How to Manage Sample Revisions for a Custom Sandal Upper

Footwear development rarely moves from first sketch to production in one step. A decorative upper may need a strap angle adjusted, a different backing, a new stone layout or a colour closer to the outsole. These changes are manageable when each version is identifiable. Trouble starts when feedback arrives as separate messages and no one can tell which photo, drawing or physical sample is current.

Give every sample a version

Use one style code and add a clear revision marker, such as A, B and C. Put that marker on the sample label, photo sheet and email subject. If two colours or shoe sizes are being developed, identify those separately. “Second sample” is not enough when several variants are moving at once.

Keep previous versions for comparison, but mark them as superseded. This prevents an older, visually similar piece from returning to the approval table or being mistaken for the production reference.

Describe the change where it appears

A marked photo is often faster than a long paragraph. Show the exact location of a strap, edge, ornament or attachment point, then add a measurable instruction where possible. For example, state the target width and measuring position rather than “slightly narrower.” If the change affects a curve, provide a tracing, pattern or annotated drawing.

List what should stay unchanged too. A request to move a flower should not be read as permission to change its material, size or colour. For a complex revision, a simple before-and-after table can separate the approved details from the open points.

Check the effect on the rest of the shoe

An upper is not an isolated ornament. Moving an attachment tab may affect the shoe factory's stitching position. Changing a PU backing may alter thickness or flexibility. A different decoration can change the way pairs match or how pieces must be packed. Review affected fit, assembly, finish and packing requirements before asking for another sample.

If the revision needs a different material or process, ask whether it changes sample cost, lead time or minimum quantity. Do this before treating the revised design as approved for bulk production.

Collect one round of feedback

Where possible, have the brand team and shoe factory examine the same version and return one consolidated set of comments. Conflicting instructions are easier to resolve before the supplier starts work. Assign an owner to each open decision: who approves colour, who confirms fit and who accepts the final appearance?

Record the date and outcome of each review. If a point is still under discussion, label it “open” rather than leaving an ambiguous message that looks like approval.

Keep a practical change log

The log need not be elaborate. For each revision, capture:

• Style code, version, colour and shoe size
• Reference photo or drawing number
• Requested change and reason
• What remains unchanged
• Person responsible for approval and decision date
• Effect on cost, timing or assembly, if known

Put the log beside the sample photos rather than in a separate conversation history. A receiving colleague should be able to understand the current specification without reading weeks of messages.

Close the revision before production

Approve a physical sample or an agreed approval method, and identify the matching drawing, materials, dimensions, colour reference and decoration layout. State which version is released for bulk production. Keep one approved reference with the buyer and one with the supplier where practical. If the shoe factory needs a fitting sample, make sure it carries the same revision.

Late changes after approval should be treated as new revisions, not informal corrections. Confirm the effect on work already completed before proceeding. Browse our sandal upper capabilities and product samples, or contact DUOME to discuss a specific development.

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