Dr. Martens 1460 Crowned 2019's Shoe of the Year

Footwear News’ Achievement Awards (FNAA) are often referred to as “The Shoe Oscars” within the industry, held annually in New York City since 1986 to honor the best shoes, designers, retailers and more. 2019’s honorees include a plethora of big names and emerging talents, along with some surprising picks.

Key to the ceremony is the “Shoe of the Year” prize, which has since gone to highly-coveted offerings from Virgil Abloh and Kanye West. Surprisingly, this year’s winner is Dr. Martens, taking home the prize for its classic 1460 boot due to “its authentic message of comfort, individuality and rebellion,” according to Footwear News, citing a strong performance among millennial and Gen Z consumers. Meanwhile, Amina Muaddi is granted “Designer of the Year” for her line of celebrity-approved see-know-buy-now luxury line.

Elsewhere, Pyer Moss‘ Kerby Jean-Raymond will receive “Person of the Year” for the brand’s continuing Reebok collaboration, Tommy Hilfiger is deemed the “Collaborator of the Year” prize off the strength of his Zendaya and Lewis Hamilton partnerships and J. Balvin scores the “Style Influencer of the Year” nod. PUMA and the emerging digital-friendly brand Rothy’s share the “Brands of the Year” title, Vans‘ owner VF Corp. is crowned “Company of the Year” and Dick’s Sporting Goods enjoys the title of “Retailer of the Year,” particularly for its recent firearms limitations.

Read the rundown of the winners on Footwear News’ website and expect the company to host a gala for the honorees on December 3.

These winners highlight the enduring strength of shoe sales in the fashion industry, with a bevy of brands placing high on the Lyst Q3 industry ranking list off the strength of their footwear offerings.