QR Code for Shoes: 14 Best Practices and More

You are probably a footwear manufacturer or marketer. And you have seen QR Codes being used for many use cases such as marketing and inventory tracking.

You now want to explore the possibility of using them for your business. You are thinking if they make sense for your industry or not. And the answer is—they do.

Many popular shoe companies such as Adidas and Nike are using them already. Hence, it makes sense for you to ride the wave of QR Code innovation.

So let us know more about QR Code for shoes and their use cases.

A. What is a sneaker QR Code

A “sneaker QR Code” typically refers to a QR Code that is associated with a pair of sneakers or athletic shoes. 

These QR Codes are often found on or inside the shoe’s packaging, on labels, or even embedded in the design of the shoe itself. 

The purpose of a sneaker QR Code can vary, but they are commonly used for the following purposes:

1. Product information

Sneaker QR Codes can provide detailed information about the specific pair of sneakers, such as the model, size, color, materials, and care instructions.

2. Authentication

Some brands use QR Codes to help customers verify the authenticity of their sneakers. By scanning the QR Code, customers can confirm that the product is genuine and not a counterfeit.

3. Marketing and promotions

Sneaker brands may use QR Codes for marketing purposes. Scanning the Code might lead to promotional content, exclusive offers, or access to limited edition releases.

4. User experience

QR Codes can enhance the overall user experience by providing access to multimedia content like videos, augmented reality experiences, or interactive features related to the sneakers.

5. Reordering or additional information

Some sneaker QR Codes enable customers to reorder the same pair of shoes or access additional information about the product, such as customer reviews.

To use a sneaker QR Code, simply scan it with a QR Code scanning app on your smartphone. You can even use a camera-equipped device to access shoe-related information and content.

Keep in mind that the specific functionality of a sneaker QR Code can vary depending on the brand and product. It is essential to follow the provided instructions for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

B. How QR Code can be useful for shoes

1. Provide complete shoe details

Today, customers want to know complete details about the product they are purchasing. It could be fabric used for shoes, price, available offers, and return policy. The same is true for every industry.

And how do customers get all this? One way is by adding these details to the shoe tags or packaging box.

However, that’s often not feasible due to the limited printing space.

The other option is to get your staff members to relay the shoe details to customers. But the problem with this method is that you’ll have to appoint multiple people to do that. This will, in turn, cost a lot. Moreover, it is not a scalable method.

Hence, you need a better solution. Introducing—Product QR Code. It allows you to add as many product details about your shoes as you want. For example, text, images, video, websites, and even social sharing buttons.
And the best part is it occupies only a little space and can be added to the shoe tags. Customers can then scan it to see all the encoded details in no time.

2. Verify authenticity of shoes

Every shoe business aims to provide high-quality genuine products to its customers. But unfortunately, every brand has one problem in common—low-quality fake products being sold under its name. This is especially true in the sneakers industry.

So, how do you tackle it? Well, you can use QR Codes to do away with the counterfeiting of their products. Just add a QR Code to the product tags. When scanned using a smartphone, these QR Codes take end-users to a verification website.

Here, customers can then enter the serial number of the product to check if it is genuine.

3. Stand out from the competition

Like any business, you want to stand out from the competition. After all, that’s the best way to attract and provide value to your customers.

To do it, you are thinking to share your company’s history, goals, or any other information that may appeal to the customers. For example, you can answer the most common FAQs that your target audience may have in mind.

And like previous use cases, QR Codes can help you out here.

Just encode the required details into a QR Code and put it on shoes’ tags. This will not only make shoes tech-savvy but also deliver value to customers.

4. Manage inventory

For many decades, businesses are using barcodes for inventory management. Even though they are useful, they still face a couple of challenges such as:

a. Barcodes have limited storage capacity
b. They become non-operational once damaged (which is quite common during inventory handling)
c. Once generated, you cannot edit encoded content

But don’t worry. QR Codes can help you out. They are leaps and bounds ahead of barcodes in eliminating all these problems.

