How to Make up Your Own Type of Shoes

Successful shoe types are designed with the wearer and location in mind.

Make up your own type of shoes to create a completely original footwear look. Most shoe types are designed for specific environmental conditions or fashion purposes. Shoes with specialized features have been created to meet the needs of wearers in a variety of sports and industry applications. The shoe you make up can draw on existing shoe innovations without duplicating an existing shoe type. Come up with an original shoe type by using an environment or activity as inspiration.

Things You'll Need

• Shoe catalogs (optional)
• Pencil
• Blank paper
• Markers

Instructions

1. Look through shoe catalogs or search Internet shoe retailers to research a variety of shoe types. Take note of design features and details that you would like to incorporate into the new shoe type.

2. Write out a list of all the features and adaptations you want the new shoe type to include. Consider the environment where the shoe will be worn as well as the activities for which the shoe type is intended.

3. Draw rough sketches of the new shoe type from multiple angles to begin organizing the concept into a visual representation. Initially, drawings are often done by sketching rough shapes and outlines of each shoe part to get a feel for the spacial relationship of the shoe's sections. Refine the design in subsequent drawings and revisions until you are satisfied with the configuration.

4. Draw several unique versions of the new shoe type to show the versatility and originality of the design. Add optional features like varied heel heights and eyelets or try different color and pattern variations, while maintaining a core look that flows through all the designs. Name the new shoe type based on the design concept and label the sketches accordingly.

Tips & Warnings

• Build a prototype version of the shoe type to begin testing and refining the design. Many early prototypes are simply constructed of paper and clear tape. Secondary shoe prototypes can be built using materials from upholstery and sewing stores. Look for durable fabrics and strong threads to make a shoe that lasts. Shoe types designed for a fantasy world do not need to take comfort or real world limitations into consideration.

References

• DragonArt.com: How to Draw Shoes
• StyleCareer.com: Starting a Shoe or Footwear Line

Resources

• Shoe Types and Varieties