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Entry Level Footwear Industry Jobs (NOW HIRING)

KEEN Footwear

Production I

Shepherdsville, KY

$18/hr

This is an entry level, hands-on, shoe manufacturing position. You will learn the foundation of the ... Founded in 2003, KEEN launched a revolution in the footwear industry with the introduction of the ...

KEEN Footwear

Production I

Shepherdsville, KY · On-site

$18/hr

This is an entry level, hands-on, shoe manufacturing position. You will learn the foundation of the ... Founded in 2003, KEEN launched a revolution in the footwear industry with the introduction of the ...

Skechers

Retail Key Holder

Buffalo, NY · On-site

$18.03/hr

From our diverse footwear collections to our expanding range of apparel and accessories, Skechers ... In this entry-level management role, you'll oversee daily operations, support sales goals, and help ...

Skechers

Retail Key Holder

Euless, TX · On-site

$15.85/hr

From our diverse footwear collections to our expanding range of apparel and accessories, Skechers ... In this entry-level management role, you'll oversee daily operations, support sales goals, and help ...

Skechers

Retail Key Holder

Lynnwood, WA · On-site

$18.75/hr

From our diverse footwear collections to our expanding range of apparel and accessories, Skechers ... In this entry-level management role, you'll oversee daily operations, support sales goals, and help ...

Skechers

Retail Key Holder

Terrell, TX

$13 - $17.25/hr

From our diverse footwear collections to our expanding range of apparel and accessories, Skechers ... In this entry-level management role, you'll oversee daily operations, support sales goals, and help ...

Skechers

Retail Key Holder

San Antonio, TX · On-site

$13.25 - $17.50/hr

From our diverse footwear collections to our expanding range of apparel and accessories, Skechers ... In this entry-level management role, you'll oversee daily operations, support sales goals, and help ...

Skechers

Retail Key Holder

Houston, TX · On-site

$16.39/hr

From our diverse footwear collections to our expanding range of apparel and accessories, Skechers ... In this entry-level management role, you'll oversee daily operations, support sales goals, and help ...

Skechers

Retail Key Holder

Lutz, FL · On-site

$13.50 - $17.75/hr

From our diverse footwear collections to our expanding range of apparel and accessories, Skechers ... In this entry-level management role, you'll oversee daily operations, support sales goals, and help ...

Skechers

Retail Key Holder

Springfield, MA · On-site

$18.58/hr

From our diverse footwear collections to our expanding range of apparel and accessories, Skechers ... In this entry-level management role, you'll oversee daily operations, support sales goals, and help ...

Skechers

Retail Key Holder

Kissimmee, FL · On-site

$16.39/hr

From our diverse footwear collections to our expanding range of apparel and accessories, Skechers ... In this entry-level management role, you'll oversee daily operations, support sales goals, and help ...

Skechers

Retail Key Holder

Citrus Heights, CA

$15.25 - $20.25/hr

From our diverse footwear collections to our expanding range of apparel and accessories, Skechers ... In this entry-level management role, you'll oversee daily operations, support sales goals, and help ...

Skechers

Retail Key Holder

Enfield, CT

$18.58/hr

From our diverse footwear collections to our expanding range of apparel and accessories, Skechers ... In this entry-level management role, you'll oversee daily operations, support sales goals, and help ...

Skechers

Retail Key holder

Glen Mills, PA

$16.39/hr

From our diverse footwear collections to our expanding range of apparel and accessories, Skechers ... In this entry-level management role, you'll oversee daily operations, support sales goals, and help ...

Skechers

Retail Key Holder

Temecula, CA

$18.58/hr

From our diverse footwear collections to our expanding range of apparel and accessories, Skechers ... In this entry-level management role, you'll oversee daily operations, support sales goals, and help ...

Skechers

Retail Key Holder

Cuyahoga Falls, OH

$15.57/hr

From our diverse footwear collections to our expanding range of apparel and accessories, Skechers ... In this entry-level management role, you'll oversee daily operations, support sales goals, and help ...

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Entry Level Footwear Industry information

What are entry level jobs in the footwear industry?

Entry level jobs in the footwear industry are positions designed for individuals who are new to the field and often require little to no prior experience. These roles can include positions such as sales associate, production assistant, quality control inspector, or design intern. Entry level employees typically support more experienced staff, learn about the footwear production process, and gain valuable industry knowledge. Starting in an entry level position can provide opportunities for advancement within footwear companies as you gain skills and experience.

What types of projects or tasks can I expect to work on as an entry level professional in the footwear industry?

As an entry-level professional in the footwear industry, you'll typically assist with a variety of tasks such as supporting design teams with research, helping manage product samples, tracking inventory, and coordinating with suppliers or production teams. You may also be involved in quality control checks, market trend analysis, and preparing presentations for internal meetings. This hands-on experience allows you to learn the workflow of product development and gain exposure to cross-functional collaboration with departments like marketing, merchandising, and manufacturing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in an entry level role in the footwear industry?

