Best Colleges for Footwear Design?

I'm really passionate about footwear design and am wondering which colleges offer the best programs for this field. Are there specific schools known for their emphasis on creativity and technical skills in shoe design?

There are quite a few colleges that are well known for their strong programs in footwear design.

1. Parsons School of Design in New York offers a strong degree in Fashion Design where you can concentrate on shoe design. Their program offers a strong balance of creative and technical skills which is ideal for aspiring footwear designers.

2. Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) also in New York, has a specialized program called “Accessories Design” which includes footwear alongside handbags, millinery, and performance athletic footwear. FIT offers a two-year, industry-focused associate’s degree program, as well as a bachelor's degree program that dives into design philosophy, product development, market trends, and more.

3. London College of Fashion, offers a BA (Hons) Cordwainers Fashion Bags and Accessories: Product Design and Innovation. They deliver technical training in design and prototyping shoes, alongside developing your understanding of branding and market awareness.

4. Polimoda in Florence, Italy also has a well-renowned footwear design program. It's known particularly for its connections to the high-fashion industry and the artisans of Italy.

5. Last but not the least, the Pensole Academy, a unique institution in Portland, Oregon, that's known specifically for its footwear design curriculum.

These are all well-respected programs in the fashion industry at large, and they've had many graduates go on to successful careers in footwear design. Each school has slightly different strengths and emphasis, so I would recommend looking into which aspects of footwear design best align with your future goals before making a choice.