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Tafric request data as of November 2, 2026
Shoe retailers in Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe and East Africa search Google for 'wholesale shoes from Turkey', 'Turkish leather shoes for men' and 'how to order shoes from Turkey'. This guide is for shop owners and resellers who want to buy shoes in bulk directly from Turkish manufacturers.
Short answer
Turkey is a major shoe-making country with factories that produce men's leather shoes, loafers, sandals and slippers, sneakers, women's heels and flats, and children's and school shoes. Many accept mixed size runs and small first orders, and many can produce under your own brand. Agree the material, sole and size run in writing, ask for samples, and check your country's import rules before you pay: Nigeria, for example, lists most footwear and bags among import-prohibited goods (sports and canvas shoes are among the exceptions), so confirm the HS code with a licensed customs agent first.
Turkey, China or Dubai?
China offers the widest range and the lowest prices on large volumes. Dubai is a trading hub where wholesalers resell shoes made elsewhere, often from China and Turkey. Turkey's strength is mid-range quality, genuine leather and fast fashion, made by the factories themselves, with a shorter sea transit to West and North Africa than from East Asia. If you sell leather shoes or want models that look European, Turkey is worth comparing. If your customers buy mainly on price, compare Turkish offers with Chinese ones on the same material and sole.
What you can buy
Requests from African buyers fall into a few groups. Men's leather shoes: loafers and moccasins, Oxford and Derby shoes for offices and ceremonies, usually in black, brown and dark chocolate, sizes 40 to 46. Sandals and slippers: men's leather sandals, women's slippers and slides, house slippers. Sneakers and casual shoes for young customers. Women's shoes: low and high heels, ballerinas and larger sizes. Children's shoes, including school shoes, sometimes ordered together with kids' clothing. Many buyers also want matching bags; Turkish factories that make leather goods can offer shoe-and-bag sets.
Production is concentrated in Istanbul and in industrial cities such as İzmir, Konya and Gaziantep. Some factories specialise in leather men's shoes, others in slippers and sandals or in children's shoes, so describe the type clearly in your request.
Own brands, not copies
Many buyers ask for shoes with famous logos. Shoes carrying a brand name you do not own are counterfeits: customs can seize them and your shop can be fined. Turkish factories sell their own brands and can make models under your brand (private label) with your logo on the insole and box. Ask for 'similar style, no logo' if you like a design, and keep the photos you send free of brand names.
What drives the price
Five things decide the price per pair. The upper: full-grain leather, split leather, suede or synthetic (PU). The sole: rubber, EVA, PU or TR for casual shoes, leather for dress shoes. The construction: glued (cemented) shoes cost less than stitched ones. The size run and order size: a full run of sizes costs more per pair than a few popular sizes. And the packaging: an individual box for each pair adds cost and volume. To compare suppliers fairly, send everyone the same specification and ask for the price per pair delivered to your port (CIF or CFR).
How size runs work
Factories usually sell in series: one carton holds a fixed set of sizes, for example one pair each of 40 to 44 for men. Tell the supplier which sizes sell in your shop and whether you use EU or UK sizes; buyers in Zimbabwe and Nigeria sometimes use UK sizes, while Turkish factories work in EU sizes. Ask for the size chart and check one sample pair per size if you can.
How to import shoes from Turkey, step by step
1) Decide the models, materials, sizes and the price you can sell at. 2) Post a free request on Tafric with photos, sizes, quantity and your port. 3) Compare the suppliers who contact you and order samples. 4) Agree in writing the size run, colours, packaging, labels and delivery terms. 5) Before shipping, ask for photos or a video of the finished cartons, or use an inspection company. 6) Ship by consolidated cargo (LCL) for a first order, or in a full container when volumes grow.
Shipping, customs and country rules
Sea freight from Türkiye to West Africa takes roughly 2 to 4 weeks port to port, depending on the service and transhipment (direct services are at the short end); ask a forwarder for the current schedule. Inland countries add road time. Check the rules of your country before ordering: Nigeria's import prohibition list covers most footwear (HS 6401–6405) and bags (HS 4202), with exceptions such as sports and canvas shoes; confirm the current list and HS code with a licensed customs agent first. Côte d'Ivoire and Senegal require a shipment tracking note (BSC), the DR Congo a FERI and Cameroon a BESC; your supplier or forwarder can arrange them. Kenya and Tanzania apply pre-export conformity checks to many consumer goods.
How Tafric works for buyers
Posting a request is free. Tafric checks it before it goes live, then Turkish shoe manufacturers see it and contact you directly. You compare, ask for samples and agree terms with the supplier you choose. Post your request or browse shoes, sandals and slippers from Turkish suppliers and bags.
Frequently asked questions
Can I buy wholesale shoes from Turkey?
Yes. Turkish manufacturers sell men's leather shoes, sandals, slippers, sneakers, women's and children's shoes wholesale. Many accept mixed size runs and small first orders.
Are Turkish leather shoes good quality?
Turkey is known for genuine leather shoes in the mid-range. Quality depends on the leather, the sole and whether the shoe is glued or stitched, so ask for samples and agree the materials in writing.
How do I order shoes from Turkey?
Describe the models, sizes and quantity, post a free request on Tafric, compare the manufacturers who contact you, order samples, then agree the size run, packaging and delivery terms in writing.
Turkey or China for wholesale shoes?
China is usually cheaper on large volumes; Turkey is strong in leather and European-style models and is closer by sea to West and North Africa. Compare both on the same material, sole and delivered price.
Can I import shoes from Turkey to Nigeria?
Nigeria lists most footwear and bags among import-prohibited goods; sports and canvas shoes are exceptions. Check the current list and HS code with a licensed customs agent before you order.
Can I buy branded shoes like Nike or Gucci from Turkish factories?
No. Shoes with brand names you do not own are counterfeits and can be seized at customs. Turkish factories sell their own brands and can produce under your brand.