Treading New Territory

Desharr Saddler has been interested in designing footwear for as long as he can remember. During the 23rd Annual Fellowship Open Golf Tournament, Saddler had the opportunity to meet Dr. D'Wayne Edwards, a trailblazing Black footwear designer with over 32 years of experience at brands like L.A. Gear, Nike and Jordan. In 2010, Edwards founded PENSOLE, a first-of-its-kind U.S academy, specializing in footwear, functional apparel and accessories, color & materials, prototyping, and concept making. Further inspired, Saddler joined the Weyco Group, Inc. as a Footwear Design Intern for Stacy Adams footwear and quickly added on the responsibilities of a Color and Materials Design Intern for the Stacy Adams, Florsheim and Nunn Bush brands. While interning, Saddler continued his studies at the Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design as a Industrial and Product Design major. Fast forward to 2025, Saddler earned his Bachelor's degree and continues on his quest for knowledge. In a full circle moment, Saddler has been accepted as one of 8 footwear designers in the Pensole Lewis College Detroit x New Balance: ALL.IN Program, a 5-week hybrid certificate program designed to develop the next generation of creative professionals in the footwear and apparel industry.