Sneaker
Essentials
Taught by People Who Work in Sneakers
Learn from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) faculty alongside working professionals across sneakers.
Built to Launch Your Career in Sneakers, Not Just Your Knowledge
Real Industry Projects
Hands-on, project-based assignments grounded in how the sneakers industry actually works.
Start Immediately
On-demand video lessons and projects you can begin the day you enroll.
Insider Expertise
Learn from the Fashion Institute of Technology faculty and working sneakers professionals.
A Fashion Institute of Technology Credential
Earn a certificate from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), a credential employers recognize.
What You'll Be Able to Do
- Research the history and development of sneaker brands and styles
- Take the first steps in creating your own sneaker designs
- Evaluate the quality of a sneaker's construction
- Navigate retail, resale, and aftermarket channels
- Develop a brand story and a marketing plan
- Register a sneaker business and protect your IP
Skills You'll Gain
Build Your Portfolio
The course is built around hands-on projects, so you leave with real, portfolio-ready work, not just a certificate.
Introduction to History and Culture
Trace how sneaker culture grew into a global force across sports, fashion, and investment.
Design
Follow a sneaker from the first design brief to a finished prototype.
Manufacturing and Production
Step inside a sneaker factory to see how design becomes product.
Distribution and Retail
Map the channels that connect sneakers to consumers, from boutiques to drops and resale.
Brand Strategy & Marketing
Build a brand identity and marketing plan that connects a sneaker's story to consumers.
The Full Sneakers Curriculum
Each module is broken into short video lessons with assignments and hands-on projects you complete at your own pace.
Introduction to History and Culture
Design and Materials
Manufacturing and Production
Distribution and Retail
Brand Strategy & Marketing
Sneaker Media
Sneaker Law
Results, Not Just Lessons
I was recently hired full-time after interning at New Balance. While my role doesn't directly pertain to streetwear, this program indirectly helped me understand parts of the streetwear and footwear industry that I otherwise wouldn't have known.
This course gave me not only confidence but a business plan that would get the attention of any investor.
I am the business development lead of a logistics company in Pittsburgh, PA. Although it's a different industry, the course was my first real introduction to seeing how an industry works from top to bottom, and it's a great resume talking point for interviews.
I am a professor who now includes more sneaker-related concepts in my courses. I also co-wrote a book with another Sneaker Essentials alum called Sneaker Marauders: Poems.
I learned how to promote myself more as a freelance artist, and at one point I made more money as an artist than at my job.
I gained valuable insights that have significantly enriched my professional development. This course allowed me to systematically explore the entire sneaker business ecosystem, from design and manufacturing to brand strategy, distribution, retail, and marketing.
This is a course where you can gain experience in different sides of shoe design. I would also say this is the only shoe design course out there.
I have used what I learned to change my marketing approach and become more organized with my design approach.
After I finished the program, I applied at a Foot Locker retail shop and added the certificate to my application. I got called for an interview, shared my knowledge about the industry, and got the job with ease.
Since taking the course, I've gained not only new knowledge but also practical skills that I can apply immediately. It has broadened my perspective, boosted my confidence, and made me more proactive in tackling challenges.
Choose How You Pay
Same full course either way: 7 modules, real industry projects, and your Fashion Institute of Technology Certificate of Achievement.
One-Time Payment
4 Monthly Payments
12 Monthly Payments
Have a discount code? Add it at checkout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Aspiring footwear professionals, sneakerheads, and entrepreneurs who want to understand every angle of the sneaker business from design through sales.
7 self-paced modules. Most learners finish in under 40 hours on their own schedule.
Yes. The course is 100% online and on-demand, so you can study on your own schedule from anywhere.
A non-credit Certificate of Achievement from the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) that you can add to your resume and LinkedIn profile.
No. The course starts with the fundamentals and is designed for newcomers as well as those already working in the field.
Yes. Request the course catalog and a program advisor can walk you through payment options and any current offers.
Sneaker Essentials includes seven on-demand modules covering topics such as History and Culture, Design, Manufacturing and Production, Distribution and Retail, Brand Strategy and Marketing, Media, and Sneaker Law. Each module is 2 to 3 hours and is broken into shorter lessons and activities that you complete at your own pace.
Courses are taught by FIT faculty. You will also receive career insights from Complex editors and other industry leaders.
By the end of the course, you will have developed skills and knowledge to help launch or advance a career in the sneaker industry, explored the various career paths in the industry, and identified your areas of passion. You will also receive a non-credit Certificate of Achievement from FIT that you can add to your resume and LinkedIn profile.
Students must be at least 13 years old to enroll.
Enrollment includes unlimited access to all course videos and materials for one year from your enrollment date. If you need more time after that, you can pay a monthly subscription fee to extend your access.
Most major credit and debit cards are accepted, including Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, and JCB. If you enroll outside the United States, tuition is charged in your local currency at the prevailing exchange rate.
You can withdraw within 24 hours of enrollment for a full refund. After that, you have up to 7 days to withdraw for a full refund minus a $100 cancellation fee. No refunds are issued after 7 days. Subscription plans can be canceled before your renewal date by emailing [email protected].
Tuition is $999 when paid in full. Two payment plans are also available at checkout: 4 monthly payments of $269 or 12 monthly payments of $99.
