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Footwear Design Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aime Leon Dore

Design Director - Footwear

New York, NY · On-site

$130K - $140K/yr

(This is a New York based role) The Design Director, Footwear leads the creative direction, design execution, and development process across all categories within footwear. This role is responsible ...

Vfc

3D CAD Footwear Designer (Altra)

Denver, CO · On-site

$27.75 - $38.25/hr

This role reports to the Design Director, Footwear. Let's break down that day-in-the-life a bit more. * Create high-quality 3D models of footwear concepts, components, and tooling that support inline ...

VF Corporation

3D CAD Footwear Designer (Altra)

Denver, CO · On-site

$27.75 - $38.25/hr

This role reports to the Design Director, Footwear. Let's break down that day-in-the-life a bit more. * Create high-quality 3D models of footwear concepts, components, and tooling that support inline ...

VF Corporation

3D CAD Footwear Designer (Altra)

Denver, CO

$27.75 - $38.25/hr

This role reports to the Design Director, Footwear. Let's break down that day-in-the-life a bit more. * Create high-quality 3D models of footwear concepts, components, and tooling that support inline ...

Altra Running

3D CAD Footwear Designer (Altra)

Denver, CO · On-site

$27.75 - $38.25/hr

This role reports to the Design Director, Footwear. Let's break down that day-in-the-life a bit more. * Create high-quality 3D models of footwear concepts, components, and tooling that support inline ...

Oboz Footwear

Senior Footwear Designer

Bozeman, MT

$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 ...

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Footwear Design Director information

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$37K

$135.8K

$243K

How much do footwear design director jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for footwear design director in the United States is $135,763.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $109,500.00 and $163,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Footwear Design Director position, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Footwear Design Director, you need a strong background in footwear design, trend analysis, product development, and a degree in fashion or industrial design. Mastery of design software like Adobe Illustrator and CAD programs, along with familiarity with prototyping and manufacturing processes, is essential. Leadership ability, creativity, and clear communication are standout soft skills for guiding teams and collaborating with cross-functional departments. These skills and qualities are vital for delivering innovative, market-leading footwear collections that align with brand and business objectives.

What is a Footwear Design Director job?

A Footwear Design Director leads the creative vision and design strategy for a brand's footwear collections. They oversee design teams, ensure products align with market trends and brand identity, and collaborate with development, marketing, and production teams. Their role involves trend research, material selection, and innovation while balancing aesthetics, functionality, and cost. They also mentor designers and ensure the brand stays competitive in the footwear industry.

What are the typical responsibilities of a Footwear Design Director on a day-to-day basis?

A Footwear Design Director oversees the creative direction of footwear collections, guiding a team of designers from concept development through to final production. Daily tasks include reviewing design concepts, leading brainstorming sessions, collaborating with marketing, merchandising, and development teams, and ensuring designs align with brand strategy. The director often interacts with manufacturers to ensure feasibility and quality, while also staying on top of industry trends and consumer preferences. This role is both creative and strategic, requiring a balance of visionary thinking and practical execution to successfully bring new products to market.

More about Footwear Design Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Footwear Design Director jobs? Cities with the most Footwear Design Director 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 Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Footwear Design Director jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Footwear Design Director jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Footwear Design Director jobs are:
Footwear Design Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Footwear Design Director job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 87% In-person, 2% Hybrid, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $135,763 per year, or $65.3 per hour.
Design Director - Footwear

Design Director - Footwear

Aime Leon Dore

New York, NY • On-site

$130K - $140K/yr

Other

Posted 12 days ago

Job description

(This is a New York based role)

The Design Director, Footwear leads the creative direction, design execution, and development process across all categories within footwear.
This role is responsible for translating brand vision into product that reflects the Aime Leon Dore aesthetic - balancing innovation, utility, and craftsmanship while maintaining design consistency and commercial viability.

Duties and Responsibilities:

Creative Direction & Concept Development

  • Lead the seasonal creative direction and design narrative for footwear in alignment with the brand's overall design vision.
  • Develop seasonal mood, color, and material direction that supports brand storytelling and cross-category cohesion.
  • Partner with the SVP of Design and SVP of Product to define long-term category strategy and product evolution.
  • Ensure product design reflects ALD's balance of heritage inspiration, contemporary design language, and elevated craftsmanship.

Design Execution

  • Oversee design process from concept through final sample, ensuring accuracy, quality, and timeliness.
  • Approve sketches, prototypes, and materials; provide clear creative feedback to design and development teams.
  • Ensure silhouettes, details, and materials adhere to brand standards and category performance needs.
  • Collaborate with technical design, product development, and sourcing teams to ensure feasibility and cost alignment without compromising design intent.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

  • Partner closely with Apparel Design, Merchandising, Production, and Marketing to ensure product alignment across categories.
  • Collaborate with Retail and Creative teams on seasonal storytelling, launch strategy, and brand imagery.
  • Liaise with vendors and factories on sample execution, materials innovation, and technical refinement.

Leadership & Team Management

  • Manage and mentor the Footwear Design team, fostering a culture of creativity, accountability, and collaboration.
  • Set clear seasonal goals and deliverables, ensuring milestone adherence and design excellence.
  • Provide feedback and development opportunities to designers, strengthening internal creative capability.

Qualifications

  • 8-10 years of design experience in footwear ideally within a luxury, lifestyle, or designer brand.
  • Proven track record in developing cohesive, elevated collections across categories (footwear).
  • Strong knowledge of materials, construction, and manufacturing processes.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead a design team and manage cross-functional relationships.
  • Highly skilled in Adobe Creative Suite, 3D design tools, and presentation rendering.
  • Deep understanding of cultural and design references aligned with ALD's aesthetic.
  • Excellent communication, organization, and leadership skills.

Salary Range: $130,000 - $140,000

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