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Footwear Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Deckers

Sr. Product Developer - UGG Footwear

Goleta, CA · Hybrid

$87K - $118K/yr

You'll own development execution across multiple categories, partner cross-functionally to ensure ... Intermediate knowledge of footwear product creation and building product specifications

AKIRA

Freelance Foot Fit Model (Size 7)

Chicago, IL · On-site

$20 - $25/hr

Participate in footwear fittings with the product development team * Try on sample shoes and provide clear, detailed feedback on: * Fit and sizing accuracy * Comfort and pressure points * Overall ...

KEEN Footwear

Associate Sample Coordinator

Portland, OR · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Basic understanding of footwear development and sample processes, preferred. * Familiarity with sample room operations and capacity planning concepts, preferred. * Strong organizational skills and ...

AKIRA

Freelance Foot Fit Model (Size 7)

Chicago, IL

Participate in footwear fittings with the product development team * Try on sample shoes and provide clear, detailed feedback on: * Fit and sizing accuracy * Comfort and pressure points * Overall ...

KEEN Footwear

Associate Sample Coordinator

Portland, OR · On-site

$23 - $25/hr

Basic understanding of footwear development and sample processes, preferred. * Familiarity with sample room operations and capacity planning concepts, preferred. * Strong organizational skills and ...

Caleres

Manager, Footwear Product Development

Novato, CA · On-site

$82K - $99K/yr

Join our dynamic and thriving footwear company as a Manager, Product Development, Vionic in Novato, CA, where you'll have the opportunity to make an impact and shape the future of our renowned brands.

Oboz Footwear

Senior Footwear Designer

Bozeman, MT · On-site

$104K - $111K/yr

... Development, and Design Engineering to ensure design intent, feasibility, and execution throughout ... footwear, industrial design, or performance equipment. • Strong sketching and drafting skills ...

Al's Sporting Goods

Footwear Sales Associate

Logan, UT · On-site

$13/hr

Well-developed organizational skills with strong attention to detail. * Positive attitude, high ... Familiarity with footwear brands, fit, and basic foot-measuring techniques. * Ability to learn and ...

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Footwear Development information

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$29K

$53.4K

$81K

How much do footwear development jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 2026, the average yearly pay for footwear development in the United States is $53,418.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,500.00 and $60,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Footwear Development vs Footwear Design?

AspectFootwear DevelopmentFootwear Design
Primary FocusProduct creation, manufacturing processes, material selectionConcepts, aesthetics, style, and visual appeal
Skills & CredentialsTechnical knowledge, engineering, CAD, manufacturing expertiseCreativity, fashion sense, CAD, illustration skills
Work EnvironmentCollaborates with designers, manufacturers, engineersWorks closely with designers, marketing teams, and clients

Footwear Development focuses on turning design concepts into manufacturable products, emphasizing technical and production aspects. In contrast, Footwear Design centers on creating the visual and aesthetic aspects of footwear. Both roles often collaborate but serve different stages of the product creation process.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in Footwear Development, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Footwear Development often encounter challenges such as balancing innovative design with manufacturing feasibility, managing tight production timelines, and ensuring materials meet quality and sustainability standards. Effective communication with designers, suppliers, and production teams is essential to overcome these hurdles. Staying up-to-date with industry trends and collaborating closely with cross-functional teams can help anticipate and resolve issues early in the development process.

What is footwear development?

Footwear development is the process of designing, engineering, and producing new types of shoes, sandals, boots, or other kinds of footwear. This role involves collaborating with designers, material suppliers, and manufacturers to bring innovative footwear concepts from initial sketches to final products. Footwear developers focus on fit, comfort, performance, and aesthetics while ensuring products meet quality and cost standards. They use their understanding of materials, construction techniques, and market trends to create footwear that meets consumer needs and brand goals.

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

To thrive in Footwear Development, you need a solid understanding of materials, product design, and manufacturing processes, often supported by a degree in industrial design, engineering, or a related field. Proficiency in CAD software, prototyping tools, and familiarity with PLM (Product Lifecycle Management) systems are typically required. Creative problem-solving, attention to detail, and effective cross-functional communication set standout professionals apart. These skills ensure innovative, functional, and market-ready footwear products that meet both aesthetic and performance standards.
More about Footwear Development jobs
What cities are hiring for Footwear Development jobs? Cities with the most Footwear Development job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Footwear Development jobs? The most popular types of Footwear Development jobs are:
What states have the most Footwear Development jobs? States with the most job openings for Footwear Development jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Footwear Development jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Footwear Development jobs are:
Footwear Development jobs near you
Infographic showing various Footwear Development job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 4% As Needed, 4% Full Time, 90% Part Time, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $53,418 per year, or $25.7 per hour.
Sr. Product Developer - UGG Footwear

