I’m curious, competitive, and most of all, passionate about footwear. My goal as a designer is to reach outside of comfort zones and challenge the status quo. I believe good design is a balance of story, style, sustainability and performance.

Growing up in the suburbs of Toronto, I have experienced the power of sport and how it draws from our city’s diverse culture. Playing and experiencing sports have allowed me to bring authentic ideas to my footwear designs. Footwear is not a career, but a lifestyle for me. Although my passion is design, I’ve devoted myself to learn the in's and out's of the footwear industry. I’ve designed and worked for retailers, vendors, brands and even run my own freelance business. In addition, I have sold shoes for over five years, worked in a footwear distribution centre, traveled to China to footwear factories, learned about the materials used to make footwear as well as worked for a P.O.P company creating shoe boxes and displays. I’m actively learning the import and export side of the business as well as the purchasing and planning of footwear. I push to learn and grow as a designer every day.

I also collect shoes! When I say this is a lifestyle, I mean it.

​

My name is James, and I love shoes.