ABOUT THE AWARD

The Craft of Shoemaking Award was developed to recognise shoe makers in the UK

Who are students

(either current or recent graduates)

Apprentices

Cobblers and Repairers

Outworkers

Non-professional shoemakers

(who may work for a shoe business, but are not selling their shoes at commercial prices or under their own name)

There is no age limit

The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers is an inclusive organisation and welcomes submissions from entrants of all ages, backgrounds, faiths and cultures.

2025 AWARDS

Congratulations to the winner of the Craft of Shoemaking Award 2025, Caleb Smyth. Caleb is an aeronautical engineering student, studying at Sheffield Hallam University in England. They received their trophy at the annual Cordwainers Footwear Awards on 12 June, 2025.

Second prize went to Capel Manor College graduate Elizabeth Dugmore for her red brogue orthotic boots.

and third prize to Zachariah Webb, a shoemaker for Horace Batten Bootmakers, with these elegant button boots

The finalists of the Craft of Shoemaking Award 2025 – Ross Edwin Bell, Elizabeth Dugmore, Emma Treleaven, Caleb Smyth, Daniel Cope, Richard Fitzpatrick, Zachariah Webb, Jamie O’Grady – with Deborah and James from Carréducker

Eight finalists entered the competition with shoes and boots, ranging from hand-embroidered moccasins to Wellington boots. Their work beautifully showcased a wide variety of shoemaking techniques, skills and constructions.

Top L-R: Embroidered moccasins by Emma Treleaven, weightlifting shoes by Daniel Cope, walking boots by Jamie o’Grady, Wellington boots by Ross Edwin Bell; Bottom L-R: Derby boots by Caleb Smyth, red brogue orthopaedic boots by Elizabeth Dugmore, brogue boots by Richard Fitzpatrick and button boots by Zachariah Webb

2025 PRIZE

A package of specialist training from the Carréducker Shoe & Leather School: a 2-day bespoke pattern making course and 3-day closing techniques course with Fiona Campbell, and a 12-day handsewn shoemaking course with us.

2025 COMPETITION BRIEF

To produce a PAIR of shoes or boots for men, women or children:

Made using any construction methods

The footwear must be functional AND wearable

Orthopaedic and athletic shoes are welcome

With emphasis placed on hand skills.

2025 JUDGING PANEL

With thanks to the following for their support

Photography: Mark Witter