Course Duration: 12 Weeks
Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Delivery: Online or In-Person (includes lectures, design labs, and studio projects)
Outcome: Students will design, prototype, and pitch a sneaker collection covering multiple categories.
🧭 Course Objectives:
By the end of this course, students will:
Understand the history and evolution of sneaker design
Identify the anatomy and functional components of sneakers
Design sneakers across multiple categories (lifestyle, running, basketball, skate, high-fashion, etc.)
Use industry-standard tools to sketch, model, and prototype sneakers
Create a sneaker design portfolio and pitch concept
📘 WEEKLY BREAKDOWN
Week 1: Introduction to Sneaker Culture & Industry
History of sneakers and their cultural impact
Key sneaker categories and market segments
Influential brands and designers
Overview of the sneaker design process
Week 2: Anatomy of a Sneaker
Upper components: vamp, quarter, tongue, eyelets, heel, collar
Lower components: midsole, outsole, insole, shank
Material basics: textiles, leather, synthetics, foam, rubber
Fit, comfort, and function
Week 3: Tools of the Trade
Sketching basics (hand and digital)
Introduction to Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Procreate for design
Sneaker-specific templates and rendering styles
Color theory and material swatching
Week 4: Lifestyle Sneaker Design
Design for streetwear and casual fashion
Brand storytelling through silhouette
Case studies: Nike Air Force 1, Adidas Superstar, Puma Suede
Project: Design a lifestyle sneaker for a brand of your choice
Week 5: Running Shoe Design
Ergonomics and biomechanics in performance footwear
Lightweight materials, breathability, energy return
Case studies: Nike ZoomX, Adidas Ultraboost, ASICS Gel
Project: Sketch and render a performance running shoe
Week 6: Basketball Sneaker Design
High-impact cushioning, ankle support, traction
Player-specific customization
Case studies: Air Jordan series, Nike LeBron, Under Armour Curry
Lab: Create a player profile and design a performance basketball shoe
Week 7: Skate & Action Sports Sneakers
Durability, grip, impact absorption
Style vs. function in the skate scene
Case studies: Vans Old Skool, Nike SB Dunk, DC Shoes
Project: Design a skate shoe with sustainable materials
Week 8: High-Fashion & Designer Sneakers
Luxury materials, limited editions, runway aesthetics
Collaborations and exclusivity (e.g., Dior x Jordan, Balenciaga)
Lab: Design a fashion sneaker for a high-end collaboration
Week 9: Soccer, Tennis & Niche Sneakers
Sport-specific performance needs
Outsole pattern engineering
Lifestyle crossover examples
Workshop: Sneaker sole design from scratch
Week 10: Sustainable Sneaker Design
Eco-materials and circular design
Recycled textiles, bio-based soles
Brands leading in green design (Allbirds, Veja, Nike Move to Zero)
Mini-project: Design a fully sustainable sneaker
Week 11: Prototyping & Tech Packs
Creating tech packs for manufacturers
Basic 3D modeling and mock-ups
Sample building: Foam modeling, paper prototyping, 3D prints (if applicable)
Week 12: Final Project & Portfolio Review
Final Collection: Students present 3 sneaker designs across different categories
Pitch session: Market, brand alignment, target audience
Guest critiques (from footwear designers or brand reps)
Portfolio tips for job/internship applications
📂 Deliverables
Weekly design projects
Final sneaker collection (3–5 designs)
Presentation deck with inspiration, sketches, materials, and brand story
Technical drawings and mock tech packs
🎨 Tools & Materials
Sketchpad, markers, fineliners
Access to Adobe Creative Suite (or alternatives)
Material swatch library (physical or digital)
Optional: 3D modeling software (e.g., Rhino, Blender, Gravity Sketch)
