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Footwear Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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3D CAD Footwear Designer (Altra)

Denver, CO

$27.75 - $38.25/hr

As part of the Footwear Design team, you will help bring Altra's inline footwear product to life through advanced 3D design and visualization. Working closely with Footwear Design, Development ...

Tecovas

Design Director, Men's Footwear

Austin, TX

Lead the design and development of Tecovas Men's Footwear from concept through commercialization, ensuring every product reflects our commitment to craftsmanship, authenticity, and quality. * Drive ...

Altra Running

3D CAD Footwear Designer (Altra)

Denver, CO · On-site

$27.75 - $38.25/hr

As part of the Footwear Design team, you will help bring Altra's inline footwear product to life through advanced 3D design and visualization. Working closely with Footwear Design, Development ...

VF Corporation

3D CAD Footwear Designer (Altra)

Denver, CO · On-site

$27.75 - $38.25/hr

As part of the Footwear Design team, you will help bring Altra's inline footwear product to life through advanced 3D design and visualization. Working closely with Footwear Design, Development ...

VF Corporation

3D CAD Footwear Designer (Altra)

Denver, CO · On-site

$27.75 - $38.25/hr

As part of the Footwear Design team, you will help bring Altra's inline footwear product to life through advanced 3D design and visualization. Working closely with Footwear Design, Development ...

Socket.dev

Design Director, Men's Footwear

Austin, TX · On-site

$150 - $165/hr

Lead the design and development of Tecovas Men's Footwear from concept through commercialization, ensuring every product reflects our commitment to craftsmanship, authenticity, and quality. * Drive ...

New

Oboz Footwear

Senior Footwear Designer

Bozeman, MT · On-site

$104K - $111K/yr

Partnering with the Footwear Design Director, Footwear Team, and cross-functional partners, you'll help shape the product vision from concept through creation, building on Obōz's legacy of ...

Tecovas

Design Director, Men's Footwear

Austin, TX · On-site

Lead the design and development of Tecovas Men's Footwear from concept through commercialization, ensuring every product reflects our commitment to craftsmanship, authenticity, and quality. * Drive ...

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Footwear Design information

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$42K

$114.5K

$201.5K

How much do footwear design jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 24, 2026, the average yearly pay for footwear design in the United States is $114,491.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $83,500.00 and $144,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is footwear design?

Footwear design is the process of creating and developing new shoes and other types of footwear, blending creativity with functionality. Designers consider aspects like aesthetics, materials, ergonomics, and current fashion trends to create innovative and comfortable products. The role involves sketching concepts, selecting materials, working with manufacturing teams, and sometimes using digital design software. Footwear designers may specialize in areas such as sports shoes, casual footwear, or luxury brands.

What are footwear design jobs?

Footwear design jobs focus on the construction and design process for creating new footwear. Common job titles include design intern, senior designer, design director, and development manager. In a role as a footwear designer, you may determine which sewing technique to use, where to manufacture the shoe, and what materials to use. Most footwear design jobs are objective-based—that is, the footwear is designed for a specific audience and needs to take their unique considerations into account. For example, creating a steel-toed boot for construction workers is very different from creating athletic shoes for a sprinter, and both are different from making fashionable shoes. Most footwear design jobs entail making evaluations of fit performance, cost/value requirements, and other practical details.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a footwear designer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Footwear Designer, you need a strong background in design principles, sketching, and an understanding of materials and manufacturing processes, often supported by a degree in fashion or industrial design. Familiarity with CAD software, 3D modeling tools, and prototyping equipment is crucial in creating and refining innovative shoe concepts. Creativity, trend awareness, and effective communication are standout soft skills for collaborating with teams and translating ideas into market-ready products. These skills enable designers to produce functional, appealing footwear that meets consumer demands and stands out in a competitive market.

How do footwear designers typically collaborate with other departments during the product development process?

Footwear Designers work closely with teams such as product development, marketing, and manufacturing throughout the creation of a new shoe. They translate initial concepts into technical drawings, coordinate with material specialists to select suitable fabrics and components, and ensure design feasibility with production teams. Regular meetings and feedback sessions help align the design vision with market trends, cost constraints, and production capabilities. This collaborative process is essential for bringing innovative and commercially successful footwear to market.

What is the difference between Footwear Design vs Shoe Design?

AspectFootwear DesignShoe Design
CredentialsFashion or industrial design degree, portfolioSimilar credentials, focus on shoe-specific skills
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, manufacturing facilitiesDesign studios, production lines
Industry UsageFashion brands, sportswear, luxuryFootwear companies, bespoke shoemaking
Search & ComparisonOften compared for design scope and specialization

Footwear Design and Shoe Design are closely related fields, both involving the creation of footwear products. Footwear Design generally encompasses a broader scope, including various types of footwear like boots, sneakers, and dress shoes, often with a focus on fashion and ergonomics. Shoe Design tends to be more specialized, concentrating specifically on the technical and aesthetic aspects of shoes. Both roles require similar credentials and work environments, but Footwear Design may involve a wider range of styles and materials.

More about Footwear Design jobs

What cities are hiring for Footwear Design jobs?

Cities with the most Footwear Design job openings:

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

The most popular types of Footwear Design jobs are:

What states have the most Footwear Design jobs?

States with the most job openings for Footwear Design jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Footwear Design jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Footwear Design jobs are:

Footwear Design jobs near you
Infographic showing various Footwear Design job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 7% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 81% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 14% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,491 per year, or $55 per hour.

Global Footwear Design & Innovation Leader

Arc'teryx Limited

Portland, OR • On-site

$224 - $336/hr

Other

Re-posted 17 days ago

Arc'teryx rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 9 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

Arc'teryx Limited in Portland, Oregon, seeks a Vice President, Global Footwear Design & Innovation to lead footwear innovation, ensuring a cohesive design expression. This role requires deep expertise in high-performance outdoor footwear and the ability to inspire a global team. The position offers a competitive salary range and comprehensive benefits supporting health, financial well-being, and professional development.

Candidates should have over 15 years of leadership experience, a degree in Industrial or Product Design, and proficiency in relevant design software. Join us in redefining the outdoor footwear industry!

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