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Footwear Jobs in Palo Alto, CA (NOW HIRING)

Footwear Developer, Women's San Francisco, CA At Rothy's, we know there's a better way to do business, and it starts by putting the planet and its people first. More than 225 million single-use ...

Footwear Developer, Women's San Francisco, CA At Rothy's, we know there's a better way to do business, and it starts by putting the planet and its people first. More than 225 million single-use ...

Senior Merchant, Women's Footwear Location | San Francisco, CA At Rothy's, we know there's a better way to do business, and it starts by putting the planet and its people first. More than 200 million ...

Senior Merchant, Women's Footwear Location | San Francisco, CA At Rothy's, we know there's a better way to do business, and it starts by putting the planet and its people first. More than 200 million ...

Manager, Footwear Engineering San Francisco, CA At Rothy's, we know there's a better way to do business, and it starts by putting the planet and its people first. More than 225 million single-use ...

Manager, Footwear Engineering San Francisco, CA At Rothy's, we know there's a better way to do business, and it starts by putting the planet and its people first. More than 225 million single-use ...

Famous Footwear is your place for athletic, fashion and casual shoes for the whole family from hundreds of name brands. As a Famous Footwear Sales Lead , you are passionate about providing the best ...

Part-Time Sales Lead - Famous Footwear

San Jose, CA · On-site

$18.50 - $22.75/hr

As a Famous Footwear Sales Lead , you are passionate about providing the best shoe store experience for every customer . You do this by creating a welcoming environment and in-store culture where ...

At DICK'S Sporting Goods , we believe in how positively sports can change lives. On our team, everyone plays a critical role in creating confidence and excitement by personally equipping all athletes ...

Footwear Associate

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$19 - $26/hr

At DICK'S Sporting Goods , we believe in how positively sports can change lives. On our team, everyone plays a critical role in creating confidence and excitement by personally equipping all athletes ...

Footwear Associate

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$19 - $26/hr

At DICK'S Sporting Goods , we believe in how positively sports can change lives. On our team, everyone plays a critical role in creating confidence and excitement by personally equipping all athletes ...

Retail Footwear

Milpitas, CA · On-site

$17 - $24/hr

At DICK'S Sporting Goods , we believe in how positively sports can change lives. On our team, everyone plays a critical role in creating confidence and excitement by personally equipping all athletes ...

Founded in 2003, KEEN launched a revolution in the footwear industry with the introduction of the Newport adventure sandal and has donated more than $18 million to non-profit organizations and causes ...

Financial Analyst

Menlo Park, CA · On-site

$90K - $105K/yr

Founded in 2003, KEEN launched a revolution in the footwear industry with the introduction of the Newport adventure sandal and has donated more than $18 million to non-profit organizations and causes ...

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How much do footwear jobs pay per hour?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average hourly pay for footwear in Palo Alto, CA is $17.92, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $15.62 and $19.52 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 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.

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 are the most commonly searched types of Footwear jobs in Palo Alto, CA? The most popular types of Footwear jobs in Palo Alto, CA are:
What cities near Palo Alto, CA are hiring for Footwear jobs? Cities near Palo Alto, CA with the most Footwear job openings:
Footwear Developer, Women's

Footwear Developer, Women's

Rothy's

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$98K - $118K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Rothy's rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Footwear Developer, Women's
San Francisco, CA
At Rothy's, we know there's a better way to do business, and it starts by putting the planet and its people first. More than 225 million single-use plastic bottles and 715,000 pounds of ocean-bound marine plastic have been transformed into our signature thread, creating wardrobe staples that look just as good as they feel.
Striving for zero waste, we combine 3D knitting technology and handcrafted assembly to create machine washable styles that don't compromise on comfort. From classic shoes to carry-everywhere bags, we create essentials for wherever you go.
At Rothy's, building a sustainable future is at the heart of everything we do. We pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive environment at our HQ, retail stores and wholly-owned factory, and are growing our community every day.
About the Team:
Our Production team is always one step ahead. While many teams are responsible for responding to moments in the present, this one looks toward the future. From finessing the production of our silhouettes to developing new materials, our production gurus work hand-in-hand with our factory team, sustainability, merchandising and design partners to make sure the wheels of Rothy's keep turning on our quest for a more sustainable future.
About the role:
Rothy's is looking for a creative and analytical Footwear Developer to support the development of innovative, high-quality footwear that delights customers. This role is hands-on and highly collaborative, partnering closely with Product Design, Merchandising, Production, and our factory teams to bring footwear from concept through commercialization. The Footwear Developer plays a key role in executing development milestones, ensuring technical integrity, cost targets, and timelines are met.
What you'll do:
  • Collaborate with Product Design, Merchandising, and factory partners to develop footwear from concept through commercialization, supporting alignment to design intent, quality standards, cost targets, and timelines
  • Evaluate bottoms, components, upper patterns, knitting, materials, and constructions from fit, performance, durability, costing, and manufacturing feasibility perspectives
  • Provide technical input and identify potential risks early in the development process, proposing alternative solutions as needed
  • Support resolution of product development issues by partnering cross-functionally to deliver cost-effective and timely solutions
  • Analyze cost differences across prototypes and sample stages; review CBDs, yields, and material usage, and support cost negotiations to achieve margin goals
  • Partner with integrity and quality teams to support fit consistency, comfort, and performance from development through production
  • Evaluate materials and components for physical properties, performance, sustainability, and cost-effectiveness to ensure appropriate application
  • Participate as a key contributor in all sample reviews (prototype, development, fit, confirmation, TOP) to support quality and executional consistency
  • Help coordinate and contribute to cross-functional development meetings to review progress, align on decisions, and support on-time delivery
  • Maintain clear, proactive communication with factory and vendor partners throughout development and production
  • Identify opportunities to improve product integrity, development efficiency, and cost savings, contributing ideas and solutions to the broader team

You are:
  • Able to interpret design intent and product needs with growing independence and technical confidence
  • A self-starter who thrives in a fast-paced, growth-oriented environment and is comfortable learning on the fly
  • Collaborative, solutions-oriented, and eager to partner across teams
  • Curious, adaptable, and open to feedback and new ways of working
  • A clear and effective communicator with internal and external partners
  • Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills and follow-through
  • Willing and able to travel domestically (1-3 times per year) and internationally (quarterly)

You have:
  • 4-6 years of footwear product development and/or production experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Product Development, Engineering, Industrial Design, or another applicable technical field
  • Working knowledge of footwear construction, materials, components, costing, testing, and manufacturing processes
  • Experience reviewing and analyzing costing and testing data to support product improvements
  • Understanding of the footwear development and commercialization lifecycle
  • Experience working with Asia-based factories or vendors
  • Strong computer skills, including PLM and Google Sheets/Docs/Slides; Adobe Illustrator experience a plus

Our benefits:
  • Generous paid time off
  • 401k matching
  • Comprehensive health plans for you and your family
  • Supplemental mental health benefits
  • Monthly wellness reimbursement
  • Dog friendly offices
  • Employee Discount Program!

Pay range:
$98,000 - $118,000 annually
Base pay is one part of the total rewards package that is provided to compensate and recognize employees for their work. This role may be eligible for additional discretionary bonuses/incentives, as well as a comprehensive benefits package.
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