FIT’s Sneaker Essentials Review (Everything You Need To Know)
A full and honest review of the Sneaker Essentials online learning platform from FIT, Complex and YellowBrick.
Have you ever considered a career in the sneaker industry, but don’t know where to start? The Sneaker Essentials course is designed to introduce students to potential opportunities and inspire them to pursue various career paths like design, reselling, content creation or studying sneaker law.
This review aims to provide honest and fair insights into the Sneaker Essentials course from the perspective of a long time sneaker collector and participant.
Sneaker Essentials Course Overview:
The Sneaker Essentials program is a joint venture between Complex, YellowBrick, and The Fashion Institute of Technology. It’s an online learning platform that introduces students to insights, terminology and potential opportunities within the sneaker industry via easy to consume video lessons and skill building activities covering topics like manufacturing, design, retail, content, events and law.
The current list of instructors and industry experts include Complex’s Brendan Dunn (Sole Collector) and Joe La Puma (Sneaker Shopping), Susan Boyle (Rime Sneaker Boutique), Jeron Smith (HEIR), NBA features writer Nick Depaula (ESPN), Kick’nit CEO Chris “Coseezy” Strachan, Jared Goldstien & Kenneth Anand (YZY) of Sneaker Law, Richard “Maze” Lopez (Bleacher Report), and FIT’s Den Ly (Cole Haan), Sarah Mullins & Gregg Woodcock.
Video Content & Structure:
The curriculum consists of 45+ on demand videos organized into 7 different modules covering various aspects of the industry including sneaker anatomy, history, design, materials, manufacturing, marketing, retail, media and law.
The 7 Sneaker Essentials modules:
- Introduction to History - a brief history of sneaker and the evolution of sneaker culture. Even if you’re familiar with this information, what sets it apart is the unique perspectives of the industry experts.
- Design and Materials - this module explains the importance of design briefing, working with color, materials, costs and introduces students to the process of turning your sketches into tech packs for prototyping.
- Manufacturing and Production - if you’ve ever wonder how sneakers are made you’ll spend lots of time in this module. Learn about pattern making, upper assembly, outsole application and production.
- Distribution and Retail - understand the ways sneakers are sold, through retail chains stores, boutiques, trade shows, conventions or limited release strategies. Retail is an easy way to enter into the sneaker industry.
- Brand Strategy and Marketing - my favourite module discusses marketing strategy and provides valuable insights about branding, storytelling, measurable tactics, endorsements and collaborations.
- Sneaker Media - creating content around sneakers is another easy way to get started or blaze your own trail in the world of sneakers. Learn about creating sneaker media from experts at Complex.
- Sneaker Law - when I did this program it didn’t include the sneaker law module or any insights from co-creators of Sneaker Law, Kenneth Anand and Jared Goldstien. Kenneth at one point worked with Kanye West on his YZY sneaker line. The pair inform students about company structure, intellectual property, protecting your brand and things to think about before signing a sneaker deal.
The actual video quality of the lessons are consistent, similar to other high-end educational content that can be found online with proper lighting, sound and clean editing. The presentation style ensures the lessons are easy to follow and understand, even when watching on the go. Insights come from active educators at FIT or insiders with real experiences at Complex and other brands or platforms. The related assignments are simple, and easy to complete, however students coming from a post-secondary background may find them lacking in depth and structure.
User Experience:
Accessing and navigating the course is fairly easy to do, even when on the go. To get the program completed students will need a device with data and a couple apps, that’s it. The only issues I had experienced while using the platform were minor loading issues likely due to poor internet connection.
After activities are completed student upload them to a shared gallery for other students to view and take inspiration from. There is also a Facebook group for students and instructors to communicate and connect with each other around a shared love of sneakers. The group isn’t as active as it used to be but it’s a good chance to connect with people coming up in the industry. Shout out Jae Tips.
Customer support is provided via email and from my own experiences, it’s fast and effective. When I needed help, I sent off and email and was logged in later on that same day. It’s fair to say this is common, as there have been compliments to the support staff posted in the Facebook group.
Value & Benefits:
For many people sneakers are part of their identity. They dream of sneaker deals, collaborations or jobs working with brands like Nike or Adidas. Unfortunately, there is no set path to entry. Those who’ll benefit most from Sneaker Essentials will be the people interested in entering the industry but don’t know where to begin.
It is an entry level course, designed to introduce and inspire, not necessarily aid in career advancement. After completion students will be able to focus on their desired career paths using the certificate and completed assignments in a portfolio to showcase their abilities and commitment to potential employers.
How much does the course cost?
Sneaker Essentials costs $999 US (approx. $1400 CAD) for access to the 7 modules, activities and a certificate. Other payment options include subscriptions starting at $99US/mo. Any information regarding payment options are sent with your acceptance email. If you’re struggling but really want participate try applying for a Yellow Brick scholarship.
