Winner:JOINT GOLD - Best Children’s Footwear Collection
Who:Boatilus
What:SS26 Collection
Why:
These playful and practical shoes scored highly with the judges, who loved the super fun designs and bold colours, as well as the brand’s strong commitment to sustainability and comfort. These waterproof wonders are really light and made with adventures in mind. As every explorer knows, adventures can be mucky, so the fact that these shoes are super easy to clean was a major bonus for the panel, as was the fresh lemon scent infused through every shoe. An excellent addition to any little shoe-drobe!
"I love this brand! Such cute sandals and boots. They have a lemon smell due to the lemon zest used for its antibacterial qualities and are fully recyclable, which I think is just brilliant. And the character sandals with the eyes are just so cute! A really exciting new brand to watch…"
"Lemon scent is a unique point of difference, as is the recyclability, which is great for those environmentally conscious customers. Fun colours and a key point of difference with the added fin and eye details."
"Super flexible and wearable. Fun colours, no buckles, Great design!"
Winner: JOINT GOLD - Best Children’s Footwear Collection
Who:ZIG+STAR
What:Unisex Shoes
Why:
ZIG+STAR’s refreshing approach to children’s footwear excited the judges, who loved the contemporary, unisex designs. The brand’s commitment to longer lasting footwear, and reducing waste was commended, and their “Good-to-Grow” design concept scored big points with our panel. Removable midsoles and adjustable straps allow the shoes to adapt as children grow, meaning they can wear them for much longer before handing them down to the next wearer.
"Such a lovely brand, so comfy and great attention to detail. Beautiful designs!"
"I'm a Zig & Star customer and love their shoes. The leopard prints and metallics are favourites in our house - comfortable, good for little feet and they last!"
"Good fashion-led brand. Fun colours on easy to wear shapes. Good packaging."
Winner: SILVER - Best Children’s Footwear Collection
Who:Wheat
What: Footwear collection
Why:
With notable features like thin, zero-drop soles to support natural posture and balance, lots of room for growing feet thanks to the barefoot designs, and all without compromising on style, Wheat’s footwear collection ticked all the boxes for our judges. Beautiful colourways and sweet details scored highly with the panel, and the wide range of styles means there is a shoe for every kind of adventure, whether they’re jumping in puddles or spending the day at the beach.
"Adore the barefoot styles! Lightweight, comfortable, practical - tick, tick, tick!"
"Shoes feel durable & functional, but still have fun aspects to add Interest and value throughout. Great colour choices and embroidery details."
"I'm a big fan of Wheat and the way the brand consistently creates products that are both beautiful and practical. The wellies are a particular favourite of mine!"
Winner: BRONZE - Best Children’s Footwear Collection
Who:MORI
What:KIDLY by MORI Footwear Collection
Why:
This collection from MORI was extremely popular with our judges who especially loved the nostalgic feel of the Jelly Sandals and their fun colour choices. The sweet dotty trainers were also a hit, and the panel loved that they were super easy to put on, encouraging independent dressing. These shoes scored highly for their thoughtful, comfort-first designs that kids will actually want to wear.
"A thoughtful, well executed footwear brand balancing comfort, durability and independence-building design. Smart material choices and functional details (grip soles, popper buckles, pull tabs) show genuine child-centred thinking."
"Obsessed with the polka dots and the jellies!"
"Functional shoes with strong design appeal, featuring fun prints and engaging charms. Lightweight, wearable, and well targeted to both kids and parents."
