Shoe finishing defects: mould marks, paint and dirt
Finishing is the last chance to catch a defect before the box. It's also where new ones appear: mould marks that weren't trimmed, uneven paint, or dirt picked up along the line.
Mould marks
What it is. Flash, parting lines or mould marks visible on injected soles or components.
Where it starts. Worn moulds or moulds that don't close properly, injection settings out of range, or incomplete trimming.
Why inspection misses it. They sit on the edges and sidewalls of soles, and on dark materials they're almost invisible.
How to prevent it. Maintain and inspect moulds, tune injection, and make trimming, and checking it, part of the process.
Paint defects
What it is. Patchy coverage, runs, bubbles or overspray on edge, sole or upper paint.
Where it starts. Paint viscosity, rushed application, poor surface preparation or insufficient drying.
Why inspection misses it. Small differences in tone or sheen only show in good light or when comparing the pair.
How to prevent it. Control the paint and the surface preparation, respect drying times and inspect under consistent light.
Dirt on the finished shoe
What it is. Dust, handling marks, glue residue or finishing product left on the finished shoe.
Where it starts. It builds up along the line and at finishing itself, especially when there's no final clean.
Why inspection misses it. At final inspection, at packing speed, light dirt passes as a minor issue or isn't seen at all.
How to prevent it. Make final cleaning a step of its own, keep the finishing and packing area clean, and inspect after cleaning.
How TreadlyAI helps
Photographing the shoe right after the stage where these defects start helps catch them before they move down the line. TreadlyAI highlights the defect area, records every inspection and alerts you when defects pass the limit you set, so you can fix the cause and not just the pair.
Other areas of the shoe
- Upper: Scratches, stains, creases and holes in the leather or upper material. Many come from the raw material or from handling between operations.
- Stitching: Loose or skipped stitches, thread ends on show and uneven seams. Cosmetic defects that can open up with wear.
- Bonding: Glue past the bonding line and soles that come apart. A multi-step process where every step counts.
- Sole: Cracks, scratches and warped soles. Defects that come from the material, from storage or from assembly.
Want to see this on your line?
TreadlyAI is in early access. Tell us how you inspect today and we'll show you how it could work in your factory.
Talk to usBy invitation. No commitment.