H-1B Visa Footwear Designer Jobs
Footwear Designer jobs at H-1B visa sponsoring employers require a bachelor's degree in industrial design, fashion design, or a closely related field, satisfying the specialty occupation standard. Sponsoring employers file a Labor Condition Application with DOL and an I-129 petition with USCIS, with status granted for up to three years and extendable to a six-year maximum.
See Footwear Designer jobs across every visa typeFind H-1B Visa Footwear Designer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 11+ Footwear Designer jobs
See all Footwear Designer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Footwear Designer roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
As a Brooks Running Footwear Designer II, Inline, you will create the AESTHETIC READINESS of full Brooks Running footwear inline projects. You will create an executional DESIGN balance between more progressive and more commercially acceptable design solutions as part of a seasonal collection of Brooks Running footwear product.
As a Footwear Designer II, Inline, you will use the creative foundation CRAFTED BEAUTY to create compelling footwear designs. By applying this foundation, you will elevate the level of CRAFTED BEAUTY as a design reference for Brooks Running inline product while maintaining brand direction and appropriate aesthetic appeal for the target consumer.
As a Footwear Designer II, Inline, you will work in close cooperation with the Color–Material & Trend Design team on the creation of Seasonal Beauty. You will contribute to the emotional storytelling of color, graphic, material, finishes, and trend as part of both the footwear pre-development and inline design processes. You will also work in close partnership with the Advanced Design team on the application of our advanced design language, FUTURE BEAUTY.
As a Footwear Designer II, Inline, you will utilize best practices in 3D visual and technical tools, supported by strong design, product, and program knowledge. Our design team uses the power of 3D digital tools to make the best running footwear on the planet. Files will be shared across the footwear department and with our Asia partners to clearly communicate design vision, intent, and fidelity.
As a Footwear Designer II, Inline, you support clear communication across the Product Line Management team, Product Development team, Color & Trend team, and Product Assessment team. You help ensure design intent is clearly understood and carried through each stage of the process, supporting alignment across cross-functional partners.
As a Footwear Designer II, Inline, you contribute to strengthening Brooks’ design culture and supporting the goal of making Brooks the most loved brand for runners worldwide.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES:
DESIGN
- Own the full design of performance footwear models by creating and presenting upper, midsole, and outsole sketches for inline product based on direction provided by CRAFTED BEAUTY briefs.
- Apply identity principles to maximize perceived value and support strong aesthetic competitiveness.
- Work on a diverse scope of inline and pre-season product to inform and evolve templates for CRAFTED BEAUTY across sequential inline seasons.
- Improve briefs, concepts, and design direction by developing solutions through the creative foundation of CRAFTED BEAUTY, including 2D/3D exploration across story, color, material, and finishes to strengthen the appeal of Brooks Running footwear.
- Explore future possibilities of 2D and 3D design and how new tools, technologies, and methods can support the evolution of performance running footwear.
- Utilize 3D during the creation phase to visualize designs and continue building 3D skills, including technical applications such as manipulation of tooling files.
- Explore and apply new methods to expand design possibilities through advanced 2D and 3D digital design tools.
- Partner with senior design staff to align on approach and concepts, ensuring work is consistent with CRAFTED BEAUTY principles.
- Apply learned techniques and experience to approach, analyze, and solve design problems.
- Organize and deliver product design presentations in both physical and digital formats, including clear exploration of process and final solutions.
- Provide feedback and guidance to Associate Designers and Designer 1.
- Seek mentorship from more tenured designers.
- Respond to design critique with multiple design solutions.
- Stay engaged with evolving 2D and 3D digital design tools and technologies to continue developing craft and capability.
TEAM COLLABORATION
- Partner within a product creation team to deliver industry leading products and stories across inline footwear.
- Partner with the Innovation Design team to ensure a constant flow of information between innovation and inline design processes.
- Work closely with the Color–Material & Trend Design team to integrate seasonal color and trend concepts into footwear design.
- Actively collaborate with footwear team experts in Color & Trend, Materials, Product Development, Product Line Management, and Product Assessment, using their inputs and reporting to inform and strengthen design approach.
- Influence cross-functional conversations and contribute to design discussions by helping clarify intent, sharing ideas, and aligning on solutions across teams.
- Build strong working relationships with development teams in Asia and overseas production sites to support clear communication and execution of design intent.
ACCOUNTABILITY
- Maintain calendars, timelines, and deadlines to ensure timely completion of each project.
- Use strong design knowledge to partner with product teams and support project development.
- Develop templates for CRAFTED BEAUTY and SEASONAL BEAUTY in partnership with senior design staff.
