The Global Footwear Awards announced the winners of it’s 5th edition.

Join us in celebrating the future of footwear! Discover the innovative designs that took top honors in the fifth edition of the Global Footwear Awards, and see how creativity and sustainability are shaping the next generation of footwear.

Switzerland – The Global Footwear Awards (GFA) proudly revealed the winners of its highly anticipated fifth edition, a celebration of the extraordinary creativity, innovation, and vision driving the footwear industry forward. This year’s competition drew over 250 entries from 32 countries, highlighting a diverse spectrum of designs that redefine the art and function of footwear.

The 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 partnerships 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. Beyond its innovative construction, the Guardian Storm is ethically produced, adhering to the highest standards of fair trade labor, chemical handling, and animal welfare.

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 the artistic footwear. Her design explores the theme of transition, merging abstract forms with functional mule structures. The result is a visually striking, monochromatic piece that challenges traditional notions of gender, status, and culture while remaining firmly rooted in practicality.

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. Designed to support novice dancers, elevé incorporates adjustable elastic straps, 3D-printed TPU toe and heel cages, and sweat-wicking materials. Its thoughtful design aids in developing proper form while protecting against overuse injuries, blending artistry with performance science.

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.

Guardian Storm by Agency Footwear Llc, photo Mathew Drazic

Additionally, Sean Williams, a renowned figure in the sneaker industry and co-founder of SOLEcial Studies in New York City, will provide two in-depth courses on the theme of “Culture – Impact and Purpose” to the Emerging Footwear Designer of the Year.

Reflecting on the achievements of this year’s winners, Astrid Hébert, Program Director of the Global Footwear Awards, shared her thoughts: “This fifth edition of the GFA highlights the incredible talent shaping the future of footwear design. Each winner has shown a unique ability to combine creativity, functionality, and sustainability in ways that go beyond the physical product. As we celebrate these achievements, we’re excited to announce our upcoming book, which will honor five years of design excellence and provide a valuable resource for the global design community.”

The winners were selected by an esteemed jury of experts whose collective experience spans footwear design, fashion, media, and the arts. This year’s jury included 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 view all winners, visit globalfootwearawards.com. The Global Footwear Awards continues to honor the designers, brands, and ideas shaping the future of footwear. The upcoming celebratory book will shine a spotlight on the exceptional winners from all five editions, offering a timeless showcase of creativity, innovation, and the power of design. Stay tuned for its release and more exciting initiatives from the GFA.

Surreal by Deborah Kiwi, photo by Shay Ben-Efraim