Laceless Design is a community and talent business for footwear creatives, founded in 2022 by a former adidas designer. It connects designers, developers, pattern makers, 3D artists and material specialists with shoe brands for freelance and permanent roles. It also runs a studio that delivers footwear projects for brands using its network.
At a glance
| What it is | A footwear design community, recruiter and studio |
| How you earn | Freelance or permanent roles with brands through Laceless |
| Cost | Check the site; brands, not designers, are the paying clients |
| Who it’s for | Footwear designers, developers, 3D artists and specialists |
| Work type | Freelance, contract, project and permanent roles |
| Where it works | Remote and on-site roles; global network |
How Laceless Design works
Laceless has three parts. The community shares footwear inspiration and design work, and is known for its Instagram account, which brand talent teams follow. Laceless Talent recruits for brands, matching people from its network to freelance and permanent openings. Laceless Studio takes on footwear projects for brands and builds teams of designers, developers and sourcing specialists to deliver them.
For a designer, the side hustle angle is freelance and contract work through Laceless Talent or Studio, plus visibility from the community.
Who gets work
Footwear is a specialist field. Brands want people who understand construction, materials, lasts, tech packs and the path from sketch to factory. The roles Laceless advertises range from 3D design and colour and trend work to product development and engineering, at levels from designer to director.
Getting noticed
Build a footwear-specific portfolio: sketches, renderings, tech packs and finished samples if you have them. Show your process, not just final images. Learn the tools brands use, such as Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop and 3D software. Share work where Laceless and its community can see it, and apply to roles that match your level.
Building footwear skills
If you want to move into footwear, start by learning how shoes are made. Study shoe anatomy, materials and construction methods, and practise sketching shoes from several angles. Learn to produce a basic tech pack, the document factories use to build a sample. Many designers also learn 3D tools for footwear, since brands increasingly use digital samples.
Self-initiated projects help a lot. Redesign an existing shoe for a new use, or create a small concept collection for a real brand, and document your process from research to final renders. This shows recruiters how you think, which matters as much as the final image.
Working with a recruiter
When a talent network puts you forward, it’s representing you to the brand. Keep your portfolio up to date, reply quickly, and be clear about the type of work, location and rates you want.
Rates and contracts
Freelance footwear work is usually priced by day, by project or by contract length. Before you accept, agree on the scope, number of design rounds, deliverables, deadlines and who owns the final designs. Brands often ask for exclusivity during a project, so check whether a contract stops you from working with competitors at the same time. If the terms are unclear, ask the recruiter before you sign.
Owen’s take
This is a niche pick, and that’s its value. If you design shoes, a specialist network beats a general freelance site where clients don’t know a last from a lace. If you don’t, it isn’t for you yet. Learn footwear basics first, with a course and a few self-initiated projects, then join the community.
Who it suits
It suits footwear designers, developers and 3D artists looking for freelance or full-time work with brands. It suits less well general graphic designers or anyone without footwear experience.
Similar options
- Behance is a portfolio network where brands scout product designers.
- Dribbble suits visual designers looking for client work.
- Upwork has footwear and product design gigs alongside other fields.
More options are in Designing and Freelancing.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Specialist network focused only on footwear
- Freelance and permanent roles with brands
- Community that brand recruiters follow
Cons
- Only useful if you have footwear skills
- Fewer openings than general job boards
- Competitive for senior and brand roles
FAQ
What is Laceless Design?
A footwear community, recruiter and design studio that connects creatives with shoe brands.
Does Laceless Design offer freelance work?
Yes. Laceless Talent fills freelance and permanent roles, and Laceless Studio staffs brand projects.
Do I need footwear experience?
Yes. Brands hiring through Laceless expect footwear design or development skills.
Is Laceless Design remote?
Some roles are remote or hybrid, others are on-site with brands.
How do I get noticed by Laceless Design?
Share strong footwear work where its community can see it, keep a footwear-focused portfolio ready, and apply to roles that match your experience level.