- Respond to critique with a curious mindset and propose alternative options through further design exploration.
- Maintain a solid understanding of the design landscape to stay informed on trends and how they may influence design direction.
- Apply knowledge of prototyping and the use of handmade models to demonstrate proof of concept and support design intent.
- Conduct visits to factories and material suppliers to gain insights and deepen understanding of footwear manufacturing processes.
- Travel as necessary to Asia, Europe, trade shows, races, retailers, and other external events.
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in industrial design, footwear design, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
- 5+ years of experience designing footwear or similar products, with experience in color, material, and textiles, contributing to forward thinking design vision in a retail or manufacturing environment.
- Experience with 2D and 3D CAD tools, with a desire to learn complex surfacing and geometry tools such as Rhino, Blender, and Adobe Substance (2D/3D Suite), SolidWorks, Grasshopper, etc. (preferred, not required).
- Strong knowledge of art and design with a clear understanding of visual design across related disciplines.
- Proven experience supporting the creation and execution of design vision and strategy.
- Ability to understand design concepts and think conceptually across product solutions.
- Ability to apply conceptual thinking across multiple product categories.
- Ability to create designs that meet category needs and commercial opportunities.
- Ability to operate in a fast-paced, ever-changing work environment.
- Strong ability to build and maintain relationships in a team environment, working with multiple stakeholders and managing diverse information and relationships.
- Ability and desire to push self, others, and the brand forward.
- Strong ability to influence and collaborate with key business partners.
- Strong attention to detail in planning, organization, and execution of tasks (self and through others), while maintaining awareness of the bigger picture and how all elements connect.
- Demonstrated innovation and initiative, with a focus on improving products and processes while remaining hands-on and detail oriented.
- Passion for sport is a plus, with a strong ability to understand and empathize with runners to build meaningful connections with customers and the Brooks community.
- Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
- Competent in Apple Mac operating system.
- Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
- 3D experiences not required but considered a plus.
- Embraces and lives Brooks values.
- Willingness and ability to travel approximately 10% domestically and internationally.
BENEFITS
Brooks is proud to offer a robust benefits package to our employees and their families!
- Benefits- including medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance, HSA and employer contribution, FSA, family & fertility assistance, 401K Savings Plan and match, employee assistance program, and transportation assistance.
- Paid Time Off- Brooks offers generous time off including five weeks of paid time off, eleven paid holidays, paid sick and parental leave.
- Bonus- in addition to base pay, Brooks employees may also be offered an annual bonus based on company performance.
- Perks- including product discounts, employee recognition, fitness discounts, volunteer and donation benefits.
- Location- You will spend 4 days per week in our Seattle offices, as we believe our organization flourishes when connections, collaboration, creativity, problem-solving, and celebrations happen in person.
Compensation: The pay range for this position, based out of the Brooks Seattle HQ, is $104,217 - $156,325 per year. Base pay offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
INTRODUCTION
As a Brooks Running Footwear Designer II, Inline, you will create the AESTHETIC READINESS of full Brooks Running footwear inline projects. You will create an executional DESIGN balance between more progressive and more commercially acceptable design solutions as part of a seasonal collection of Brooks Running footwear product.
As a Footwear Designer II, Inline, you will use the creative foundation CRAFTED BEAUTY to create compelling footwear designs. By applying this foundation, you will elevate the level of CRAFTED BEAUTY as a design reference for Brooks Running inline product while maintaining brand direction and appropriate aesthetic appeal for the target consumer.
As a Footwear Designer II, Inline, you will work in close cooperation with the Color–Material & Trend Design team on the creation of Seasonal Beauty. You will contribute to the emotional storytelling of color, graphic, material, finishes, and trend as part of both the footwear pre-development and inline design processes. You will also work in close partnership with the Advanced Design team on the application of our advanced design language, FUTURE BEAUTY.
As a Footwear Designer II, Inline, you will utilize best practices in 3D visual and technical tools, supported by strong design, product, and program knowledge. Our design team uses the power of 3D digital tools to make the best running footwear on the planet. Files will be shared across the footwear department and with our Asia partners to clearly communicate design vision, intent, and fidelity.
As a Footwear Designer II, Inline, you support clear communication across the Product Line Management team, Product Development team, Color & Trend team, and Product Assessment team. You help ensure design intent is clearly understood and carried through each stage of the process, supporting alignment across cross-functional partners.
