The Footwear Tooling Design Guide:
The One Book Every Shoe Professional Needs
In the world of footwear design and manufacturing, tooling is the foundation of every great shoe. Without the right molds, dies, and production equipment, even the most innovative designs will fail to translate into high-quality, scalable products. Yet, despite its critical role in production, cost management, and product quality, there has been little to no comprehensive guidance on the topic—until now.
Introducing Footwear Tooling Design Guide, the first and only book dedicated to helping footwear professionals, designers, and brand owners master the complex world of shoe tooling. Written by industry veteran Wade Motawi, this guide provides an insider’s perspective on tooling design, cost strategies, and manufacturing best practices—knowledge that has traditionally been held behind closed doors by factories and manufacturers.
Tooling Knowledge is Essential for Success
Every major footwear bran from startups to global powerhouses like Nike and Adidas understands that tooling is one of the biggest investments in shoe production. A single outsole mold can cost thousands of dollars, and brands that don’t fully understand tooling risk overpaying, facing production delays, or dealing with subpar quality.
This book breaks down the technical and financial side of footwear tooling, helping professionals avoid common mistakes, optimize manufacturing, and make smarter tooling decisions. Whether you’re designing running shoes, hiking boots, or sneakers, understanding how molds are made, what they cost, and how they affect production is critical.
What Makes Footwear Tooling Design Guide Unique?
Covers Every Type of Tooling – From outsole molds and cutting dies to 3D-printed prototypes and injection molding, this book explains what tooling is needed for different types of footwear and how to make the right choices.
Avoid Costly Mistakes – A small tooling error can cost thousands and delay production for months. This guide teaches how to budget correctly, negotiate with factories, and optimize production efficiency to minimize financial risk.
Exclusive Industry Knowledge – With 25+ years of experience, Wade Motawi has worked with global brands and factories, managing millions of dollars in tooling investments. His real-world expertise provides actionable strategies that you won’t find anywhere else.
Essential for Brands & Designers – Whether you’re starting your own shoe company, working as a footwear designer, or managing product development, understanding tooling is key to producing high-quality, cost-effective shoes.
Who Is This Book For?
Footwear Designers & Developers – Learn how to design shoes that are not just visually appealing but also manufacturable and cost-effective.
Brand Owners & Entrepreneurs – Get insider knowledge to ensure you are investing in the right tooling and working effectively with manufacturers.
Production Managers & Sourcing Professionals – Optimize your supply chain, reduce costs, and improve quality control with advanced tooling knowledge.
Don’t Let Tooling Challenges Hold You Back
Many footwear professionals learn about tooling the hard way—through costly mistakes. Footwear Tooling Design Guide provides the knowledge and strategies needed to get it right the first time.
If you’re serious about creating high-quality, manufacturable footwear, this book is your blueprint for success.
the first and only comprehensive resource dedicated to understanding, designing, and managing tooling for modern shoe production.
