The Worshipful Company of Cordwainers has introduced the Craft of Shoemaking Award for its 2025 Footwear Awards, celebrating Britain’s shoemaking heritage.

The new award, developed with bespoke shoemakers Carréducker, is open to UK-based shoemaking students, recent graduates, apprentices, and non-professional shoemakers.

Applicants are invited to create a wearable pair of shoes or boots for men, women, or children, with a focus on hand-crafted techniques. The winning entry will receive over 100 hours of specialised training at the Carréducker School, covering key skills in pattern making, closing, and handsewn shoemaking.

Jonathan Church, Master of the Cordwainers, emphasised the importance of the award amid declining numbers in the industry. “With shoemaking listed as ‘endangered’ by Heritage Crafts, we want to showcase and encourage the incredible shoemaking talent here in the UK,” he stated, highlighting the need to inspire new generations to enter the field.

The award will be presented in London on 12 June 2025. Applications are open through 23 April 2025, with finalists invited to attend the annual Cordwainers Footwear Awards ceremony.