Jonathan Designs a Shoe 
1. He sketches on paper. 2. He sculpts the sneakers with clay. 3. He creates a 3-D model using a computer. 4. The sneaker comes to life!

Jonathan Guisbert/@jon.g.ny

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Step Into This Guy’s Shoes!

What’s it like to dream up new sneakers for a living? We asked Jonathan Guisbert, a designer at Adidas. 

 Jonathan Guisbert/@jon.g.ny

    Quick! Look at your feet. Have you ever thought about how your favorite sneakers get created? Usually, it all starts with a sketch by a designer—someone who plans how an object will look and be made. Every product you buy needs to be dreamed up by a designer.

    Jonathan Guisbert is a sneaker designer at Adidas. That means he thinks about everything from the color of a shoe’s laces to how it can help you jump higher on the basketball court. We talked to him about what it’s like to create shoes people love.

    Did you always want to be a designer?

    Nope. Growing up, my family didn’t have a lot of money. I wanted to make sure I could support them, so I went to business school. I was an accountant for a few years, but then I realized that life would be empty if I didn’t follow my passion. That’s when I started taking design classes.

    What inspires your designs?

    When you get into design, your mind starts opening up. You see inspiration everywhere! I can get inspired at the hardware store, a museum, or even in the woods.

    What’s the hardest part of your job?

It’s hard to share your ideas and have people disagree or not like them. I didn’t realize how emotional the job would be!

    What’s the first sneaker you loved?

    When Kobe Bryant first became an NBA star, he wore Adidas Crazy 8 sneakers. They were so unique. I bought pairs in a few colors, and wearing them made me feel different. It was like I had a little bit of that Kobe energy in me.

    What’s your favorite sneaker you’ve designed?

    It’s actually my first one: the Boost You Wear. They were inspired by the Crazy 8 shoes!

    What advice do you have for someone who wants to be a designer?

    Always think like a beginner. That means being open to learning new things. Your point of view is special, but there are always people you can learn from.

ACTIVITY: 
Mini Skills Workout

The Crazy 8 sneakers were unique. Think of another word for “unique” and write it below.

Where are two places Jonathan finds inspiration?

Find a sentence in the article where Jonathan explains why his job is emotional. Write it below.

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