Grading Process
Footwear grading terminology varies between suppliers, which is where most disputes between exporters and importers begin. Sole Grader applies a single set of internal grade definitions to every category we sort, so that a Grade A bag means the same thing in every shipment and there is one standard to hold us to.
01
Grade definitions
The same four tiers apply across every category. Read across to compare them on the same criteria.
| Tier | Definition | Condition | Typical buyer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Grade A / #1 | Higher-quality footwear with stronger resale value and customer demand. | Minimal wear, clean uppers, intact soles, paired and inspected. | Buyers selling into markets that price on condition first. |
| Higher Grade B / Intermediate | Commercially saleable footwear below Grade A but generally above standard Grade B. | Visible wear that does not affect wearability, paired and inspected. | Buyers who need volume without dropping to the lowest tier. |
| Grade B / #2 | Lower-grade but commercially saleable footwear for price-sensitive markets. | Heavier wear, still wearable and saleable, paired and inspected. | Buyers moving high volume at entry price points. |
| Specialty #1 | Non-athletic categories (sandals, slippers, Crocs, work boots, rain boots, soccer shoes, canvas, casual) sorted by product type and condition. These carry the most value when they meet #1 / Grade A specialty condition. | Sorted by product type first, then condition within that type. | Buyers filling specific seasonal or use-case demand. |
02
From intake to container
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01
Receive raw or mixed footwear
Raw, mixed, institutional, and ungraded footwear is received from U.S. suppliers and staged by source lot, so that grading results can be traced back to the supplier that produced them.
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02
Pair and inspect
Footwear is paired and inspected individually for sole condition, upper damage, separation, and completeness. Unpaired and unsaleable product is removed before grading rather than passed down the line.
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03
Sort by product category
Product is separated into the fifteen categories we sort, including several that are often left mixed elsewhere, such as high heels, men's dress shoes, and soccer shoes.
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04
Grade by quality
Each category is graded into Grade A / #1, Higher Grade B, and Grade B / #2 against the definitions above. Specialty categories are graded on the specialty scale, where #1 condition carries the value.
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05
Pack in export bags
Graded product is packed for export, normally in 50 lb bags, with bag weight adjusted by category where the buyer requires it, such as approximately 150 lb bags for Crocs.
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06
Prepare container loads
Bags are staged by category and combined into the buyer's requested mix, so the load that arrives matches the mix that was quoted.
Why one standard matters
A buyer who receives the same grade definition on every shipment can price ahead, plan resale, and hold one supplier accountable. That is the operating goal of this business, and it is why grading terminology is defined here in public rather than negotiated per load.
Ready to price a container?
Tell us your destination market, the categories you buy, and your volume. We reply with availability, bag counts, and pricing.