JUNIOR DESIGN AWARDS WINNERS FOR BEST CHILDREN'S FOOTWEAR COLLECTION: PLATINUM

WHO: Zig & Star

WHAT: A unisex shoe brand

WHY: This contemporary unisex brand really excited our judges who loved the mix of soft leather, fun prints and high grip soles on these easy to fasten sandals, boots and shoes that are robust enough to withstand the knocks and scrapes of the playground while still looking very cool indeed. The brand’s “Good-To-Grow” design concept that allows their footwear to grow and adjust with the wearer, increasing the life of the shoe and reducing consumption was a major plus for the panel who loved the fact that these shoes address sustainability feet first. Top marks from everyone! Congratulations Zig & Star!

A fantastic brand that has refreshed the children’s shoe market, creating unisex shoes that push the barriers of what can be done to improve upon sustainability in footwear. Massive congratulations on receiving Platinum!
Bonita Turner, Editor of JUNIOR
We're big Zig & Star fans. All three of my children (age 8, 6 and 1) wear them and they're the pair they always reach for first which I think proves how comfortable they are as well as looking very cool.
Charlotte Kewley, Children’s Stylist, @thelittlestylist
Really lovely collection.
Charlotte Love, artist, stylist, photographer, @charlottelovely
Cool comfy and paving the way for the UK kids shoe brands. :)
Emma Donnelly, photographer, art director, @takeapicturelady
Every angle has been considered so carefully here, resulting in shoes that are super comfortable, supportive, eco-conscious and gorgeous to look at.
Eleonore Crompton, Deputy Editor, JUNIOR

WHERE: Zig & Star

JUNIOR DESIGN AWARDS WINNERS FOR BEST CHILDREN'S FOOTWEAR COLLECTION: GOLD

WHO: Little Bird

WHAT: The shoe collection from Jools Oliver’s Little Bird Collection available exclusively at NEXT

WHY: The attention to detail, the cool retro vibes and the excellent quality of these shoes really excited the panel. The breadth of the collection was really impressive and the judges felt there really was something to suit everyone and every occasion; sporty 80’s high-tops, classic rainbow embroidered T-bars and the cutest jelly shoes all drew loud coos and squeals. The fact that there are adult shoes in the collection for the ultimate in mini-me twinning, also scored major points with the judges.

Sunshine (and rainbows) in shoe form. Absolutely love this collection.
Bonita Turner, Editor of JUNIOR
Not just an add-on to the fabulous clothing range, these shoes are fantastic in their own right. Love all the styles and the quality feels fab.”
Eleonore Crompton, Deputy Editor, JUNIOR
Such a cute, fun collection. Nobody does rainbow brights better than Little Bird!
Charlotte Love, artist, stylist, photographer, @charlottelovely
Colour, colour and more colour!! What more could you want?!! ????
Portia Freeman, model, mixologist @portiaportiaaaa

WHERE: Little Bird Exclusively at NEXT

JUNIOR DESIGN AWARDS WINNERS FOR BEST CHILDREN'S FOOTWEAR COLLECTION: JOINT SILVER

WHO: Start-Rite

WHAT: A Heritage British Shoe Brand

WHY: As Start-Rite Shoes marks its 230th year they have released a special anniversary collection in partnership with the NSPCC to raise money for the charity. Our judges loved the classic styles on offer in beautiful heritage shades, as well as some more contemporary looking desert and Chelsea boots that would look fabulous on both boys and girls. The panel was excited by the beautiful craftsmanship of these shoes and Start-Rite’s ongoing innovation that goes into ensuring that they are comfortable, supportive and flexible for growing feet.

Start-Rite shoes are just stunning and the centuries of expertise are clear to see in every stitch.
Bonita Turner, Editor of JUNIOR
The birthday collection is just beautiful!
Charlotte Kewley, children’s stylist, @thelittlestylist
Classic and stylish.
Charlotte Love, artist, stylist, photographer, @charlottelovely
Classic. The fact that they have not tried to overly modernise this brand is what keeps them as strong as they are. Nostalgic and wearable.
Emma Donnelly, photographer and art director, @takeapicturelady
Start-Rite’s baby pink Mary-Janes and stunning Chelsea boots are two of my JDA highlights. Wonderful.
Eleonore Crompton, Deputy Editor, JUNIOR

WHERE: Start-Rite and John Lewis

JUNIOR DESIGN AWARDS WINNERS FOR BEST CHILDREN'S FOOTWEAR COLLECTION: JOINT SILVER

WHO: Isla + Aiden

WHAT: Classic Leather Sandals made in The Philippines

WHY: These shoes were extremely popular with our judges who loved the slightly retro feel of the design, the softer than soft leather, the lovely wide toe box for toes that can really wiggle and the padded insole and non-slip soles. The panel agreed that these shoes were extremely cute in a pared back way and would be very versatile, working well for every day way or as a light and stylish shoe to wear with a party dress.

I absolutely love these sandals. They are stylish, chic and super comfy and I can see them becoming hugely popular in the UK.
Bonita Turner Editor of JUNIOR
A lovely, classic style!
Charlotte Kewley, Children’s Stylist @thelittlestylist
Very cute, simple sandals - a staple for every young ladies wardrobe.
Portia Freeman, model, mixologist, @portiaportiaaaa
The sandals I would choose for my children. I love the pared-back, vintage inspired design of both the classic and the unisex version and the quality feels excellent.
Eleonore Crompton, Deputy Editor of JUNIOR

WHERE: Isla +Aiden

JUNIOR DESIGN AWARDS WINNERS FOR BEST CHILDREN'S FOOTWEAR COLLECTION: BRONZE

WHO: KEEN Footwear

WHAT: Outdoor footwear brand

WHY: Our judges agreed that KEEN’s very cool looking Jasper Junior shoe would be the perfect choice for outdoor adventures. Designed with children’s specific needs in mind, details like a padded collar to keep ankles snug and supported, breathable mesh linings, an easy to adjust bungee cinch and simple hook and loop closures really impressed. The fab choice of colourways with both neutrals and bright zingy options available was also a bonus. KEEN’s Detox the Planet initiative, which has seen all harmful chemicals in its supply chain being removed and an increased use of upcycled and recycles materials was much applauded.

Practical, comfy outdoor shoes that kids will never want to take off.
Bonita Turner, Editor of JUNIOR
I think that this outdoor shoe is fab! And trendy also. Perfect for getting kids outside, scooting, climbing and looking cool at the same time.
Emma Donnelly, photographer and art director, @takeapicturelady
Shoes you can rely on to keep little feet well protected and give kids the secure foundation for great outdoor adventures AND they look cool. Brilliant.
Eleonore Crompton, Deputy Editor, Junior

WHERE: KEEN

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