Is it worth the money?
If you know absolutely nothing about the sneaker industry and have some money to spend you may benefit more from the course, however if you’re looking to gain marketable skillsets or plan on working towards a related degree, you may find more value in other platforms.
In comparison to services like MasterClass, it’s overpriced for what is made available. Not to mention, an overwhelming amount of content is available online for free. There are no official credentials associated with completion of the program. Furthermore, international students will need to consider exchange rates and credit card fees associated with the international transaction.
Another thing I did not consider when joining is not having lifetime access to the course. Subscription based access is nothing new, however it feels like a money grab for students who got into the program as soon as it launched, considering updates that now include the Sneaker Law module but require paid access for previous students.
Personal Experience,
Looking back on my own experiences with the course, there is one thing above all that I would recommend for anyone serious about signing up. Watch all the lessons before completing your assignments. My biggest regret is that I didn’t put enough thought into telling a cohesive story with my assignments. Understand what your assignments are before and use them to build out a portfolio or potential marketing plan.
As someone who consumes a lot of video, I was honestly expecting more. I couldn’t get enough of the insights and was constantly opening up tabs, digging for more information. I wanted, and expected a deep dive into some of the these topics. Complex is a media giant, producing sneaker content daily. I expected a rabbit-whole of sneaker content but felt like I only got a taste.
I was also surprised to learn there was no official grading system, for the course or the assignments. Besides comments from other students or posting to the Facebook group, there’s no feedback. It kind of makes the certificate feel like a participation award for a tournament you didn’t win.
Check this list of pros and cons based on my own personal experiences,
PROS
Curation Aspect: having access to all of the content in one place, in a logical order without having to search aimlessly on platforms like YouTube.
Mobile Access: delivery of the course is online and accessible from any device with an internet connection. Lessons are easy to complete, even on a busy schedule. I was able to watch the videos, make notes and work on assignments while riding the TTC to and from a full-time college program.
The Community: the Facebook group for students is a decent resource if you’re able to network with some of the other students already making moves in the industry. Although less active now then when the program first launched, there are examples like Jae Tips who now works with brands like Saucony.
A Platform for Sneakers: at the end of the day, it’s a platform dedicated to sneakers. Besides Pensole Academy, or Sneaker Law workshops, there are not a lot of options for anyone seeking to educate themselves.
Improvements to the program: as previously mentioned the Sneaker Law module did not exist when I participated. In fact, Kenneth and Jared had yet to publish their book. I think it’s a good thing for YellowBrick to act on opportunity by adding value and further validating the quality of the information in their courses.
CONS
Grading: one of my biggest problems with the course is the lack of a grading system. There is no formal marking of any assignments and no feedback as to whether or not your making the most of the education your paying for.
Essentials Only: personally, I expected a wider catalog of content coming from a partnership with giants like Complex and FIT. In today’s landscape information is available for free. In some cases videos and podcasts feature the same industry people but offer deeper insights.
Exchange Rates: after paying the exchange rates and processing fees the total cost of the program was comparable to other continued education courses or micro-credentials offered through local universities and colleges.
No Transferable Credit: although offered in partnership with the Fashion Institute of Technology completing the course offers no transferrable credits.
No Lifetime Access: access to the course is limited to one year from the day you start, continued access requires further payment.
Conclusion & Recommendations,
If you want to be in the sneaker industry but have no clue where to begin, this course is for you. However, if you’re looking to develop serious skills, work towards a degree or move directly into a career after completion, you may want to consider other options.
For more information about the program or to apply visit the official YellowBrick Sneaker Essentials course page.
I hope this review is helpful to anyone interested in ongoing education in sneaker design, production, marketing or media. As the industry continues to grow, unimaginable doors will open for collectors, creators or experts in anything related to sneaker culture.
Personal Takeaways,
To keep it all the way 100, I learned something really valuable from the program’s brand attributes assignment, that I was able to implement into my freelance work to boost my revenue and client satisfaction.
Also, even though I was writing about sneakers prior to the course, I had never considered myself a “sneaker writer”. So, a special shout-out to YellowBrick, Complex & FIT for organizing the Sneaker Essentials course.
FAQs,
What is Sneaker Essentials?
Sneaker Essentials is an online learning platform that introduces students to terminology, industry insights, and potential career opportunities within the sneaker industry via easy to consume video lessons and skill building activities.
How much does Sneaker Essentials cost?
Sneaker Essentials costs $999 US (approx. $1400 CAD) for access to the 7 modules, activities and certificate. Other payment options include subscriptions starting at $99US/mo.
Do I need any expensive software?
No, the program does not require the use of any expensive softwares to access materials or complete assignments.
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