To thrive in an entry-level footwear industry role, you need a basic understanding of footwear design, manufacturing processes, and quality standards, often supported by a high school diploma or relevant coursework. Familiarity with design software like Adobe Illustrator, inventory management systems, or point-of-sale tools is commonly required. Strong teamwork, attention to detail, and communication skills help you collaborate effectively and ensure product quality. These competencies are crucial for ensuring efficient operations, customer satisfaction, and a solid foundation for career growth in the industry.

What is the difference between Entry Level Footwear Industry vs Entry Level Shoe Designer?

AspectEntry Level Footwear IndustryEntry Level Shoe Designer
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may prefer fashion or design courseworkFashion or design degree; portfolio may be required
Work EnvironmentManufacturing facilities, warehouses, retail storesDesign studios, fashion houses, or corporate offices
Employer & Industry UsageShoe manufacturers, retailers, and suppliersFashion brands, design firms, footwear companies
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding entry-level roles in footwear productionStarting careers in footwear design and creative development

While both roles are entry-level positions within the footwear industry, the Entry Level Footwear Industry focuses on manufacturing, logistics, and retail operations, whereas the Entry Level Shoe Designer emphasizes creative design, sketching, and product development. Candidates should choose based on their skills and career interests in either production or design aspects of footwear.

What cities are hiring for Entry Level Footwear Industry jobs?

Cities with the most Entry Level Footwear Industry job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Footwear Industry jobs?

The most popular types of Footwear Industry jobs are:

What states have the most Entry Level Footwear Industry jobs?

States with the most job openings for Entry Level Footwear Industry jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Entry Level Footwear Industry jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Entry Level Footwear Industry jobs are:

Entry Level Footwear Industry jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Footwear Industry job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 8% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution.

Production I

KEEN Footwear

Shepherdsville, KY

$18/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 9 days ago

Job description

KEEN is a values-led, independently owned brand from Portland, Oregon, that's on a mission to create original and versatile products, improve lives, and inspire outside adventure. This is an entry level, hands-on, shoe manufacturing position. You will learn the foundation of the shoe making through the direct injection process. This is a wonderful opportunity to join a great team and grow with us!

Highlights:

  • Hourly rate is $18
  • Work Schedule: Monday - Thursday / 6:00 AM - 4:30 PM 
  • Free KEEN gear plus outdoor industry discounts
  • Medical/Dental/Vision - First day of the month following your hire date
  • Paid vacation and holidays

Key Responsibilities

  • Box folding
  • Case packaging
  • Spraying Footbeds
  • Delasting shoes by moving them off the last and to a cart
  • Loading shoes on Desma Machine
  • Perform additional tasks as assigned

Knowledge/Skills Required

  • Must be able to work in a fast paced, high quality manufacturing environment
  • Must be able to function in a safe manner; observe safety practices; utilize PPE equipment
  • Must have strong work ethic, accountability, judgment, and a positive attitude
  • Excellent attention to detail
  • Ability to work well with others in a team environment

Additional Qualifications

  • Some assembly, production or manufacturing experience
  • Leadership skills are a plus
  • Basic mathematical, reading skills and reasoning ability
  • Individual must be eligible for employment in the United States

Physical Requirements

  • Ability to stand for 8-10 hours and work in a fast paced environment
  • Ability to reach with arms extended and/or overhead, excellent hand dexterity, ability to bend, stoop, stretch and similar activities and able to lift up to 40 pounds frequently.  Physical demands are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job

Base Salary: $18.00 hourly
This range represents the low and high end of the anticipated base salary range for this position. The actual base salary will depend on numerous factors such as: experience, knowledge and skills, and location. Our base salary is just one component of our competitive total rewards strategy which includes numerous benefits and perks as well as specific health and welfare benefits.

Why Work at KEEN:  Driven by a passion for life outside, KEEN is a values-led, independently owned brand from Portland, Oregon, that's on a mission to create original and versatile products, improve lives, and inspire outside adventure. Founded in 2003, KEEN launched a revolution in the footwear industry with the introduction of the Newport adventure sandal, and has donated more than $18 million to non-profit organizations and causes around the world to promote responsible outdoor recreation, including conservation efforts to protect open spaces. KEEN strives to show the world through its products and its actions that a business for good can actually be good for business. By giving back, reducing impact, and activating communities and individuals to protect the places where we work and play, KEEN puts its values in motion and takes action to leave the world a better place.  


At KEEN, we believe in a more just and equitable future for all people. As a global brand, we acknowledge that our business, buildings, and daily lives exist within the traditional territories of indigenous peoples. We strive for a future that recognizes the knowledge, rights, and resilience of these peoples.

KEEN Footwear is an equal opportunity employer.  We value an inclusive and diverse community. Qualified candidates of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply and will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, or disability.

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