Vote! SJ x SONS sneaker design contest

The sneaker design contest ran from September to November 2024 and we were blown away by the talent and creativity of all participants. Now you can vote (until August 31st) and decide who will become the ultimate winner! Only one of these five finalists will see their design produced as a limited edition of 200 pairs.

In December 2024 an expert jury (including VirtualShoeMuseum) carefully selected the five winning design:

Jente Claes
This shoe features a striking silver puffer-jacket material upper paired with a contrasting black rubber sole, combining sleek urban aesthetics with bold texture. It’s a stylish statement piece that blends practicality with a futuristic edge (www.virtualshoemuseum.com/jente-claes/jente).

Milan Declerck
Designed with sustainability in mind, this sneaker repurposes sleeping bags and tents abandoned at festivals into a fashionable and functional upper. It’s a creative response to waste, turning leftovers into a bold and meaningful style statement (www.virtualshoemuseum.com/milan-declerck/milan).

Adèle Dendaletche
Blurring the line between clothing and footwear, this hybrid sneaker draws inspiration from shirt detailing to create unique volumes and aesthetics. Made with organic or recycled cotton and reinforced with leather, it merges comfort with sustainability and style (www.virtualshoemuseum.com/adele-dendaletche/adele).

Lieven Lamote
Inspired by the shared mythology of East and West, this sneaker incorporates elements of the dragon — a symbol of power, prosperity, and longevity. The design reflects a harmonious blend of Eurasian influences, paying homage to its rich cultural significwww.virtualshoemuseum.com/lieven-lamote/lieven).

Zoë Rahman
Crafted from recycled denim, this shoe redefines the denim industry’s impact by giving the fabric a vibrant second life. With bold airbrushed green and pink hues creating a graffiti-like effect, it celebrates urban energy, sustainability, and creative streetwear (virtualshoemuseum.com/zoe-rahman/zoe).

These five finalists have won:
• Two exclusive workshops with our team to bring their sneaker designs to life. 
• An unforgettable trip to our offices in China, including a visit to Hong Kong.
• Online visibility and a place in the prestigious Shoes Or No Shoes museum.

Now it’s your turn!
Only one of these five finalists will see their design produced as a limited edition of 200 pairs and you get to decide who will become the ultimate winner! But that’s not all. By voting for your favorite design, you’ll also enter for a chance to win a year’s supply of free SJ sneakers!
You can cast your vote until August 31st.

Want to see the sneakers in real life?
Visit the Shoes Or No Shoes Museum in Belgium on tuesdays and thursdays between 13:30 and 17:30.
Or on one of these four Saturdays June 7, 14, 21 and 28 also from 13:30 to 17:30.