Sole Insider

The Complete System Behind Sole Design. For the First Time, Properly Taught.

What Makes This Program Different

Most online courses give you videos. Sole Insider gives you a repeatable system.

You finish with a way of thinking about sole design that applies to every brief, every material decision, every factory conversation you will have from that point on.

Enroll Now and Access the Full System

The System Behind Sole Design

Eight modules covering what formal education skips: performance logic, material selection and costing, moulding types, manufacturability, sports performance rules, and how to sketch with technical intention not just aesthetic instinct.

Technical Tools You Will Use Beyond the Course

The Technical Manual Library gives you working documents built for real projects: the Grip & Traction Handbook, the Sports Performance Rules Manual, the Material Properties & Costing Guidebook, and the Common Errors Prevention Guide are just some of what you'll find here.

These are not for "reading". These are for returning to during your sole projects. 

A Community That Takes This Seriously

Access to a private community of footwear designers, with direct access to Defne for technical questions.

Attend our monthly group revisions and listen to what others are working through.

Enroll Now

Here's What's In The Masterclass

+ Two Bonus Modules on Fashion Soles & Sustainable Sole Design.

No project will catch you by surprise. Not even high-heels, branded sneaker soles, sandals, or moccasins.

“Okay… but what if I can't remember all this?” - You will.

Because we didn’t just give you lessons to watch. We built you a Technical Library that acts as your "sole-assistant".

Grip & Traction Handbook

Inside, you’ll find:

  • Real-world lug geometries for wet, dry, snowy, icy, rocky and oily surfaces

  • Visual breakdowns of traction logic

  • Surface-specific design references you can open while sketching

Imagine designing a trail sole and knowing that your lug spacing and angle make sense.

No more copying references or second-guessing your decisions. 

Performance Rules Manual

Imagine always having performance rules for major sports at your fingertips.

Road & Trail Running. Hiking. Basketball. Tennis. Water Sports. Work & Safety & more.

Instead of: “Is this lug shape okay?” or “Should I use the biomechanical S shape in this case?”

You’ll know.

When you understand performance rules, your confidence changes and the sky becomes the limit to your creativity.

Material Properties & Costing Guidebook 

If you lose confidence the moment material properties and cost implications enter the conversation, this one's for you.

This guide contains technical insights collected through decades of working directly with factories, technicians, and mould-makers.

Inside you’ll understand:

  • Which compounds make sense for which budget and performance / aesthetic requirement

  • Where you can reduce cost without killing performance

Imagine sitting in a meeting and confidently explaining why you chose a specific material & moulding technique, and how it will impact cost.

Common Errors Prevention Guide

Nothing hurts more than sending a design to a factory and realizing you messed up something easily preventable.

Sharp undercuts. Impossible mold situations. Thickness inconsistencies.

After 11 years of teaching, Defne has seen the same mistakes over and over again.

This guide helps you avoid them before they cost you credibility, because preventable mistakes shouldn’t define you.

& More

But you shouldn't hear it all from us...

"Although I've designed soles before joining the Academy, I felt that I had huge gaps in knowledge that even the suppliers and technicians in China couldn't fill in.

That's why I joined Sole Design Academy, and I have to say that I don't regret one single euro! :)

Since enrolling, the sole development process is much smoother and the result is much more competent. All thanks to this masterclass!

Adam Frk

"Defne's course was my first real introduction to the footwear world, with her I learned the whole process of sole design, from brief to final product. There is not a day I won't use the knowledge she taught me."

Ibai Fletas - 3D Designer @ Camper

This is one of the best investments I've made in my professional development. The course helped me identify mistakes in my design process that I hadn't noticed before.

If you want to go deeper into footwear development and truly understand the relationship between function, aesthetics, and biomechanics, this is exactly what you need.

Christina Kutsiy

"After taking the Masterclass I applied the technical knowledge into a New Balance / Pensole apprenticeship application & I ended up getting accepted - my career took off from there."

Nico - Footwear Designer @ Alexander Wang

After getting hired at La Sportiva, Laurits said:

Thank you for making this community for like-minded people who want to have a good chance at getting a job in the industry. It helped me better understand what drives performance in footwear and how to apply it.

Laurits Faaborg - Footwear Designer @ La Sportiva

During my recent meetings I felt more confident providing feedback on construction, materials, and design. I also find myself being more critical of my design lines to ensure the designs are feasible.

I really appreciate learning from Defne's experience and am grateful to share this valuable journey alongside so many talented designers.

Amalia Castro - Footwear Designer

"The course was invaluable to me, not just in learning key fundamentals of sole design in a variety of categories, but also in getting detailed insight into the benefits and limitations of various manufacturing techniques.

Charles Astrella - Senior Footwear Designer @ Footsoldiers

When I moved to the U.S. from Ukraine, the course helped me to land a job quickly.

After completing your course I developed over 15 soles in two seasons, and my colleagues began coming to me for advice.

Tatiana Kalashnik - Lead Footwear Designer

After all the precious information you gave, going to the shoe store felt completely different.

