Abstract: In order to promote the organic integration of traditional culture and shoe design, the overall cultural connotation of shoe and boot products should be enhanced. On the basis of Zen aesthetics, this paper puts forward a method of modelling elements in modern shoe design based on traditional culture, and applies it to shoe design. On the basis of studying the meaning and characteristics of Zen aesthetics, this paper explores its specific manifestations in shoe design from the aspects of shoe shape, color, material, and combination with other processing techniques. Zen aesthetics and shoe design are reasonably integrated to design shoes and boots with Zen cultural connotation and national characteristics, so that shoes and boots can return to the original simplicity and practicality.