The awards ceremony took place at Cipriani South Street on Dec. 4, in New York City and the biggest and most important names in the shoe industry were present to honor this year’s honorees which included Martha Stewart, A$AP Rocky, Kenneth Cole, New Balance and more.

For 38 years, the annual FN Achievement Awards — often called the “Shoe Oscars” — have celebrated the style stars, best brand stories, ardent philanthropists, emerging talents and industry veterans. The 2024 event is supported by sponsors Listrak, Marc Fisher, Nordstrom and Vibram.

There were some emotional moments from presenters, touching speeches from the honorees, the famous guest mingling and more fun surprises like Rihanna making her way to the stage. Take a look at some of the behind the scenes moments you may have missed and as the stars mingled and celebrated one another at FN’s annual event.

A$AP Rocky arrived to the 38th annual Footwear News Achievement Awards in an outfit that proved exactly why he’s known as a style icon and a game-changing fashion designer.

Making an entrance at Cipriani South Street on Dec. 4 for the special occasion, he wore a black leather shearling jacket, black sunglasses, black trousers and a pair of squared toe dress shoes. The rapper confirmed to FN that his look—including the leather jacket, viscose silk trousers from Pre-Spring 25 collection look 43, and his Jim loafers—was all from Bottega Veneta.

When he’s not wearing his Puma collaboration, the rapper tends to opt for boots and dress shoes styles from designers like Saint Laurent and Gucci. His partner Rihanna also attended the event, contrasting his all black look by going with a heavenly all white ensemble and strappy white sandals from Manolo Blahnik.

A$AP Rocky was on hand to receive the Collaboration of the Year award with Puma at the FNAAs. Following his partner Rihanna’s success with Puma, the rapper teamed up with the sporting giant in 2023, when he was named creative director of its F1 line. 2024 brought about multiple exciting sneaker drops born of the partnership, including new interpretations of the Inhale and Mostro styles. With the Mostro, they ventured into the modern world of 3D shoe printing.

It’s difficult to name a couple in entertainment with the same eye-catching flair for fashion as A$AP Rocky and Rihanna. They each have their own distinctive styles but also play off of each other’s preferences, often coordinating their outfits when they step out together.

For 38 years, the annual FN Achievement Awards — often called the “Shoe Oscars” — have celebrated the style stars, best brand stories, ardent philanthropists, emerging talents and industry veterans. The 2024 event is supported by sponsors Listrak, Marc Fisher, Nordstrom and Vibram. 

A$AP Rocky’s Style Through the Years

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This year’s red carpet event attracted a constellation of prominent figures including Rihanna, A$AP Rocky, Nicky Hilton, Gabby Thomas, and more beside industry stalwarts like Kenneth Cole and Adidas CEO Bjørn Gulden, who are set to receive major accolades. The gala not only spotlights seasoned entrepreneurs and designers but also acknowledges emerging talents and influential collaborations, including A$AP Rocky’s partnership with Puma, which earned the Collaboration of the Year.

Footwear News’ Editorial Director, Michael Atmore, emphasized the 2024 ceremony as a tribute to outstanding business acumen and innovative design prowess across the industry. “The 2024 class of winners reflects incredible innovation, design prowess and business acumen. We are honored to reward the leaders, the brands, and the emerging talents that have shaped the year in shoes and celebrate the powerful and inspiring stories behind their achievements.”

Notable recognitions include New Balance as Company of the Year, Edgardo Osorio of Aquazzura as Designer of the Year, and Martha Stewart receiving the Icon Award. Moreover, social impact also takes center stage with Skechers being honored for its contributions to societal well-being.

Kate Middleton was a vision in a full burgundy ensemble and matching boots to attend a ceremonial welcome Horse Guards Parade on Dec. 3 in London, England.

The Princess of Wales and her husband Prince William arrived in a carriage at Buckingham Palace for day one of The Amir of the State of Qatar’s visit to the United Kingdom.

Dressed to combat the cold winter chill, the princess arrived wearing a monochromatic burgundy outfit, made up of a long line coat by British designer Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen with leather gloves, pointed boots and a Chanel bag.

She broke up the monochromatic look with a pair of leather boots that were seemingly a dark burgundy color. The shoes featured a pointed toe, a block heel measuring about 3.5 inches and were seemingly a pull-on design. The pair is reportedly a new design from Gianvito Rossi. She has worn similar boots by Gianvito Rossi to other royal events, like the designer’s suede Glen boots.

The Princess of Wales was also paying homage to her late mother-in-law, Queen Elizabeth II, by putting on a custom teardrop beret made by Sahar Millinery. The burgundy beret paired perfectly with the rest of her ensemble and featured a bow on top. She wore a four-strand pearl choker necklace, which was previously worn by Princess Diana, and was originally gifted to Queen Elizabeth. Her pearl earrings also belonged to the queen.

