Thanks TIG. I'm not aware of any firewall issues but I'll investigate this further and hopefully that resolves the issue.

I've now cleared the cache in both Chrome and Safari but unfortunately that hasn't resvoled the issue.

That's correct, I'm using SketchUp 2017 Make edition.

Thanks for those suggestions @DaveR

However, the issues still seem to persist despite trying the following:

• Uninstalling and reinstalling SketchUcation plugin
• Updating to the latest version 4.2.0 downloaded via the Resources page. This is the latest version currently available
• Clearing my Firefox cache. I don't have Internet Explorer installed on my macbook.

Are there any other suggested fixes?

I'm unable to install any plugins directly via the Sketchucation Extension Store Plugin 4.2.0. Every time I try to install any plugin or use the Bundle install option I get the error:

UnZIP Error : Could not unzip archive.

I'm able to install plugins via the Archiver Installer inside Sketchucation Extension Store Plugin. So I can install them indvidually but it's less convinent switching back and forth between Sketchup and Firefox to download each one.

First off, apologies for my lack of reply. There's a lot of really great answers, suggestions and just general knowledge that I wasn't expecting. Thanks @Box @JQL @ntxdave.

For clarity, the shoe aspect is more about modelling a representation of my clients product so that it can be placed within a space. And avoid having to comp in trainer products into final visuals in Photoshop. The main focus of my task is to design and iterate through options for a given event / space. Given Sketchup works to sizes accurately this can be quite quick at times.

I've attached a couple of examples, using Warehouse examples, showing the approx basic level of rendering / representation that would be satisfactory.

Side note: @JQL mentioned "Incredible rendering engines that render this in secs;". Can you expand on this?

I use SkecthUp to visualise event ideas for a sportswear brand. Because a lot of the work is based around showing off sneakers / trainers ahead of their public release, I'm looking for advice on what's the best way to create a fairly accurate representation of a sneaker / trainer for my models?

For each event design, I always get a couple of shots of each trainer. This is usually a side on, bottom (sole) and top down shot.

Any recommendations on how to try and create a model that I can use in my designs? Something more than just a flat graphic on a plane?