World

The Cryptide named Footwear Brand of the Year in 2023

Jan 3, 2024 World

The luxury lifestyle sneaker brand The Cryptide has been named Footwear Brand of the Year 2023 at the fourth edition of the Global Footwear Awards (GFA)

Cryptide has earned the recognition of Brand of the Year 2023 for the design of the Cryptide One sneaker, created by the German designer Stephan Henrich. In an edition focused on sustainability and technology, this model was praised for its on-demand manufacturing approach and for being entirely 3D printed from a single flexible material that facilitates recycling.

“The Cryptide” essentially consists of an open sole (segmented for the toe, ball, and heel areas), combined and printed together with an upper part designed like a perforated sock for optimal ventilation, which can be shaped based on a 3D scan of the wearer’s foot. In addition, the midsole features a branching structure that is tailored to the wearer’s weight through FEA and topology optimisation.

Highlights also went to Constantinos Panayiotou, founder of the Pet Liger brand, who was named the Independent Footwear Designer of the Year for the creation of Vertex Love, and to Madeline Helt, a student at the Savannah College of Art and Design, awarded with the Emerging Footwear Designer of the Year for her collaboration in reimagining climbing boots by integrating technology to retain heat.

“I’m thrilled to see so many of this year’s GFA winners embracing sustainability and technology in their designs, offering us a glimpse into the future of eco-friendly footwear. It’s inspiring to witness the perfect blend of style and innovation. These designers aren’t just making shoes; they’re crafting a narrative of mindful steps towards a more sustainable and tech-driven future”, commented Astrid Hebert, GFA Program Director.

Global Footwear Awards 2023

The Global Footwear Awards (GFA) initiative aims to recognise the efforts of footwear designers around the world, celebrating their creations at a global scale while honouring sustainable practices that can inspire the industry. It offers recognition in all categories from Fashion to Sports and evaluates three entry levels, namely, brands, independent designers and students.

This year’s panel of judges comprised figures such as Oronzo De Matteis, CEO Founder & Creative Director of OROORO BRAND LUXURY, Anna Maria Giano, Contributing Editor at Vogue Italia, Monica Mei, Footwear Designer and Product Manager at Vera Wang, Sean Williams, OSD, SOLEcial Studies Co-Founder, Mathew Kurien, Head of Department at MIT Institute of Design, and Fionn Corcoran-Tadd, Innovation Designer at adidas, among others. Other winners can be viewed at the competition’s website.

Image Credits: globalfootwearawards.com

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