Do I need prior 3D experience?

No, the course starts from scratch. No prior 3D modelling skills are required. All you need is a computer and the desire to learn. We guide you step by step from installing the software to completing your first full shoe.

What language is the course in?

Lessons are taught in Italian, with subtitles available in Italian, English and Spanish — so you can follow every lesson in your preferred language.

Which software does the course use?

The course uses Icad Universe, the professional software adopted by leading footwear brands. A 3-month licence is included in the course price.

How long does it take to complete the course?

The programme is designed to be completed in 8 weeks with a commitment of 5–8 hours per week. However, access is for life, so you can progress at your own pace.

Is the certificate recognised?

Yes, the certificate is officially issued by Icad Universe and is recognised by brands in the footwear sector. Many of our students have used it to secure employment.

How does the guarantee work?

We offer a 14-day money-back guarantee. If the course isn't right for you, we'll refund the full amount — no questions, no hassle.

Can I follow the course on mobile?

Yes, the platform is fully responsive. You can watch lessons on any device. For practical exercises with the software, we recommend using a computer.

What do I need to use Icad Universe?

To access Icad Universe you need a Windows computer and a mouse. If you have any doubts about compatibility, contact us before enrolling: we'll check your PC specs together for free and guide you to the best solution for your setup.

Official Icad Universe Trainer

Transform your career in 3D Footwear Design

AI concept illustration of a sneaker with its upper, midsole and outsole separated — Product study · AI concept illustration

From beginner to professional in 8 weeks.

The hands-on course for those who want to work in the footwear industry using the most in-demand 3D technologies — no prior experience required.

14-day money-back guarantee
Lifetime access
Certificate included

Explore the Programme Watch a free lesson

Susanna Zampieri

3D Footwear Designer & Official Icad Universe Trainer

Brands That Trust Us

Why now

Why 3D Footwear Design is the most sought-after skill in the industry right now

Explosive Demand

78% of global brands have already integrated 3D. Companies are actively seeking designers who can cut sampling time by 40%.

Career Leap

A junior 3D designer earns on average 25% more than a senior traditional 2D designer.

Top Brand Standard

Industry giants have made 3D workflows mandatory for all suppliers. Without this skill, you're locked out of the luxury market.

The difference this course makes to your career

Where you are now

Still working by hand or with outdated tools
Wasting time on endless client revisions
Unable to join teams that run 3D workflows
Your portfolio blends into the crowd
Without a certification, portfolios get ignored

After the course

Designing shoes in 3D with the same tools the brands use
Presenting digital prototypes in a matter of days
Accessing roles reserved for 3D professionals
A portfolio that sells itself
Official Icad Universe certificate recognised by brands

The industry in numbers

The Footwear Industry Is Changing.

78%

Brand adoption

of footwear brands already use 3D tools in their product development process.

−40%

Production time

suppliers who adopt 3D cut production time by almost half.

Top

Most in-demand skills

3D competencies rank among the most sought-after by top global brand recruiters.

Susanna Zampieri

3DFootwear Academy

Your Instructor

Learn from Someone Who Actually Does It

3D Footwear Designer & Official Icad Universe Trainer

With over 10 years of experience in the footwear industry and 3D modelling, Susanna has collaborated with 50+ brands of Italian and international luxury houses.

Official Icad Universe trainer, she has taught over 100 students, many of whom now work for leading brands in the sector. Her mission: making 3D footwear design accessible to everyone, with a practical, results-driven approach.

Meet Susanna

Icad Universe Trainer

50+ Brands

Stride Speaker

100+ Students

Behind the scenes

The shoes I teach, I make first.

Susanna is a footwear designer before she is a teacher. Every concept in the course is born from real work — on the factory floor with artisans, in showrooms with brands, on stage talking about it.

Live demo — 3D modelling in Icad Universe

Susanna Zampieri in a factory with an artisan working on a pink shoe prototype at a bench with industrial sewing machines — In the factoryPrototype in progress

Susanna in a showroom with a colleague examining a shoe last, sample shelves in the background — ShowroomReviewing the next model

Susanna as a speaker during the talk 'The 3D world, trend or future resource' in front of an audience — Speaker'3D world — trend or resource?'

