The 39th annual Footwear News Achievement Awards (FNAAs), took place at Cipriani 25 Broadway in New York City last night, December 3. Best known as the “Shoe Oscars,” the star-studded red carpet and awards gala recognizes footwear’s most influential names, standout moments, biggest brand stories, ardent philanthropists, emerging talents, and industry veterans.
The highly anticipated 2025 event honored Pharrell Williams and Adidas with the coveted Shoe of the Year Award and designer & philanthropist Tommy Hilfiger with the Lifetime Achievement Award, among a lineup of honorees shaping the future of fashion, sport, and retail.
“The class of 2025 is a powerful mix of legends, new talents and breakout stars. In one of the most challenging years on record, the FNAA winners’ list is proof that the best thrive in any condition,” said Michael Atmore, Chief Brand Officer of Fairchild Media Group and Editor-in-Chief of Footwear News and WWD. “Our 14 honorees are proof positive that trying times call for inventive leadership and laser focus. These shining success stories all have an interesting backstory that led them to the podium.”
“The FNAAs are the industry’s highest honor of the year,” said Amanda Smith, CEO of Fairchild Media Group. “As the leading voice in the market, Footwear News celebrates the innovative brands and leaders that drive the industry. It is important to honor and celebrate their work. This year is bigger and better than ever, and we are thrilled for what’s to come.”
Pharrell Williams, Helen Lasichanh Williams and Spike Lee
The winners of the 2025 Footwear News Achievement Awards are:
- Shoe of the Year: Virginia Adistar Jellyfish by Pharrell Williams
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Tommy Hilfiger
- Person of the Year: Ronnie Fieg, Founder, CEO & Creative Director Kith
- Company of the Year: Wolverine Worldwide, accepted by Chris Hufnagel, CEO
- Designer of the Year: Nina Christen, Founder & Creative Director Christen and Design Director, Shoes, Dior
- Retailer of the Year: Nordstrom, accepted by Pete Nordstrom
- Brand of the Year: Jordan Brand, accepted by Sarah Mensah, President, Jordan Brand
- Collaboration of the Year: New Balance x Miu Miu, accepted by Joe Preston, President & CEO, New Balance and Roberto Massardi, Chief Business Development Officer, Prada Group
- Style Influencer of the Year: Coco Gauff
- Launch of the Year: Favorite Daughter, accepted by Sara & Erin Foster, Co-Founders
- Emerging Talent Award: Jurgita Dileviciute & Denitsa Bumbarova, Co-Founders and Creative Directors, Jude
- Hall of Fame:
- Michael Greenberg, Co-Founder and President, Skechers
- Laura O’Brien, Executive Director, The Atlanta Shoe Market
- Massimo and Sabrina Bonini, Co-Founders Massimo Bonini
Pusha T and Pharrell
Presenters included: Pusha T (Shoe of the Year), Patrick Schwarzenegger (Lifetime Achievement Award), Michael Strahan (Person of the Year, Ronnie Fieg), Jeff Daniels (Company of the Year, Wolverine Worldwide), June Ambrose (Designer of the Year, Nina Christen), Kenneth Cole (Retailer of the Year, Nordstrom), Nigel Sylvester (Brand of the Year, Jordan Brand), Coco Gauff (Collaboration of the Year, New Balance x Miu Miu), Storm Reid (Style Influencer of the Year, Coco Gauff), Gayle King (Launch of the Year, Favorite Daughter), Olivia Palermo (Emerging Talent, Jude), Howie Mandel (Hall of Fame – Michael Greenberg), Amina Muaddi (Hall of Fame – Massimo-Bonini) and Nikki O’Brien & Scott Conwell (Hall of Fame – Laura O’Brien).
Special guests included: Spike Lee, Christie Brinkley, Sailor Brinkley Cook, Nicky Hilton, Futura, Helen Lasichanh Williams, Johannes Huebl and more.
Pusha T, Michael Atmore and Pharrell Williams
Images courtesy of Footwear News
