Updated on Aug 2, 2024 11:48 IST
Akansha Bisht

Akansha BishtContent Writer

Footwear Design Career is a fascinating and arduous path and several career avenues in this field revolve around footwear production, designing and marketing. The Footwear Design courses fall under the domain of Design. This career option is usually pursued by BDes in Footwear Design graduates. The graduates of Footwear Design courses can pursue professions such as Footwear Designer, Retail Manager, Footwear Technician, Footwear Merchandiser and Footwear Production Manager. The average salary of a graduate of Footwear Design courses is 5.5 LPA.

After completing a Footwear Design course, candidates can enhance their knowledge and credibility by pursuing courses such as B.Ed, MDes, MBA and PhD Footwear Designing. Those who wish to serve the larger society by working for government organisations can seek those positions through competitive exams such as UPSC CSE, SBI PO, IBPS PO, UPPSC PCS, IBPS Clerk, SBI Clerk, SSC CGL and UPSC CAPF.

Bata, Adidas, Liberty, PUMA and Red Tape are some top recruiters of Footwear Design graduates. Students of Footwear Designing courses are offered lucrative packages during campus placements in several colleges such as IIT Bombay, Netaji Subhas University of Technology, University of Mumbai, University of Lucknow, Vijaybhoomi School of Design and Dashmesh Girls College.

Table of Contents
  1. Footwear Designing Jobs in India: Facts
  2. Top Job Profiles in Footwear Designing
    • 2.1 Government & Private Sector Jobs in Footwear Designing
  3. Emerging Trends in Footwear Designing
  4. Footwear Designing Scope in India: Jobs, Salary and Further Education
    • 4.1 Competitive Exams after Footwear Designing
    • 4.2 Courses After Footwear Designing
    • 4.3 Top Recruiters for Footwear Designing Graduates in India
  5. Best Design Colleges for Placements (In India)
  6. FAQs on Footwear Design Career

Footwear Designing Jobs in India: Facts

Here are some facts related to Footwear Designing:

  • India is the second largest global producer of footwear accounting for 13% of global footwear production of 16 billion pairs.
  • India is also the third largest Footwear consuming country.

Top Job Profiles in Footwear Designing

Footwear Design is a flourishing industry that provides job opportunities to many professionals. The Footwear Designing career is more concentrated in the private sector of India.

Government & Private Sector Jobs in Footwear Designing

Given below are some job profiles that can be pursued by graduates of Footwear Design courses in the government and private sector:

Footwear Design Jobs

Average Salary (in INR)

Footwear Designer

4.7 LPA

Retail Manager

5.1 LPA

Footwear Technician

3.2 LPA

Footwear Merchandiser

4.1 LPA

Footwear Production Manager

3.8 LPA

Note: The salaries mentioned above may vary depending on the company offering the job.

Emerging Trends in Footwear Designing

Here are the emerging trends in Footwear Designing:

  • Haute Couture: Haute Couture or high-end footwear designs are created for brand endorsements in fashion shows.
  • Ready to Wear: These include collections fully manufactured collections. These are most preferred by consumers.
  • High Street Fashion: These are footwear trends that usually last for a short period in a year.

Footwear Designing Scope in India: Jobs, Salary and Further Education

Graduates of Footwear Designing courses can find job opportunities in the following sectors:

  • Design Consultancy Firms
  • Footwear Production Companies
  • Trading
  • Retail and Wholesale
  • Import or Export Industry
  • Merchandising
  • Product Manufacturing
  • Corporate Businesses

Competitive Exams after Footwear Designing

Given below are some competitive exams through which Footwear Designing graduates can seek employment opportunities in the government sector:

Competitive Exams After Footwear Designing Courses

Description

UPSC CSE

It is conducted to select candidates for Group A services under the Government of India. The UPSC career options are vast and extensive.

SBI PO

It is conducted for recruitment to Banking Services in the State Bank of India.

IBPS PO

It is conducted for recruitment to Banking Services in many government banks in India.

