European Shoemaker Competition 2026

In 2025 the European Shoemaker Competition will be held. The organisation is in the hands of the Dutch Shoemaker Organisation (NSV) in cooperation with the Dutch Shoe Academy.

The goal of the European Shoemaker competition is to demonstrate and compare the technical knowledge included in our craft on a European level.

At the same time we can promote our products and services with the European Shoemaker competition. We can build up the image, reputation and the quality of the shoemakers and shoe repairers trade.

The current framework hasn't changed. Some years ago, a new category was introduced, "pimped shoes". This category was taken out. More information can be found in the conditions of participation

Our association tried to translate the conditions of participation as good as possible.
Unfortunately our native language is not English and we did not have the financial possibilities to translate them by an official bureau. However we would be very pleased if foreign participants would participate in our European Shoemaker Competition. You van find the application form here.

The participation in the contest will cost € 75,00 exclusive of VAT, including VAT € 90,75, for each application/competition piece. Students receive a reduction of € 10,00 exclusive of VAT, on the applicable price.

Foreign participants pay € 50,00 extra outside Europe and € 20,00 for Europeans. This is a surcharge for the fact that the return sending costs a lot more.

Competition pieces for which the expense contribution and the postage fee is not paid properly will be refused.

The expense contribution has to be in our possession before December 31, 2025.

PayPal is also possible, there is an extra fee for costs.

When you withdraw after December 31 2025, your fee will not be reimbursed.

Please make sure you don't write a value on the post packet with your competition piece. We know your entry is "priceless" but otherwise customs fee have to be paid. Because they think we have bought something abroad. And we will send your entry for the competition after judged and displaying in return.

If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to contact us via:
e-mail info@schoenmaker.nl or telephone +31226423685.

Kind regards,
Margret Hoekenga-Idema
Secretary general of the Dutch Shoemakers Association