Daniel Charkow/Shoe Man Dan (2000 -2024)
Canadian shoe designer and shoemaker, rising star in the shoe industry. His appreciation for hand-tooling and sustainability are key features in his designs. Inspired by Lady Gaga’s fierce fashion and bold choices, he created his first shoe at the age of twelve. Falling in love with the art, Daniel pursued shoemaking at the Art and Sole Academy in Toronto under the guidance of master instructor Jennifer Alison.
Charkow has interned with many brands including Steve Madden, Aldo, Ron White, John Fluevog and Mellow Walk. Each of these internships has helped Daniel learn the complexities of the shoe industry. Daniel graduated in shoe design at the London College of Fashion in 2023. Worked as junior designer at Sophia Webster in London, England UK.
Winner of the Cordwainers Cup for Excellence 2023.
Winner of the Global footwear awards Woman’s Fashion & Artistic Footwear 2023.
In 2026 Cordwainers UK hands out the first The Daniel Charkow Emerging Sole Award that will recognise a rising talent in shoe design and/or making who embodies the qualities that defined Daniel’s work and carries forward the values Daniel championed – creative courage, meticulous craft and a deep respect for the art of shoemaking. The winner will receive a £1500 award from the Charkow family.
© Daniel Charkow.