In fact, many industries are already replacing barcodes with QR Codes for inventory tracking. And if you want to do the same, you can use a QR Code bulk generation service. It allows you to create multiple QR Codes smoothly in no time.

5. Give coupons and discounts

You know the shoe industry has a lot of competition. So, business use coupons and discounts to attract customers. They help you generate new sales while attracting many repeat sales too.

But you want to take them a step ahead. That means you are thinking of simplifying the coupon redemption process. That’s because a better process translates into a rise in sales.

And a Coupon QR Code can help you do exactly that. It offers two major benefits:

a. First, it makes the entire coupon redemption process contactless. That means customers just need to use their smartphones to scan the QR Code and redeem the coupon. Hence, they no longer need them to carry the paper-based coupons all the time

b. Second, customers don’t have to put an effort into remembering the code. All they need to do is scan the QR Code and click on the Redeem button to avail of it. It’s that simple

6. Offer contactless payments

Since the pandemic, contactless payments are booming. That’s because they’re safe and beneficial for both you and your customers. How?

It eliminates the necessity for you to purchase any expensive tools to simply accept card-based payments. All you need to do is—get a Payment QR Code from your payments service provider and add it to the bill desks.

Your customers simply need to scan it via their smartphones to pay their bills. Simple, right? No need for them to use their credit or debit cards all the time.

7. Gather feedback

Customer feedback plays a vital role in a business’ success. So, it is wise for you to gather the same from your audience. Why?

That’s because it helps you understand whether your customers like your shoes as much as you think or not.

But getting customer feedback isn’t a simple job. Say you give them the link to your feedback form. To fill it, they need to follow a series of steps:

• First, they have to open their phone’s browser
• Once done, they need to tediously type the URL to access the form
• Now they need to fill out the form and submit it

This is a long process. Thus, many of us don’t bother filling out feedback forms.

However, a QR Code can simplify this process. Just create a Feedback QR Code and put it out. You can add it to the shop premises, at the checkout, or perhaps on the bills.

All your target audience has to do is scan it to fill out the form. That’s it. That’s how simple it’s.

8. Drive web traffic or social media followership

It is common for businesses to have a website of their own. It helps them give the latest discounts and deals, evoke awareness, and even help customers order online. If you have a website too, you’d want targeted people to go to it.

And a Website URL QR Code can help get targeted traffic to your website. Just create one and place it inside your store premises or promotional creatives. As recipients scan it, it’ll take them to your website in no time.

Similarly, you can also use social media to keep your customers informed on new trends and offers.

Here, a Social Media QR Code can accomplish this goal. As customers can scan it, they see a custom page containing buttons with links to all or any of your social media accounts. They’ll then select their favorite one to follow you online.

9. Increase app downloads

Similarly, if you have a mobile app for your shoe business, you’d want people to download it.

Here, an App Store QR Code can help you out. Just place the QR Code inside your store premises or on shoes’ tags. As people scan it, it will take them to your app on the relevant app store depending on their phone’s operating system.

You’d be surprised how Nike uses an App Store QR Code on their website. It allows shoppers to download their app conveniently.

This simplifies the entire app download process for online users. Now they just need to scan the QR Code to download the app.

10. To give a nice surprise to your customers

By now, you have understood the fact that QR Codes are versatile. That means their utility isn’t limited to one or two use cases.

Hence, you can use them for any purpose. Amongst these, one can be—to provide something out-of-the-box to your customers.

For example, in 2019, Adidas, a multinational corporation, added QR Code to its shoes to help runners enjoy their runs. How?

As runners scanned them, these QR Codes launched Spotify (a music app). This helped the users unlock a custom playlist based on their geographical location.

Similarly, you can use QR Codes to thrill your customers with a surprise.

11. Offer styling advice

Many brands offer tips on how to style your shoe with outfits. And these tips help the buyers carry the shoes with their outfits the best way possible.

When this happens, the customers are more likely to make repeated purchases.

To help you accomplish it, a Custom Page QR Code can help you out.

