BENGALURU: Naveen Vij, Assistant Vice President-Buying (Footwear /Accessories) at Landmark Group, explains the process of making shoes.
How many years have you been in this profession?
Twenty years. I have studied footwear designing and now I work with Landmark Group.
What attracted to it?
I have been passionate about shoes, since from my childhood. I also saw my uncle, who is into footwear designing, doing well in the profession. I took up Management Diploma in Footwear Technology at Footwear Design and Development Institute.
What’s the procedure that is followed to design a footwear?
It starts with the last (a mould that resembles a human foot) selection. Footwear shape and profile depends on the last, which is made up of PVC. Outsole profile has to be aligned with the last profile. The process primarily consists of making the paper-drawn design of the shoe which is used for making the first cut prototype sample. The sample size is 41 and 37 respectively for men and women. This sample is checked for fitting and size grading. Once approved, the prototype of other sizes are made and materials are bought to proceed for bulk production.
What are the things you keep in mind while designing a footwear?
When we design footwear for men comfort comes first followed by design, but for women it’s vice-versa. Women are also price and design conscious. The footwear is designed keeping in mind the European size as our feet are heavier like theirs. The usual shoe shapes are pointed, round and square.
How are the designs updated?
We follow international trends and try to figure out ones that can fit well into the Indian market.