As the aging society accelerates, how can we make the lives of millions of elderly people more comfortable and dignified? ZULIZ, a veteran in the field of elderly shoes for a decade, has provided its answer through a comprehensive overhaul from product innovation to industrial ecosystem restructuring. With unparalleled insights into the demands of the elderly demographic, ZULIZ has deciphered the “shoe-wearing pain points” that trouble the elderly population. Through a holistic industry chain layout and technological innovation, it is propelling the silver economy towards “value cultivation” from mere “scale expansion,” becoming a benchmark force in the trillion-dollar market that embodies both commercial value and societal significance.
Before starting ZULIZ, founder Zhang Jingkang returned to his hometown to visit family. He noticed that the elders had lost their interest in going out, leaving the village desolate. Recalling a neighbor, a hardworking and simple-hearted grandfather who used to be sociable and active, he was now lethargic and confined at home. Thinking the grandfather might be unwell, Zhang visited him to investigate. He discovered that despite wearing size 41 shoes in the past, even wearing size 44 shoes now still caused discomfort and squeezed his feet, leading him to prefer staying indoors.
He glanced down at the grandfather’s shoes, noticing the worn-out heels and the dragging motion as he walked to fetch things, causing the shoes to scrape against the floor, creating a faint “clicking” sound.
It was this serendipitous discovery that led Zhang Jingkang to uncover the market gap for elderly shoes. Through extensive visits and research, he realized that the current shoe industry designs shoes based on adult foot shapes, neglecting the genuine needs of the elderly, forcing them to settle for ill-fitting shoes. Therefore, prior to starting the venture, the ZULIZ team collected data on nearly a thousand elderly foot shapes, developing specialized shoe lasts for the elderly to address the three major pain points of squeezing, rubbing, and discomfort. This groundbreaking achievement not only filled a market void but also redefined the elderly shoe industry. Subsequently, the equation “Elderly Shoes = ZULIZ” became an unshakable consumer perception.
Transitioning from a single product category to a comprehensive ecological approach, ZULIZ has built a full range of products covering leisure, sports, and travel, catering to various lifestyles and activities of the elderly population.
With the fusion of intelligent manufacturing and technological empowerment, ZULIZ has unlocked the growth code for the trillion-dollar market. In the smart factory in Sui County, Henan, the birth of a pair of ZULIZ elderly shoes involves over a hundred processes. This site not only stands as China’s largest specialized elderly shoe production base but also serves as a testing ground for the “Chinese smart manufacturing” in the silver economy.
Leveraging an integrated innovation model with renowned universities, ZULIZ has collaborated with Suzhou University to establish the Multifunctional Nanomaterial Elderly Shoe and Clothing Application Collaborative Innovation Center. This partnership aims to enhance product professionalism and comfort through the application of multifunctional nanomaterials. ZULIZ has also partnered with Xi’an University of Electronic Science and Technology to establish the Smart Wearable Joint Laboratory, utilizing electronic science and technology to develop “smart elderly shoes.” This innovative project targets Alzheimer’s patients, aiming to improve the issue of elderly individuals getting lost through technological means, further enhancing their quality of life.
According to Ouredata, ZULIZ has maintained the top spot in the Chinese elderly shoe market for four consecutive years by 2023, affirming the transformation of silver consumption from “low-price essential” to “quality upgrade.”
The power of benevolent business: Bringing warmth to the silver economy.
On the corporate culture wall of ZULIZ, a slogan stands out prominently: “Caring for the elderly, warming the sunset years.” This is not just a part of the company culture but a weighty social responsibility.
ZULIZ has long been dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for the elderly. The brand has actively participated in the “5.29 Love Your Feet Day” event multiple times, aiming to raise awareness about the importance of foot health for the elderly.
In 2022, ZULIZ partnered with the China Aging Development Foundation to provide assistance to elderly individuals in need in Zaduo County, Qinghai, helping them through the harsh winter and bringing warmth to the local community with their humble contribution. In 2023, ZULIZ collaborated with the China Aging Development Foundation to establish the ZULIZ Love for the Elderly Fund, intending to offer care and support to more elderly individuals, promote the traditional virtue of respecting the elderly in Chinese culture, and further support the development of elderly care in China. In 2024, they once again extended assistance to elderly individuals in remote border areas and revolutionary old districts, providing them with winter supplies.
ZULIZ’s actions demonstrate that the elderly industry should not be merely about cold business transactions but should embody a warm mission of human care.
From addressing the pain points of a pair of shoes to constructing an innovative ecosystem for the elderly industry, ZULIZ’s growth trajectory reflects the vibrant vitality of China’s silver economy. According to the Sullivan “China Silver Economy Development Report,” it is predicted that by 2028, the overall scale of China’s silver economy market will reach 12.3 trillion yuan, with a compound annual growth rate of approximately 11.8%. In this trillion-dollar arena, ZULIZ is upholding the principles of being “professional, innovative, and responsible,” inscribing a unique chapter for Chinese brands. As founder Zhang Jingkang aptly puts it, “We envision a future where every elderly person can proudly say, ‘My shoes are professional, and I am proud of them.'”
