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Footwear Development Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Socket.dev

Sales Director

El Segundo, CA · On-site

$180 - $240/hr

Deep understanding of footwear development processes, materials, construction, andthe full development calendar. * Experience working for a footwear supplier or sourcing agency (agency/supplier ...

New

Oboz Footwear

Senior Footwear Designer

Bozeman, MT

$104K - $111K/yr

Partner with Product Management, Development, and Design Engineering to ensure design intent ... footwear, industrial design, or performance equipment. * Strong sketching and drafting skills ...

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.

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 ...

Al's Sporting Goods

Footwear Sales Associate

Orem, 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 ...

Al's Sporting Goods

Footwear Sales Associate

Boise, ID · On-site

$14 - $16/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 ...

Footwear Brand

Be Seen First

Sourcing and Production Manger Footwear

New York, NY · On-site

$90K - $130K/yr

Hands-on experience working with overseas factory development centers Preferred Qualifications * 5+ years specifically in footwear sourcing and production

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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 Aug 9, 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 August 2026, with employment types broken down into 83% Full Time, and 17% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $53,418 per year, or $25.7 per hour.

Sr. Director, Product Development and Merchandising - Performance Running

Skechers

Manhattan Beach, CA • On-site

$225K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Posted 20 days ago

Skechers rating

6.4

Company rating: 6.4 out of 10

Based on 174 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

41st of 61 rated fashion and textile manufacturers

Job description

WHO WE ARE:
Headquartered in Southern California, Skechers-the Comfort Technology Company®-has spent over 30 years helping men, women, and kids everywhere look and feel good. Comfort innovation is at the core of everything we do, driving the development of stylish, high-quality products at a great value. From our diverse footwear collections to our expanding range of apparel and accessories, Skechers is a complete lifestyle brand.
ABOUT THE ROLE:
Lead the strategy and execution of Skechers' Technical Performance Running Footwear division, translating sport and consumer insights into innovative products that deliver unrivaled comfort and performance for consumers. Drive category growth through cross-functional partnership with design, marketing, and sales. This position will primarily be responsible for leading the strategy and development Technical Running footwear.
WHAT YOU'LL DO:
  • Proven track record of delivering pinnacle technical running performance footwear solutions that drove measurable business growth (category expansion, margin improvement, or market share gains).
  • Translate insights into strategy: Leverage sport, trend, and consumer data to define category vision and product priorities.
  • Strong merchandising background with the ability to build, balance, and position a performance product line that meets both consumer demand and business objectives.
  • Lead product creation: Oversee the performance footwear development process from concept to market, ensuring alignment with KPIs (margin, sell-through, category growth, consumer satisfaction).
  • Commercial alignment: Balance innovation and commercial viability, working with Product Management to deliver margin requirements, market readiness, and long-term brand positioning.
  • Proven ability to lead, galvanize, and inspire high-performing teams with strong leadership IQ, fostering collaboration, accountability, and alignment to shared goals.
  • Lead and mentor direct reports on the Product Management team, providing strategic direction, professional development, and clear prioritization to ensure alignment with Technical Performance goals.
  • Exceptional presentation and communication skills, with the ability to effectively influence and inspire both internal stakeholders and external partners.
  • Analyze sales reports to ensure achievement of KPI's and optimize future line planning.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING:
  • Deep understand of the running consumer and market.
  • Advanced analytical skills with strong business acumen.
  • Ability to lead initiatives with flexibility to adapt and pivot quickly.
  • Capable of leading product development efforts and issues.
  • Team-first approach.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal.
  • Able to work extra hours as needed.
  • Ability to travel as needed.

REQUIREMENTS:
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.
  • College degree, preferably in business/marketing.
  • 10+ years in footwear product management and category leadership, with emphasis on performance-driven categories.
  • Strong technical running footwear background.
  • Experience garnering athlete insights and turning them into actionable product briefs.
  • Demonstrated success in scaling performance product lines from concept to market.

The pay range for this position is $225,000-$250,000/yr USD.
About Skechers
Skechers, a global Fortune 500® company, develops and markets a diverse range of lifestyle and performance footwear, apparel, and accessories. Serving over 180 countries and territories, Skechers connects customers to products through department and specialty stores, e-commerce and digital stores, and through our more than 5,300 Skechers retail locations.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Skechers is committed to providing a safe, inclusive, and respectful work environment. Skechers provides equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment without regard race, color, religion, gender, gender identification and expression, national origin, marital status, age, disability, genetic information, military status, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic established by local, state or federal law.
Reasonable Accommodation
Applicants for employment who require a reasonable accommodation to apply for a job should request appropriate accommodation by emailing benefits@skechers.com.
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each job responsibility satisfactorily. The skills, abilities and physical demands described are representative of those duties that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities, who are otherwise qualified for the job position, to perform the essential functions.

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