Xero Shoes · 22 hours ago
Senior Performance Designer
Broomfield, CO
Full-time
Hybrid
Mid, Senior Level
$110K/yr - $130K/yr
7+ years expXero Shoes is a performance & lifestyle footwear brand focused on natural movement. They are seeking a Senior Performance Designer to lead the design of innovative footwear that enhances performance while embracing sustainability and natural movement principles.
ApparelFashionLifestyleMen'sRetailShoesSportsWomen's
Responsibilities
Lead Footwear Design Projects in Running, Training, and/or Court Sports, from concept to commercialization
Integrate Natural Movement Principles into high-performance designs that support proprioception, flexibility, and lightweight agility
Balance Innovation with Simplicity: Create products that remove unnecessary components while delivering uncompromised performance
Collaborate Across Teams: Work closely with product, development, marketing, and sourcing to bring products to life with quality and efficiency
Conduct User Research & Wear Testing to refine fit, function, and form based on real-world athlete and customer feedback
Champion Sustainability: Seek materials and methods aligned with our environmental values and durability standards
Mentor and Guide junior designers
Qualification
Required
Bachelor's degree in Industrial Design, Footwear Design, or equivalent
7+ years of performance footwear design experience, with a portfolio that includes products in Running, Training, or Court / Basketball
Strong understanding of biomechanics, deep appreciation for athlete needs, and sport specific footwear needs
A design approach that integrates athlete and category insights, and brand principles into a proven market winner
Deep knowledge of footwear materials, tooling design, and upper construction
Demonstrated knowledge of last design, outsole/midsole tooling, upper construction, and performance fit systems
Experience working with overseas factories and development teams
Proficiency in 2D and 3D design tools (e.g., Adobe CC, Rhino, Gravity Sketch, Keyshot, etc.)
Ability to balance innovation with manufacturability and timelines
Excellent verbal, visual, and written communication skills to clearly present ideas and storytelling to cross-functional partners and leadership
Preferred
Experience designing for minimalist or barefoot-inspired footwear brands
Passion for movement, whether you're a runner, crossfitter, court athlete, or fitness enthusiast
Working knowledge of sustainable design practices and materials
Experience developing off timeline innovation concepts
Benefits
Medical, Dental & Vision upon employment
Additional employee funded ancillary benefits, such as: qualified HSA, or FSA, and Voluntary Life / AD&D, Accidental, Critical Care etc. are also available if you choose to participate
401k eligible after 3 months of employment
Xero Shoes provided life insurance
Employee bonus and incentive plans
Sick and vacation accrual
A pair of shoes per month
Company
Xero Shoes
Xero Shoes manufactures comfortable shoes, boots, and sandals for the active lifestyle.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageTotal Funding
$18.5MKey Investors
TZP Group
2025-04-23Undisclosed· $5M
2020-12-16Private Equity· $12.5M
2017-09-01Equity Crowdfunding· $1M
Leadership Team
John Wadley
VP of Product Development
Recent News
Seattle TechFlash
2025-04-19
Footwear News
2025-03-07
Company data provided by crunchbase