Alright, it’s Wade here from Shoemakers Academy. You’re like, Hey, Wade, who are these clowns in this picture? Well, these guys are the developers of shoemaking heroes. Behind every great shoe design, there’s an immensely talented developer who knows how to bring it to life. So many designs have failed due to the lack of a competent developer.

I know everyone talks about how amazing and talented shoe designers are. I started as a shoe designer, and there are certainly designers way better than me. However, without the product developer, you’ve got nothing. So, what is a product developer?

In the footwear industry, the developer is the interface between the designer and the factory. They bridge the gap between the designer’s vision and the reality of creating a functional, cost-effective, and durable product. The developer’s job is to turn a beautiful design into a real shoe that meets the designer’s intent and targets for performance, pricing, and materials.

Developers collaborate closely with designers, product managers, marketing managers, and sales managers to ensure the shoe aligns with the market’s needs and goals. In smaller companies, designers and developers often work together more closely.

The roles of designers and developers may vary depending on the company and their structure. Developers have the opportunity to travel and make a substantial impact on the shoe development process. Many people, regardless of their background, can become successful developers with the right training.

While shoe designers often receive recognition for their work, the contributions of developers often go unnoticed. At Shoemakers Academy, they offer courses, materials, books, and tools to help both designers and developers enhance their skills and understand the intricacies of shoe development. Whether you’re starting as a junior developer or a designer looking to expand your knowledge, Shoemakers Academy provides resources to help you succeed.

Shoe Developers:

Not a shoe designer but critical to getting the shoes made. It’s the footwear developer’s job to take a nice drawing and make it into a real shoe you can wear on your feet. The shoe developer is the one who writes the technical specifications, checks the blueprints, and communicates with the shoe factory.

The shoe developers’ job is to get the shoe made and keep the free-thinking designers from making a beautiful shoe that is cruel to wear. Footwear developers are the shoe prototype engineers and schedule keepers. To be a shoe developer, you may start as a designer, an intern, or an assistant. Be ready to travel!