The Global Footwear Awards 2026
The Global Footwear Awards 2026 is now open for entries!
The Global Footwear Awards recently announced for entries recognizes the efforts of talented footwear designers around the world and aims to celebrate their exceptional creations at a global scale while honoring sustainable practices that will inspire the industry as a whole.
Short description
The Global Footwear Awards 2026 recently announced for entries recognizes the efforts of talented footwear designers around the world and aims to celebrate their exceptional creations at a global scale while honoring sustainable practices that will inspire the industry as a whole.
The Global Footwear Awards acknowledge the best in the shoe industry, addressing creativity, innovation, sustainability, and social impact. GFA’s ambition is to provide the highest recognition to footwear designers in all levels, from emerging designers to design professionals, and to corporations. The award offers global visibility to designers, providing greater opportunities in the footwear business and beyond.
The design must be completed in recent years (5 years). It can be a product in-store, a project in development, or conceptual. Organiser reward excellence in footwear design, so the presentation of the design is an important part of evaluating the work. It needs to generate consumer desire and provide a better experience for consumers. Great designs are those that demonstrate innovation and embrace new technologies, set new trends, and push the boundaries of human ingenuity. We are also interested in designs with high regard for sustainable practices, social impact, and humanitarian issues, for which organisers has set up special awards.
Please ensure you provide sufficient and persuasive detailing and make your presentation as convincing as possible, as this will enable the jury to make the best possible evaluation of your design.
Designs can be from anywhere in the world.
The esteemed jury panel consists of leading industry professionals whose talents and contributions to the footwear community are aspirational. They are leading professionals coming from different disciplines within the footwear industry, including major publications, retailers, institutions and influencers, providing an overall industry perspective towards the selection of the best design.
The Jury panel evaluates entries based on creativity, design, and innovation.
Submission requirements:
➜ Please provide multiple angles and views of the design, drawings or renderings of the design, sample photos, or mockups/prototypes depending on the level of completion of the design. 3D modelling of the design in use is optional.
➜ Provide a brief description of the design, emphasizing the shoe function, benefit, sustainable approach, and innovation.
➜ Up to 10 images of your footwear design, including an optional company or university logo.
➜ Product Specification PDF (Spec sheet can also be included for implementation or manufacturing details used in the design) – this will not be published, only used by the jury.
➜ A video link presenting your design, commercial ads, usage, innovation, etc.
Who may enter?
The Global Footwear Awards competition is open to anyone aged 18+ residing anywhere in the world. Professional entries (Companies, brands, Independent Designers) will be judged against other professionals, and student entries against other students.
Prize:
The award offers global visibility to designers, providing greater opportunities in the footwear business and beyond. The GFA also provides an international platform, generating a network of leading professionals in support of moving the industry forward. Furthermore, GFA honors strategic thinking and innovative solutions to sustainability and social impact, from design to manufacturing and beyond.
Entry fees:
Students applications:
Students or graduates CHF 35 incl. Swiss VAT (approx.: US$43) – Additional category will receive 50% off each
Independent Professionals application:
Independent Footwear Designers. CHF 100 incl. Swiss VAT (approx.: US$125) – Additional category will receive 50% off each
Companies and Brands applications:
➜ Large Company fee. (Over 50 employees): CHF 400 incl. Swiss VAT (approx.: US$500)
➜ Medium Company fee. (11-49 employees): CHF 200 incl. Swiss VAT (approx.: US$250)
➜ Small Company fee. (Up to 10 employees): CHF 120 incl. Swiss VAT (approx.: US$150)
Additional category will receive 50% off each
➜ Early Bird (20% discount): May 10, 2026
➜ Extended Early Bird (10% discount): June 30, 2026
