The finalists in the two prestigious world championships contests, with finals taking place at the London Super Trunk Show on May 9, have been appointed. We’ll have two Japanese and a French battle it out in the shine final, and two Frenchmen and a Finn to fight for glory for the patina title. See their submissions here.
You may read all about the London Super Trunk Show in this article from last week, and we appreciate if you visit the event’s Facebook page and let us know you’re coming and help share the event (or just follow it to get updates on things around it). It’s held on Saturday May 9, at Showcase.co on 12 Regent Street, in the hear of London. The qualification process, jury members and how the finals will unfold is thoroughly explained in this article, so here we focus on the finalists and their submissions.
Both the World Championships of Shoe Shining and Shoe Patina are organised in collaboration with the shoe care company Saphir and the shoe brand Bridlen. The companies also sponsor with the prizes: a pair of shoes to the winner, shoe care products and Saphir gives a total of £600 in the prize pool of each contest. We’ve had a lot of great entries in both the competitions, lots of ones that could have made it to the final, but in the end these are the ones that we will see on stage in London in May.
World Championships of Shoe Shining 2026 finalists
Atsuhiro Yoshidomi, Japan. One that made it back for revenge straight away, after finishing second in last year’s final. Atsuhiro Yoshidomi is from Fukuoka where he is part of running the shoe shine bar Boston & Re Olds. After making it to the final he’s been part of TV-shows and various events, promoting shoe shining. His entry this year is one that bring out the greatness of this side-laced oxfords, making them look almost like glossy caramels.
Benjamin Valeyre, France. A lovely evenly achieved shine that’s crystal clear. Made by Benjamin Valeyre who has been working for the shoe brand Emling in France, where he provide shoe care and mirror shine services. What he loves most with working with this is the transormation of a pair from something that can be almost dull to something spectacular. Through the years he has strived to constantly refine his technique with a focus on precision, balance and depth.
Naoki Ueda, Japan. Another one that is back to finally get that gold medal. Naoki Ueda made it to the final in 2022, where he lost out against Ash Samsudin. He’s been continuing to develop his shine skills since then, and judging by the incredible shine done on his entry, he’s done his homework. A well worn pair of single monks traps that’s incredibly glossy all over, yet with style. Naoki Ueda runs the shoe shine bar Penny Lane Shoeshine Boys, PLSB, in Osaka. When he got into shoe shining at first back in 2013, he felt that the old school shoe shining work on the streets was what gave most practice, and after two years doing that he managed to open his own shoe shine bar.
World Championships of Shoe Patina 2026 finalists
Mandy Marie, France. A sensationally well-made two-tone patina, that manages to make these wholecut oxfords something else. When you look at one shoe the quality patina work strikes you, then when you have the whole pair and how they are inverted in a superb way, it’s increasingly stunning. Mandy Marie has been working as a patina artist at Berluti in Paris for seven years, a real patina talent who has become a Master Colorist, the highest rank among Berluti colorists. Before that she studied fashion and clothing and developed a passion for leather.
Berk Kirman, Finland. A “classic” Italian style patina with big contrasts and nice looking mottling, with earthy tones. No particular shine, which makes the patina work even more evident here. Berk Kirman is from Finland, and got interested in shoes 5-6 years ago. Especially the shoe care, shining and painting of shoes attracted him, and he started buying shoes on flea markets just to transform them and make them lovely again. Since 2022 he runs a small business doing shoe care and patina work, on the side of his everyday job in children and family social work.
Toan Junie, France. A staple in the world champs of shoe patina final is Toan Junie, who won the final in 2022 and since then been part of every final, even if he hasn’t managed to grab another gold medal yet. His entry showcase the skill he possess, where a pair of wholecut loafers are made to look like a penny loafer with a fabric vamp and dark brown leather rest. Toan Junie has worked as a patina artist for several of the biggest shoe firms in France, nowadays he works as a freelancer for various Paris shoe brands.
