The Drapers Footwear Awards 2024 celebrated excellence in the footwear industry.
- Held at Grosvenor House, London, the awards recognised top individuals, brands, and retailers.
- Winners were selected from a competitive shortlist of 121 finalists.
- Categories ranged from Footwear Designer of the Year to Best Sustainable Initiative.
- The prestigious awards brought together leading industry figures, fostering innovation and creativity.
The Drapers Footwear Awards 2024 gathered the footwear industry’s elite at Grosvenor House, London, on 20 June. This event celebrated the outstanding achievements of individuals, brands, and retailers that drive the sector forward with resilience and creativity. The attendees included suppliers, manufacturers, designers, and retailers, all of whom play crucial roles in the industry.
The awards ceremony, hosted by actress and comedian Jayde Adams, honoured those who contribute significantly to the footwear landscape. Winners were chosen from a shortlist of 121 finalists, highlighting the competitive nature of this prestigious event. Categories recognised at the event included Best Footwear Marketing Campaign and Lifetime Achievement Award, among others.
A notable highlight of the evening was the Lifetime Achievement Award, presented to Stuart Paver, chair of Pavers. This accolade acknowledged his remarkable contributions to the footwear sector, a journey that started over 50 years ago when his mother, Cathy Paver, founded the business in York. Today, Pavers boasts over 185 stores across the UK, Ireland, India, and the UAE.
The Footwear Business of the Year – Consumer Choice award was another key feature, determined by a poll of 2,000 consumers earlier this year. From a comprehensive list of 31 brands and retailers, Clarks emerged victorious, demonstrating its strong connection and reputation with consumers.
Acting editor of Drapers, Gabriele Dirvanauskas, expressed gratitude to judges and sponsors, reinforcing the significance of the awards in recognising and rewarding excellence within the footwear industry. Categories spanned various aspects of the sector, such as Best Sustainable Initiative of the Year and Best Use of Technology, underscoring the industry’s commitment to innovation and sustainability.
The ceremony highlighted other winners, including Mallet London x Reebok for Best Footwear Marketing Campaign, and Dr Martens’ product development team for Team of the Year. These accolades showcased the diverse areas where the industry excels.
The awards demonstrated the importance of sustainability, with Sal’s Shoes winning Best Sustainable Initiative for their project ‘These Shoes Are Made for Walking’ with Clarks. This initiative reflects the industry’s growing emphasis on environmentally friendly practices.
The Drapers Footwear Awards 2024 successfully honoured outstanding achievements in the footwear industry, promoting innovation and sustainability.
