In this five-week intensive workshop, we will explore material design for footwear through the lens of sport performance. Students will learn how to design materials that interact with and support the foot by analyzing material types used in cutting-edge performance products, their technical attributes, and use cases.
Through sketching and hands-on methods such as cut-and-sew and heat pressing, students will apply this knowledge on a flat shell pattern and go through a design process based on those at leading sports companies.
who’s it for
beginner-intermediate design students and anyone interested in sport performance footwear design. no prior experience required.
goals
-overview of materials in sports performance footwear
-how to design and apply these materials through hands on design studies
-understand the design process as applied at leading sports brands
-create a portfolio piece (for those building towards a career in design) general description
materials included
-shell pattern 2D template
-material samples for hands-on design studies
-adobe illustrator brush set (for those who already work in adobe illustrator).
note: prior illustrator knowledge not required for this workshop
when
Tuesdays March 17 - April 14, 2026
6:00pm - 8:30pm
5 weeks, 1 session per week, 2.5 hours per session
capacity
10 students maximum, in-person.
Limited virtual participation may be available depending on interest. Please DM or email us at hello@brooklynshoespace.com
Optional Session
Adobe illustrator for footwear
Tuesday April 21st, 2026 (6:00 - 8:30pm)
For students interested in deeper guidance on shell patterns, translating sketches to technical drawings, and material swatches. Prior Illustrator experience is required.
cost
$125 per student
Course Breakdown
week 1: the foot, movement & why materials matter
-intros and expectations
-overview of foot anatomy/biomechanics and how it relates to upper design
-overview of shoe anatomy, general material categories (natural, synth, reinf, etc)
-a brief intro to the shell pattern (what it is and why it’s used)
assignment: select a design problem to solve and bring an existing shoe to next class that addresses your problem (actual product or images)
week 2: modern performance materials
-overview of contemporary materials (knits, meshes, wovens films).
-understanding material structures, behaviors, and applications.
-materials as brand identity and story telling
-students present their selected problem to solve, instructor/peer feedback
assignment: create initial concept board with visual/material references
week 3: upper construction, pattern basics, start to design
-how uppers are constructed (engineered, cut and sew, innovation methods)
-pattern logic (seams, overlays, reinforcements)
-patterning overview (how materials are patterned in manufacturing, nesting)
-feedback: students present their concept boards and get instructor/peer feedback.
-demo: ideation techniques (sketching, prototyping, tape ups, AI tools)
assignment: ideate 2+ upper designs, (consider materials and construction)
week 4: design process deep dive (studio session)
-presentation tips (story telling, what to highlight, how to speak to materials and construction in a design review/presentation)
-present initial upper/material design ideas--instructor/peer feedback
-studio work time (majority of class)
assignment: refine your 1 upper design (on a shell pattern)
day 5: final shell pattern presentation & critique
-students present final shell pattern design--instructor/peer feedback
-discussion on translating 2D to 3D samples
-final edits, closing reflections + next steps
optional day 6: session to share intermediate/advanced adobe illustrator
tools & workflow tips for upper design.