Footwear News (FN) today announced that Pharrell Williams and Adidas will receive the Shoe of the Year Award at the 2025 FN Achievement Awards (FNAAs), recognizing the Virginia Adistar Jellyfish by Pharrell Williams, a collaboration that unites innovative design, creativity, and cultural resonance.
“I dreamed of a shoe that felt alive, something that moved like water, that had its own rhythm, energy and glow,” said Pharrell Williams. “The Virginia Adistar Jellyfish started as a really big idea that we kept pushing, shaping, refining until it became real. I wanted it to feel fluid, futuristic, and free, not just another shoe but a living design. Seeing people connect with that spirit is the most rewarding part.”
“Pharrell’s partnership with Adidas continues to redefine what creative collaboration in footwear can look like, pushing boundaries in both design and storytelling,” said Michael Atmore, Chief Brand Officer of Fairchild Media Group and Editorial Director of Footwear News and Editor-in-Chief, WWD. “The Virginia Adistar Jellyfish reflects his singular ability to connect culture, community, and craft.”
The much-anticipated FNAAs, often known as the “Shoe Oscars,” willreturn on December 3, 2025, at an all-new venue, Cipriani 25 Broadway in New York City. The annual red carpet and awards ceremony celebrate footwear’s influential style stars, standout collaborations, emerging talents and industry leaders.
This year marks the 39th annual FN Achievement Awards, honoring designer and philanthropist Tommy Hilfiger with the Lifetime Achievement Award, alongside a lineup of honorees shaping the future of fashion, sport, and retail.
2025 FNAA Honorees (to date)
- Shoe of the Year: Virginia Adistar Jellyfish by Pharrell Williams
- Lifetime Achievement Award: Tommy Hilfiger
- Person of the Year: Ronnie Fieg
- Company of the Year: Wolverine Worldwide
- Designer of the Year: Nina Christen
- Retailer of the Year: Nordstrom
- Brand of the Year: Jordan Brand
- Collaboration of the Year: New Balance x Miu Miu
- Style Influencer of the Year: Coco Gauff
- Launch of the Year: Favorite Daughter
- Emerging Talent Award: Jurgita Dileviciute and Denitsa Bumbarova
- Hall of Fame: Michael Greenberg; Laura O’Brien; Massimo and Sabrina Bonini