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Footwear50 List Unveiling
About Footwear50 in partnership with Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags
Footwear50 celebrates and honours 50 individuals across eleven categories within the footwear industry in 2025. The initiative is widely respected and has been embraced by the whole industry.
Chosen through an industry-wide nomination process and pared down by the BFA Board of Directors, these individuals represent the most influential and inspiring figures in the sector.
The initiative is inclusive, welcoming both BFA Members and non-members.
Footwear50 culminates in a networking reception in London, where we officially unveil the celebrated list. This event brings together industry professionals to honour their peers’ exceptional contributions, making Footwear50 a celebrated milestone in the footwear industry calendar.
Click here to view last year’s list.
List Unveiling & Networking Celebration
Join us at the Footwear50 networking event, where we’ll officially unveil the celebrated list and honour the outstanding contributions of professionals across the footwear industry.
The event, taking place in Central London on 26 November 2025, brings together industry leaders and professionals for an evening of celebration, knowledge sharing, and connection. Whether you’re part of the list or looking to network with key players in the sector, this is an unmissable occasion in the footwear industry calendar.
This event is now fully booked.
You can register to join the waitlist by completing the form below. If a place becomes available, we’ll contact you via email with further details about the event location and timings.
What are the Footwear50 Categories?
We will be spotlighting 50 people across eleven categories, which are outlined below. This ensures we can include as many different types of business roles and professionals as possible.
When sharing on social media, please use the hashtag #Footwear50, so we can stay in the loop.
Retailers
Celebrating key players from multiple and independent retailers – from buyers and merchandisers to managing directors and business owners – who are shaping the consumer landscape
Sustainability
Recognising individuals or businesses making a significant impact in driving sustainable practices across the footwear industry – from materials innovation to ethical production and circular business models
Brands
Celebrating brand owners, creative directors, and other influential figures driving the success and innovation of leading British footwear brands
Manufacturers
Recognising influential figures within UK-based footwear manufacturing – including factory owners, production managers, craftspeople and innovators keeping British footwear manufacturing alive and thriving
Suppliers & Wholesalers
Acknowledging the achievements of footwear sourcing companies, agents and wholesalers
Designer
Spotlighting both emerging and established design talent who are pushing the boundaries of creativity
Footwear Supporters
Honouring individuals whose work in enabling industries – such as finance, logistics, recruitment, technology and events – plays a vital role in the growth and success of the UK footwear sector
Next Generation
Honouring rising stars: early-career individuals (under 30 or within first 5 years in industry) whose fresh ideas and dedication signal a bright future for the UK footwear industry, across any role (design, business, manufacturing, retail)
Marketing & Brand
Honouring professionals in marketing, PR, digital content, and storytelling whose creativity and expertise have strengthened brand identity and consumer engagement
Craft & Artisanship
Celebrating master shoemakers, leatherworkers, and artisans whose dedication to traditional skills and quality craftsmanship continues to define excellence in British footwear
Heritage & Legacy
Acknowledging individuals whose lifetime contributions have had a lasting impact on the British footwear industry – preserving its rich history while inspiring and influencing future generations
Headline Sponsor
Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags
With over 50 years of history, Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags is the global reference point for the footwear, bags, leather goods, accessories and travel articles sector. Featuring exhibitors from more than 40 countries and attracting visitors from over 100 countries, it stands out for its global reach and dynamic, multi-venue format. The fair, organised by Riva del Garda Fierecongressi, provides a unique platform for networking, innovation, and business in a vibrant atmosphere that blends professional opportunities with a distinctive leisure experience.
The 104th edition will be held in Riva del Garda from 10th to 13th January 2026.
“Expo Riva Schuh and Gardabags is proud to be the headline sponsor of the BFA Footwear50 event. In an industry that is constantly evolving and facing new challenges, it is crucial for key stakeholders and figures to unite and establish common ground. This event provides an invaluable opportunity to do just that, as we honour the exceptional talent and achievements that are shaping the future of the footwear community. We look forward to celebrating these inspiring people and the collective strength of our industry.”
