surface area of the upper and lining or of the volume of the sole is stated. If no material reaches 80%, the two main ones are given.
- Form. The information is given by pictograms or in writing, in the language of the country as determined by national rules.
- Position. The label is on at least one shoe of each pair – printed, glued, embossed or attached.
- Legibility. The label must be legible, firmly attached and accessible, and of sufficient size.
This text is a practical overview, not legal advice – check the current version of the requirements and the national rules if you export.
The pictograms in brief
| Part of the shoe | What it covers |
|---|---|
| Upper | The outer part attached to the sole |
| Lining and sock | The inner lining and the insole |
| Outer sole | The bottom part in contact with the ground |
| Material | Pictogram (description) |
|---|---|
| Leather | Silhouette of a tanned hide |
| Coated leather | Silhouette of a hide with a diamond |
| Textiles | A symbol resembling woven fabric |
| Other materials | A diamond |
On the label, the pictogram for the part is placed next to the pictogram for the material. This way the buyer sees, for example, that the upper is leather, the lining is textile and the sole is other materials.
Footwear labels and textile requirements
Footwear has its own labelling system under Directive 94/11/EC, different from that for clothing under Regulation 1007/2011. That is why the composition of footwear is usually not stated as fibre percentages as with clothing; instead, the material of each part is indicated by pictograms or text. However, if the brand also makes textile accessories – socks, scarves, hats – the rules for textile products apply to them.
How the label is applied
- Printing on the insole or the elastic – the most widespread solution for mass-market footwear.
- Self-adhesive label on the sole – convenient, but easily removed.
- Textile label sewn inside – in the seam of the tongue or the heel. Durable and legible.
- Embossing – on the leather insole or the sole.
You will find soft printed labels that are sewn into shoes under textile labels.
The brand label on footwear
Besides the mandatory information, shoes also carry a brand. Popular solutions are:
- A leather label on the tongue or heel, with an embossed or foil logo – see leather labels.
- A woven label on the tongue of sports and canvas shoes.
- Printing or embossing on the insole – the logo is visible when putting the shoe on.
- A metal plate – on the outside of boots and on bags in the same collection.
A cardboard hang tag or a box label completes the presentation and carries the size, style and barcode.
Example of a shoe label
Take a leather moccasin with a textile lining and a rubber sole. The label will contain three lines: the upper pictogram with the leather pictogram, the lining and sock pictogram with the textile pictogram, and the outer sole pictogram with the other materials pictogram. If the lining is partly leather and partly textile and neither material reaches 80%, both are given. To this the brand usually adds the size, style and logo on the insole, and for export – text in the relevant language. The label can be printed directly on the inside of the tongue or be a textile label sewn into the heel seam.
Shoes and bags in one collection
If the brand offers shoes, bags and clothing, it is a good idea for the brand labels to share one style – the same leather label with an embossed logo can be used on shoes, bags and jackets. The mandatory information differs, however: footwear follows the footwear directive, clothing the textile regulation, and bags the general safety and information requirements.
Shoe sizes
In Europe the size is most often given in the Paris Point system (EU sizes), and some brands add UK, US or foot length in centimetres. The size is printed on the insole, on the tongue label or inside the shoe. Choose one system and apply it consistently, and add the local one when exporting.
Practical tips for manufacturers
- Determine the materials of the three parts from the specification, not by eye.
- Check whether any material reaches 80% – if not, state the two main ones.
- Place the label where it is legible but does not get in the way of wearing.
- Use a label material that withstands friction and moisture.
- Coordinate the style of the brand label with your clothing labels, if you also have a clothing collection.
You will find all types of labels in the labels category.
Labels for footwear and accessories from Polkom
Polkom is a Bulgarian manufacturer of accessories for fashion, furniture, footwear and bags, based in Sofia, with over 30 years of experience. We make custom leather, woven and printed labels with your logo for footwear, bags and clothing, produce fast samples and deliver across the EU. Send a description of the item via the inquiry form. Minimum quantities depend on the item.
