I think the most important thing is to understand the different types in the category. It just comes from looking at a lot of shoes.
kitten heels, pumps, high heels, stilettos, platform heels, wedges, platform wedges. They all have their unique proportions based on years of shoe making. The proportions can be tweaked and pushed, but they have to be understood. Never leave your sketches alone. I love scanning my sketches, mirroring them and then using the liquify tool to push and pull the proportions. You get different looks quickly that might serve as an underlay for the next sketch.
Done many years ago (around 2006-8 or something) when I was experimenting with techniques and infusing brand characteristics to categories outside their comfort zone.
So here is my idea of an Asics high-heel woman’s shoe. Performance for “every-day” sportswomen (aka businesswomen).
3D model and a bit Photoshop.
Some moto-styled ankle boots. Black is fits the theme more, but I loved trying out this color way. You can check out the rest over at my tiny blog and see the initial sketch there.
Michael, those pink slip ons from your last post are soooo nicely colored! I really have to use pencil and marker more.