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London Super Trunk Show 2026 Recap: Another Great Event!

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A display of various styles of brown leather shoes on a red tablecloth, with promotional materials nearby.A display of various styles of brown leather shoes on a red tablecloth, with promotional materials nearby.
The CNES Table, one of our Gold Sponsors on the day

The London Super Trunk Show 2026 recap is finally here, and what a day it was! Every year, we say that the event keeps growing, keeps evolving, and keeps proving that the world of quality footwear is far from some tiny forgotten corner of menswear. And once again, London reminded us that there are still plenty of people who care deeply about proper shoes, fine craftsmanship, shoe care, leather, style, and all of the glorious madness that comes with this world.

This year marked the eighth edition of the London event, held once again at Showcase.co on Regent Street, right in the heart of London. The day started a touch slower than usual, perhaps due to the unusually good weather sending half of London to the parks, but by the afternoon, the venue was properly buzzing. In the end, visitor numbers once again passed the 1,000 mark, which is always a fantastic thing to see for a niche event dedicated to classic shoes.

And really, that is what makes the Super Trunk Show special. It is not just a trade show. It is not just a shopping event. It is a meeting place for people who actually care. Makers, brands, polishers, collectors, customers, curious newcomers, obsessive shoe nerds, and those poor souls dragged along by their better-dressed friends all under one roof. Real relationships have formed at our events, and that is what we love: A place where enthusiasts can come together, share commonality, and meet other great people.

A black sandwich board sign advertising the London Super Trunk Show with images of shoes and details about sponsors and a free shoe shining service.A black sandwich board sign advertising the London Super Trunk Show with images of shoes and details about sponsors and a free shoe shining service.
A diverse crowd of people engages in conversation at a footwear exhibition, with various styles of shoes displayed in the foreground.A diverse crowd of people engages in conversation at a footwear exhibition, with various styles of shoes displayed in the foreground.

A Proper Shoe Day in London

The London Super Trunk Show is organized by The Shoe Snob, Shoegazing, and Kirby Allison, and each year it feels like the event finds a new way to add something fresh without losing the essence of what made it work in the first place.

At its core, the event remains about getting great makers and great products in front of people who want to see things in person. That part is important. In a world where so much shopping happens online, there is still no substitute for picking up a shoe, feeling the leather, studying the finishing, checking the waist, looking at the last shape, and speaking directly to the people behind the brand.

Photos are nice. Websites are useful. Instagram does its thing. But shoes are physical objects. They should be seen, handled, tried, and inspected from angles that a product page will never quite capture. That is what events like this offer. And that is why events like this still matter!

Two men are speaking at a presentation, with one holding a brown dress shoe and a coffee cup on a glass table.Two men are speaking at a presentation, with one holding a brown dress shoe and a coffee cup on a glass table.
Affan of Bridlen and I, discussing what it means to run a shoe factory.

Short Stage Sessions: New in London

One of the new features for this year’s London event was the addition of short stage sessions, something already used at other Super Trunk Shows (With huge success in both NYC and Singapore). These were held during the day when the championships were not taking place, giving visitors a chance to listen, ask questions, and learn a little more from people working directly in the trade.

There was a discussion on the state of bespoke shoemaking with William Efe Laborde and Daniel Wegan, touching on how independent makers can now build visibility in ways that simply did not exist in the past.

Yuya Hasegawa of Brift H, the first World Champion of Shoe Shining, gave a demonstration on polishing antique finishing. Affan Mohamed of Bridlen spoke about running a shoe factory and the challenges of bringing younger generations into the trade. And Ewan Rix of Cheaney, in a session hosted by Saphir, showed how to properly care for suede shoes.

These sessions are a nice addition because they make the event more than just tables and products. They give people a chance to learn something, ask questions, and engage with the craft beyond the usual “how much is this?” and “do you have this in my size?” routine. They get to feel more involved.

