HOW TO MAKE GREAT FOOTWEAR

Everybody has their favorite, go-to pair of shoes that they can always depend on. What is the secret formula to creating this shoe for your brand? We have outlined the top four elements to prioritize when designing your customers favorite shoe.

FIND YOUR INSPIRATION• Trending themes in design are consistent across various industries such

as automotive, apparel, art, and architecture• Determine how your brand embraces these trends

CONVEY A COHESIVE DESIGN LANGUAGE• All parts of the shoe (upper, midsole and outsole) create one cohesive

design language

KEEP IT SIMPLE• Ten Feet away - what is the iconic simple element that captures your

attention?• Three Feet away - what pulls you in to pick up the shoe? (texture, molded

parts or unique features).• Touching the shoe - what convinces you to pick up the shoe, try it on and

ultimately buy it?

1. DESIGN: Less Is More

2. FIT & FEEL Emotional and physical fit

FEEL• Style Resonates with the consumer and inspires confidence• Many women swear that 6-inch stilettos are comfortable because they

provide an emotional comfort and reflect how they see themselves.

LIMIT NUMBER OF LASTS• Keep lasts to a minimum in order to provide a consistent, predictable fit

FIT• The last is the most important consideration when addressing comfort• The beauty is in the broad range of shoes that many call favorites such

as Chuck Taylors, Vans, Italian driving shoes, or Tod’s.

3. PERFORMANCE & FUNCTIONALITY

FOCUS ON ADDRESSING GENERAL CUSTOMER NEEDS• De-emphasize hard core performance because only the elite care

HIGHLIGHT THE SENSATION OF THE PRODUCT • Create an emotional connection

BASIC FUNCTION EXPECTATIONS • Emphasize your key features such as cushioning, traction, and breathability• Keep it simple with 2-3 key attributes. Let the shoe speak for itself

4. LOOK & VERSATILITY

Style• Identify the key aspects that your customers resonate with the most

Simplicity Allows For Versatility • Chuck Taylors, Nike Frees, and Dr. Martens are classic staples that have

proven the test of time. • Focus on timeless design• Materials and colors also play a role - mesh is more limiting than leather,

for example.