Have you ever wanted to design a sneaker? Well now you can. RYZ is a community driven high-end sneaker company based in Portland, Oregon. RYZ’s business model relies solely on the internet for design, marketing, and sales of all or their sneakers, eliminating the need for expensive marketing and design staffs.

How it works.

RYZ lets you download the sneaker template and design everything from the inside and outside panels to the tongue, footbed, heel and outer sole. The designs are then posted online where designers may use social networks like MySpace and Facebook to build a buzz and create demand for sneakers. Viewers must then vote for their favorites design. The design with the highest amount of votes are produced by RYZ, and the designer will get $1,000 plus 1 percent royalties.

The retail price for the shoes are $90.00, and sizes range from 5-12.

RYZ founder Rob Langstaff, who used to head Adidas North America, says in a traditional footwear company, it might take 12 months — and a substantial investment — to get a new design to market.

“What we’ve done is compressed this time using the Internet,” Langstaff says. Design to final product: about 6 weeks.

Check out the Promo Video:

Source: NPR