The Cordwainers Footwear Awards will be held on 11 June 2026 at Saddlers’ Hall in the City of London. Manolo Blahnik will receive the prestigious Sue Saunders Award for Excellence and CEO, Kristina Blahnik, will be present to collect the award on his behalf.
The 2026 design awards have brought together footwear names, designers and influencers from across the industry, including Patrick Cox; Kinky Boots shoemaker Thomas Rowe; and King of Trainers, Franklin Boateng, alongside leading designers from Clarks, Cheaney, Paul Smith and Represent. Samuel D’Avoine of Represent will offer this year’s inspirational address to the student finalists.
New for 2026 is the design and shoemaking ‘Emerging Sole’ award in memory of Canadian footwear prodigy, Daniel Charkow. The award is supported by and will be presented by Daniel’s family. This new prize, established in his honour and endowed by his family, will be awarded to a young footwear designer or maker who exemplifies the outstanding creative qualities and love of shoemaking demonstrated so brilliantly by Daniel.
The 2026 Craft of Shoemaking Award has more than doubled entries in its second year, signalling a powerful resurgence of interest in one of Britain’s most enduring leather crafts. The growth reflects not only rising talent across the UK, but a renewed recognition of shoemaking as a valuable foundation for footwear innovation and evolution.
Deborah Carré of Carréducker, sponsors of the award, commented: “These craft skills are worth celebrating not just for their heritage value, but because they show us a better way forward for footwear – one where quality, repairability and sustainability must take priority.”
The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers is an ancient livery company which has been promoting and supporting footwear standards since 1272. The Company flies the flag for careers and education in footwear, as well as advocating for the heritage craft of shoemaking. The Cordwainers are a significant provider of scholarships, bursaries and hardship grants to footwear students in the UK.
Andrew Peal, Master of the Cordwainers, said that in a challenging economic climate, the Company “continued to encourage and celebrate the creative talent that is a keystone of the British shoe industry”.
Thomas Rowe described the 2026 submissions as “inspirational” and paid tribute to the extraordinary talent on display. Katie Greenyer, Chair of the judging panel, said the judges had called for students to “be bold, be creative” and the entrants had delivered. She said: “There are surprises in the mix with spine-tingling entrees, pushing the boundaries between commerciality and art”.
Each prize winner at this year’s Awards will receive a personal mentoring session with an established trade professional, in addition to a cash prize. First prize is £3,000, second prize is £2,000, and third prize is £1,000. For The Craft of Shoemaking Award the winner will receive £3,000 and 12 days of handsewn shoemaking training with bespoke shoemakers, Carréducker, at their London studio.