A man in a gray suit and glasses speaks into a microphone while another man with a beard and black shirt looks on.A man in a gray suit and glasses speaks into a microphone while another man with a beard and black shirt looks on.
A man in a black suit holds a brown shoe and microphone while demonstrating shoe shining techniques to an audience.A man in a black suit holds a brown shoe and microphone while demonstrating shoe shining techniques to an audience.
Two men are polishing shoes, one in a white shirt and glasses, and the other in a black pinstripe suit with glasses.Two men are polishing shoes, one in a white shirt and glasses, and the other in a black pinstripe suit with glasses.
A person in a suit is polishing a black leather shoe with a cloth.A person in a suit is polishing a black leather shoe with a cloth.
Two men in formal attire are exchanging a shoe, one wearing a checkered blazer and the other a blue suit.Two men in formal attire are exchanging a shoe, one wearing a checkered blazer and the other a blue suit.
Kirby discussing bespoke shoes with Riccardo of Carlino Bespoke

The Exhibitors: Shoes, Shoe Care, Leather, Socks, and More

As always, the exhibitors were the heart of the event. Saphir returned as a Platinum Sponsor with its wide range of shoe care products, and the free shoe shine service was once again a major attraction. This year, the service included both a basic shine routine and an option for those wanting a higher shine finish, handled by Marc of Bowbell Shoe Shine and former world champion Yoshihiro Nishigami of Boston & Re Olds.

Bridlen, our other Platinum sponsor, also had a strong presence, showing a range of more casual styles, including unlined chukkas, loafers, and boat-shoe-inspired derbies with nitrile rubber soles. The brand continues to gain momentum internationally, and it is not hard to see why. The value proposition is strong, the make is solid, and they are steadily expanding what people expect from Indian-made quality footwear.

A wooden shelf displays various round tins of Saphir shoe polish in colors including black, brown, orange, and purple.A wooden shelf displays various round tins of Saphir shoe polish in colors including black, brown, orange, and purple.
A black and gold Saphir shoe polish tin labeled "Médaille d'Or 1925 Paris" displayed on a clear stand.A black and gold Saphir shoe polish tin labeled "Médaille d'Or 1925 Paris" displayed on a clear stand.
A wooden display holds several jars of Saphir shoe cream in various colors, including blue, red, and green.A wooden display holds several jars of Saphir shoe cream in various colors, including blue, red, and green.
Saphir shoe care on display

Among the Gold Sponsors, Calzoleria Carlino made its Super Trunk debut, bringing a table full of handmade Italian shoemaking and a rather wild leather selection. CNES from Vietnam also returned, showing the kind of value-driven quality that has made them one of the more visible Asian makers in the international dress shoe scene.

The Silver Sponsor lineup helped broaden the event beyond shoes alone, with many new additions as a first time for us, such as fragrances, umbrellas, and leather suppliers. Francesco Maglia brought umbrellas, Bresciani brought socks, Castle Forbes brought grooming products and fragrances, and Euroleathers showed hides and leather. Footwear was still very much the core of the show, but these additions gave the event more depth and made it feel more like a broader classic menswear and craftsmanship gathering.

Other footwear exhibitors included Blk Brd from India, Renav Goods from Indonesia, and Chinese makers Twinkima.G and Yearn Shoemaker.

A black leather loafer shoe with a smooth finish and a stitched detail on the front.A black leather loafer shoe with a smooth finish and a stitched detail on the front.
A selection of four pairs of shoes in various styles and colors, including brown leather, dark gray suede, light brown suede, and black leather.A selection of four pairs of shoes in various styles and colors, including brown leather, dark gray suede, light brown suede, and black leather.
A table covered with a blue cloth displays various styles of shoes, including leather and suede options, with the brand name "Bridlen" prominently featured.A table covered with a blue cloth displays various styles of shoes, including leather and suede options, with the brand name "Bridlen" prominently featured.
Bridlen shoes, with a healthy assortment of their collection, spanning from casual loafers to sharp oxfords
A man in a purple suit is arranging various styles of leather shoes and accessories on a table.A man in a purple suit is arranging various styles of leather shoes and accessories on a table.
A pair of light gray leather shoes with double buckles displayed on a clear stand.A pair of light gray leather shoes with double buckles displayed on a clear stand.
Very cool elephant skin sweeping double monks by Riccardo Carlino
A collection of elegant shoes featuring brown crocodile leather, dark brown polished leather, and a textured brown suede style.A collection of elegant shoes featuring brown crocodile leather, dark brown polished leather, and a textured brown suede style.
A beautiful new suede alligator lazyman by CNES
A collection of black leather boots with various styles and designs, displayed on a white surface.A collection of black leather boots with various styles and designs, displayed on a white surface.

