How to Design Your Own Fitness Shoes

Fitness shoes are made for comfort and durability during challenging athletic events and exercise routines. Though comfort and function are key, style is also an important part of the equation. Many of the most popular fitness shoes worn by athletes are fashionable as well as practical. Moreover, fitness shoes differ greatly based on what type of fitness activity they will be used for. Dance shoes have extra cushioning in the heel and front; running shoes have extra cushioning throughout the sole; walking shoes have extra support for the arch; aerobic shoes have a higher cut to support the ankle. When designing your own fitness shoes, keep in mind the importance of style and substance.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Sketchpad
• Colored pencils

1. Begin by designing the basic shape of your fitness shoe. Most fitness shoes are short, hitting slightly below the ankle. High-tops, which rise to cover the ankle, are also an option. Choose the type that is most comfortable and practical for you. Also, design the heel of your fitness shoe. Most fitness shoes have a cushioned, half-inch-thick heel to protect the foot during high-impact activities. Outline the preliminary shape on your sketchpad.

2. Choose the colors of your fitness shoe. Color is a very important design element that gives personality and character to the design. White, black and gray are popular base colors for fitness shoes. Bright and bold colors like red, blue and yellow are great highlighting colors to make your shoes stand out. Pick two or three complementary colors that appeal to your personal tastes. Use colored pencils to depict your chosen shades on your sketch.

3. Add a personal logo to the design of your own fitness shoes. The logo can be a variation of your own name, your initials or a specific name or symbol that describes the shoe (i.e., Nike or Puma). Incorporate your logo on the side, back or bottom of your design. Draw it with a darker color onto your sketch.

4. Add distinguishing details like stripes, checkered prints, imprints of shapes (like stars or circles) or a unique drawing to your design to give it a standout personality. Think of how the Adidas brand of fitness shoes is distinguished by the three stripes running down the side of the shoe. These distinguishing details will help people identify your fitness shoe design.

5. Finally, draw laces, zippers, buttons, velcro or other closures on your shoe design. For a fitness shoe, even the closures are an important part of the design. Laces are the most popular type of closure, but don't be afraid to try something different like snap buttons or a long zipper down the middle of the shoe. Finish sketching your design on your sketchpad.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sketches of your shoe from the side, back and front just in case you plan on having it custom made. Write notes in the margins of your sketch detailing the type of fabric and materials you will be needing.

References

• Fitness Shoe Design