Sr. Product Developer - UGG Footwear

Deckers Brands

Goleta, CA • On-site

$87K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Posted 9 days ago

Deckers Brands rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

5th of 55 rated fashion and textile manufacturers

Job description

At Deckers Brands, Together, Every Step is a promise kept that every employee can bring their authentic self, is valued and supported, as a whole person, at work and beyond. Together, Every Step is how we continue to deliver exceptional business results, experience an amazing place to work, and have a positive impact on the communities and world around us.
Job Title: Sr. Product Developer - UGG Footwear
Reports to: Sr. Director, Product Development & Engineering - UGG Footwear
Location: Goleta, CA - Hybrid
The Role
As Senior Product Developer - UGG Footwear, you'll be a subject matter expert in the end-to-end footwear product creation process, playing a critical role in delivering product excellence from concept through commercialization. You'll own development execution across multiple categories, partner cross-functionally to ensure products meet UGG standards for fit, comfort, quality, and cost to value performance, and contribute to continuous improvement and innovation within a global, matrixed development organization.
We celebrate diversity--of your background, your experiences and your unique identity. We are committed to ensuring an inclusive and equitable workplace where all of our employees can Come as They Are. We believe that when we bring our different perspectives to work, we are truly Better Together.
Your Impact
  • Manage end-to-end product creation from brief and design through final prototyping and salesman samples across multiple categories, product types, and genders
  • Problem solve design tech packages prior to handoff, identifying construction, material, fit/wear, or cost risks
  • Generate, maintain, and ensure accuracy of Bills of Materials (BOM) for all assigned projects
  • Review and evaluate project status with Product Creation, Engineering, and cross-functional partners, focusing on patterns, molds, materials, costing, yield, manufacturing processes, and end use performance
  • Lead internal product teardowns to evaluate construction, comfort, and cost drivers
  • Proactively identify issues and provide solution options and alternatives to support informed decision making
  • Plan and execute development activities according to critical timelines and milestone dates
  • Coordinate creation, delivery, and approval of technical documentation including patterns, 2D/3D drawings, lasts, blueprints, and cost sheets
  • Diagnose fit, wear, and commercialization issues and manage timely sample delivery and approval of production confirmation samples to ensure mass production readiness
  • Analyze defective returns and consumer feedback to identify root causes and recommend product or process improvements
  • Research, evaluate, and monitor emerging materials, construction methods, and technologies relevant to footwear development
  • Share technical knowledge and support onboarding and mentoring of team members as needed

Who You Are
  • Bachelor's degree or equivalent work experience
  • 5-8 years of experience in the footwear industry
  • Intermediate knowledge of footwear product creation and building product specifications
  • Intermediate proficiency in shoemaking, manufacturing, pattern engineering, and tooling
  • Intermediate knowledge of footwear constructions
  • Intermediate experience using data and metrics to support development decisions
  • Advanced computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Suite and Adobe Applications
  • Proficient in FPLM (or similar); demonstrated skills in Adobe Creative Suite
  • Intermediate to advanced knowledge of development tools such as calipers, durometer gauges, tape measure, profile gauge, last jack, last stick, Brannock, etc

What We'll Give You
  • Competitive Pay and Bonuses - We've created a variety of competitive compensation programs to foster career development, reward success and to show our employees just how much they're valued.
  • Financial Planning and wellbeing - No matter what financial goals our employees have set, we want to help them get there. Our plans provide powerful ways to protect income, pay for expenses and invest in the future.
  • Time away from work - Sometimes we need time away to be with family, focus on our health or just simply recharge. Our plans support our employees' needs to get out, get healthy and come back stronger than ever.
  • Extras, discounts and perks - Being a valued member of the Deckers Brands team means more than just a paycheck. From generous discounts to community-based programs, we offer a variety of cool extras
  • Growth and Development - Deckers Brands was built on the idea of pursuing passion. That's why we offer extensive opportunities and support for personal and professional development.
  • Health and Wellness - There's nothing basic about our comprehensive health and wellness programs and offerings. While at work and at play, we aim to support a healthy lifestyle.

$87,900.00 - $118,600.00
The salary range posted reflects the estimated minimum and maximum target for new hire salaries for this role in:
Goleta, California
Individual pay will be determined by location and additional factors, including job related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific salary for your preferred location during the hiring process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Diversity and inclusion are key to our success. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer, and our employees are people with different strengths, experiences and backgrounds who share a passion for our brands. We welcome qualified applicants regardless of their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, military or veteran status, mental or physical disability, medical condition and all the other beautiful parts of your identity.

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