It allows you to design a mobile landing page having details such as your social media handles, images, videos, or even infographics. This creates a unique customer experience!

12. Share details of an upcoming event

Say you are planning to organize an event. This could be to attract new customers, showcase a new range of shoes, or promote your company.

And you’d need people to attend your event. To do it, you first need to offer complete event information to potential attendees.

And an Event QR Code helps you do it. It allows you to add all event-related details. For example:

• Pictures
• Videos
• Textual information
• Maps location of the venue
• Event schedule
• Website
• Social sharing buttons
• Option to RSVP to the event

You can then add it to promotional creatives, product packaging, and store premises. One of the best practices while using QR Codes is adding an appropriate CTA. For example, in this case, it can be —’Scan here to RSVP for the event’. This nudges the target audience to take the required action.

C. How to create a QR Code for shoes

Now you know how a QR Code can be useful for shoes. The next question—how to create one?

1. Decide on your QR Code category

Depending on what you want your end-users to see, you’d need to select the relevant QR Code category.

For example, if you want to redirect them to your website, you can need to create a Website URL QR Code. Or if you want to give them discount coupons, you can create a Coupon QR Code.

Once decided on the QR Code category, you can head on to a QR Code generator. In case you haven’t chosen one, here is a detailed comparison chart on the best QR Code generators available online. You can go through it to make a sound decision.

2. Create a QR Code

Using the Scanova QR Code generator for a demo, here is how you can create a QR Code for shoes:

a. Go to Scanova

b. Select the most relevant QR Code category

c. On the page that loads, add the content you want to encode in the QR Code and click Continue

d. Name the QR Code and click Create QR Code

e. Now, you’ll see the preview of the QR Code on the right. Under it, you’ll see the Edit Design button. If you click on it, you’ll see two design options—Custom Logo Design and Custom Background Design

Custom logo design allows you to add your business’s logo and colors to the QR Code. On the other hand, custom background design helps you place your QR Code on any image

f. Once you’ve decided on design or no design, click Download. A window will open, prompting you to sign-up for a 14-day free trial. Once you’ve signed up, proceed to download the QR Code

g. Now, you’ll be asked to specify the QR Code image’s format and size

h. Specify these details and click on Export

That’s it. Your QR Code will be downloaded. It is always advisable to test scan the QR Code before putting it to use.

D. How to scan QR Codes in shoes

Scanning a QR Code on shoes is an easy process. Here’s how to do it:

1. Ensure you have the right equipment

Make sure you have a smartphone or a device with a camera. Most modern smartphones come with built-in QR Code scanning capabilities, but you can also download a QR Code scanning app if your device doesn’t have one.

2. Open the QR Code scanner app

If your device has a built-in QR Code scanner, open your camera app. If not, download a QR Code scanner app from your device’s app store and open it.

3. Position the QR Code

Hold your device’s camera over the QR Code on the shoes. Make sure the QR Code is within the camera’s frame and well-lit.

4. Scan the QR Code

The QR Code scanner app or the camera should automatically recognize the Code and display the associated information or link on your screen.

5. Access the information

Once the QR Code is scanned, your device will provide you with a link or access to information related to the shoes. You can tap the link or follow the instructions to view the content.

6. Ensure an internet connection

Keep in mind that most QR Codes link to online content, so you’ll need an internet connection to access the information.

E. Best practices: QR Code for shoes

Creating effective QR Code for shoes involves following some best practices to ensure they serve their intended purpose and provide value to your customers. 

Here are some best practices for using QR Codes in the context of shoes:

1. Provide valuable information

The content linked to the QR Code should be relevant and valuable to the customer. This can include product details, sizing information, reviews, and anything that helps customers make an informed decision.

2. Mobile optimization

Ensure that the content linked to the QR Code is mobile-friendly. Most people will be scanning the Code with their smartphones, so the linked webpage or information should be easy to navigate on mobile devices.

3. Clear call to action

Clearly instruct users on what to expect when they scan the QR Code. For example, you could include a label such as “Scan for Product Details” or “Scan to Buy Now.”

