The Global Footwear Awards (GFA) announces the opening of submissions for the 2026 edition, inviting footwear designers worldwide to present their projects for international recognition. Dedicated exclusively to footwear design, the GFA Awards continue to highlight creativity, craftsmanship, and forward-thinking concepts across a wide range of categories. With submissions welcomed from around the globe, the awards have become a key platform connecting designers with industry leaders, educators, brands, and media.
The Global Footwear Awards recognize excellence across professional brands, independent designers, and emerging talent. Eligible projects may be products in-store, projects in development, or conceptual designs completed within the last five years. Each entry is evaluated by an international jury based on design quality, originality, functionality, and innovation.
With more than 150 submissions from 35 countries, the 2025 edition reflected a global footwear scene in motion, where bold experimentation, responsible design, and cultural storytelling moved hand in hand. From biocircular systems and material innovation to performance-driven, craft-led concepts, last year’s winners showed that creativity and sustainability now share a common design language.
Leading the honours, SOLK by David Solk was named Footwear Brand of the Year for its fully biocircular sneaker system. In independent design, Kaibahan by Joanah Lee Villanueva reimagined Filipino heritage through contemporary footwear, while Closed Loop Footwear by Dominik Scherrer, developed at FH JOANNEUM Industrial Design, stood out for its rigorous, modular approach to circular design.
As the 2026 edition opens, we look forward to seeing the next wave of projects that continue, challenge, and expand this conversation.
“As we open the 2026 edition of the GFA Awards, we’re excited to continue highlighting designers who rethink what footwear can be,” said Astrid Hebert, co-founder of 3C Awards, the organisation behind the GFA Awards. “Innovation, craftsmanship, and emerging talent are at the heart of what we do, and each new edition strengthens our commitment to supporting the future of the industry.”
The 2026 edition will once again be evaluated by an esteemed international jury of experts from footwear design, fashion, education, media, and creative leadership. The current jury panel includes Jill Tomandl, West Coast Brands Head of Product Development and Innovation at Estée Lauder Companies; Fay Murphy, Footwear Design Consultant at CHAPTER 2; Rosy Sukkar, Freelance Footwear Designer; Luis Valenzuela, Founder, Director, and Chief Curator of the MIAMI Shoe Museum; Havva Mustafa, Founder and Designer at HAVVA and Footwear Design Lecturer; Caroline de Baere, Footwear Industry Expert and Educator; Felipe Fiallo, Founder and Creative Director at Felipe Fiallo S.R.L.S; Sissi Johnson, President of the Berlin Fashion Film Festival; Robbie Fuller, Creative Director at Fila; Sean Williams, Co-Founder of OSD and SOLEcial Studies; Ann Williams, Co-Founder and Footwear Design Director at Schwilliamz Creative Consultants; Oronzo De Matteis, CEO, Founder, and Creative Director at OROORO Brand Luxury; Mary Norton, Luxury Accessories Design Director at Savannah College of Art; Mathew Kurien, Head of Department at MIT Institute of Design; Marta Andreassi, Freelance Footwear Designer and former Dolce & Gabbana designer; Robert Quach, Expert Designer at Nike; Matteo Fermani, Product Development Coordinator at Hugo Boss; Eelko Moorer, Course Leader MA Footwear at London College of Fashion; Arshiya Kapoor, Head of Department at MIT Institute of Design; Monica Mei, Footwear Designer and Product Manager at Vera Wang; Yael Joyce Vantu, Chief Product Officer and Head of Design at Balena; and Sara Paiva, Director of The Shoe Museum.
Designers and brands worldwide are invited to submit their projects through a simple four-step online process. Entries may be conceptual, in development, or commercially available. Submissions are now open with a 20% Early Bird discount available until April 30, offering the best opportunity to take part in the 2026 GFA Awards. For full details on categories, jury members, submission guidelines, and benefits, please visit: globalfootwearawards.com.