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Footwear Jobs in Nashville, TN (NOW HIRING)

ThirdChannel

Wolverine Brand Rep-$35/hr

Smyrna, TN · On-site

$35/hr

If so, this is a chance to represent a premium footwear brand in local retail stores. We're looking for Brand Ambassadors / Retail Brand Representatives to support Wolverine. Wolverine is built on a ...

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$10

$13

$19

How much do footwear jobs pay per hour?

As of May 30, 2026, the average hourly pay for footwear in Nashville, TN is $13.84, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.07 and $15.05 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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, materials knowledge, and an understanding of footwear construction, often supported by a degree in fashion design or industrial design. Proficiency with CAD software, 3D modeling tools, and Adobe Creative Suite is typically required. Creativity, attention to detail, and strong communication skills help you stand out when collaborating with teams and interpreting market trends. These skills and qualities are crucial for creating innovative, functional, and marketable footwear that meets consumer needs.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in the footwear industry, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in the footwear industry often encounter challenges such as keeping up with rapidly changing fashion trends, ensuring quality control across manufacturing processes, and balancing cost-effectiveness with sustainability. Collaboration between design, production, and marketing teams is essential to address these issues efficiently. Staying informed about new materials and manufacturing technologies, as well as building strong relationships with suppliers, can help footwear professionals remain competitive and innovative.

What are footwear professionals?

Footwear professionals are individuals who specialize in the design, production, repair, or sale of shoes and other types of footwear. They may work as designers, manufacturers, sales associates, or repair specialists within the footwear industry. Their responsibilities can include selecting materials, creating prototypes, ensuring product quality, and helping customers find the right fit and style. These professionals play a crucial role in both the fashion and function aspects of footwear.

What is the difference between Footwear vs Shoe Designer?

AspectFootwearShoe Designer
CredentialsTypically requires footwear-specific training or certifications in shoe manufacturing or designRequires design education, often with a focus on footwear or fashion design
Work EnvironmentManufacturing facilities, design studios, retail settingsDesign studios, fashion houses, freelance work
Industry UsageUsed broadly for all types of shoe products, including athletic, casual, and formal footwearSpecifically refers to the creative role of designing shoes

Footwear refers to the actual products, including manufacturing and sales, while Shoe Designer focuses on the creative process of designing shoes. Both roles are interconnected but differ in responsibilities and skill sets.

Footwear jobs near you
Women's Footwear Designer II - Genesco Brands Group

Women's Footwear Designer II - Genesco Brands Group

Genesco

Nashville, TN • On-site

Full-time

Posted 4 days ago

Genesco rating

5.4

Company rating: 5.4 out of 10

Based on 32 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

74th of 102 rated fashion retailers

Job description

The Ideal Candidate
The Footwear Designer will join Genesco Branded Group's design team and report to the SVP of Design, contributing to the creation of commercial, brand-relevant women's footwear across the portfolio. This role is ideal for a designer with a strong passion for women's casual, western, and lifestyle footwear, viewed through a lens that blends authenticity, heritage, versatility, and modern style.
The designer will be responsible for developing footwear concepts that resonate with the female consumer, balancing western influence with comfort, wearability, and everyday utility. Working collaboratively with product development and cross-functional partners, the role requires hands-on involvement throughout the design process-from trend research and concept development through execution-bringing thoughtful, consumer-driven women's products to life across casual, lifestyle, and western-inspired categories.
How You Will Make an Impact
  • Under the direction of the SVP of Design, the Footwear Designer will design and develop products that are industry leading, brand relevant, and commercial.
  • Partner with Product Development and Sourcing to create market relevant products across multiple categories, ensuring integrity with respect to last, upper, and model development.
  • Execute the complete vision, including Color/Cads and Materials, along with fully completed tech packs.
  • Deliver on-time product solutions in conjunction with the Product Development calendar and varying business needs, ensuring that all deadlines, line plans, and deliverables are met.
  • Provide and present timely and relevant business, design, consumer, and cultural storytelling in conjunction with specific projects and briefs.
  • Study and research current and future trends; maintain expert knowledge in design trends, production techniques, and new technologies.
  • Special projects as assigned.

Experience and Skills You'll Need to Have
  • Bachelor's degree in industrial design or related field.
  • 4+ years of experience in footwear design.
  • Must have a strong knowledge of Adobe Creative Suite - Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign.
  • Ability to create mechanical drawings and read blueprints.
  • Must have working knowledge of duty rates of footwear, aiding in material selections in hitting pricing objectives.
  • Must be proficient in creating line art and color cads in Illustrator.
  • Working knowledge of Macintosh systems, Microsoft Office (Excel, PowerPoint), Outlook, and PLM.
  • Must have traditional hands-on footwear development skills - Proto corrections, materials, tech packs, specs.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
  • Energetic, inspiring, creative, forward-thinking, and enthusiastic about design.
  • Self-motivated and equally comfortable working within a team - must be a team player.
  • Organized, structured, asks questions, and seeks understanding first.
  • Pushes oneself to exceed expectations.
  • Excels at being adaptable, versatile, and able to work under pressure.
  • Ability to work under deadlines, manage multiple priorities, work independently, take initiative, and pay close attention to detail.
  • Ability to adapt to quickly changing priorities and fast-track projects as needed.
  • Strong knowledge of fashion and market trends with an understanding of each brand's market position and the drive to evolve it.
  • Must be able to travel both domestically and internationally.

#LI-JS2
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

What Genesco employees say

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About Genesco

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Genesco Inc., based in Nashville, TN, US, is a publicly owned specialty retail company operating in the footwear, apparel, and accessories industry. The company was initially founded in 1924 as Jarman Shoe Company before eventually transitioning to its current name in 1959. Currently, it operates numerous retail stores in the US and Puerto Rico, including popular brands like Journeys, Johnston & Murphy, and Lids Sports Group. Genesco's mission is to be the leading specialty retailer in the footwear, headwear, and sports apparel industries through providing high quality products and demonstrating excellent customer service. Some of the company's notable achievements include the successful ownership and growth of multiple well-known fashion brands and a significant retail footprint in North America.

Industry

Retail

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Nashville, TN, US

Year founded

1924

Social media

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