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Footwear Design Jobs (NOW HIRING)

SKIMS

Footwear Designer

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$120K - $140K/yr

Footwear Designer Department ... Design and Product Employment Type: Full Time Location: Los Angeles HQ Reporting To: Donna Weston ...

Vfc

Footwear Designer - Inline (Altra)

Denver, CO · On-site

$82K - $102K/yr

As part of the Footwear Design team, you will create innovative, athlete-informed performance footwear that brings Altra's design language and product vision to life. Working closely with Product ...

SKIMS

Footwear Designer

Los Angeles, CA

Design and develop seasonal footwear collections, from concept through production, in alignment with brand vision and market trends. Create detailed design sketches, technical drawings, and tech ...

Net2Source (N2S)

Footwear Designer

Beaverton, OR · On-site

JRD Design Basketball Team details & who they will work with : FBAT & Golf Footwear Product Design, Global Jordan HM wants to see qualified resumes as they come in Desired Candidate Profile:

Nike

Generative AI Design Expert

Beaverton, OR · On-site

WHO YOU'LL WORK WITH Nike's Design Generative Studio is pioneering the future of footwear design at the intersection of creativity and AI technology. You'll partner with world-class designers and ...

Vfc

Altra: Senior Footwear Designer, Inline

Denver, CO · On-site

$105K - $112K/yr

As a Senior Footwear Designer - Inline at Altra , you won't just design shoes - you'll help define what's next in performance running. You'll work alongside a cross-functional team of developers ...

E.S. Originals

Be Seen First

Footwear Designer

Jersey City, NJ · On-site

$90K - $110K/yr

... footwear brand ... In this role, you'll work closely with the Design Director to bring each season's vision to life ...

Skechers

Jr. Footwear Designer

Manhattan Beach, CA · On-site

$90K - $100K/yr

Work with Design Management and Development personnel to collaborate on Design projects to maximize effectiveness and build product to target cost. * Understanding of fashion trends and directions ...

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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 Jun 28, 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 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 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.

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 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.

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.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 29% Full Time, 29% Part Time, and 42% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,491 per year, or $55 per hour.
Footwear Designer - Inline (Altra)

Footwear Designer - Inline (Altra)

VF Corporation

Denver, CO • On-site

$82K - $102K/yr

Full-time

Medical

Posted 17 days ago

VF Corporation rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 52 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

10th of 102 rated fashion retailers

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION - Footwear Designer -Inline
At Altra, we are on a never-ending journey to seek out opportunities to unlock potential in ourselves and others and to create a more diverse and inclusive running community. When we're all working together as the best versions of ourselves, we can feel empowered both individually and as a community.
So, before we get to the job details, take a minute to learn a little more about us-our values and our culture. If you can see yourself working side-by-side with a team of people driven to discover more about ourselves and the world around us, Altra just may be the place for you.
To learn more about our values and our culture, visit Altra Careers or www.altrarunning.com.
What will you do?
A day in the life of an Inline Footwear Designer at Altra looks a little like this.
As part of the Footwear Design team, you will create innovative, athlete-informed performance footwear that brings Altra's design language and product vision to life. Working closely with Product Management, Development, Color/Material/Graphics, and Innovation, you will help shape seasonal inline products from concept through commercialization. This role balances performance problem-solving, commercial viability, aesthetics, and authentic storytelling-building products that serve runners while pushing the Altra brand forward. This role reports to the Design Director, Footwear.
Let's break down that day-in-the-life a bit more:
  • Own the design execution of inline footwear projects from initial concept through tech pack completion, including upper, midsole, outsole, and overall visual storytelling.
  • Translate product briefs into compelling design solutions that align with Altra's brand DNA, athlete needs, and category opportunities.
  • Create and present 2D sketches, 3D digital models, and presentation materials to communicate design intent clearly and effectively.
  • Partner closely with Product Management, Development, and Color/Materials teams to bring aligned product solutions to life.
  • Integrate seasonal material, color, and trend direction into footwear concepts while maintaining performance-first integrity.
  • Refine product through prototyping, testing, and fit reviews, responding to feedback with thoughtful iteration.
  • Maintain strong communication with development partners and factory teams to ensure design fidelity through commercialization.
  • Stay connected to the running consumer, marketplace, and competitive landscape to identify opportunities for innovation and improvement.
  • Participate in athlete testing, product reviews, and market research to deepen understanding of performance needs.
  • Help evolve Altra's design language by contributing new ideas, fresh perspectives, and future-thinking design solutions.
  • Travel 10% (Domestically/Internationally)

What do you need to succeed?
We all have unique skills that we bring to work and celebrate every day. For this role, there are foundation skills you'll need to succeed and excel. Additionally, while formal education in a related field is great to have, we are most interested in your 3-5 years of footwear design experience and professional achievements.
The foundation skills you will need in this position are:
  • 3-5 years of experience in footwear design, preferably in performance, athletic, or outdoor categories or 4-year college or university degree in industrial, graphics, apparel or footwear design, equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be substituted for degree.
  • Strong understanding of footwear construction, materials, manufacturing processes, and product creation timelines.
  • Exceptional 2D sketching and visual communication skills with the ability to clearly express ideas and concepts.
  • Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop; experience with 3D tools such as Rhino, Blender, etc is strongly preferred but not a deal breaker.
  • Understanding of AI design process and workflows is a plus.
  • Ability to think conceptually and solve design problems through the lens of athlete performance and brand authenticity.
  • Strong collaboration skills and ability to work cross-functionally in a team-based product creation environment.
  • Ability to manage multiple projects and timelines while maintaining a high standard of design quality and attention to detail.
  • Strong presentation skills with confidence in sharing ideas, receiving critique, and iterating quickly.
  • Possess a desire to learn & be curious - be a design and process sponge.

There are also a few skills that are not required but preferred.
  • Experience in performance running footwear or deep familiarity with run culture and biomechanics.
  • Experience working directly with overseas factories and development teams.
  • Physical prototyping skills and hands-on model making experience.
  • Passion for running, movement, and understanding the needs of the athlete.

Now WE have a question for YOU.
Are you in?
Hiring Range:
$82,080.00 USD - $102,600.00 USD annually
Incentive Potential: This position is eligible for additional compensation awards that may include an annual incentive plan, sales incentive, or commission potential. Specific details of the additional compensation eligibility for this position will be provided during the recruiting and interview process.
Benefits at VF Corporation: You can review a general overview of each benefit program offered, including this year's medical plan rates on www.MyVFbenefits.com and by clicking Looking to Join VF? Detailed information on your benefits will be provided during the hiring process.
Please note, our hiring ranges are determined and built from market pay data. In determining the specific compensation for this position, we comply with all local, state, and federal laws.
At VF, we value a diverse, inclusive workforce and we provide equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. All qualified applicants for employment will be considered without regard to an individual's race, color, sex, gender identity, gender expression, religion, age, national origin or ancestry, citizenship, physical or mental disability, medical condition, family care status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, military or veteran status, or any other basis protected by federal, state or local laws. If you require accommodations during the application process, please contact us at peopleservices@vfc.com. VF will provide reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals to the extent required by applicable law.
Pursuant to all applicable local Fair Chance Ordinance requirements, including but not limited to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, VF will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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