Nike and Adidas veterans reveal how to get your foot in the door in the sneaker industry

Sat, 03/04/2023 - 08:51

Sneaker Industry veterans Bimma Williams, Sean Williams, Chris Dixon, Vicki Ng, and D'Wayne Edwards against a green background with a pattern made of silhouettes of various sneakers — From left: Bimma Williams, Sean Williams, Chris Dixon, Vicki Ng, and D'Wayne Edwards.
Claima; SOLEcial Studies; Cnstnt Dvlpmnt; Adidas; Pensole Lewis College; Marianne Ayala/Insider

Jobs in the sneaker industry are highly coveted, but it's possible to get a foot in the door.
Experts said applicants should think about it like a basketball player trying to make it to the NBA.
Start by studying the industry; don't just send job applications and hope something sticks.

When D'Wayne Edwards worked as the design director for Nike's Jordan brand, aspiring designers would send him job applications in hand-carved wooden boxes. Others sent him beautifully bound leather portfolios.