As a Footwear Designer II, Inline, you contribute to strengthening Brooks’ design culture and supporting the goal of making Brooks the most loved brand for runners worldwide.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES:
DESIGN
- Own the full design of performance footwear models by creating and presenting upper, midsole, and outsole sketches for inline product based on direction provided by CRAFTED BEAUTY briefs.
- Apply identity principles to maximize perceived value and support strong aesthetic competitiveness.
- Work on a diverse scope of inline and pre-season product to inform and evolve templates for CRAFTED BEAUTY across sequential inline seasons.
- Improve briefs, concepts, and design direction by developing solutions through the creative foundation of CRAFTED BEAUTY, including 2D/3D exploration across story, color, material, and finishes to strengthen the appeal of Brooks Running footwear.
- Explore future possibilities of 2D and 3D design and how new tools, technologies, and methods can support the evolution of performance running footwear.
- Utilize 3D during the creation phase to visualize designs and continue building 3D skills, including technical applications such as manipulation of tooling files.
- Explore and apply new methods to expand design possibilities through advanced 2D and 3D digital design tools.
- Partner with senior design staff to align on approach and concepts, ensuring work is consistent with CRAFTED BEAUTY principles.
- Apply learned techniques and experience to approach, analyze, and solve design problems.
- Organize and deliver product design presentations in both physical and digital formats, including clear exploration of process and final solutions.
- Provide feedback and guidance to Associate Designers and Designer 1.
- Seek mentorship from more tenured designers.
- Respond to design critique with multiple design solutions.
- Stay engaged with evolving 2D and 3D digital design tools and technologies to continue developing craft and capability.
TEAM COLLABORATION
- Partner within a product creation team to deliver industry leading products and stories across inline footwear.
- Partner with the Innovation Design team to ensure a constant flow of information between innovation and inline design processes.
- Work closely with the Color–Material & Trend Design team to integrate seasonal color and trend concepts into footwear design.
- Actively collaborate with footwear team experts in Color & Trend, Materials, Product Development, Product Line Management, and Product Assessment, using their inputs and reporting to inform and strengthen design approach.
- Influence cross-functional conversations and contribute to design discussions by helping clarify intent, sharing ideas, and aligning on solutions across teams.
- Build strong working relationships with development teams in Asia and overseas production sites to support clear communication and execution of design intent.
ACCOUNTABILITY
- Maintain calendars, timelines, and deadlines to ensure timely completion of each project.
- Use strong design knowledge to partner with product teams and support project development.
- Develop templates for CRAFTED BEAUTY and SEASONAL BEAUTY in partnership with senior design staff.
- Respond to critique with a curious mindset and propose alternative options through further design exploration.
- Maintain a solid understanding of the design landscape to stay informed on trends and how they may influence design direction.
- Apply knowledge of prototyping and the use of handmade models to demonstrate proof of concept and support design intent.
- Conduct visits to factories and material suppliers to gain insights and deepen understanding of footwear manufacturing processes.
- Travel as necessary to Asia, Europe, trade shows, races, retailers, and other external events.
WORK EXPERIENCE
- Bachelor’s degree in industrial design, footwear design, or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered in lieu of a degree.
- 5+ years of experience designing footwear or similar products, with experience in color, material, and textiles, contributing to forward thinking design vision in a retail or manufacturing environment.
- Experience with 2D and 3D CAD tools, with a desire to learn complex surfacing and geometry tools such as Rhino, Blender, and Adobe Substance (2D/3D Suite), SolidWorks, Grasshopper, etc. (preferred, not required).
- Strong knowledge of art and design with a clear understanding of visual design across related disciplines.
- Proven experience supporting the creation and execution of design vision and strategy.
- Ability to understand design concepts and think conceptually across product solutions.
- Ability to apply conceptual thinking across multiple product categories.
- Ability to create designs that meet category needs and commercial opportunities.
- Ability to operate in a fast-paced, ever-changing work environment.
- Strong ability to build and maintain relationships in a team environment, working with multiple stakeholders and managing diverse information and relationships.
- Ability and desire to push self, others, and the brand forward.
- Strong ability to influence and collaborate with key business partners.
- Strong attention to detail in planning, organization, and execution of tasks (self and through others), while maintaining awareness of the bigger picture and how all elements connect.
- Demonstrated innovation and initiative, with a focus on improving products and processes while remaining hands-on and detail oriented.
- Passion for sport is a plus, with a strong ability to understand and empathize with runners to build meaningful connections with customers and the Brooks community.
- Proficiency in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop.
- Competent in Apple Mac operating system.
- Proficiency in MS Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
- 3D experiences not required but considered a plus.
- Embraces and lives Brooks values.
- Willingness and ability to travel approximately 10% domestically and internationally.