UPPSC PCS

It is a state-level exam conducted in Uttar Pradesh for recruitment to Group A and Group B services.

IBPS Clerk

It is conducted for recruitment to clerical-level posts in many government banks in India.

SBI Clerk

It is conducted for recruitment to clerical-level posts in the State Bank of India.

SSC CGL

It is a national-level exam that is conducted for recruitment to Group B and Group C services in various government organisations.

UPSC CAPF

It is a national-level exam that is conducted for recruitment to various posts as Gazetted Officers in the Central Armed Police Forces

Courses After Footwear Designing

Given below are some courses which can be pursued by graduates of Footwear Design courses:

Courses After Footwear Designing

Description

B.Ed

A B.Ed or Bachelor of Education degree is essential to pursue a career as a teacher. Those who wish to become primary and elementary school teachers can apply for the CTET exam.

MDes

MDes is a postgraduate-level Design course. It is one of the most preferred options among graduates of the Footwear Design course. This course is offered with Footwear Design as a specialisation.

MBA

MBA is a master’s degree that candidates can pursue after an undergraduate degree in Footwear Designing course. Candidates can apply for the course by qualifying for exams such as CAT, XAT, MAT, SNAP and NMAT.

PhD Footwear Designing

Master’s degree holders pursue PhD in Footwear Designing. Acquiring a PhD can help candidates in securing a career in academia. Candidates can apply for the course through UGC NET..

Top Recruiters for Footwear Designing Graduates in India

Given below are some of the top recruiters of Footwear Design courses:

Footwear Designing Recruiters 

Bata

Woodland

Adidas

Nike

Liberty

Reebok

PUMA

Mochi

Red Tape

Paragon

Best Design Colleges for Placements (In India)

Given below are some Design colleges that offer lucrative placement packages to students and graduates of Footwear Designing courses:

Design Colleges

Average Fees (in INR)

IIT Bombay

19.63 LPA

Netaji Subhas University of Technology

16 LPA

University of Mumbai

15 LPA

University of Lucknow

14.4 LPA

Vijaybhoomi School of Design

13.3 LPA

Dashmesh Girls College

12 LPA

Manipal School of Architecture and Planning

6.8 - 11.68 LPA

School of Art and Design

10.5 - 10.7 LPA

Goswami Ganesh Dutta S.D. College

10 LPA

KIIT School of Fashion Technology

9 LPA

FAQs on Footwear Design Career

Q. What are the benefits of pursuing MBA after a Footwear Design degree?

A. MBA is a great career option for candidates who have completed undergraduate courses in any discipline. Graduates of Footwear Design courses can pursue the course if they want to switch their careers or move to managerial-level positions in their field. Given below are several benefits of pursuing an MBA after BDes in Footwear Design:

Wide range of Career Opportunities:  Anthropology graduates after pursuing an MBA can work in the marketing field, business, finance, management and consultancy firms.

Leadership Quality: An MBA program equips students with management skills and leadership qualities. It prepares them for leadership positions in an organisation.

A broader range of skills: Anthropology graduates are usually good at critical thinking and analytical skills. An MBA can help them develop statistical and organisational skills.

Opportunity for Networking: Since an MBA is open for candidates from all disciplines, there will be scope for networking with students with different academic backgrounds. They can also interact with alumni and industry specialists.

Q. What is the scope of Footwear Designing?

A. The Indian footwear industry is worth INR 24,100 crores, according to various statistical data. It is a booming industry that has witnessed consistent growth. A well-trained Footwear Designer can expect to have a promising and rewarding career. Usually, graduates of Footwear Design start their careers as trainees. One can also engage in freelance footwear designer jobs. They can expect a starting salary of INR 2.5 LPA.

Q. Can one become a Footwear Designer without any degree?

A. Yes, you can become a Footwear Designer without acquiring any formal education related to the field. Footwear design is a highly skill-oriented job. However, pursuing Footwear Designing courses can help one have a better understanding of the fundamental concepts of designing and marketing. This can also help them in acquiring a job at the onset of their career.

