Exhibition: Next Gen Shoe Making Talent

Step inside a world of craftsmanship at the Carréducker studio, located at Unit 1.20 Oxo Tower Wharf, as it hosts a special exhibition featuring award-winning boots from the inaugural Craft of Shoemaking Award. The award was presented at this year’s prestigious Cordwainers’ Footwear Awards.

For the first time, visitors can get up close and personal with the award-winning creations of the three makers who clinched first, second, and third place in this new national competition. The competition was devised by Carréducker for the Worshipful Company of Cordwainers to celebrate hand skills and innovation in shoemaking. The exhibition not only displays each meticulously crafted pair of boots, but also reveals the design process, materials, and techniques that went into making them.

First Prize: ‘Misfits’ Engineer Boots by Caleb Smyth

The top honour went to Caleb Smyth, an aeronautical engineering student from Sheffield Hallam University. Caleb, who developed their skills as a blacksmith and Dr. Martens apprentice, created the bold ‘Misfits’ engineer-style boots—an embodiment of three years’ dedication to honing their craft. Caleb’s achievement comes with an intensive 18-day specialist training prize in pattern making, closing, and shoemaking.

Second Prize: Red Heart Brogue Boots by Elizabeth (Lizzy) Dugmore

Taking second place was Lizzy Dugmore, a rising star fresh from Capel Manor’s footwear foundation course. Lizzy’s striking red heart brogue boots stand out for their technical complexity: crafted with different right and left foot patterns, bespoke uppers, and tailored heel heights. With her personal journey inspiring her, Lizzy is committed to transforming orthopaedic footwear into a world of style and colour.

Third Prize: Button Boots by Zachariah (Zach) Webb

Third place was awarded to Zach Webb of Horace Batten Bootmakers for his elegant button boots, which merge traditional and contemporary detailing. Drawing on his upbringing in rural Ireland and Devon, Zach combines heritage techniques with modern insights, keeping the spirit of craftsmanship alive for a new generation. Zach is also an alumni of Capel Manor.

Opening Hours:

Date: Monday – Thursday, 15th – 18th September
Time: 10 am – 5pm

Date: Saturday, 20th September
Time: 11 am – 5pm

Venue: Unit 1.20 Oxo Tower Wharf, Barge House Street, London SE1 9PH