Handmade shoe insoles are a tradition for young Chinese women and girls. They make them for their husbands, family, and themselves. If someone makes very beautiful ones, she is very admired in her village.

They are made by sewing layer upon layer of cloth together, to give them body. Then they are hand embroidered to make them beautiful. Most pictures embroidered on insoles may use partial tones in Chinese to indicate good luck and blessing.