Susanna in conversation with an attendee after the talk in an industrial space — Q&A with the audienceIndustrial Camp

Susanna smiling at her laptop working on a 3D project in a bright outdoor setting — Modelling anywhereRemote footwear design

Susanna sketching on a tablet with a stylus in an outdoor setting — Daily sketchesFrom hand to 3D

Events & Press

Where they've talked about it

Susanna has been speaker, designer, and educator at the industry's leading events.

Speaker

Stride Europe 2026

Roundtable host + Panelist

April 2026 · Venice · PI – Fashion's Technology Community

Footwear Designer

Gran Canaria Swim Week 2025

October 2025 · Mr&G Design · Studio Creazioni

Feature Interview

HUB Style Magazine

2024 · No.04 – 2024 (#47) · «Un passo nel futuro»

Featured by

HUB StyleDel Brenta SrlMarketersPolitecnico CalzaturieroCluXter

Student work

What they can create after the course

From zero to photo-realistic brand-ready renders in just 8 weeks.

Low-top sneaker render by one of our students — Low-top SneakerStudent work

Décolleté render by one of our students — DécolletéStudent work

Classic derby render by one of our students — DerbyStudent work

Sandal render by one of our students — SandalStudent work

Ankle boot render by one of our students — Ankle BootStudent work

Loafer render by one of our students — LoaferStudent work

Students trained: 100+
Find work within 6 months: 78%
Average rating: 4.9/5

Course Curriculum

14 Modules. 200+ Lessons.A Complete Programme.

Choose Your Plan

What's Included

Modules

262

HD Lessons

Weeks

∞

Lifetime Access

Certificate

The 3D revolution in fashion and the fundamentals of footwear

3D & Fashion Revolution
Why Companies Are Looking for 3D Footwear Designers
Inside the Shoe: Footwear Fundamentals (Part 1)
Inside the Shoe: Footwear Fundamentals (Part 2)
AI + 3D Design: How Artificial Intelligence Is Revolutionizing Creative Work

Icad Universe configuration, lasts and flattening

Course introduction and objectives
Project folder organization
Opening Icad Universe and the Models area
Why flattening is the first phase
Setting the interface language
Structure of the workflow phases
Last types and supported file formats
The three-surface last concept
Criteria for flattened lasts
File path configuration
3D navigation and basic controls
Rotation crosshair and keyboard shortcuts
Creating the production last and saving
Creating the three-surface last step by step
Cleaning lines on the insole and sidewall
Curve editing: Node mode and entities
Auto-extracted lines and references
Fit points and evaluation
Initial positioning with automatic centerlines
Positioning 2 and endpoint refinement
Step 1: shell centerline
Step 2: grid for flattening
Flattening presets and saving settings
Conclusion and next steps for the module

Importing lasts, tracing lines and base model

Resuming the project and opening the flattened lasts (DLS)
Support materials and module objectives (Nike Dunk Low)
The workflow: lines, image, tracing
Final flattening: areas and overlap of the outlines
Importing the FLT FlatGio, presets, and margin of error
Three-surface last: cleaning up and simplifying curves
Creating the model and saving the base last (SHZ)
2D and 3D working views, silhouette, and synchronisation
Visibility: red or green last, shell, pieces, and groups
Curve tools: Create Curve and Node Mode
References: importing a background, applying a texture, precise zoom
Texture editing and proportion correction
Image transparency and the snap function
Layers and colours for lines
Tongue and centerline with correct outlines
Adding points with CTRL-click and best practices for curves
Saving and backing up with seams ready to extract straight away

Drawing on last, extracting parts and PBR materials

Introduction and goals: drawing on the last + creating 3D parts
Opening the iCAD file and managing 2D/3D views
Checking curves in Node Mode: point quality and cleanup
Layers and Sheets: managing colors and visibility
Basic tools: create point and modify selections
Freehand drawing with pencil and curves
Geometric shapes: rectangle and circle
Text as curves and resizing
Filter Profile and closing curves
Parallel lines and offset
Margins: presets and variable seam allowances
Symmetry: mirroring lines and profiles
Moving to the Parts area
Setting up 2D/3D for parts extraction
Creating a part from the perimeter
Area selection (lightning tool): advantages and limitations
Offset, Thickness, and Part Profile
Part materials and colors
Practical assignment: parts extraction and volumes
Insole/Fussbet: extraction from the surface
Insole: thickness and recess
Introduction to PBR materials
Saving the file and closing

