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Entry Level Footwear Product Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Caleres

Specialist, Product Development

New York, NY · On-site

$66K - $70K/yr

Join our dynamic and thriving footwear company as a Product Development Specialist in New York City where you'll have the opportunity to make an impact and shape the future of our renowned brands. If ...

caleres

Specialist, Product Development

New York, NY · On-site

Join our dynamic and thriving footwear company as a Product Development Specialist in New York City where you'll have the opportunity to make an impact and shape the future of our renowned brands. If ...

Aquent

Product Line Manager - Men's Apparel

Beaverton, OR · On-site

$36 - $40/hr

Experience in or knowledge of apparel/footwear product development * Interest in learning about color design, technical development, or product specifications * Previous contractor experience in ...

Tapestry, Inc.

Coordinator, Product Development

New York, NY · On-site

$26.25 - $32.75/hr

... footwear, home décor, and more. Known for its rich heritage and unique brand DNA, Kate Spade New ... Primary Purpose The Coordinator of Product Development supports the development process ...

REVOLVE

Product Development Assistant

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$20 - $21/hr

... entry level understanding of Product Life Cycle and the importance of adhering to deadlines, to help ensure timely developments • Responsible for tracking, unpacking, distributing samples ...

Brooks Running

Associate Footwear Merchandiser

Seattle, WA · On-site

$29.38 - $44.10/hr

... a collaborative product team. Your Responsibilities: Merchandising: * Support the global footwear merchandising team in the development and execution of seasonal assortments * Assist with ...

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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 Jul 16, 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
Specialist, Product Development

Specialist, Product Development

Caleres

New York, NY • On-site

$66K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 19 days ago

Caleres rating

6.8

Company rating: 6.8 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Founded in 1878, Caleres is a global footwear company comprised of some of the world's most loved brands including Famous Footwear, Sam Edelman, Vionic, Naturalizer, Dr. Scholl's, Allen Edmonds and many more. Caleres' legacy includes 145+ years of craftsmanship, a passion for fit with a mission to inspire people to feel great...feet first.
Join our dynamic and thriving footwear company as a Product Development Specialist in New York City where you'll have the opportunity to make an impact and shape the future of our renowned brands. If you have a passion for fashion, are eager to learn and have an eye for detail, this is the perfect role for you! As a member of our team, you'll be part of a company that values results, caring and learning.
What will you be doing?
  • Consistent follow up: Working closely with design to ensure development information and updates are properly communicated to our overseas partners. Closely monitoring the status of each style from proto to line sample to cc sample stage, escalating issues when necessary. Maintaining accurate and clear information on seasonal QuickView, in PLM, Nuorder, Miro and spec sheets for all internal and external teams.
  • Establishing Positive Working Relationships: establishing effective working relationships with senior management, team, and peers. Remaining engaged and open to learn and grow in this position and beyond. Maintaining a positive, can-do attitude with strong communication skills.
  • Multi-tasking: Ability to multi-task throughout the development season and prioritizing to meet calendar deadlines. Maintaining a strong sense of urgency to complete independent tasks and contribute to team projects as needed. Being flexibile and adjusting to the needs of the business is essential.
  • Team Collaboration: Supporting internal and external teams and collaborating on overall brand and product direction for the season. Teams include design, overseas offices, product development, tech, sales, merchandise strategy and marketing. Adapting to the needs of the team to ensure the development process runs smoothly and effectively.

Perks you will enjoy!
  • Our Shoe Discounts. No matter your style, we've got your perfect fit covered with a 30% Associate Discount across Famous Footwear and Caleres brands
  • Career Development and Learning Opportunities. Sharpen your skills with our Learning Database of 12,000+ courses, LinkedIn Learning, upfront education assistance, and join us for our annual internal learning and networking events
  • Benefits that Start Day One. To learn more details about our total rewards including 401k, health benefits and PTO, visit yourcaleres.com
  • Mental Wellness. Your mental health is important to us, and we offer free, 24/7 confidential support and resources through CompPsych EAP for eligible associates
  • Relaxed Dress Code. At Caleres, we believe that the right shoes can take you anywhere, and your authentic self is always in style.
  • Site Perks: Monthly bagel breakfasts accompanied by stand-up meetings where we hear updates regarding all the NY brands. Kitchens with coffee, filtered water and seltzer machines. Regular fresh fruit deliveries and a beautiful showroom filled with friendly and helpful staff.

Qualifications that make you the perfect fit!
  • 2 years Design or Product Development Experience
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills, knowledge of Footwear construction, parts, and terminology,
  • Fast-learner, strong partnering skills
  • PLM software experience, knowledge of Miro
  • Bachelor of Arts (BA) Fashion Design or Product Development a plus

#LI-AP1
Caleres is an Equal Opportunity Employer by choice. We believe our company should be as diverse as the consumers we serve. We seek and engage talented individuals from all backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, lifestyles, and belief systems.
Caleres is invested in our Associates. We regularly review our pay matrices and update appropriately based on need. Starting pay is determined by several factors, including relevant skills, qualifications, and experience. The actual pay will equal or exceed the required minimum wage applicable to the job location. Please visit yourcaleres.com to review all associated benefits.
Fraudulent Recruiting Disclaimer: Please beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate Caleres, contacts will use @caleres.com email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a Caleres employee, please refer to our fraudulent recruiting statement found here: https://www.caleres.com/careers/be-aware-of-recruiting-fraud

What Caleres employees say

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About Caleres

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

The name Caleres comes from the Latin word calēre meaning to glow with passion or intensity. It’s that passion that helped our founder, George Warren Brown, forever change the way the world felt about fit. Before our company was born, shoemakers typically made the same shoe for both the right and left foot and it was difficult to distinguish shoes made for men and women. As a global footwear company, home to a diverse portfolio of loved and admired brands, Caleres has been ferocious about fit since 1878. The Caleres story is most simply defined by the company's mission: Inspire people to feel great...feet first. This includes creating sustainable value for all our stakeholders. We offer retailers and consumers a carefully cultivated portfolio of leading brands. Outfitted in our brands, customers can step confidently into every aspect of their life.

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Louis, MO, US

Year founded

1878

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