The World Championships

Of course, no London Super Trunk Show would be complete without the three World Championship contests: shoe patina, shoe shining, and shoemaking.

These contests have become a major part of the day, and for good reason. They bring drama, skill, nerves, time pressure, and a bit of healthy competition into what could otherwise just be a room full of people quietly inspecting shoes. It is always fascinating for us, as the hosts, to see how these events turn out, just as much as it is for the spectators. As we, too, are enthusiasts.

Three individuals hold handmade shoes: one with orange and pink shoes, another with gray and white shoes, and the third with dark blue shoes featuring orange insoles.Three individuals hold handmade shoes: one with orange and pink shoes, another with gray and white shoes, and the third with dark blue shoes featuring orange insoles.
(L to R): Mandy Marie, of France, Toan Junie (Champion 2026), of France & Berk Kirman, of Finland

World Championships of Shoe Patina

The patina contest began shortly after the event opened, with the finalists spending the day transforming a pair of Bridlen crust leather penny loafers using Saphir dyes, creams, and waxes. This year’s finalists were Mandy Marie and Toan Junie from France, and Berk Kirman from Finland.

All three produced impressive results, but Toan Junie took the gold medal with a highly intricate patina showcasing several techniques. It was also a historic win, as he became the first person to win twice in any of the three World Championship contests. Mandy Marie took silver, while Berk Kirman earned bronze.

Patina is one of those things that can go very wrong very quickly. When done badly, it looks like someone attacked a shoe with a sponge after drinking too much espresso. When done well, it brings depth, character, and a sense of life to the leather. The best patina work does not just add color. It creates movement.

A man in a navy vest and white shirt is cleaning a beige shoe with a cloth while sitting at a table.A man in a navy vest and white shirt is cleaning a beige shoe with a cloth while sitting at a table.
A person in a blue suit carefully paints a two-tone leather shoe, featuring beige and navy colors.A person in a blue suit carefully paints a two-tone leather shoe, featuring beige and navy colors.
A person wearing blue gloves is polishing a pair of brown leather shoes with a gradient finish.A person wearing blue gloves is polishing a pair of brown leather shoes with a gradient finish.
Three pairs of leather shoes in varying colors: dark blue, light gray with marbling, and reddish-brown.Three pairs of leather shoes in varying colors: dark blue, light gray with marbling, and reddish-brown.
Three beautiful and very unique patinas
Four men in formal attire are demonstrating shoe shining techniques on brown leather shoes during a shoe shining competition.Four men in formal attire are demonstrating shoe shining techniques on brown leather shoes during a shoe shining competition.
The contestants from the left: Atsuhiro Yoshidomi, Benjamin Valeyre, Naoki Ueda

World Championships of Shoe Shining

Later in the afternoon came the shoe-shining final, always one of the crowd favorites. The three finalists had 20 minutes to take a factory-new Bridlen shoe and bring it to the highest possible shine using Saphir Médaille d’Or wax polish. The naysayers think this is easy. But as a once-shoe-shining expert myself, let me tell you that this is no easy feat.

This year’s finalists were Atsuhiro Yoshidomi and Naoki Ueda from Japan, and Benjamin Valeyre from France. After a very tight final, Atsuhiro Yoshidomi took the win with a deep and distinct shine. Naoki Ueda finished second, while Benjamin Valeyre took third.

The shoe-shining contest is always fascinating because, on paper, it sounds simple. Polish a shoe. Easy enough, right? Wrong.

