Saphir Médaille d’Or at the 2025 New York Super Trunk Show
This year, the New York Super Trunk Show returned for its 2025 edition—and once again, Saphir Médaille d’Or was proud to play a central role as Platinum Sponsor. Organised by Jesper Ingevaldsson of Shoegazing-Blog, Justin FitzPatrick, Known as the Shoe Snob, and Kirby Allison, it ook place on October 4 in Manhattan. The event brought together shoe enthusiasts, bespoke shoemakers, collectors, and craftsmen in a lively celebration of footwear culture.
A Perfect Day for Shoes
New York greeted us with ideal weather: clear skies, sunshine, and temperatures near 25 °C. The warm, bright day created an inviting atmosphere for strolling between booths, admiring wares, and gathering around demonstrations. Our Saphir booth became a hub of activity—not only as a product showcase, but also as a gathering point for education, community, and live artistry.
Shoe Care Sessions: Learning from the Masters
One of the highlights this year was our expanded educational program. Throughout the day, visitors had the chance to learn directly from leading experts in shoe care:
• Salt stain removal & suede care, taught by Levi Elliot: attendees learned step-by-step how to treat salt marks and care for delicate suede surfaces
• Fixing scratches in a mirror shine, taught by Preston Soto: techniques and demonstrations guided participants in restoring flawless high-gloss finishes These short sessions gave hands-on value to the attendees and underscored our commitment to sharing knowledge as part of our mission to elevate leather care.
Free Shoe Shine Service at the Saphir Booth
Complementing the tutorials, we offered a free shoe shine service at our booth. Throughout the day, both Levi Elliot and Preston Soto offered live shines using Saphir Médaille d’Or products. Many attendees took the opportunity to see the transformative power of our formulas in real time.
The feedback we heard repeatedly: “I didn’t realize how much difference a proper shoe care routine can make”—a reminder of why we continue to bring these experiences to life.
U.S. Shoe Shine Championship: Excitement & Engagement
A central feature of the event was the 2025 U.S. Shoe Shine Championship, held in collaboration with Saphir, Kirby Allison, and Shoegazing.
Finalists competed under the scrutiny of an engaged audience, aiming to produce the finest polished shoes within a time limit. The energy was electric, and the crowd’s enthusiasm turned every round into a cheering spectacle.
As always, our goal was to showcase that shoe care is not just maintenance but craftsmanship in its own right.
Booth Experience & Product Showcase
At our stand, visitors were greeted with our full range of Médaille d’Or care products. For many, it was an opportunity to explore, compare, and stock up on essentials like Pâte de Luxe, Renovateur, and polishing brushes.
More than that, the booth became a meeting place—artists, collectors, and everyday shoe lovers mingled, swapped stories, and shared tips. Our presence was not just about selling, but about fostering community.
Reflecting & Looking Ahead
The 2025 New York Super Trunk Show was a resounding success. From the perfect weather to the engaged audience, from live tutorials to the championship spectacle, it was a celebration of craftsmanship and passion for fine footwear.
For us at Saphir Médaille d’Or, it reaffirms our purpose: to support, educate, and inspire the shoe-loving community. We extend heartfelt thanks to every visitor, every competitor, and every collaborator who made this event exceptional.
We already look forward to the next edition and to bringing even more innovation, insight, and beauty into the world of shoe care.