Q. What are the job profiles for Footwear Designer freshers?

A. Footwear Designer freshers can work in various job profiles in the merchandising, retail and international trading, designing and technological industries.

Here are some job profiles that can be pursued by Footwear Designer freshers:

Footwear Design Job Profiles

Average Salary (in INR)

Business Development Executive

3.9 LPA

Designer

7.8 LPA

Management Trainee

7.4 LPA

Marketing Executive

3.4 LPA

Merchandiser

4.1 LPA

Planning Executive

5.1 LPA

Product Developers

9.5 LPA

Production Supervisors

3.2 LPA

Note: The salaries mentioned above may vary depending on the company.

Q. Can one get a government job after completing a Footwear Designing course?

A. Yes, one can apply for government jobs through competitive exams after completing Footwear Designing courses. However, there are no niche jobs in the government sector related to Footwear Designing. Those interested in pursuing a job related to Footwear Designing can explore career opportunities in the private sector. Candidates who wish to serve in the government sector can apply for jobs that are open to all graduates.

Q. What are the departments in which one can explore career opportunities in the Footwear industry?

A. The Footwear industry is a dynamic and ever-evolving field. It is an extension of the clothing and apparel industry. The footwear market is comprised of, sneakers, athletic footwear, luxury footwear, shoes, sporting shoes and related goods. The Footwear Design industry comprises three major departments: design, manufacturing and marketing. Each department requires professionals who know about Footwear Designing. Candidates who have completed Footwear Designing courses can explore career opportunities in various departments of the Footwear industry which are as follows:

Design Department: In the Design department professionals frame the requirements and come up with designs as per the current market trends.

Manufacturing Department: The manufacturing department oversees the actual making of footwear. The designs created by the Design departments are translated into real-world objects.

Marketing Department: The Marketing department is responsible for selling manufactured goods in the market. 

Popular Exams

Following are the top exams for Footwear Design. Students interested in pursuing a career on Footwear Design, generally take these important exams.You can also download the exam guide to get more insights.

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Counselling Start

TENTATIVE

Jun '24

CT SET 2024 Result

TENTATIVE

22 Nov ' 24 - 6 Jan ' 25

NIFT 2025 application form OPEN (Regular fees)

7 Jan ' 25 - 9 Jan ' 25

NIFT 2025 application form OPEN (Late fees)

21 Feb ' 25

SAT Registration Deadline for March Test

25 Feb ' 25

SAT Deadline for Changes, Regular Cancellation, a...

24 Dec ' 24 - 5 Jan ' 25

NID DAT 2025 (Prelims) - Issue of Admit Cards

5 Jan ' 25

NID DAT 2025 (Prelims) Date

Popular Footwear Design Colleges in India

Following are the most popular Footwear Design Colleges in India. Learn more about these Footwear Design colleges (Courses, Reviews, Answers & more) by downloading the Brochure.
2 Courses
5.19 L - 8.34 L
3.6
1 Course
6 L
2.5

#28 Outlook

1 Course
18 K

Popular Private Footwear Design Colleges in India

2 Courses
5.19 L - 8.34 L
3.6
1 Course
6 L
2.5

#28 Outlook

1 Course
18 K

Most Popular Courses

Following are the most popular Footwear Design courses, based on alumni reviews. Explore these reviews to choose the best course in Footwear Design.

Popular Footwear Design UG Courses

Following are the most popular Footwear Design UG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these UG Courses by clicking the links below.

UG Courses

Popular Footwear Design PG Courses

Following are the most popular Footwear Design PG Courses . You can explore the top Colleges offering these PG Courses by clicking the links below.

