Footwear Developer / Last Maker — Kids' Anatomical Western Boot

We're a children's footwear brand building a western boot on a natural, anatomical foot shape — a real cowboy boot that fixes the fit problems in traditional kids' boots (narrow toes, raised heels, too much toe spring). We're looking for a footwear developer / technical designer to help take it from concept to a manufacturer-ready package. We'd start with a small, paid diagnostic sprint — a short engagement to pressure-test feasibility before any larger commitment. We'll scope the later phases together based on what it finds. The product in one line: a real cowboy boot, built like the grown-up ones, shaped like a kid's foot. Priorities: anatomical toe box · zero/low internal drop · low toe spring · secure heel fit (via an exposed inner side zip) · easy on/off · child-safe & compliance-ready · premium, leather-forward look. What we already have A clear product concept and founder-defined fit priorities An early 3D concept model (a communication tool — not a production last) Direction on size range, material, price, and MVP scope What we need help with A new anatomical last — creation, not modification of a western last Shaft/stitch direction, a notched zero-drop outsole, material spec, construction Tech pack, factory communication package, sample development, landed-cost feasibility Who we're looking for — experience across several of: children's footwear · boots / western / side-zip footwear · anatomical / barefoot / natural-foot footwear · last development (creation, not just modification) · manufacturer-ready tech packs · overseas factory development · early-stage brands and fit testing. We especially want someone whose reference points are anatomical/kids footwear, not a traditional western bootmaker who'll instinctively narrow the toe. This is a fit-architecture and cost-feasibility project, not a fashion-sketching one. Phased scope (confirmed after the diagnostic): 1) Diagnostic sprint → feasibility memo + recommended sequence · 2) Last & fit strategy · 3) MVP design development · 4) Manufacturer-ready tech pack · 5) RFQ / factory-sourcing support. To apply, please include: a brief overview of relevant experience + work samples; your answers to the questions below; and a proposed phase-based scope with your own fees (diagnostic sprint as a separate line item) and a rough timeline. Questions Children's footwear experience? Boots / western / side-zip footwear? Anatomical / barefoot / wide-toe / zero-drop? Can you create (not just modify) a last? Do you produce manufacturer-ready tech packs? Can you advise a 10C sample-size last strategy before a full graded run? What inputs do you need from us, and what would you deliver? How would you split responsibilities between developer and factory? The biggest risks you see? At a high level, how would you approach keeping it western with an anatomical toe, and securing the heel in a zero-drop side-zip boot? (Your approach, not a full solution.) Relevant factory relationships? Can you support sample review / revision comments? Estimated cost and timeline per phase?