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Shoe Designer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Skechers

Sr. Footwear Designer

Manhattan Beach, CA

$160K - $190K/yr

The Sr. Footwear Designer will integrate their thorough understanding of footwear design, market ... Knowledge of shoe construction and materials. * Must be versatile and be able to switch gears ...

New

Skechers

Sr. Footwear Designer

Manhattan Beach, CA

$160K - $190K/yr

The Sr. Footwear Designer will integrate their thorough understanding of footwear design, market ... Knowledge of shoe construction and materials. * Must be versatile and be able to switch gears ...

New

Skechers

Sr. Footwear Designer

Manhattan Beach, CA · On-site

$160K - $190K/yr

The Sr. Footwear Designer will integrate their thorough understanding of footwear design, market ... Knowledge of shoe construction and materials. * Must be versatile and be able to switch gears ...

New

Skechers

Footwear Designer

Manhattan Beach, CA

$130K - $150K/yr

Should have a minimum of 4-6 years of progressive, shoe designing experience and knowledge of shoe constructions and materials. The pay range for this position is $130,000-$150,000/yr USD. About ...

Skechers

Footwear Designer

Manhattan Beach, CA · On-site

$130K - $150K/yr

Should have a minimum of 4-6 years of progressive, shoe designing experience and knowledge of shoe constructions and materials. The pay range for this position is $130,000-$150,000/yr USD. About ...

Skechers

Footwear Designer

Manhattan Beach, CA

$130K - $150K/yr

Should have a minimum of 4-6 years of progressive, shoe designing experience and knowledge of shoe constructions and materials. The pay range for this position is $130,000-$150,000/yr USD. About ...

Red Wing Shoe

Retail Associate (FT)

Covina, CA · On-site

$16.90 - $22.26/hr

From our purpose-built footwear to our stylishly designed stores, you'll see the difference. From ... This is achieved by promoting the Red Wing Shoe Company's Ultimate Fit Experience (UFX), selling ...

Red Wing Shoe

Retail Associate (PT)

Daly City, CA · On-site

$17.50 - $22.26/hr

From our purpose-built footwear to our stylishly designed stores, you'll see the difference. From ... This is achieved by promoting the Red Wing Shoe Company's Ultimate Fit Experience (UFX), selling ...

Red Wing Shoe

Retail Associate (FT)

San Jose, CA

$18.45 - $22.26/hr

From our purpose-built footwear to our stylishly designed stores, you'll see the difference. From ... This is achieved by promoting the Red Wing Shoe Company's Ultimate Fit Experience (UFX), selling ...

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All JobsShoe Designer JobsShoe Designer Jobs in California

Shoe Designer information

What is a shoe designer?

A shoe designer works in the fashion industry designing footwear. Job duties include developing shoe concepts, creating prototypes, and testing designs. Shoe designs are typically created as hand drawings first; however, some designers may use computer software. Shoe designers who work for a larger company must present their ideas to management for approval.

What does a shoe designer do?

A shoe designer is responsible for creating the concepts, sketches, and prototypes for new footwear designs. They research trends, select materials, and work closely with manufacturers to bring their ideas to life. Shoe designers combine creativity with technical knowledge to make shoes that are both stylish and functional. Their work involves understanding both fashion aesthetics and the practical needs of different types of footwear.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a shoe designer, and why are they important?

A successful Shoe Designer needs a solid background in fashion design, strong drawing skills, and a portfolio demonstrating creativity and technical proficiency, often supported by a degree in design or a related field. Familiarity with design software such as Adobe Illustrator, CAD tools, and knowledge of materials and manufacturing processes is important. Creativity, attention to detail, and trend awareness are essential soft skills that help designers innovate and meet consumer demands. These skills and qualities are crucial for creating appealing, functional footwear that stands out in a competitive market.

What are some common challenges faced by shoe designers during the product development process?

Shoe designers often encounter challenges balancing creativity with functionality, such as ensuring their designs are both visually appealing and comfortable to wear. Additionally, working within material and manufacturing constraints while keeping up with rapidly changing fashion trends can be demanding. Collaboration with production teams, marketers, and suppliers is crucial to address technical limitations and cost considerations, making effective communication an essential skill. These challenges make the role dynamic and rewarding for those who enjoy problem-solving and teamwork.

