How We Create Prototypes

Prototype Development
Here at HEYOU, we provide the comprehensive service to bring your vision to life— from prototype development to final production, along with our trusted experts, proven systems, and resources. If you are new to shoe development, we are an excellent resource! Prototype development is crucial in developing new shoe collections before placing an order for production.

Our development team will work closely with you to not only review but also confirm all details of your design, convert it to your unique specifications into physical prototype samples. You have the final approval on the fitting and appearance of the sample before production.

The prototype-making process includes —
• Material sourcing
• 2D pattern creation
• Customs Last as well as heel and outsole development
• Hardware development

As a company with decades of experience in this field, we will collaborate with you from the initial idea to the final product and beyond, equipping you with all the development skills to expand your brand.

Material Selection
HEYOU understands the importance of the materials selection, as the quality of the shoe upper not only determines the appearance of the shoes but the final texture, comfort, and functionality.

We offer a variety of materials in different colors and textures, which are suitable for different types of shoes. These include various qualities, color, and textures of genuine leather, recycled leather, matte leather, suede, special materials, textile and exotic leathers.

We also work with custom materials such as printed textile, textured leather, and hand-woven or beaded designs for shoe uppers, to meet different styles and needs.  Whether you are looking for classic styles or innovative designs, we are here to provide satisfying options to ensure every pair of shoes perfectly fits your needs and style.

Heel Selection
To say heels play an indispensable role in the overall design of the shoe is an understatement. Not only does the heel guide the aesthetic of the shoes but also determine their comfort.The last, which shapes the basic form of the shoe, must precisely align with the selected heel shape and height. This is because different heel shapes directly impact the curvature of the last. Therefore, selecting the appropriate heel shape and height is important before developing the last.

We also offer custom heel mold services based on customer needs—
• Wide selection of heel materials from ABS and resin to metal and more.
• Leather covered heel, ranging from layered leather to printed leather.
• Experimental heel shapes and materials.
• 3D printed heel mold prototypes.

Last Development
Last development is a critical part of the design process, determining the shape and fit of the shoe, as well as the toe shapes, heel heights, and overall silhouettes. Lasts are primarily made from three materials: wood, aluminum and plastic.

Whether you prefer classic or avant-garde styles, we can offer the best option. HEYOU’s diverse stock of last includes class last shapes, last made specifically for different seasons. Our last makers are skilled at improving and updating existing lasts and creating up-to-date lasts according to your needs. Our expert team has extensive skills and experience to create custom lasts tailored to your specific needs


2D Pattern Making
The next step is to create 2D patterns after last construction. We provide both traditional pattern making and fully digitized pattern making. Our expert pattern makers draw the lines of the shoe design on the last and use cardboard and/or specialized software to create the shapes and dimensions of each part of the shoe upper.

After the pattern pieces are made, then the pattern piece size will be adjusted to meet the needs of the production line for various sizes through a process called grading. We pay extra attention to grading to ensure the size difference does not alter the proportion and the design of the shoe.

Ultimately, as all of the moving pieces come together, we produce the sample of the shoes in the color and materials specified by your design. Our team will further conduct wear tests to check the fitting, appearance, and structural performance of the shoes, making sure the final product fully meets your sharp eye!