PG Courses

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Student Forum

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Answered 2 months ago

The market volume is expected to amount to 2,287.0m pairs by 2029, with a volume growth of 1.3% expected in 2025. The average volume per person in the Footwear market is expected to be 1.54pairs in 2024. It is also noteworthy that by 2024, 98% of sales in the Footwear market in India will be attribu

...more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

You should pursue a Footwear Design course, if:

  • You are passionate about fashion and footwear.
  • Have a creative mind with an interest in design ideation.
  • You're eager to explore the art and science of shoe design.
  • You are a Fashion enthusiast looking to delve into style lines and elements for various sho

...more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Footwear Design course provides education on designing footwear from the raw stage to the finished stage by using different processes. The courses with specialisations impart methodologies of manufacturing. From choosing the right material for footwear to giving it an eye-catching design, it include

...more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

There are various courses offered in Footwear Designing including, including short-term courses, diploma courses, undergraduate courses and postgraduate courses. Candidates seeking admission to UG and Diploma courses should have passed at least class 12th from a recognised institute. For PG diploma

...more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Several institutions in India provide great footwear design programmes. If you want to work in footwear design, consider the following academies and institutions, which offer specialised programmes in this field:

  • Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI): The FDDI is a world-class institute in

...more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

A Bachelor of Design (B.Des.) degree from the Footwear Design and Development Institute (FDDI) can lead to a variety of professional prospects in the fashion and design industries, particularly the footwear and leather products industries. FDDI is a well-known institution that specialises in footwea

...more

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Candidates can pursue a certificate, diploma, and degree courses in this stream. Candidates can pursue these courses at all - UG, PG, and PhD levels. Given below are some of the popular Footwear Design courses:

Courses in Footwear Design

BDes (Footwear Design & Production)

BDes in Product Design

MDes (Footwear Design & Production)

PG Diploma in Footwear Design & Production Technology

Diploma in Footwear Manufacture & Design

Diploma in Leather Goods and Footwear Technology

Diploma in Leather Technology

Diploma in Footwear Production

BDes in Leather Design

PG Diploma in Footwear Technology

Diploma in Footwear Design & Production

Diploma in Leather Technology Footwear

Note: This information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Footwear Design as a stream requires aspirants to have a creative flair along with an eye for detail. Important skills that candidates should possess for a successful career in the field include: 

Footwear Design Required Skillset

Aesthetic interest

Good sketching skills

Skill in using Computer-Aided Design

Precision

Eye for detail

Ingenuity and practical bent of mind

Knowledge of colours, blending, colour terms and codes

Knowledge of textures

Knowledge of foot anatomy and international size chart for Foot

Keen knowledge of worldwide footwear fashion trends

Note: This information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Various books on footwear design can assist budding footwear designers and anybody else interested in the subject with significant ideas and information. Here are some books about footwear design that we recommend:

Book Title

Author

Description

Footwear Design

Aki Choklat

Covers the entire process of footwear design, including materials, construction, and creativity.

The Fundamentals of Footwear Design

Aki Choklat

Focuses on fundamental principles of footwear design, including sketching techniques, pattern making, and construction.

Shoe Design

Aki Choklat

Explores the creative aspects of shoe design, providing inspiration and guidance on sketching and visual communication.

Designing Footwear with the Last

Eelko Moorer

Discusses the importance of shoe lasts in design, their types, and their impact on fit and comfort.

The Handbook of Footwear Design and Manufacture

A. Luximon

Comprehensive reference on materials, technology, ergonomics, and sustainability in footwear design and manufacturing.

Note: This information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 2 months ago

Students can see the below table to learn the difference between Footwear and Fashion design courses:

Points of Difference

Footwear Design Course

Fashion Design Course

Specialized Focus

Focuses specifically on footwear design

Covers a broader range of fashion design aspects

Technical Skills

Emphasizes pattern-making, last-making, material knowledge

Covers fashion illustration, draping, garment construction

Career Opportunities

Footwear designer, product developer, technician

Fashion designer, stylist, fashion illustrator

Creativity and Versatility

Focuses on designing shoes and related accessories

Offers opportunities to explore clothing, accessories, etc.

Curriculum

Specialized curriculum tailored to footwear design

Covers various aspects of fashion design and garment making

Industry Connections

Likely connections with footwear companies and brands

Connections within the broader fashion industry

Note: This information is sourced from external sites and may vary.

A

Akansha Bisht

Contributor-Level 10

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