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Entry Level Footwear Product Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The People Brand

Product Development Analyst

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

$80K - $110K/yr

Product Development Analyst (SMU & Fit/Wear Testing) Position Overview The Product Development ... Plan, coordinate, and execute fit and wear testing protocols across footwear styles. * Evaluate ...

The People Brand

Product Development Analyst

Irvine, CA · Hybrid

$80K - $110K/yr

Product Development Analyst (SMU & Fit/Wear Testing) Position Overview The Product Development ... Plan, coordinate, and execute fit and wear testing protocols across footwear styles. * Evaluate ...

The People Brand

Product Development Analyst

Irvine, CA · On-site

$80K - $110K/yr

Product Development Analyst (SMU & Fit/Wear Testing) Position Overview The Product Development ... Plan, coordinate, and execute fit and wear testing protocols across footwear styles. * Evaluate ...

Designer Brands

Product Development Coordinator

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$26.25 - $33/hr

We lead the footwear industry with a diverse portfolio of iconic brands, including Topo Athletic ... The Opportunity As a Product Development Coordinator , you'll play a hands-on role in bringing ...

Nike

Product Developer II - Kids Footwear

Beaverton, OR · On-site

... product creation process, including Footwear Engineering, Footwear Product Testing, Footwear ... You will report to the Footwear Tech Development Director in Kids and navigate the Nike matrix to ...

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Entry Level Footwear Product Development information

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How much do entry level footwear product development jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for entry level footwear product development in the United States is $24.93, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $20.43 and $26.20 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is entry level footwear product development?

Entry level footwear product development involves assisting in the creation and improvement of shoes, working under the guidance of more experienced designers and developers. Individuals in this role typically help with tasks such as sourcing materials, creating prototypes, coordinating with manufacturers, and conducting market research. This position is ideal for those starting their careers in the footwear industry and provides foundational experience in design, production, and project management. Strong communication, organization, and an eye for detail are important skills for success in this role.

What are some common challenges faced by entry-level professionals in footwear product development, and how can they overcome them?

Entry-level footwear product developers often face challenges such as rapidly learning technical terminology, understanding the product lifecycle, and balancing creative ideas with practical manufacturing constraints. Collaborating closely with experienced designers, engineers, and sourcing teams can help new hires bridge knowledge gaps. Proactively seeking feedback, staying organized, and being open to learning from mistakes are effective strategies for overcoming these hurdles and contributing value to the product development process.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Footwear Product Development professional, and why are they important?

To thrive in Entry Level Footwear Product Development, you typically need a background in design, textiles, or engineering, along with a solid understanding of product development processes. Familiarity with CAD software, prototyping tools, and knowledge of materials or manufacturing systems is highly valuable. Creativity, strong attention to detail, and effective collaboration skills help you stand out in this role. These abilities ensure the development of innovative, high-quality footwear products that meet consumer needs and align with brand objectives.

What is the difference between Entry Level Footwear Product Development vs Entry Level Apparel Product Development?

AspectEntry Level Footwear Product DevelopmentEntry Level Apparel Product Development
Required CredentialsDegree in fashion, design, or related field; knowledge of footwear materials and manufacturingDegree in fashion, design, or related field; understanding of textiles and apparel construction
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, manufacturing facilities, and supplier meetingsDesign studios, production facilities, and supplier interactions
Industry UsagePrimarily in footwear brands and manufacturersPrimarily in clothing and apparel brands and manufacturers

While both roles involve product development and require similar educational backgrounds, Entry Level Footwear Product Development focuses on footwear-specific materials and manufacturing processes, whereas Entry Level Apparel Product Development centers on textiles and clothing construction. The work environments are similar, but the product focus differs based on industry specialization.

What cities are hiring for Entry Level Footwear Product Development jobs? Cities with the most Entry Level Footwear Product Development job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Footwear Product Development jobs? The most popular types of Footwear Product Development jobs are:
What states have the most Entry Level Footwear Product Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Entry Level Footwear Product Development jobs include:
Entry Level Footwear Product Development jobs near you

Product Development Coordinator - Footwear

ALO

Los Angeles, CA

$71K - $78K/yr

Other

PTO

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

OVERVIEW

Alo is seeking an organized, detail-drivenProduct Development Coordinator for Footwear to support the growth and scale of our Footwear business. This role plays a critical part in ensuring development accuracy and on-time execution through ownership of PLM data, sample orders and tracking, and development calendars.

As part of the Footwear Product Development team, you will partner closely with internal teams, and external vendors to help bring product from concept to buy-ready. This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated self-starter to build footwear development expertise, take ownership of core processes, and grow alongside a rapidly expanding brand.

RESPONSIBILITIES  

  • Own and maintain accurate Bills of Materials (BOMs), costing, and development timelines within PLM
  • Manage sample tracking and seasonal development status reporting to ensure on-time execution
  • Coordinate development calendars, sample requests, and ongoing communication with footwear vendors
  • Support costing, margin tracking, and development documentation throughout the lifecycle
  • Collaborate cross-functionally to maintain data accuracy and support on-time buy approvals
  • Assist with fit sessions and wear testing, including preparation and follow-up
  • Support continuous improvement of development tools, systems, and workflows
  • Prepare and maintain weekly development reports on cost, margin, timelines, sample status, and buy readiness for cross-functional teams and leadership.
  • Build footwear development knowledge through close collaboration with cross-functional footwear team.
  • Coordinate carry-over and new color footwear developments on a seasonal basis to gain valuable experience and vendor communication skills.

QUALIFICATIONS

  • 1-3 years of experience in footwear development, product development, PLM, Merchandising or related roles/experience
  • Prior Footwear PLM experience required
  • AA or BA in a relevant field such as Fashion Design, Product Development, Footwear Design, Industrial Design, Mechanical Engineering, Materials Science, Textile Science, Merchandising, or a related discipline, or equivalent experience
  • Strong organizational skills with high attention to detail
  • Ability to work independently and communicate effectively with overseas vendors
  • General understanding of footwear construction, materials, and testing processes
  • Comfortable working in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed

The base salary range for this position is $71,000-$78,000 per year which represents the current range for the base salary for this exempt position. Please note that actual salaries will vary based on factors including but not limited to location, experience, and performance. As such, on occasion and when applicable, there is the possibility that the final, agreed-upon base salary may be outside of the upper end of the range. Please also note the range listed is just one component of the company's total rewards package for exempt employees. Other rewards may include performance bonuses, long term incentives, a PTO policy, and many other progressive benefits.

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