Wade Motawi, affectionately known as “The Shoe Dog,” is a veteran footwear designer, developer, and educator with over 30 years of experience in the global shoe industry. Holding an Industrial Design degree from the University of Michigan, Wade began his career in 1995, designing golf bags before transitioning into the world of action sports equipment, working on products for wakeboarding, snowboarding, hydrofoiling, and kiteboarding. His deep technical knowledge and hands-on experience have made him a respected authority in footwear innovation, manufacturing, and brand building.

Throughout his career, Wade has held key roles as a Shoe Designer, Product Developer, Product Line Manager, Advanced Projects Group Manager, and Sourcing Manager. He has designed and developed performance footwear for running, skating, biking, hunting, hiking, and snowboarding, gaining a deep understanding of tooling, materials, and production processes. His work has taken him across the globe, including extensive experience living and working in Asia, particularly in China, Korea, Taiwan, and Vietnam, where he collaborates with top manufacturers.