Margins, seams, perforations and logos

Introduction and Context: 2D and 3D
Overview of the Elements Area
Preset 2D and 3D Margins and the 2 mm Standard
Apply Current Element: Practical Tips
Inner and Outer Notches and Quick Editing
Corner Rounding: When to Use It
Symbolic Numbering by Side and Size
Drawings and Logos from DXF
Brogue-Style Perforated Edging
Text on the Piece for Internal Identification
Single and Curve Perforations: Spacing or Count
Copying Element Style with the Eyedropper
Internal Lines and 2D References
Drawings Applied to a Line or Point
Offset Stitching in 2D and 3D: Types and Parameters
Copying Stitch Style
PBR Materials and Preview Canvas: Overview and Notes

3D padding, cage and advanced profiles

Welcome and lesson introduction
Practical review: Offset and seam management
Creative stitching: open circuit
Interior stitching: closed circuit and quick styles
Decorative perforations: importing and tracing
Circular elements: replicating consistent patterns
3D padding: adding realistic volume
Closed-circuit padding: focus on details
Engraving effect and managing multiple padding elements
Advanced profile: turn-in edge and clean-cut edge
Advanced profile in practice: mixed edges
Deformations using the "stem" for realism
Creating and organising the lining
Extracting the lining silhouette correctly
Model deformation with the cage
Applying the cage for realistic effects
External libraries: importing materials into Icad Universe
Strategy, materials and production: operational wrap-up

Accessories library, binding and sweep

Using the deformed last and Recalculate All to view deformations
Lock update and grid: when to enable or disable them
Positioning the last on a high heel and the logic of the three surfaces
Grid precision: adding or removing lines and error handling
Flattened lasts and Create Model: base vs. pump model
3D boot shaft: parameters, heights, critical points, and boot types
Saving best practices: Create Boot first, then Create Model
Padding
Accessories: library and insertion with free point
Tongue binding: construction and application
Accessories: offset and alignments
Rail-based sweep for an inline accessory

Guided and manual laces, advanced deformations

Alignment: goals and accessories recap
Recap: stitching and offset (2D/3D) on parts with accessories
"Wave/belly" binding: highlights, shadows and realistic rendering
Accessories area: opening and editing applied accessories
Moccasin-style binding: silhouette and "show/hide" effect
Laces: why to start from a preset rather than from scratch
Lace selection (C1–C2–C3) and duplicating "C2 flat"
Converting a circle to curves + Filter profile (cleanup)
Resizing an accessory: proportions vs. perforations
Materials and textures (PBR): waxed, woven, satin
Saving and adding "C2 flat" to the accessories list
Create lace (guided): hole selection and initial placement
Update/Recalculate: lacing preview
Reset lacing: deleting the lace and rebuilding from scratch
Hole legend: red vs. blue and avoiding yellow
Crossing consistency: standardizing direction and alternation
Automatic parameters: "Extend ends" (lace tips)
"Cross separation": realistic spacing
"Invert crossings", "Corner points" and "Alternating entry"
Marking distance (offset): smooth entries and exits
Lining: offset for managing thickness (0/−1/+1 mm)
Manual lace on curve: when to prefer it over guided
Duplicating accessories and reapplying them to new curves
Workflow with the designer: LIVE revisions and materials
Deformations: strategy for lowering the tongue
Deformation cage: part selection and setup
Move/Rotate/Scale 3D: reshaping volumes and avoiding interpenetration
Additional deformations: lace + upper with a new cage
Last vs. Model: green/red "shoe" indicator and final calculation
Assignment: practice laces and deformations
Next up: pump — piece extraction, insole, margins
Module preview: heels, soles and 3D components

