For those who can’t make it to New York today for the super trunk we will livestream here from the final of the U.S. Championships of Shoe Shining, which kicks off at 3pm EDT. We’ll also try to squeeze in a tour of the venue with all the exhibitors after the shine contest is finished.
It’s time for the third New York Super Trunk Show this Saturday. Same great venue on Manhattan, on Upper East Side between Madison Ave and Central Park, where we gather a bunch of great shoe and menswear exhibitors from around the world, have a free shoe shining service, stage sessions on various shoe topics, and the U.S. Championships of Shoe Shining. Here’s some practical info ahead of the event for visitors, and on the live streaming fro those who can’t attend.
Japanese Daisuke Yamashita has probably visited more shoemakers and cobblers than anyone else alive today, something he has shared in books and on his blog. Now he has published his first e-book in English, called Bespoke Shoes in Europe & Japan Study Report. A nice overview of both various shoemaking schools and shoemaking techniques, easily available on Amazon.
The European Union and Indonesia have signed a free trade agreement that will remove 98% of all duties in both directions immediately after it’s been implemented, which is expected to be next year. In the quality shoe world there’s a big potential for more of the fine handmade boots and shoes that are made in Indonesia will be sold by European retailers.
In the seventh World Championships of Shoemaking we have a chelsea boot as the model to be made. The final takes place at the London Super Trunk Show on May 9 2026. In the prize pool there are £6,000 (€6,900 / $8,100), handmade shoemaking awls, and a chance to be showcased in shoe stores around the world. Read of for all the info about the contest.
Articles continued:
Now American customers have to pay customs and duties on all orders from abroad, also those below $800, as the de minimis exception has been removed. A big change for many US citizens who were used to the favourable rules, and also for many shoe companies in especially Europe and Asia who sell a lot to America. However, the termination of de minimis actually makes a lot of sense. But it’s messed up by other things.
It’s been a while since we had a contest here at Shoegazing, now it’s time again. In this giveaway contest you have the chance to win a pair of Crown Northampton Ernest Wholecut sneakers, a really specially constructed sneaker that is properly handmade, priced at €1,600. Learn how to enter below.
One of the absolute most popular type of men’s shoes at the moment are various kinds of soft loafers. Most brands offer some version of this nowadays, cemented ones are probably most common, but you’ll also find versions with constructions like Blake, Bologna, moccasin construction or more special ones as these here from Bridlen, which are reverse Goodyear.
The ones who will battle it out for the title at the U.S. Championships of Shoe Shining 2025 have now been appointed. The contest is organised in collaboration with Saphir and Bridlen, with the final taking place at the New York Super Trunk Show on Saturday October 4, where finalists will have 20 minutes to achieve the best mirror shine.
Abbot’s Shoes in the UK mostly sell welted pre-owned shoes, but sometimes they get their hands on other stuff as well. Now they have received over 200 pairs of Carmina deadstock, offered at up to 60% off the RRP. Lots of great models at superb prices.
