A footwear designer is a professional who designs and develops footwear such as shoes, sandals, boots and other such  types. They work in the fashion industry and collaborate with fashion designers, marketing teams and manufacturers to create footwear designs that are fashionable, functional as well as marketable. 

Moreover, the role of a footwear designer involves researching fashion trends, understanding consumer preferences, developing design concepts, creating sketches and drawings, selecting materials and colours as well as creating prototypes of their designs. They work closely with manufacturers to ensure that their designs can be produced efficiently and cost-effectively. To become a footwear designer, one typically needs a degree in fashion design or a related field. They should have strong design skills, a keen eye for detail, knowledge of materials, colour theory and constructing techniques.

For Bachelor’s

• Aspirants need to pass 10+2 with at least 50% marks in Humanities from any recognised board. 
• Students can opt for a B.Voc or any other related degree in footwear design.
• Seekers can go for a Diploma or certificate course to enhance their expertise. 
• Some entrance exams are conducted like CEED, AIEED or any other related test. 

 For Masters

• To gain job market knowledge, one can opt for a Master's degree in footwear design or any other related field. 
• Scholars must have a proper knowledge of CAD and modern designing software.

The field of footwear design aims to provide in-depth knowledge and enhance the skills of the students. To do such a task, the footwear designing field presents innumerable job profiles:  

• Footwear Developer
• Footwear Designer
• Footwear Technician
• Footwear Merchandiser
• Footwear Development Manager

Employment Sector

• Trading
• Import & Export Industry
• Footwear Production
• Product Manufacturing
• Corporate Businesses
• Design consultant Firms
• Retail & Wholesalers

There are many recruiters from leading companies who enlist potential students in the footwear design field. Following are some Recruiters from where students can find an employment opportunity in India: 

• Bata
• Puma
• Flex
• Adidas
• Camper
• Nike
• Skechers
• Action Shoes
• Woodland
• Lee Cooper
• Converse
• Crocs
• Liberty Group

The salary range may vary from company to company, but the salary of a footwear designer is very impressive only in India.

• Creativity
• Originality
• Artistic skills
• Aesthetics skills
• Drawing skills
• Communication skills

The scope of a footwear designer's work can vary depending on their area of focus and the specific company or brand they work for. However, in all cases, footwear designers will need to have strong design skills, an understanding of materials as well as manufacturing processes and the ability to create footwear that is both fashionable and functional. 

Strong communication and collaboration skills are also important, as footwear designers will need to work closely with manufacturers, product managers and other professionals within the footwear industry.

• Work with Influential Brands
• Travelling Opportunities
• Can create editorial content

• Salary is not high at starting
• Long hours of working
• Hectic work