The Drapers Footwear Awards 2024 highlighted outstanding achievements in the footwear industry.
- Held at Grosvenor House, London, the event celebrated people, businesses, products, and strategies contributing to the sector’s success.
- Jayde Adams hosted the awards, which involved 121 finalists across multiple categories.
- Clarks secured the Consumer Choice Award, affirming its popularity among 2,000 surveyed consumers.
- Stuart Paver received the Lifetime Achievement Award for his contributions to the footwear industry.
The Drapers Footwear Awards 2024, held at Grosvenor House, London, was an occasion to honour the exceptional talent and innovation within the footwear industry. The ceremony recognised individuals, brands, and retailers that have displayed resilience and creativity in a dynamic market. Attendees included suppliers, manufacturers, designers, and retailers, all gathered to celebrate the vitality of the sector.
This year’s event was hosted by actress and comedian Jayde Adams, with the winners selected from a shortlist of 121 finalists. The awards celebrated the accomplishments of those who have excelled in various categories, reflecting the industry’s overall health and adaptability.
A highlight of the evening was the Footwear Business of the Year – Consumer Choice Award, determined by a poll of 2,000 consumers conducted in March. Clarks emerged as the winner, underscoring its appeal and reputation among consumers. Other top contenders included JD Sports, Sports Direct, Marks & Spencer, and Shoezone.
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Stuart Paver, chairman of Pavers, a company established by his mother, Cathy Paver, over 50 years ago. Stuart Paver’s leadership has seen the company expand to more than 185 stores worldwide.
Surinder Dubro, executive vice-president at DSV, the headline sponsor, expressed pride in supporting the prestigious event. He acknowledged the footwear community’s significant contributions to the economy.
Recognised for its impact, the award for Best Footwear Marketing Campaign went to Mallet London x Reebok; Best Footwear Store Design was awarded to French Sole’s Maddox Street store in London; and Best New Brand was attributed to MoEa. Joseph Cheaney & Sons received the Best Online Operation of the Year, while Sal’s Shoes, in partnership with Clarks, won Best Sustainable Initiative of the Year.
Envy Shoes was highlighted for Best Use of Social Media, and Salesfire x Sportsshoes.com was recognised for Best Use of Technology. Joel Wilson from Dr Martens was named Footwear Designer of the Year, and Begg Shoes in Inverness was acclaimed as the Independent Footwear Retailer of the Year.
Other notable winners included Pip & Henry as Kids’ Footwear Brand of the Year, and Marks & Spencer, which secured the Men’s Footwear Brand of the Year. Kyle Evans from Schuh was celebrated as Store Staff Member of the Year. The Student Footwear Designer of the Year award went to Haena Ryu, from De Montfort University.
The team from Dr Martens’ Product Development Team was recognised as Team of the Year, while Fairfax & Favor took home the accolade for Women’s Footwear Brand of the Year. In a night dedicated to celebrating excellence, the awards underscored the industry’s vitality and the collaborative spirit of its members.
The Drapers Footwear Awards 2024 successfully highlighted the exceptional contributions and innovations driving the footwear industry forward.
