Japan Dominates the 8th Annual World Championship in Shoe Shining, as London’s Super Trunk Show Celebrates the Pinnacle of Footwear Craft
London, May 9, 2026 — The London Super Trunk Show at 12 Regent Street once again played host to two of the most prestigious events in the world of fine footwear: the 8th Annual World Championship in Shoe Shining and the World Championships of Shoemaking.
London’s elegantly curated Super Trunk Show has long been the heartbeat of global shoe culture, and the 2026 edition proved no different. On a bright Saturday in May, the finest shoe shiners and shoemakers from across the world converged. On the 12 Regent Street, London, to compete in events that blend athletic focus, artistic precision, and time-honoured craft. Sponsored by Saphir Médaille d’Or and Bridlen Shoes, this year’s championship delivered unforgettable moments and world-class results.
And They’re Off The 8th Annual World Championship in Shoe Shining
The atmosphere inside the venue crackled with anticipation as three elite competitors took their stations for the 8th Annual World Championship in Shoe Shining. Each finalist had exactly 20 minutes to transform a factory-fresh, plain cap-toe Oxford in medium brown calf leather into a flawless, mirror-bright showpiece. Notably, a task that demands deep product knowledge, exceptional technique, and nerves of steel.
Taking the gold was Atsuhiro Yoshidomi of Japan, competing and representing Boston Re’olds. Dressed in a sharp light grey suit, Yoshidomi delivered a shine of breathtaking quality. Outshining his rivals with a combination of speed, control, and an almost meditative calm under pressure. His victory is a testament to both personal dedication and the extraordinary level of training within Japan’s shoe care community.
Claiming second place was Benjamin Valler of France, whose refined European technique produced a deep, rich lustre that drew admiration from competitors and spectators alike. Representing the best of the French school of shoe care. Valler demonstrated that podium-level shining is as much about feel and rhythm as it is about product selection.
Third place went to Naoki Ueda of Japan, whose performance further underscored Japan’s remarkable dominance across the shoeshine disciplines. Ueda’s attention to every millimetre of the leather surface earned him a well-deserved place on the podium. Hence, considerable praise from judges and fellow competitors.
A great job was done by all involved. The results reflect the extraordinary dedication each competitor brings to a craft that is experiencing a true global renaissance. Beautiful shines all around.
Shoemaking at Its Highest Level The World Championships of Shoemaking 2026
Running alongside the shining competition, the World Championships of Shoemaking 2026 presented an equally breathtaking showcase of handcraft excellence. Competitors were tasked with producing a chelsea boot, a deceptively complex model. Judged on construction quality, design originality, and the precision of finishing across every element of the shoe.
Taking the top prize and the title of World Champion in Shoemaking 2026 was Ken Kataoka of Japan, whose winning entry stunned both judges and the assembled audience. Kataoka submitted a Victorian-inspired chelsea boot of outstanding originality: a hand-stacked protruding heel that gave the silhouette an assertive, architectural presence; intricate lace-like detailing worked into the gore panel; and precision finishing carried across the entire boot without a single lapse in quality. The result is a piece that belongs equally in a museum of decorative arts and on the foot of a serious shoe connoisseur.
Second place was awarded to Twinkima.G of China, whose entry demonstrated immaculate construction and an assured design sensibility. Third place went to another highly accomplished entrant, with all three top boots reflecting a level of quality that the shoemaking world rarely sees in competition.
This is shoemaking at its highest level. The top three boots from the 2026 World Championships of Shoemaking each show just how far the craft can be pushed when passion, patience, and mastery converge under one roof.
A Celebration of a Living Craft
Together, the World Championship in Shoe Shining and the World Championships of Shoemaking represent something larger than any single competition result. They are a declaration that bespoke and artisan footwear culture is thriving. Attracting new talent, drawing international audiences, and inspiring a new generation of craftspeople and shoe enthusiasts worldwide.
The London Super Trunk Show, organised by Shoegazing, The Shoe Snob, and Kirby Allison, continues to serve as the most important annual gathering in the world of quality footwear. With another unforgettable edition now in the books, all eyes will soon turn to what the 2027 championship season will bring.
