Drapers is proud to champion the creative, resilient and innovative footwear industry.
Drapers Footwear Awards recognise the dedication and hard work demonstrated by the people that power this vital sector.
By uniting retailers, brands, designers, manufacturers and emerging talent, Drapers Footwear Awards shine a light on those that make this crucial industry tick.
For 2025 we are celebrating two new categories: the People and Progress Award recognises the individuals and teams who are driving cultural change within the footwear sector, whether at their head office, stores or supply chain.
Footwear Manufacturer of the Year celebrates the craft of the footwear industry, and will be awarded to a business that looks after its workforce and has strong relationships with its retailers.
There are 15 categories to enter to highlight talent in every part of footwear businesses.
Store Staff Member of the Year applauds stand-out retail team members, while Team of the Year celebrates the groups fuelling results.
Creatives should enter Footwear Designer of the Year, while we celebrate the next generation of talent with Student Footwear Designer of the Year.
The awards ceremony will be hosted at Grosvenor House London on Thursday 26 June 2025.
Why enter?
- Industry recognition Winning or even being shortlisted for a Drapers Footwear Award positions your brand as a leader in the industry, earning recognition from peers, competitors and customers alike. It is a powerful endorsement of your hard work, creativity and success.
- Benchmarking and improvement The awards process allows you to evaluate your business against the best in the industry. It offers insights into how your brand compares to others and identifies areas for improvement, helping you stay competitive in a rapidly evolving market.
- Connections The awards ceremony itself brings together key players across the footwear industry, offering unparalleled networking opportunities. Engaging with other industry leaders can lead to new partnerships, collaborations and insights that drive future growth.
- Employee morale and motivation Winning or being recognised in these awards is a huge morale booster for your team. It acknowledges their hard work and dedication, inspiring them to continue to push boundaries and strive for excellence.
Entering Drapers Footwear Awards is more than just chasing a trophy – it is about taking your place among the elite in the industry, gaining recognition, and opening new doors for growth and success.
It has been huge recognition for me and my brand. Thank you so much
creative director, Nicki Hoyne
Great evening to celebrate the footwear industry
head of pr, Schuh
Great event, fantastic feel to the room and wonderful setting
pr director,
Steve Madden
Excellent event, very well organised. Host was brilliant, really funny
junior buyer,
Marks & Spencer
The event was entirely worthwhile from a business and networking perspective, but also equally enjoyable as a standalone event
general manager,
DSV
Great night, lots of achievement recognised, great host, great to network with other brands ecomm trading manager, Clarks
Lovely evening, organised well. Host was great and food was lovely. Was fun to see amazing brands win awards
digital operations manager,
Kurt Geiger
Entry deadline
Sponsorship opportunities
Partnering with Drapers Footwear Awards gives you a unique opportunity to get your brand or business in front of the most successful footwear retailers in the industry.
There are numerous partnership opportunities across this multi-platform campaign to demonstrate your support and commitment to the footwear sector. Being a supporter of the event will not only align your brand with excellence and best practice but will also give you the opportunity to tell your story in an authentic and engaging way.
Please contact TJ Theivendran on +44 (0)20 3953 2646 or email tj.t@emap.com to discuss your business objectives and find the right solution for you.