Nick DePaula

ESPN / Writer

Nick DePaula has covered the footwear industry and world of athletic product design for nearly fifteen years. Based in Portland, Oregon, he has conducted designer and athlete interviews detailing many of the industry’s most defining sneakers. After helping to lead Sole Collector Magazine for 7 years across all content and collaborations, he is now a feature writer covering the footwear industry at ESPN.

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Current Jury

Felipe Fiallo Felipe Fiallo S.R.L.S Founder & Creative Director Italy

Sissi Johnson SelfSells MBA professor and Founder United States

Robbie Fuller Anta group Creative Director China

Richard Kuchinsky The Directive Collective Founder Canada

GFA Jury Member Sean Williams Reflects on His Remarkable Journey

Sean Williams OSD, SOLEcial Studies Co-Founder United States

Ann Williams Schwilliamz Creative Consultants Co-Founder and Footwear Design Director United States

Jazerai Allen-Lord True to Size Founder United States

James Lee Thompson On Running Global Head of Material and Colour Strategy Switzerland

Mary Norton Savannah College of Art Luxury Accessories Design Director/Specialist United States

Oronzo De Matteis OROORO BRAND LUXURY CEO Founder & Creative Director Italy

Chen Wang RedBoots Award Director China

Monica Mei Vera Wang Footwear Designer - Product Manager Italy

Marta Andreassi Freelance / ex Dolce and Gabbana Footwear Designer Italy

Mathew Kurien MIT Institute of Design Head of Department India

Julia Lebosse Sneakers by Women Founder UK

Yael Joyce Vantu Balena CPO and head of design Italy

Eelko Moorer London College of Fashion / Eelko Moorer Design Studio Course Leader MA Footwear UK

Arshiya Kapoor MIT Institute of Design Head Of Department India

Matteo Fermani Hugo Boss Product Development Coordinator Italy

Sara Paiva The Shoe Museum Director Portugal

Fionn Corcoran-Tadd adidas Innovation Designer United States

Robert Quach Nike Expert Designer Jordan SP United States

Timon Kuhlenkamp On Running Performance Footwear Designer Germany

Thomas Le Puma Senior Footwear Designer United States

Past Jury

Flora McLean Royal College of Art

Anna Maria Giano Vogue Italia

Nick Daiber Adidas

Tom Flannery Adidas / Ex Dover Street Market

Brock Cardiner GOAT / ex Highsnobiety

Mar and Elizabeth Shoe Girls Studio

Juan Pozo Prada

Max Gruettner adidas

Andrew Yip PANGAIA

Jorma Seabourne EP Group

Zak Maoui British GQ

Arnau Sanjuan adidas

Daniel Cocking @lacelessdesign / Siksilk

Ilija Nikolic Freelance / ex Marc Jacobs

Trevett McCandliss Earnshaw's, Footwear Plus and MR magazines.

Jenna Igneri Freelance / ex NYLON

Nick DePaula ESPN