BENEFITS
Brooks is proud to offer a robust benefits package to our employees and their families!
- Benefits- including medical, dental, vision, life and AD&D insurance, disability insurance, HSA and employer contribution, FSA, family & fertility assistance, 401K Savings Plan and match, employee assistance program, and transportation assistance.
- Paid Time Off- Brooks offers generous time off including five weeks of paid time off, eleven paid holidays, paid sick and parental leave.
- Bonus- in addition to base pay, Brooks employees may also be offered an annual bonus based on company performance.
- Perks- including product discounts, employee recognition, fitness discounts, volunteer and donation benefits.
- Location- You will spend 4 days per week in our Seattle offices, as we believe our organization flourishes when connections, collaboration, creativity, problem-solving, and celebrations happen in person.
Compensation: The pay range for this position, based out of the Brooks Seattle HQ, is $104,217 - $156,325 per year. Base pay offered will vary depending on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience.
See all H-1B Visa Footwear Designer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new H-1B Visa Footwear Designer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding H-1B Visa Sponsorship as a Footwear Designer
Document your design degree precisely
Your H-1B petition lives or dies on the degree-to-role match. Get a credential evaluation that maps your industrial or fashion design degree to the specific SOC code your employer lists on the LCA, since footwear sits at the intersection of industrial and apparel design classifications.
Target employers with dedicated footwear divisions
Athletic, outdoor, and luxury fashion brands with in-house footwear teams are far more likely to have established H-1B sponsorship pipelines than general apparel firms. Search Migrate Mate to identify employers with verified H-1B LCA filing history for design roles by location.
Verify prevailing wage before accepting an offer
Your employer must pay at least the DOL prevailing wage for your worksite ZIP code and job level. Run the OFLC Wage Search using the correct SOC code before you sign an offer, so you catch underpaying positions before the LCA is filed.
Confirm each studio location needs its own LCA
If your role involves seasonal work across multiple design studios or brand headquarters in different metro areas, each worksite needs its own certified LCA. Raise this with your employer before filing so USCIS doesn't receive a petition that mismatches your actual work location.
Build a specialty occupation evidence portfolio early
Because footwear design overlaps with trade-level craftsmanship, employers sometimes get RFEs questioning specialty occupation status. Gather product development credits, technical specifications you authored, and any published design work that demonstrates degree-level theoretical and practical knowledge.
File your I-129 with premium processing if timelines are tight
Design roles often start around product launch cycles with fixed deadlines. USCIS premium processing accelerates adjudication to 15 business days. Confirm with your employer whether they'll cover this cost before the petition is filed, since it's optional and employer-paid by convention.
H-1B Visa Footwear Designer: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Footwear Designer role qualify as an H-1B specialty occupation?
Yes, when the position requires at least a bachelor's degree in industrial design, fashion design, or a closely related field as a minimum entry requirement. Employers sponsoring H-1B footwear designers typically structure the role around concept development, technical specifications, and material engineering, duties that require degree-level expertise. The connection between the specific degree field and the job duties must be clearly documented in the I-129 petition.
Which employers commonly sponsor H-1B visas for Footwear Designers?
Athletic brands, luxury fashion houses, outdoor gear companies, and specialty footwear firms with dedicated in-house design teams are the most active sponsors. These employers file LCAs under design-related SOC codes and have recurring H-1B petitions on record. Browse Migrate Mate to find footwear and fashion employers with verified H-1B LCA filing history searchable by role and city.
What documents should a Footwear Designer prepare before an H-1B sponsorship conversation with an employer?
Bring official transcripts and, if your degree is from outside the U.S., a credential evaluation confirming equivalency to a U.S. bachelor's in design or a related field. Also compile a portfolio that documents technical design work, not just finished products, so the employer can build the specialty occupation argument around your specific duties. Review O*NET for the SOC code that best matches your role before the conversation.
How does the prevailing wage requirement affect H-1B footwear design roles?
DOL requires your employer to pay at least the prevailing wage for your SOC code and worksite location, determined by wage level based on your experience and job complexity. Footwear design roles in major fashion markets like New York or Los Angeles carry higher prevailing wages than the same title in smaller metros. Use the OFLC Wage Search to look up the applicable wage before evaluating any offer.
Can a Footwear Designer on H-1B work across multiple studio locations?
Only if each worksite has its own certified LCA. If your employer has design studios in different metro areas and expects you to work from more than one, each location requires a separate LCA filed with DOL before work begins at that site. This is a common compliance gap in creative industries where designers rotate between headquarters and satellite studios during product development cycles.