Caterina Bricolo
Marketing & Events Executive
Category Sponsor
Craft & Artisanship
In 1617, Anthony Church began crafting shoes in Northampton. By 1873, his great-grandson Thomas, with wife Eliza and sons, opened the first Church’s factory. Innovations followed, including the “Adaptable” model with right and left shoes, and a gold medal-winning boot. The brand expanded globally, launched women’s styles, and co-founded SATRA. In 1999, Church’s joined the Prada Group, marking a new era of modern design, strategic growth, and international recognition rooted in artisanal heritage.
Retailers
Founded in 1959, Hotter Shoes is one of the UK’s largest footwear brands, leading the market in comfort footwear. As a global leader in comfort, Hotter leverages its unique proposition of premium quality and fit, offering 3 different width fittings, along with full and half sizes to confidently provide a shoe for every foot. Selling over 1million pairs of shoes each year, they employ a team of over 400 people across their Skelmersdale HQ and retail portfolio.
Manufacturers
New Balance MADE UK blends heritage craftsmanship with modern innovation, producing premium athletic and lifestyle footwear at our Flimby factory. Each pair reflects British quality, style, and sustainability – celebrating over 40 years of local manufacturing excellence.
Next Generation
SATRA is an independent testing and research organisation with global reach. We accredit laboratories, design and manufacture test equipment, and deliver production efficiency solutions. Renowned for our footwear consultancy expertise, we support brands and manufacturers in product development and compliance. As leaders in footwear research and innovation, we help shape industry standards. Our vision is that wherever you are in the world, you will find products enhanced by SATRA technical expertise.
Supplier & Wholesaler
Streathers is a growing, boutique London law firm. We help footwear businesses navigate the key legal issues you face across all stages in your life cycle: from setting up a new footwear business and initial fundraising right through to business sales and exits, plus everything in between (commercial contracts, joint ventures, commercial property, employment issues, etc).
We love building long term relationships with our clients and becoming your trusted strategic adviser. As part of the personal service we offer, we will take the time to learn about your business, your strategy and objectives and any challenges you may be facing.
Sustainability
Eurofins | BLC is a leading provider of sustainability services to the global leather, footwear, and apparel industries. With over 100 years of expertise, we help brands, manufacturers, and suppliers navigate environmental and social responsibility challenges through testing, auditing, and consulting. Our mission is to enable companies to reduce impact, drive innovation, and build trust across supply chains. As part of the Eurofins network, we combine scientific excellence with practical industry insight to deliver sustainable solutions.
Marketing & Brand
Marketing moves fast. Without expert support, brands risk falling behind. PUSH™ helps future-facing brands stay ahead with AI-driven marketing solutions. We provide:
Expert Consultancy: Senior leaders shaping winning strategies.
Campaign Delivery: High-performing campaigns powered by AI.
Team Training: Up-skilling teams in the latest AI tools.
We combine partnerships and technology to boost marketing performance and help brands thrive in a competitive market.
Designer
We make a positive difference to employers and their staff by providing outstanding HR support. Our approach is based on being proactive and providing straightforward HR advice; after all life is complicated enough so HR doesn’t need to be. Whether you’re a start-up or an established businesses, we enjoy working with clients who value their employees and the contribution they make to the success of their organisation.
Brands
Over 30 years’ of shoe making expertise and design flair inspired by our nautical roots and country life, has led our family-run business to become one of Britain’s key lifestyle footwear brands.
Born out of a love for the great outdoors, exploration and adventure, we are committed to creating classic sailing and country footwear, all with our signature British style, which marries traditional craftsmanship with innovation, the finest materials and attention to detail. Each shoe is of the highest quality and durability, is designed to be comfortable, functional and able to withstand all that nature has to throw at it.
Constantly innovating some Chatham styles feature Sole Spring technology with Poron performance cushioning – which is anti-bacterial and offers maximum comfort and shock absorption. This means the shoes you love to wear are only getting better and better.
Chatham is a brand that’s always sailing forward, never trailing behind.
Footwear Supporters
We specialise in providing international transportation services, to and from all points in the world, via air, ocean and road. Our comprehensive global network has been established to meet our customers’ ever-changing needs. Few companies are better positioned to help importers and exporters capitalise on the trends that drive the global economy. RIF Worldwide Plc is committed to helping customers achieve their operational and financial objectives through continually offering better, faster and more cost-efficient services.