Heels, soles, insoles and 3D components

Introduction and review
New lace type and creation from scratch
Walkthrough of steps and commands
Model deformations: cage
Command analysis and usage
Specific details: swoosh and tongue modifications
Using the deformation curve
New commands with the deformation curve
Using rotation and displacement map
Key step: importing deformation textures
Applying material to an individual piece
Command details and saving
Opening the dress shoe model
Pump technical details
Creating the lasting insole and details
Theory and creation of the sock insole
Insole stitching, offset, and internal padding
Theory on the pump
Intro to components and heels
Creating the heel
Heel creation: specific details and structure modifications
Introducing the top-piece
Heel overview: key details in brief
Creating the tail sole
Customizing the sole and details
Creating the top-piece
Components overview
Introduction to rendering
Top-piece modification details and completed pump
Materials Workspace site and material import
Texture modifications and introduction to texture types
Foundations for a complete texture
Details and intro to the next lesson

Export, PBR, Blender bridge and rendering

Smart 3D Exports: Icad Universe Workflow and Clean Files
Mesh vs. Surfaces: What Really Changes in Footwear Design
Making the Right Call: When to Choose Mesh or Surfaces
Project Cleanup: Effective Hierarchies, Names, and Layers
Blender Bridge: File Preparation and Export Criteria
Essential PBR: The Minimum Map Set You Actually Need
Camera & Lighting: Setting Up the Scene for Clean Renders
Quality vs. Time: Samples, Denoise, and Optimized Output
File Maintenance: Duplicating Variants Without Creating Chaos
Shots That Sell: Angles, Focal Length, and Composition
From Render to Technical File: Consistency Between Aesthetics and Data
Blender in Practice: Correct Imports and Quick Checks
Closing the Loop: Syncing Changes Between Icad Universe and Rendering
Modeling Decisions: Impact on File Weight and Visual Output
PBR That Makes a Difference: Roughness and Metalness
Visual Finish: Balancing Materials and Lighting
Material Versioning: Colors, Finishes, and Library Management
Pre-Export Checklist: Scale, Units, Pivot, Naming
Quick Fixes: Interpenetrations, Smoothing, and Flipped Normals
Pro Saves: Naming Conventions and Output Folder Structure
Batch & Variants: Render Series Without Touching the Scene
Technical Choices on Real Cases: What to Do and What to Avoid
Final Touches: Visual Consistency and Client Delivery

Instances, colour variants, soles and surfaces

Rendering Phase
Instances and Model Duplication
Positioning Objects in Instances
Duplicating and Positioning Objects
Mirroring and Positioning Objects
Color Variants and Rendering
Rendering and Presentations
Rendering and Presentations (2)
Rendering and Presentations (3)
Editing Materials and Textures in Blender
Scaling and Restoring the Original Texture in Blender
Materials and Textures in Blender
Importing 3D Objects into Icad Universe
Creating a Sole from Scratch in Icad Universe
Creating a Sole from Scratch in Icad Universe (continued)
Building a Sole from Scratch in Icad Universe
Building a Sole from Scratch in Icad Universe (2)
Extracting Curves and Surfaces in Icad Universe
Extracting Curves and Surfaces in Icad Universe (2)
Rendering and Preview
Rendering and Preview (2)
Surfaces and Cross-Sections
Creating Cross-Sections
Creating a Side Wall
Extrapolating Curves and Surfaces
Editing a Curve Using the Four Views
Editing the Curve and Building the Surface
Extracting the Side Wall and Creating Cross-Sections
Copying and Pasting Curves and Creating Details
Creating Cross-Sections and Managing Details
Drawing on Surfaces
Creating Parts and Accessories
Final Rendering and Presentations
Rendering and Presentations in Blender
Rendering and Presentations in Blender (2)
Editing Materials in the 3D Model
Replacing Materials in the 3D Model

Environment, scenes, camera and final output

Export and Next Steps
Environment Setup
Scene Import
Camera Placement
Object Placement
Light Editing
Deleting Models
Export and Rendering with F12
Export and Next Steps (2)
Export and Next Steps in Icad Universe
Rendering and Next Steps
Extracting Details and Creating Surfaces
Creating a Sole and Managing Volumes
Editing the Sole and Managing Details
License Information
Export and Next Steps (Final)

Choose Your Programme

Three plans designed for every stage of your journey. The same lifetime access, the same certificate — choose the level of support that works for you.

Lessons in Italian · subtitles in Italian, English & Spanish