His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Amir of the State of Qatar, accompanied by Her Highness Sheikha Jawaher bint Hamad bin Suhaim Al Thani, are scheduled to hold several engagements with The Prince and Princess of Wales, King Charles and Queen Camilla, as well as other political figures.

This means the princess should be expected to make more public appearances this week after a year of largely staying out of the public eye. This is her first public appearance since finishing her chemotherapy treatment earlier this year. The Princess of Wales will not be in attendance at the State Banquet as her recovery from her cancer diagnosis is ongoing.

Kate Middleton’s Best Shoe Looks Through the Years

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Take a walk down memory lane as FN looks back on Lily Collins’ best fashion and shoe moments over the years.

The multihyphenate favors premium luxury brands like Aquazzura, Christian Louboutin, Saint Laurent and Le Silla. Whether she’s hitting a premiere or awards show or simply pounding the pavement, you can expect Hudson to turn up in shoes that call for a second glance.

Take a look at some of Oprah’s recent sneaker moments.

In honor of Zappos’ 25th birthday, the retailer has teamed up with UGG to release the final assortment of the brand’s original Bailey Button II boots. Just in time for the winter’s coldest months and just ahead of the gift giving holiday season, UGG fans will be able to get their hands on the beloved boots again.

For a limited time only, the fan-favorite sheepskin boots will be available on Zappos.com while supplies last. Shoppers can choose from the classic chestnut brown and black colorways. The boots are also available in size options for kids and adults.

This Ugg style was discontinued by the brand last December 2023. Inventory for the limited release through Zappos will be available until supplies last. According to the brand, Zappos should have full size runs for the next two to three weeks.

This year, the e-commerce company is celebrating its 25th anniversary, marking over two decades in the footwear retail business. To celebrate the milestone year, Zappos has invited customers to join the festivities and experience a year-long celebration of style, exclusives, unexpected surprises, in person experiences, and loyalty perks.

As part of the grand 25th birthday celebration, Zappos announced a series of exclusive shoe drops from top brand partners such as Brooks, Crocs, Steve Madden, Birkenstock, New Balance, and more. The company has also rolled out Year-long initiatives, including monthly promotions, sweepstakes, and even more surprises, including a partnership with celebrity cake artist and winner of the “Is It Cake?” game show, Liz Marek, to play a special edition of “Cake or Kicks?” via Zappos’ social media.

All the Celebrities Who Love Their Uggs

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Oprah Winfrey has been wearing Brunello Cucinelli sneakers nonstop this year. While most celebrities have been opting for Adidas Sambas or the Puma Speedcat sneaker, the TV mogul has kept several of the Italian designer’s casual shoes on rotation.

Most recently, in a post shared on her magazine’s Oprah Daily Instagram on Nov. 26, Winfrey was modeling one of the items that she listed as part of her 2024 “Oprah’s Favorite Things” list. In the clip, she is alongside longtime friend Gayle King and the magazine’s Creative Director Adam Glassman wearing some Telfar Puff Hoodie Coats and matching bags.

The Puffer Hoodie is a floor-length coat that combines the two essential winter garments into a single item—a hoodie and a puffer coat. The hood and shoulder area feature a softer material, like the one of a traditional hoodie, while the rest of the coat is made of quilted nylon puff. “We like Telfar and I think this is such a warm coat,” Winfrey says while wearing the cream version of the coat.

“We like it because we like Telfar,” King adds while showing off her look in a yellow coat and matching bad. “The color and the bag together it’s very chic, we like it. and he’s got good color variety, too.”

While King wore a pair of her go-to blue Sneex on her feet, Winfrey opted for a pair of Monili Trim Platform Sneaker by Brunello Cucinelli, which retail for $995. The shoes are a polyester knit and suede low-top sneakers with metallic beaded monili detailing.

The Italian made sneaker feature a flat heel, a round embellished-cap toe, a lace-up vamp, a cushioned footbed, a rubber outsole, and leather lining.

Winfrey has been rocking a variety of Cucinelli’s sneakers, and dressing them up and down for a range of events. Most recently, she showed her support for Kamala Harris taking the stage at a rally in Philadelphia ahead of the presidential election wearing a pair of white leather sneakers with molini mesh to the event. She wore a pair of white and gray canvas sneakers from the luxury brand while out and about in NYC in the summer, and again in September while heading to a taping of “Good Morning America.”

Oprah’s Style Through the Years

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The celebrities including Ashley Graham, Coco Jones, Luka Sabbat, Jodie Woods, Davido, Skylar Diggins-Smith, Chris Brickley, Liza Soberano, Dom Gabril and Zack Lugo were treated to unparalleled views of the track, surrounded by the electrifying energy of the event.

Puma also held their Speedcat launch event on Thursday, Nov. 21 featuring appearances from Paris Hilton and Emily Ratajkowski, and also opened the doors to its second North American flagship store in Las Vegas this week to coincide with Sin City’s Formula One weekend. Scroll through to see photos from Puma’s big weekend.