Footwear Designer

We’re looking for a Footwear Associate Designer to join a collaborative, fast-paced design team. This role will support the development and execution of seasonal footwear collections, taking concepts from initial trend research and design through technical development, fittings, and commercialization.

This is a great opportunity for someone who has a strong foundation in footwear design and construction , is highly proficient in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop , and enjoys the hands-on execution that goes into bringing a collection to life.

The ideal candidate is quick, organized, comfortable asking questions, and able to jump into an established design process while also bringing fresh ideas to the table.

What You’ll Do

• Design & Development: Create and execute original footwear designs across categories such as boots, flats, heels, occasion and fashion footwear, while working within established assortment plans and cost targets.
• Technical Execution: Develop detailed tech packs including multi-angle sketches, materials, hardware specifications, construction details, measurements, colorways, and component information.
• Adobe Design Work: Utilize Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop extensively throughout the design and development process, from initial sketches through presentations and final specifications.
• Trend & Market Research: Research seasonal fashion trends, competitive products, materials, colors, and silhouettes to identify opportunities and bring new ideas to the assortment.
• Sample & Fit Management: Participate in footwear fittings from first prototype through final sales samples, communicating updates and tracking design, color, material, and component changes.
• Cross-Functional Partnership: Work closely with Product Development, Sourcing, Technical Design, and Merchandising to keep projects moving and ensure accurate execution throughout the product lifecycle.
• Line Management: Maintain line sheets, specification sheets, trim and material information, colorways, presentation boards, and other development documentation.
• Vendor Collaboration: Partner with external vendors and manufacturing teams to communicate design intent and resolve development questions.
• Support accessory categories such as belts as needed. Previous belt design experience is a plus, but not required.
• Use presentation and project management tools to organize seasonal concepts, colorways, designs, and product information. Experience with Miro is helpful but not required.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Fashion Design, Footwear Design, Industrial Design , or a related discipline.
• Approximately 3–5 years of professional footwear design experience .
• Strong understanding of footwear construction, lasts, outsoles, leather, materials, hardware, and component development .
• Advanced proficiency with Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop . This is a key requirement for the role.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office , particularly Excel for line sheets, product tracking, and organization.
• Experience creating and maintaining tech packs, specification sheets, colorways, and product development documentation .
• Ability to work quickly and accurately within a fast-paced seasonal development calendar .
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple styles, samples, and deadlines simultaneously.
• Comfortable jumping into projects, asking questions, collaborating with others, and taking ownership of execution.
• A balance of creativity and execution , with the ability to bring fresh, fashion-forward ideas while still delivering within an established brand direction.
• Friendly, collaborative, flexible, and comfortable working in a laid-back but deadline-driven team environment.