4. Branding and design

Consider incorporating your brand’s logo or design elements into the QR Code, making it visually appealing. However, don’t compromise the scannability of the Code by making it too complex.

5. Correct sizing

Ensure that the QR Code is of an appropriate size for easy scanning. It should be large enough to scan but not so large that it looks cluttered on packaging or marketing materials.

6. Test scannability

Test the QR Code with different mobile devices and QR Code reader apps to ensure it works smoothly. Avoid generating QR Codes with low error correction levels that might be difficult to scan.

7. Keep content updated

If the linked content changes, make sure to update the QR Code accordingly. Broken or outdated links can frustrate users.

8. Privacy considerations

Be transparent about data collection if the QR Code links to a page that requests personal information. Ensure compliance with privacy regulations.

9. Use short URLs

If you’re linking to a webpage, consider using a shortened URL to keep the QR Code simple and minimize the data it needs to store.

10. Promote QR Codes

Include information near the QR Code to inform users about its purpose. For example, “Scan here for shoe details” or “Use your phone to learn more.”

11. Tracking and analytics

Implement QR Code tracking and analytics tools to measure engagement and gather insights about how users interact with the QR Codes.

12. Educate your team

Ensure that your sales and marketing teams understand how to use and promote QR Codes effectively to customers.

13. A/B testing

If applicable, consider A/B testing different QR Code campaigns to determine what works best for your specific audience.

14. Security

Be cautious about linking to external websites and ensure that the linked content is secure and trustworthy.

F. FAQs: QR Code for shoes

1. What is a QR Code for shoes?

A QR Code for shoes is a two-dimensional barcode that contains information about a specific pair of shoes. It can link to various details such as product information, pricing, reviews, or even a brand’s website.

2. How do I scan a QR Code on shoes?

To scan a QR Code on shoes, you’ll need a smartphone or a tablet with a camera. Open your device’s camera app and point it at the QR Code. You should see a notification or a link to open the associated information.

3. What information can a QR Code on shoes provide?

The information contained in a QR Code can vary. It might link to a product page, provide product details, show reviews, or offer exclusive discounts and promotions related to the shoes.

4. Why do some shoes have QR Codes?

QR Codes on shoes can serve several purposes. They can be used for marketing, providing product information, confirming authenticity, or offering access to special content or promotions.

5. Are QR Codes on shoes secure?

QR Codes themselves aren’t inherently secure, but they can be used in conjunction with secure systems. Brands and retailers can implement security features to ensure that scanned QR Codes do not lead to fraudulent websites or content.

6. Can I make my own QR Code for shoes?

Yes, you can create your own QR Code for shoes using Scanova. You can encode information like a link to a website, product details, or contact information.

7. How can I verify the authenticity of shoes using a QR Code?

Some shoe brands use QR Codes to allow customers to verify the authenticity of their products. By scanning the code, you can confirm that the product is genuine and not a counterfeit.

8. Do all shoe brands use QR Codes?

No, not all shoe brands use QR Codes. Their use depends on the marketing and branding strategies of individual companies. Some brands use them for various purposes, while others do not.

9. Are QR Codes on shoes only for marketing?

While marketing is a common use of QR Codes on shoes, they can serve other purposes, such as providing product details, enhancing the user experience, and helping with product authenticity verification.

10. Can I use a QR Code to reorder the same pair of shoes?

Some brands offer QR Code functionality to reorder the same pair of shoes easily. By scanning the Code, you can be directed to a page where you can repurchase the product or find similar options.

11. Do QR Codes on shoes require an internet connection to work?

Yes, most QR Codes on shoes are designed to link to online content. To access the information linked to the QR Code, you will need an internet connection.

12. What do I do if the QR Code on my shoes is damaged or doesn’t work?

If the QR Code is damaged or not working, you can try to manually type in the URL or information provided with the shoes, or contact the manufacturer or retailer for assistance.

That is all you need to know about how a QR Code can be used in the shoes industry. You can now create your own QR Code to make your shoe business better and offer your customers a hassle-free experience.