Under lights, in front of a crowd, with a strict time limit, while trying to create a shine that can hold up under close inspection, it becomes something else entirely. It is speed, technique, pressure, muscle memory, and a little bit of madness. And on a new shoe, the difficulty expands 10-fold. There is pressure most won’t comprehend here. And that is the beauty of the results!

A pair of polished brown leather shoes with wooden shoe trees, accompanied by a wooden brush and a tin of shoe cream.A pair of polished brown leather shoes with wooden shoe trees, accompanied by a wooden brush and a tin of shoe cream.
The Winning Shine by Atsuhiro Yoshidomi
A diverse audience seated in formal attire, including a man in a gray suit and a woman holding a toddler, at an event with cameras present.A diverse audience seated in formal attire, including a man in a gray suit and a woman holding a toddler, at an event with cameras present.
Three pairs of polished brown leather dress shoes with cap toes and lace-up fronts.Three pairs of polished brown leather dress shoes with cap toes and lace-up fronts.
Three people stand together, with the central figure holding a brown leather shoe and a medal, while one person holds a black Saphir box.Three people stand together, with the central figure holding a brown leather shoe and a medal, while one person holds a black Saphir box.
The Winner Atsuhiro Yoshidomi, with Katia of Saphir and Affan of Bridlen Shoes
A sleek black leather ankle boot with a pointed toe and ribbed detailing on the sides.A sleek black leather ankle boot with a pointed toe and ribbed detailing on the sides.
A black leather ankle boot with burgundy laces and a textured side panel.A black leather ankle boot with burgundy laces and a textured side panel.
A black leather ankle boot with a decorative cream design and a chunky heel is featured prominently.A black leather ankle boot with a decorative cream design and a chunky heel is featured prominently.
A pair of stylish black ankle boots with a green interior and a decorative red flower, alongside a translucent floral-patterned boot.A pair of stylish black ankle boots with a green interior and a decorative red flower, alongside a translucent floral-patterned boot.

World Championships of Shoemaking

The World Championships of Shoemaking also had all entries on display, as usual. This year, the challenge was to make a black Chelsea boot with hand-welted construction and handmade sole stitching. The judging was done anonymously by a jury of shoemakers and experts the day before the event, with the top ten revealed on stage during the show.

Third place went to Dmitry Avdyukhov from Russia, second place went to Twinkima.G from China, and first place went to Japan’s Ken Kataoka, who finally took the world champion title after previously finishing second twice. A much-deserved win for Ken.

A black leather ankle boot with a decorative cream design and a chunky heel.A black leather ankle boot with a decorative cream design and a chunky heel.
The Winning Boot by Ken Kataoka

The podium makers shared a £6,000 prize fund sponsored by Kirby Allison, Master Shoemakers, and Parker Schenecker, and also received handmade awls by Phil Norsworthy and medals. The top three shoemaking entries, together with the winning patina pair, will later travel internationally as part of the annual world tour exhibition.

This year’s shoemaking entries were especially interesting because the Chelsea boot theme forced makers to deal with a form that is deceptively simple. A boot with no lacing can look very plain very quickly, and when everything is black, there is even less room to hide. Shape, balance, proportion, finishing, pattern work, and sole treatment all become that much more important.

And, as always, some makers went well beyond “just make a boot” and created pieces that were part footwear, part sculpture, and part technical flex fit for future museum display.

A pair of black leather ankle boots alongside a clear boot with a floral pattern and a green interior.A pair of black leather ankle boots alongside a clear boot with a floral pattern and a green interior.
one of the coolest shoe trees we have ever seen, by Moscow Shoemaker
A red storefront with large glass windows displaying shoes, featuring the Carmina Shoemaker logo and the London Super Trunk Show banner.A red storefront with large glass windows displaying shoes, featuring the Carmina Shoemaker logo and the London Super Trunk Show banner.

The Weekend Around the Event

Another thing that has become increasingly clear is that the London Super Trunk Show is no longer just one isolated Saturday event. The weekend around it has started to develop into a wider gathering for the quality shoe world.