I found myself happily lost among the outsoles, finally understanding the performance rules behind each choice. 

Basak Scarpino - Footwear Designer

It's worth every penny!

It gave a balanced approach of creative thinking and technical understanding to footwear tooling. From materials, color, form, function production methods, and sustainable practices, the course really exposes you to everything you need to know about designing nearly any type of sole.

Woby Lang - Barefoot Shoe Specialist

"My favorite parts were the assignments to create our own outsoles. To share and see what classmates have created and get professional feedback from Defne was incredibly valuable. She is a true professional."

Coby Laureijs - Freelance Footwear Designer

I am preparing to change my footwear sector from sport/ casual, to more high-performance, I believe your course will help me have a much better start!"

Elizaveta Timar - Footwear Developer @ Birkenstock

Enroll In Insider

Are you ready to design your next sole differently?

 Even if it isn’t your first project… This time you won't be guessing.

You'll know what factories expect, understand material trade-offs, design with intention and feel technically fluent.

Our students always tell us the same thing: “Sole design feels easier now.”

Scroll down and take a look at their projects. Imagine yours next. 

The Same Foundation. Different Levels of Guidance.

Choose What Fits Your Goals.

  ★Most Popular ★ 

Complete Mastery

€1.400 (€200 off)

or 2 x €750 or 3 x €533

or 4 x €400

Everything in Insider, plus:

  • Complete 2 sole projects based on real-world briefs

  • Receive expert feedback until your work meets industry standards

  • Attend Monthly Group Revision Sessions

  • Build portfolio pieces that demonstrate performance logic

  • 1-year access

Mastery Guarantee

Complete all modules. Submit your final projects. Show up consistently.

If your revised soles do not meet industry standards for performance logic and manufacturability, we will refund your investment or work with you until they do.

This is for designers who want:

  • More technical roles

  • Higher freelance rates

  • Real career leverage

Enroll In Complete Mastery
  Watch & Learn on Your Own

Sole Insider

€900 (€100 off)

or 2 x €450 

or 3 x €333

By the end of this program, you’ll:

  • Understand performance logic and manufacturing constraints across categories

  • Stop guessing lug angles and material choices

  • Design with structure instead of guessing

  • You’ll gain:

  • 8 modules covering the A–Z of sole design and the full Technical Manual Library

  • Access to monthly live group feedback sessions (observe and learn)

  • The Private Community to ask technical questions

  • 1-year access

This is the independent path. You will gain complete technical clarity, without submitting work for feedback.

Enroll In Insider
 ☑︎ 6 Months Coaching, Tailored to You ☑︎

1:1 Mentorship

€4.000 (€1000 off)

or 2 x 2.500€

Path 1:

1:1 Coaching on Any Sole Project

We'll develop a sole project of your choice during private coaching sessions. This is the fastest, step-by-step path to a fully manufacturable product.

No confusion, unnoticed mistakes or wasted months.

Path 2:

Strategic Portfolio Upgrade

If your goal is to land a better job, pivot roles, or command higher freelance rates: we'll upgrade your portfolio together.

Your complete understanding of the material is ensured through the strategic portfolio additions and coaching sessions.

We'll strengthen your weaknesses & eliminate your doubts. 

+ Everything in Complete Mastery.

Enroll In 1:1 Mentorship

All Your Questions, Answered.

With All of This, You'll Design Better Soles Today:

  1. Module 1: Sole Types, Materials & Moulding Types

    19 lessons
    1. Welcome to the Academy! Start here 👟✏️⭐️
    2. Lesson 1: The Importance of Sole Design
    3. Lesson 2: History of Soles
    4. Lesson 3: Sole Types - Cupsoles
    5. Lesson 4: Blockers
    6. Lesson 5: Half-Soles and Top-Lifts
    7. Lesson 6: Vulcanized Soles
    8. Lesson 7: Multi-Material Soles
    9. Lesson 8: 3D Printed Soles
    10. Lesson 9: Sole Materials - Rubber
    11. Lesson 10: Sole Materials - EVA
    12. Lesson 11: Sole Materials - Polyurethane
    13. Lesson 12: Sole Materials - TR - PVC
    14. Lesson 13: Sole Materials - TPU
    15. Lesson 14: Sole Materials - Carbon Fiber & Gel
    16. Lesson 15: Moulding Types - Compression Moulding
    17. Lesson 16: Moulding Types - Direct Injection Moulding
    18. Lesson 17: Moulding Types - Injection Moulding
    19. Final Mission 1 Instructions

  2. Module 2: From Brief to Prototype

    18 lessons
    1. Lesson 1: Steps of Sole Design
    2. Lesson 2: Timing - Brief to Prototype
    3. Lesson 3: Brief
    4. Lesson 4: Last and Laster Upper
    5. Lesson 5: Sketching
    6. Lesson 6: Thinking in 3D
    7. Lesson 7: Definitive Black and White Design
    8. Lesson 8: Rendering
    9. Lesson 9: Preparing Tech-Pack
    10. Lesson 10: 2D Design Check
    11. Lesson 11: 3D Design Check
    12. Lesson 12: Mock-Up
    13. Lesson 13: Textures and Finishings
    14. Lesson 14: Technical Map
    15. Lesson 15: Sample Sole Check
    16. Lesson 16: Sole and Upper Integration
    17. Final Mission 2 Instructions
    18. Final Mission 2 Instructions

