Meet the SATRA team: Connor Mehew

Our series of articles introducing members of the SATRA footwear team continues by focusing on a technologist who has combined personal development with hands-on experience.

It is always interesting to follow the career progression of colleagues who have developed their expertise through a variety of roles and experiences. SATRA footwear technologist Connor Mehew is one such example, having built an impressive breadth of knowledge during his nine-year journey within the organisation.

Building a career at SATRA

Connor is part of a family with strong links to SATRA, as both his father Neil and brother Owen also work for the organisation. After studying at the University of Wolverhampton and subsequently gaining experience in a number of different roles, Connor joined SATRA in July 2017 as a laboratory assistant, preparing samples for testing.

His aptitude and enthusiasm soon led to new opportunities. In June 2018, he moved into the innovation department as a technician, where he gained valuable experience working on a range of projects and technologies.

Broadening his experience

When the COVID-19 pandemic began, Connor’s career path took him through several different SATRA departments. He joined the chemistry team before moving into working on furniture and floor coverings as a technician. These varied roles helped him to develop a broader understanding of testing, materials and product performance across several industries.

Eventually, Connor joined SATRA’s footwear department as a technician, where he was able to focus on an industry that had increasingly captured his interest.

Pursuing specialist knowledge

Recognising the value of gaining a deeper understanding of footwear, Connor decided to study for the world-renowned SATRA Accredited Footwear Technologist (SAFT) qualification. The programme required him to balance work commitments with study, but his determination paid off.

After two years, Connor successfully completed all his examinations and gained the qualification. This experience helped him to appreciate the complexity of footwear design, manufacture, materials, construction methods and testing procedures than might otherwise have been possible, giving him what he describes as ‘a more rounded view of the industry’.

According to Connor, the qualification also reinforced the importance of specialisation, leading him to comment: “No one person can be an expert in every aspect of shoe design and production.”

Appointment as a technologist

In recognition of his increasing expertise, Connor was appointed as a footwear technologist in May 2025. Since taking on the role, he has had the opportunity to focus on slip resistance testing and to develop a detailed understanding of the intricacies of footwear soling systems.

The position has enabled him to apply both his practical laboratory experience and the technical knowledge gained through the SAFT programme, helping manufacturers to address challenges and improve the performances of their products.

Contributing to industry advancements

In recent years, Connor has worked on several significant footwear projects. These have included contributing to updates of SATRA test methods and helping to develop new testing procedures, supporting the organisation’s ongoing role in advancing footwear safety, quality and performance standards.

Connor continues to relish the challenge of helping clients to solve unique and often complex footwear problems. His journey demonstrates how a combination of hands-on experience, continuous learning and technical curiosity can lead to a rewarding career within the footwear industry.

Publishing Data

This article was originally published on page 28 of the September 2026 issue of SATRA Bulletin.