CRAFT OF SHOEMAKING AWARD 2026

Here it is, registration for the second Craft of Shoemaking Award is now LIVE!

Simply email us with CoSA 2026 in the Subject and we’ll add your name to the mailing list and send you an entry form. Visit the website for more info and don’t hesitate to ask us any questions you may have. Simply email [email protected]

DEADLINE

Entries must be submitted before 12 noon, Wednesday 22 April 2026

THE AWARD

This year’s award from the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers is £3000 + we’re proud to continue our support with 12 days of handsewn shoemaking training here at our London workshop

WHO CAN ENTER

Students (either current or recent graduates)

Apprentices

Cobblers and Repairers

Non-professional shoemakers and outworkers who may work in the trade, but do not sell their shoes at commercial prices / under their own name

If you are unsure whether you qualify to enter please don’t hesitate to contact us to clarify by email to [email protected]

(Carréducker and the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers are inclusive organisations who welcome submissions from entrants of all ages, backgrounds, faiths and cultures).

HOW TO ENTER

Please email us [email protected] to register your interest and we will send you an entry form. Complete the entry form and submit it along with your pair of shoes or boots

THE 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.

MARKING

Entries will be marked out of a maximum of 40 points as follows:

Design & Materials – 5 points

Choice of Last – 5 points

Clicking & Closing (patterns and uppers) – 8 points for techniques / 4 points for execution

Making – 8 points for techniques / 4 points for execution

Finishing – 6 points

Any practical external help will see a point deducted for each section

SUPPORT FOR MATERIALS

LEATHER

With thanks to A & A Crack and to J & FJ Baker who have generously offered a 20% discount on leather bought to make shoes and boots for the award. (Maximum spend £200).

To receive a discount:

• Email us to register for the award

• We will send you a confirmation email and the entry form

• Contact Crack / Bakers with your order AFTER you have received the confirmation email from us Before youTell them that you are entering the 2026 Craft of Shoemaking Award when you place your order. They will apply the 20% discount. (The discount applies to ONE order only for a maximum of £200)

LASTS

If you would like to borrow a pair of lasts from us, to make your award entry on, please email us to arrange a time to come in or to arrange for us to send a pair to you.

FINANCIAL SUPPORT

The Leathersellers’ Foundation has generously offered up to £100 for those who need additional financial support to help to buy leather and materials. Please download and complete the application form and return it to us [email protected]

NEW - DANIEL CHARKOW EMERGING SOLE AWARD

The Daniel Charkow Emerging Sole Award launches in 2025-2026 to celebrate the legacy of Daniel Charkow. The winner will receive a £1500 award from the Charkow family.

ABOUT DANIEL

Daniel was a young, visionary shoe designer and prolific skilled shoemaker whose creativity, curiosity, and inventive use of materials reflected a deep respect for craftmanship.

Daniel graduated from the BA Cordwainers Footwear course at London College of Fashion in 2023 with a First and won both the Cordwainers’ Jimmy Choo award and the Cordwainers’ Cup for Excellence. He handmade shoes for private clients and major fashion week shows and was a member of world-renowned shoe designer Sophia Webster’s team. Tragically, Daniel passed away in 2024.

ABOUT THE AWARD

This inaugural award will recognise a rising talent in shoe design and/or making who embodies the qualities that defined Daniel’s work and carries forward the values Daniel championed – creative courage, meticulous craft, and a deep respect for the art of shoemaking.

Applicants are invited to explore Daniel’s body of work, his philosophy, and his dedication to the craft of shoemaking on Instagram @shoe_man_dan and in the Virtual Shoe Museum.

WHO CAN ENTER

The award is open to entrants of the Craft of Shoemaking Award and the Footwear Design Awards (i.e. you cannot enter the Daniel Charkow award on its own).

HOW TO ENTER

To be considered for this award, please include in your submission video / written statement an additional 30 seconds / 250 words explaining what it is about shoe design and making that excites and inspires you, reflecting on Daniel’s principles of design and craftmanship.

The winner of the Daniel Charkow Emerging Sole Award will be chosen by the Charkow family, from a shortlist of entries proposed by the Footwear and Craft of Shoemaking Award judges.

Could this be you next year?

JUDGING PANEL

We’re delighted to welcome back judges Fiona Campbell, Sarah Day and Michael James who this year are joined by bespoke women’s shoe couturier, Caroline Groves, on the Craft of Shoemaking award judging panel.

SPONSOR THE CRAFT OF SHOEMAKING AWARD

If you would like to get involved to support the Award, please get in touch. Especially if you are interested in

• Sponsoring the award

• Donating your time as a maker or manufacturer to mentor or to train an award winner - we will continue to give our time as part of the award, but it would be amazing to be able to offer finalists a much wider choice of training based on their skills and interests

Please email us at [email protected] 

_{ABOUT THE FOOTWEAR AWARDS}

_{The Cordwainers are one of the original City of London livery  companies, founded in 1272; (when the Company received Royal Ordinance to oversee the production of footwear within the City of London).}

_{They founded the Footwear Awards in 2014 to inspire and support students. The awards embody the Company’s core purpose and ongoing commitment to supporting both the footwear industry and aspiring footwear designers …. and now, aspiring makers.}

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