This year included a well-attended event at Carmina’s London store on the Friday evening, along with various smaller gatherings, meetups, drinks, and other happenings around the main show.

That is exactly how these things should develop. The official event is the centerpiece, but the real value is also in the conversations around it. People meet makers. Makers meet customers. Brands meet collaborators. Shoe people meet other shoe people and realize, with some relief, that they are not the only ones who spend unreasonable amounts of time thinking about heel stiffeners, waist shapes, and whether a brown is too red.

A vendor displays Saphir leather care products on a wooden table with various jars and bottles, while a customer engages with a representative.A vendor displays Saphir leather care products on a wooden table with various jars and bottles, while a customer engages with a representative.
Two men in tailored suits stand behind a table displaying a variety of leather shoes in different colors and styles.Two men in tailored suits stand behind a table displaying a variety of leather shoes in different colors and styles.
A woman in a purple blazer stands behind a table displaying various styles of shoes, while two customers examine the footwear.A woman in a purple blazer stands behind a table displaying various styles of shoes, while two customers examine the footwear.
A display of various black bottles of grooming products and jars of cream, labeled with colors like green, orange, and purple.A display of various black bottles of grooming products and jars of cream, labeled with colors like green, orange, and purple.

What Comes Next

The Super Trunk Show series continues to grow internationally. The next stop will be Chicago, held together with Stitchdown Expo on November 6–7, followed by the second edition of the Singapore Super Trunk Show, with the date to be announced. London will return again in May 2027.

It is encouraging to see the concept travel, because the enthusiasm is clearly there. The shoe world might be niche, but it is not dead. Far from it. If anything, events like this prove that people still want to engage with craft in person, especially when the event brings together makers, brands, products, education, competition, and community.

A variety of leather hides in different colors, including brown, black, and cream, are displayed on racks.A variety of leather hides in different colors, including brown, black, and cream, are displayed on racks.
Leather hides by Euroleathers
Various pieces of leather in shades of burgundy, brown, and tan are hanging on a rack.Various pieces of leather in shades of burgundy, brown, and tan are hanging on a rack.

Final Thoughts

The London Super Trunk Show 2026 was another strong reminder of why this event exists in the first place. It brings together the people who make shoes, the people who sell them, the people who care for them, and the people who obsess over them.

From the exhibitors to the short stage sessions, from the shoe shine service to the three World Championships, the day had plenty to take in. More than anything, though, it showed that classic shoes still have an audience willing to show up, ask questions, learn, buy, admire, debate, and celebrate the craft. And that is what must endure in this world of fast fashion, one-week trends, and just downright poor quality/looking clothing. It is events like this and all of the people behind them that keep our world moving forward.

A big thank you to everyone who came, exhibited, competed, sponsored, helped, filmed, photographed, polished, judged, carried boxes, answered questions, and made the day what it was. We appreciate you all very much!

London once again proved that the shoe world still has life in it.

I hope that you have enjoyed the London Super Trunk Show 2026 recap. Make sure to stay tuned for more! And if you missed the other articles on the event and/or past events, check them out here.

