By Mitch Rice
In just a few years, the global shoe industry is expected to be worth nearly half a billion dollars. Shoes are one of those staples that everybody has and wants more of. While shoes used to be simple and functional, today they are fashion statements and symbols of class and lifestyle.
There are many blogs, vlogs, and fans of sneakers, boots, heels, and much more across the world. And this makes it a very exciting time for people to start to get into shoe design if it is something that they are interested in.
But if you want to start designing shoes, you might not be sure about where to start. Luckily for you, we are here to help you with just that. So if you would like to learn more then keep on reading and we will take you through the different steps that you need to know about in order to design shoes.
- Start With Schooling
Nobody is going to want to hire you just because you have a strong passion for shoe design. And passion doesn’t equate to being good at actually making shoes. If you want to design shoes that are going to work and look good then you have to understand the basics of design.
You need to understand form, shape, texture, and color balance. You should understand how to draw and know how to work with 2D and 3D objects. You can utilize those skills and apply them in unique ways as a shoe designer.
Shoes are also very architectural. When you design a building, you start around the concept of form following function. That’s something that anyone who wants to be a designer needs to keep in mind.
You want to think about the end-user and then make a product that is going to work for that individual.
Of course, just being able to draw a shoe design doesn’t mean that you’re actually cut out for the job. A design that can’t be put onto an actual shoe is just artwork.
Shoe designers should consider getting degrees in industrial design. These classes will provide you with helpful tools and also teach you how to build and how to research. You’ll then be able to merge engineering skills with artistic ones.
- Learn Everywhere
If you are a wannabe designer, then you should make a digital portfolio. You can then reach out to people at different shoe brands and ask them about their journeys and stories. It is very important that you broaden your understanding of what it takes to be a shoe designer.
There is a lot of opportunity in learning from a product design degree and other areas of design, architecture in particular. Shoes are houses for the feet. When you design a shoe, you want to think of a particular exterior expression or facade.
When you have this expanding understanding of design, you will be more prepared when it actually comes to creating shoes. When you design a shoe, you want to be able to pull from a lot of influences.
Your shoe should have an overall theme. It might try to express jazz, love, nature, water, or something else. By being a masterful designer, you can decide on a theme and figure out how to express that in the form of a shoe.
If you limit your perspective, you won’t be able to make the kind of shoes that you truly express what you want.
You should start learning about shoe design as soon as possible and never stop.
One of the best ways to learn about shoe design is to actually destroy your shoes. Cut them up and see how they go together. Really analyze your favorite shoes and see what makes them better than other shoes.
- Learn the Other Skills
To be a professional shoe designer, you need both hard skills and soft skills. Hard skills include the actual drawing and engineering aspects. Soft skills have to do with working with clients and collaborators.
Shoes are rarely made in vacuums. You need to work with other people so that you can properly bring your vision to lift. One of the most important things that you need to do is learn how to work with a team.
Everyone comes to a project with their own unique perspective. And each of these perspectives can help you make a better shoe.
Presentation skills are also important. If you don’t present your shoes well then people still won’t be interested in buying them. Shoes aren’t just about function and style, they reflect a person’s lifestyle too.
Whether you are getting a pair of Air Force 1s, Yeezy Foam Runners, or Crocs, your shoes say a lot about who you are and how you want to present yourself to others.
The Importance of Knowing the Steps to Shoe Design
Hopefully, after reading the above article, you now feel that you have a better understanding when it comes to shoe design. As we can see, designing shoes require a lot more than just interest and passion in the subject. You need to actually put in the work and learn all of the various skills that are needed to make a pair of shoes.
Once you follow the above steps you should be well on your well to designing and selling your own shoes.