What is the difference between Shoe Designer vs Footwear Product Developer?

AspectShoe DesignerFootwear Product Developer
Primary RoleCreates the initial shoe design, focusing on aesthetics and style.Translates designs into manufacturable products, focusing on construction and functionality.
Skills & CredentialsDesign skills, fashion sense, CAD proficiency, portfolioProduct development, materials knowledge, technical skills, engineering background
Work EnvironmentDesign studios, fashion houses, footwear brandsManufacturing facilities, R&D labs, footwear companies
Industry UsageUsed in fashion and design contextsUsed in production and engineering contexts

While Shoe Designers focus on creating the visual and aesthetic aspects of footwear, Footwear Product Developers work on turning those designs into practical, manufacturable products. Both roles are essential in the footwear industry but differ in their core responsibilities and skill sets.

How much do shoe designers make?

Shoe designers typically earn between $40,000 and $80,000 annually, with experienced professionals or those working for major brands earning higher salaries. Compensation can vary based on experience, location, and the complexity of the designs, and many shoe designers also work in creative environments that value portfolio quality and technical skills such as CAD software.
More about Shoe Designer jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Shoe Designer jobs in California?

The most popular types of Shoe Designer jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Shoe Designer jobs in California?

For Shoe Designer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Shoe Designer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Shoe Designer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Shoe Designer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Shoe Designer job openings:

What are popular job titles related to Shoe Designer jobs in CA?

For Shoe Designer jobs in CA, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Shoe Designer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Shoe Designer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution.

Sr. Footwear Designer

Skechers

Manhattan Beach, CA

$160K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Posted 2 days ago

New

Skechers rating

6.5

Company rating: 6.5 out of 10

Based on 175 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

40th of 62 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:
The Sr. Footwear Designer will integrate their thorough understanding of footwear design, market conditions, consumer expectations, technologies and the manufacturing process with their design excellence to develop the next generations of Skechers footwear products under the direction and leadership of the VP of Design. They will influence the respective footwear categories using cultural events knowledge and experience relating to how the current and upcoming trends might impact the consumers' buying decisions, covering a vast demographic and multi-cultural area. In addition, they'll use their knowledge in respect to design, development and market relevance to collaborate with marketing and sales personnel on projects to maximize effectiveness and sale-ability.

WHAT YOU'LL DO:

  • Under the direction of the VP of Design, design and develop innovative and cost-efficient brand and market relevant footwear which includes concepting, story-telling, and technical development.
  • Work with design management, development, and marketing personnel to collaborate on design projects to maximize effectiveness and build product to target cost.
  • Create accurate, detailed, high-quality renderings and CADS quickly and efficiently.
  • Create accurate tech packs for outsole and upper designs.
  • Draw cross sections and read blueprints accurately.
  • Build and present seasonal product strategies and trend boards.
  • Constant interaction with merchandisers on all aspects of product line plans, briefs, color palette, pricing, themes, graphics, and strategies.
  • Work with developers in US and Asia on line schedules, adhere to the product calendar, ensuring development projects are on track.
  • Working with developers / materials team to coordinate and develop new materials, constructions, processes and procedures.
  • Responsible for getting prototypes and samples executed to reflect the concept and design you created.
  • Innovation through fashion forward new designs and technologies.
  • Protect and enhance SKECHERS “DNA”.
  • Special projects as assigned.

WHAT YOU'LL BRING:

  • Thorough understanding of ever-changing fashion trends and directions conducted through international and domestic travel, shopping the markets, tradeshows, and researching the competition.
  • Ability to collaborate with other designers, colorists, technicians, and merchandisers.
  • Ability to sketch shoes accurately, quickly, proportionately & provide detailed specifications.
  • Must understand the footwear production process at the factory level.
  • Must have expert skills in Adobe Creative Suite (Illustrator and Photoshop).
  • Must have great communication/presentation skills and work well with others.
  • Must have a passion for performance and lifestyle footwear design.
  • Knowledge of shoe construction and materials.
  • Must be versatile and be able to switch gears project to project.

REQUIREMENTS:

  • Bachelor’s Degree in one of the following: Industrial Design, Footwear Design, Fashion Design or Graphic Design.
  • Should have a minimum of 7 years of progressive, shoe designing experience and knowledge of shoe constructions and materials.

The pay range for this position is $160,000-$190,000/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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