  3. Module 3: Sports Performance Rules

    12 lessons
    1. Lesson 1: Soles and Biomechanics
    2. Lesson 2: Minimal vs. Maximal
    3. Lesson 3: Sole Segments - Trekking and Mountaineering
    4. Lesson 4: Sole Segments - Trail Running
    5. Lesson 5: Sole Segments - Road running + ETPU
    6. Lesson 6: Road Running vs Trail Running Soles Comparison
    7. Lesson 7: Sole Segments - Sailing & Water Sports
    8. Lesson 8: Sole Segments - Winter / Snow / Ice
    9. Lesson 9: Basketball
    10. Lesson 10: Tennis
    11. Lesson 11: Work Safety an Special Soles
    12. Final Mission 3 Instructions

  4. Module 4: Sketch with Me from Scratch: Trekking Sole

    10 lessons
    1. Lesson 1: Design Class - Trekking Sole Introduction
    2. Lesson 2: Design Tools - Brief & Flex Line
    3. Lesson 3: Setting the Layout
    4. Lesson 4: Sole Profile Design - Part 1
    5. Lesson 5: Sole Profile Design - Part 2
    6. Lesson 6: Bottom Design Layout
    7. Lesson 7: Designing the Perimeter Lugs
    8. Lesson 8: Central Lug Design
    9. Lesson 9: Final Clean Drawing
    10. Mission 4: Design Your Own Trekking Sole! - Instructions

  5. Module 5: Urban Sole Design Techniques

    8 lessons
    1. Lesson 1: Major Sole Inventions
    2. Lesson 2: Retro Sneakers
    3. Lesson 3: Obtaining Volume
    4. Lesson 4: Obtaining Layering
    5. Lesson 5: Effects and Applications - Part 1
    6. Lesson 6: Effects and Applications - Part 2
    7. Lesson 7: Digital Design Applications
    8. Final Mission 5 Instructions

  6. Module 6: Sketch with Me from Scratch: Sneaker Sole

    7 lessons
    1. Lesson 1: Design Class - Sneaker Sole Brief
    2. Lesson 2: Layout of Profile Design
    3. Lesson 3: Defining Bottom Design
    4. Lesson 4: Layout of Bottom Design
    5. Lesson 5: Defining Bottom Design
    6. Lesson 6: Adding Details and Marker Rendering
    7. Mission 6: Design Your Own Sneaker Sole! - Instructions

  7. BONUS Module 7: Fashion Soles

    21 lessons
    1. Lesson 1: Fashion Soles Introduction
    2. Lesson 2: Dress Soles
    3. Lesson 3: Half Soles, Flat Soles & Top Lifts
    4. Lesson 4: Injected Leather Soles
    5. Lesson 5: Moccasin Soles
    6. Lesson 6: Die-Cut Wedges
    7. Lesson 7: Covered Wedges
    8. Lesson 8: PU Wedges
    9. Lesson 9: Cupsole vs. Blocker
    10. Lesson 10: Creative Wedges
    11. Lesson 11: Moulded Heels
    12. Lesson 12: Sćulpted Heels
    13. Lesson 13: Toe-Spring on High-Heels
    14. Lesson 14: High-Heel Design Rules
    15. Lesson 15: High-Fashion Sneaker Soles
    16. Lesson 16: Branding-Focused Soles
    17. Lesson 17: Outdoor-Inspired Fashion Soles
    18. Lesson 18: Sandal Soles
    19. Lesson 19: Injected EVA Sandals
    20. Lesson 20: Sheet & Surface Design
    21. Final Mission 7 Instructions

  8. BONUS Module 8: Sustainable Sole Design

    7 lessons
    1. Lesson 1: Bio-Based Materials
    2. Lesson 2: Natural Sole Materials
    3. Lesson 3: Recycled Sole Materials
    4. Lesson 4: Repair, Upcycle & Recreate
    5. Lesson 5: No-Glue Upper & Sole Integration
    6. Lesson 6: Design Principles of Sustainable Soles
    7. Final Mission 8 Instructions

  9. Technical Manual Library

    10 lessons
    1. Trekking Sole Brief (Design Your Own)
    2. Sneaker Sole Brief (Design your own)
    3. Sustainable Sole Design Guide
    4. Size 42 Last: Trekking
    5. Sports Performance Rules Manual
    6. Grip and Traction Handbook
    7. Common Errors Prevention Guide
    8. Material Properties and Costing Guidebook
    9. Lug Design Guide
    10. Sole Design Glossary

  10. BONUS: Maximalist Running Sole Sketching Session

    1 lesson
    1. Complete Running Sole Sketching Session