—Justin FitzPatrick, The Shoe Snob

Shop · Marketplace · J.FitzPatrick · Patreon

A variety of rolled socks in different colors, including blue, green, pink, and burgundy, displayed with labels.A variety of rolled socks in different colors, including blue, green, pink, and burgundy, displayed with labels.
A polished burgundy leather dress shoe with decorative perforations and laces.A polished burgundy leather dress shoe with decorative perforations and laces.
A brown and yellow crocodile leather loafer with a wooden shoe tree.A brown and yellow crocodile leather loafer with a wooden shoe tree.
A variety of leather shoes and boots in different styles and colors, including brown, green, and black, arranged on a table.A variety of leather shoes and boots in different styles and colors, including brown, green, and black, arranged on a table.
A selection of stylish leather dress shoes in black, dark brown, and tan, featuring various designs and textures.A selection of stylish leather dress shoes in black, dark brown, and tan, featuring various designs and textures.
A brown leather shoe with laces and a contrasting sole is prominently displayed among other shoes.A brown leather shoe with laces and a contrasting sole is prominently displayed among other shoes.
A collection of various umbrellas with wooden and black handles, featuring colors like navy, burgundy, and patterned fabrics.A collection of various umbrellas with wooden and black handles, featuring colors like navy, burgundy, and patterned fabrics.
A display of Castle Forbes perfume bottles in clear glass, each with a colored label, alongside matching black and colored boxes.A display of Castle Forbes perfume bottles in clear glass, each with a colored label, alongside matching black and colored boxes.
A variety of brown leather shoes, including boots, loafers, and dress shoes, displayed on a green table.A variety of brown leather shoes, including boots, loafers, and dress shoes, displayed on a green table.
A polished brown leather dress shoe with decorative perforations and laces.A polished brown leather dress shoe with decorative perforations and laces.
A pair of textured loafers, one in dark blue and the other in dark green, made from crocodile leather.A pair of textured loafers, one in dark blue and the other in dark green, made from crocodile leather.
A burgundy leather dress shoe with a cap toe and decorative broguing.A burgundy leather dress shoe with a cap toe and decorative broguing.
A collection of men's shoes in various styles, including leather loafers, suede sneakers, and casual slip-ons, in colors like navy, gray, brown, and green.A collection of men's shoes in various styles, including leather loafers, suede sneakers, and casual slip-ons, in colors like navy, gray, brown, and green.
A polished brown leather shoe with a decorative seam is prominently displayed among other styles on a green surface.A polished brown leather shoe with a decorative seam is prominently displayed among other styles on a green surface.
A shoeshiner polishes a brown leather shoe while seated, wearing a white shirt.A shoeshiner polishes a brown leather shoe while seated, wearing a white shirt.
A person in an apron is polishing a brown suede shoe while holding a brush and surrounded by shoe care products.A person in an apron is polishing a brown suede shoe while holding a brush and surrounded by shoe care products.
Three metal tins of shoe polish in shades of brown, black, and purple, labeled "Saphir."Three metal tins of shoe polish in shades of brown, black, and purple, labeled "Saphir."
Three medals for "World Championships Shoe Patina" in gold, silver, and bronze, displayed in blue velvet boxes.Three medals for "World Championships Shoe Patina" in gold, silver, and bronze, displayed in blue velvet boxes.
A man with gray hair in a blue jacket is showing materials to another man in a light purple shirt, while two other people are engaged in conversation nearby.A man with gray hair in a blue jacket is showing materials to another man in a light purple shirt, while two other people are engaged in conversation nearby.
A polished tan leather dress shoe with laces and a rounded toe is displayed prominently.A polished tan leather dress shoe with laces and a rounded toe is displayed prominently.
Three pairs of men's dress shoes in various colors and textures, including a burgundy leather shoe, a dark gray textured shoe, and a purple crocodile-patterned shoe.Three pairs of men's dress shoes in various colors and textures, including a burgundy leather shoe, a dark gray textured shoe, and a purple crocodile-patterned shoe.
A collection of various canes and umbrellas, featuring materials like wood and fabric in colors such as black, yellow, and brown.A collection of various canes and umbrellas, featuring materials like wood and fabric in colors such as black, yellow, and brown.
A polished dark brown and black leather ankle boot with a pointed toe and decorative brogue detailing.A polished dark brown and black leather ankle boot with a pointed toe and decorative brogue detailing.
A variety of rolled fabrics in herringbone patterns, featuring colors like purple, red, blue, and green.A variety of rolled fabrics in herringbone patterns, featuring colors like purple, red, blue, and green.
A diverse group of people in business attire socialize at an indoor event, with a white table displaying various items in the foreground.A diverse group of people in business attire socialize at an indoor event, with a white table displaying various items in the foreground.
Another great event thanks to all of you!

World Championships of Shoe Shining final

Award ceremonies for the World Championships of Shoe Patina and the World Championships of Shoemaking





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