London Super Trunk Show 2024
The London Super Trunk Show, held on May 4th, 2024, was a grand celebration of classic men's shoes and premium shoe care. Organized by Jesper Ingevaldsson of Shoegazing and Justin Fitzpatrick, better known as the Shoe Snob together with Kirby Allison, this year's event, hosted at the showcase venue in Mayfair, brought together shoe enthusiasts, brands, and artisans from around the globe for a day of exhibitions, competitions, and fellowship.
Exhibitors and Brands
This year's show featured an impressive lineup of exhibitors, among them:
- Acme Shoemaker from China
- Bridlen from India
- CNES Shoemaker: Presenting their high-quality, affordable shoes from Vietnam
- Stefano Bemer: Highlighting their shoemaking school in Italy
- Attila shoes from Hungary
- Bresciani, the luxurious Italian sock brand
- Raymar shoes
- The Valet, the go to destination for shoe and garment care in London
- Hornets Kensingtion, the renowned vintage stroe displayed some second hand shoes from well known brands Visitors at the Saphir stand.
Of course Saphir, as one of the main sponsors, was present with a big table displaying our products and a shoe shining service which was highly frequented by the over 1300 visitors.
World Championships in Shoe Shining and Shoe Patina
Like every year a highlight of the Super Trunk Show was the World Championships in Shoe Shining and Shoe Patina, competitions that drew significant attention and excitement.
Shoe Shining:
The competition saw contestants transform a pair of Bridlen cap toe Oxfords into gleaming works of art within a 20-minute timeframe.
The skill and precision on display were remarkable, with Nishigami Yoshihiro of Japan taking home the championship title for his impeccable technique and finish.
The other finalists Albert Gjukaj (who also took part in the patina competition) and Choo Gordon from China created a beautiful shine on their shoes too.
The winner Nishigami Yoshihiro and Katia Moura of Saphir.
Shoe Patina:
This years finalists Albert Gjukaj from Switzerland, Morgane Lévêque from France, and previous world champion Toan Junie, also from France had to transfrom a pair of undyed Bridlen shoes with our Teinture Francaise and other Saphir products of their choice.
Morgane Lévêque showcasing her competiton shoes that have been awarded the gold medal.
World Championships in Shoemaking
The World Championships in Shoemaking was another major highlight, showcasing the pinnacle of craftsmanship in the shoe industry. The competition featured some of the most talented bespoke shoemakers from around the world, each presenting a single shoe that exemplified their skill, creativity, and attention to detail. This year a full strap loafer in tan calf leather had to be made.
This years top three in the competiton were:
- First Place: Ken Hishinuma from Japan
- Second Place: Hiroshi Takagi from Japan
- Third Place: Aria Badia from China
These entries were judged on a variety of criteria, including construction quality, design, and level of difficulty, highlighting the incredible talent and dedication of these shoemakers.
The winning shoe by Ken Hishinuma
Community and Networking
One of the most cherished aspects of the London Super Trunk Show was the opportunity for like-minded individuals to connect and share their passion for fine footwear. The event facilitated networking among attendees, exhibitors, and industry experts, fostering a sense of community and mutual appreciation for the art of shoemaking.
Conclusion
The London Super Trunk Show 2024 was a resounding success, celebrating the best in men's classic shoes and shoe care. From the impressive lineup of exhibitors to the thrilling live competitions and exclusively available products, the event offered something for everyone. As the world of fine footwear continues to evolve, the Super Trunk Show remains a vital gathering for enthusiasts and professionals to come together and celebrate their shared passion.