Abstract: Under the goals of carbon peaking and carbon neutrality, the sustainable design of footwear is important for the green transition of footwear industry, because up to 80% of products’ environmental impacts are determined at the design phase. Firstly, the design strategy was discussed from the aspects of material, technology, product life and product recovery. As standards provide the requirements and guidelines for the sustainable design, they are an important driver for footwear industry. Secondly, the related standards and regulations were summarized to better understand the sustainable design in footwear industry. Finally, the sustainable footwear design was anticipated, and it is believed that the green transformation of footwear industry could be pushed by the sustainable design.