The Global Footwear Awards (GFA) proudly announces the initiation of submissions for its highly anticipated sixth edition, marking a significant milestone in the world of footwear design. This year promises to exceed all expectations, providing a prestigious platform for footwear designers worldwide to showcase their exceptional talent and ingenuity. With submissions welcomed from across the globe, designers are invited to compete for recognition as industry leaders. Over the past five editions, the GFA has received hundreds of submissions from designers in more than 50 countries, with winners achieving remarkable success, including features in major publications and partnerships with leading brands.
Last year’s prestigious title of Footwear Brand of the Year 2024 was awarded to Guardian Storm by AGENCY Footwear LLC, led by designer Mathew Drazic. This sneaker exemplifies a commitment to sustainability, using plant-based materials such as D-LITE foam, D-VINE rubber, and recycled textiles. Designed for activists in partnership with the not-for-profit The Gathering for Justice organization, it features a patent-pending mid-foot strap and a triple-threat midsole for stability and performance. In the independent category, Surreal by Deborah Kiwi earned the title of Independent Footwear Designer of the Year 2024. Deborah Kiwi, a Dutch designer, crafted a shoe that reimagines artistic footwear. Her design explores the theme of transition, merging abstract forms with functional mule structures. Emerging talent was also celebrated, with elevé, a ballet training shoe designed by University of Oregon student John Helf, taking the title of Emerging Footwear Designer of the Year 2024.
Other winners of the 2024 Global Footwear Awards include Sneex, which took home multiple accolades in the Women’s Fashion category with The Blake, The Tepper, and The Icon. Spanish luxury brand Bold Statement S.L. also won in various categories, such as The Mixers in Women’s Fashion and The Muse in High Heels. Lamborghini Performance Footwear (MOSSAWI STUDIOS) won in Men’s Fashion, while Maki Izawa Design Studio took home the award for Sandals with Para Waraji Sandals. In addition, Adidas Ccs Originals Team won several awards, including for their collaborations, such as Adidas x Feifei Ruan – Year of the Dragon Country OG. Notable winners in the Sports Performance categories included Under Armour, Inc. with their FUTR X ELITE in Basketball/Football/Rugby and Nike for their Nike Free 5.0 2021 in Recycled Materials under Sustainability.
“We are absolutely thrilled to be celebrating the launch of the sixth edition of the Global Footwear Awards, especially after the incredible success of our fifth anniversary! It’s amazing to see how far we’ve come, and we are beyond excited to continue this journey with such exceptional partners by our side. Our commitment to supporting young talent remains at the heart of everything we do, and we’re proud to provide a platform that nurtures innovation, creativity, and the future of footwear design,” said Astrid Hebert, co-founder of 3C Awards, the organization under which GFA operates.
The GFA has announced an enhanced offering for emerging winners in this year’s edition. Renowned sneaker industry figure Sean Williams, with over 37 years of experience, will provide an exclusive masterclass to the Emerging Winner. As co-founder of the SOLEcial Studies sneaker industry education program and a trusted consultant to brands worldwide, Williams brings unparalleled expertise to this initiative, offering invaluable guidance to emerging designers looking to elevate their careers. As part of the Global Footwear Awards benefits and its valuable partnerships, the Independent Designer of the Year will receive a comprehensive mentorship program from INDIPROC, valued at €1,495. Additionally, the Emerging Footwear Designer of the Year will gain access to a one-hour consultancy session with the INDIPROC team, offering guidance on advancing their careers in the footwear industry, along with a 50% discount on their online education programs.
This year’s grand jury includes experts in fashion, design, media, and art, ensuring that the winning designs represent the very best in footwear design. Their collective expertise will rate and reward project entries across various footwear design categories. The current jury panel includes prominent names such as Havva Mustafa, Founder and Designer at HAVVA and Footwear Design Lecturer; Luis Valenzuela, Founder, Director, and Chief Curator of the MIAMI Shoe Museum; Felipe Fiallo, Founder and Creative Director at Felipe Fiallo S.R.L.S; Caroline de Baere, Footwear Industry Expert and Adjunct Professor at Laforma; Robbie Fuller, Creative Director at Anta Group; Sissi Johnson, President of the Berlin Fashion Film Festival; Sean Williams, Co-Founder of OSD and SOLEcial Studies; Jazerai Allen-Lord, Founder of True to Size; Ann Williams, Co-Founder and Footwear Design Director at Schwilliamz Creative Consultants; Mary Norton, Luxury Accessories Design Director at Savannah College of Art; and Oronzo De Matteis, CEO, Founder, and Creative Director at OROORO Brand Luxury.
To enter a project, applicants can complete the process online in four simple steps. Designs can originate from anywhere in the world, be completed within the last five years, and may be a product in-store, a project in development, or conceptual. For more information on submission guidelines, categories, and benefits, please visit globalfootwearawards.com.
Header: Collection of objects., Katarzyna Ditrich-paturalska. Photo credit: Emilia Łapko.
