From your idea,
to soles ready to wear.
Made in Japan — 100% manufactured in Japan
Our shoe soles are manufactured entirely in Japan.
YAMAMOTO KAGAKU CO.,LTD provides an integrated service for shoe soles, from planning and model making to mold making, prototyping, molding, painting and production.
We support footwear manufacturers, wholesalers and product development companies with years of technical experience and hands-on manufacturing expertise.
Discuss your sole projectHow we make shoe soles
Talk to us from the earliest planning stage. We propose sole solutions based on the intended use, comfort, design and quantity.
You can review the shape using a wooden model before mold making begins, helping us agree on the finished design. We also welcome inquiries about molding insoles or heels separately.
From planning to production
One point of contact coordinates every stage. We review shape, material, color and finish as your project moves toward production.
Consultation and planning
Review intended use, design and requirements
Model making
Develop the shape and refine specifications
Mold making
Prepare molds for production
Prototyping and review
Check shape, hardness and finish
Molding
Mold soles to the agreed specifications
Painting and finishing
Apply paint and surface finishes
Production and delivery
Manufacture and deliver finished products
Materials and proprietary technology
We propose soles suited to your application and performance requirements.
Polyurethane soles
These soles offer excellent cushioning and accommodate a wide range of shapes. They are used in many types of footwear, including women’s shoes and comfort shoes.
Neo soles
Made with our proprietary EVA blend, these soles are designed with wear resistance and grip in mind, for footwear requiring stability and durability.
ISF soles
Our proprietary soles combine light weight, cushioning and grip to help reduce overall shoe weight and support comfortable walking.
Sole painting and finishing
Our integrated service includes painting after molding. We propose colors, textures and finishes suited to your footwear design and application.
Spray painting allows a wide range of colors and textures.
This method provides an even finish across the sole. Options include black, brown and cork-look finishes to suit your application.
Discuss colors and surface finishes that match your footwear design and product concept.
We handle molding, painting and finishing in one coordinated process.
How we can help
Development support
We work with your ideas, drawings and intended use to explore shapes, materials and manufacturing methods. Talk to us at the planning stage.
Individual processes available
You can also commission only the processes you need, such as model making, mold making, molding or painting.
Flexible project support
We welcome inquiries about soles, insole and heel molding, small-batch and volume production, as well as products beyond footwear.
Projects you can discuss with us
- Develop a custom shoe sole
- Improve an existing sole
- Reduce sole weight
- Improve grip
- Make a small batch of prototypes
- Commission mold making only
- Mold products beyond footwear
Manufacturing examples and applications
We manufacture soles for a range of applications, with a focus on women’s comfort shoes.
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Frequently asked questions
Can I contact you at the planning stage?
Yes. We discuss your concept, intended use and comfort requirements, then explore suitable shapes, materials and manufacturing methods together.
Can you make custom shoe soles?
Yes. We can help with model making, mold making and prototyping through to production.
Can you manage everything from prototypes to production?
Yes. We offer an integrated service covering model making, mold making, prototyping, molding, painting and production.
Do you accept small-batch inquiries?
Yes. The approach depends on quantity and specifications. Please tell us your expected quantity and intended use first.
Can I order mold making only?
Yes. You can discuss individual processes, including model making, mold making, molding and painting.
Can you help make an existing sole lighter or improve it?
Yes. We review the current specifications and challenges, then consider improvements to weight, cushioning and grip based on your requirements.
Can I discuss colors and finishes?
Yes. We can discuss colors, textures and finishes, including spray painting and dip coating, to suit your footwear design and application.
Can you mold products other than footwear components?
Yes. We welcome inquiries about molding both footwear components and other products. We review the shape, application, material and quantity to assess whether our equipment and expertise can meet your needs.
What should I prepare for an inquiry?
Please send any drawings, photos, samples or ideas you have. You are welcome to contact us even if the specifications are not yet finalized.
For your next shoe sole project,
talk to YAMAMOTO KAGAKU CO.,LTD
From initial planning to model making, mold making and prototyping,
we support molding, painting and production.
We welcome inquiries about footwear components as well as the development and molding of other products.
Telephone hours: 9:00–17:00 Japan time, weekdays excluding public holidays
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