Pick the best sneaker design and stand a chance to win $500 in vouchers

Three voters will win $500 worth of vouchers each for picking the winning design from the top 20 entries of the inaugural Design Your Sneaker Competition.

The contest, which is organised by Sneaker Con SEA 2025 and SPH Media, will be open for public voting from Feb 8 to 16. Subscribers of The Straits Times are eligible to vote once.

To take part, voters must enter the corresponding code of their chosen design on the voting website, and submit a short write-up on what makes the design stand out, along with their contact details.

The three winning voters will be selected from among those who chose the top winning design, based on their write-up. They must be present at Sneaker Con SEA 2025 at Marina Bay Sands Expo and Convention Centre Halls E and F on Feb 23 to collect their prize.

The top three designs will be selected from the 20 finalists of the competition, based on a combination of public votes and judges' scores.

The first-, second- and third-place winners will take home $3,000, $2,000 and $1,000 respectively, along with a pair of limited-edition sneakers.

There will also be seven consolation prizes of sneaker vouchers and exclusive merchandise worth up to $200 each.

The 20 finalists were decided by a panel of judges that included representatives from SPH Media and Sneaker Con SEA.

The competition was open to ST subscribers aged 16 to 25.

Ms Liyana Morrison, general manager (Singapore) of O4X, which organised Sneaker Con SEA 2025, said: "We're excited to see the bold designs, unique stories and fresh perspectives that will shape the future of sneaker design."

Head of Radio at SPH Media, Mr Sim Hong Huat, said: "I'm truly impressed by the creativity these young people have shown in our first-ever sneaker design competition.

"Their sneaker designs showcase fresh, original thinking."

You can vote for the designs at https://contest.sph.com.sg/campaigns/sph-x-sneakercon-voting/

Here are the top 20 entries:

Design 1

Submitted by: Alexis Tang Kay, 17

Design Story: "My design features spider motifs and abstract patterns inspired by alternative fashion. This design aims to embrace the unconventional and promote individuality through bright colours and spider designs that many find repulsive. The frayed denim pushes the limits of what is considered normal."

Design 2

Submitted by: Angel Loke Jiayi, 20

Design Story: "I designed a shoe inspired by the symbolism of a snake. To honour Chinese culture, the snake's form is painted in a style of traditional Chinese ink painting. This design merges cultural heritage with modern footwear, wisdom and the festive spirit of Chinese New Year."

Design 3

Submitted by: Benjamin Chang, 18

Design Story: "I wanted to represent Singapore's culture in a visually interesting way, which led me to take inspiration from a documentary I loved made by Netflix on how Nike designer Tinker Hatfield sat with Michael Jordan (MJ) and came up with icons to represent MJ's childhood till his career in order to design the Jordan 20."

Design 4

Submitted by: Chong Qian Hui, 17

Design Story: "My concept is a dream-like vibe accompanied by sparkly elements, consisting of three pastel colours - blue, pink and yellow."

Design 5

Submitted by: Genevieve Eio Chin Hwee, 17

Design Story: "This design fuses comic book aesthetics with street art, creating a bold, energetic feel. Expressive monster-like characters with dark outlines add a dynamic edge, high-contrast colours enhance its striking appeal. Inspired by my love for street art and quirky creatures, this piece reflects my passion."

Design 6

Submitted by: Afiqah Adilah Muhamad Rizan, 17

Design Story: "I hope to achieve a sense of fluidity from the artwork, hence I used mostly the colour blue. Fluidity helps represent freedom, and the eye represents imagination. The imagination of freedom, a childlike dream."

Design 7

Submitted by: Kimberley Higgs, 18

Design Story: "Retro Raceway is based on the aesthetic of Vaporwave, which captures the nostalgia of the 80s. Being an avid motorsports fan, I also wanted to integrate some racing elements into the design, so I added a racetrack, as well as a pattern resembling the chequered flag for the base of the shoe."

Design 8

Submitted by: Cherie Kok Lexin, 17

Design Story: "Inspired by the ocean's wonders, my concept transforms into an underwater world, blending sea creatures like pufferfish, seals, sharks and jellyfish. Pop wave elements enhance fluidity, while vibrant colours create a lively, rhythmic under-the-sea vibe with playful movement and whimsical composition."

Design 9

Submitted by: Jeslyn Lee Kai Wei, 20

Design Story: "My design reflects Singapore's identity with orchids, symbolising the Garden City. Peranakan patterns highlight our multicultural heritage, and dark red shows national pride. Hidden orchid details and flowing shapes add surprise and elegance, blending nature, culture and unity."

Design 10

Submitted by: Low Li Ching, 20

Design Story: "I have always loved cosmic themes and wanted to design with that in mind. I also want to say the message, 'Everyone has their unique shine. No star or constellation is the same, but we equally shine beautifully together.' Whoever wears this shoe is their own 'star', and I want them to dazzle wearing it."

Design 11

Submitted by: Maverick Koh Ren Kit, 19

Design Story: "I drew inspiration from my interest in snakes to create a design that combined the details of Chinese blue porcelain I had seen in body tattoos, which inspired my creative process in this design, and I conceptualised a shoe that would blend these two distinct elements together."

Design 12

Submitted by: Nadya Batrisyia Rizduan, 19

Design Story: "My design was inspired by Tim Burton movies such as Beetlejuice and Alice In Wonderland. I wanted to make the shoe look unique with abstract designs and with bold colours that pop. Overall, making the appearance look fun and fantasy-like."

Design 13

Submitted by: Nur Rasyiqah Zil Husham, 24

Design Story: "In celebration of Singapore's 60th birthday, this sneaker showcases a dynamic and trendy paisley design featuring the vibrant Vanda Miss Joaquim. Blending floral elegance with modern flair, it honours Singapore's rich heritage and growth, creating a unique, stylish tribute to the nation's journey."

Design 14

Submitted by: Shanya Tok, 19

Design Story: "I designed a unisex futuristic-themed shoe for teens, tackling South-east Asia's fast fashion waste problem by using recycled fabric and denim; the shoes aim for sustainability and style, incorporating blue and green as the main colours, as they also symbolise harmony and peace."

Design 15

Submitted by: Sarah Gwee E-Xuan, 19

Design Story: "No Rain, No Rainbows is a reflection of a student's life. Just as storms lead to rainbows, our struggles shape brighter tomorrows. I hope all the students would understand that your pain will become your greatest strength, and, one day, you will triumph. No pain, no gain!"

Design 16

Submitted by: Seah Mei Yuan, 18

Design Story: "The artwork blends Singapore's history and marine wildlife: an octopus with Chinese porcelain art, a manta ray with Nyonya batik, and orchids to honour Singapore's 60th birthday."

Design 17

Submitted by: Chloe Yan Ying Xuan, 20

Design Story: "The flowers are lilies, symbolising life and remembrance, and the warm colours mean happiness and passion for creating. This represents bringing a design to 'life' with the passion I have for art. The diamond pattern represents the strength to push through difficulties."

Design 18

Submitted by: Yap Yan Ting, 17

Design Story: "Doodles on the shoe to make it look worn, with sharp edges and points to give it a rebellious and punk look as if the shoe had street graffiti on it."

Design 19

Submitted by: Ynes Leong, 17

Design Story: "This design radiates joy, inspired by sunshine, nature and nostalgia. The playful sun and vibrant florals bring a carefree, youthful vibe, while the hand-drawn style adds a personal touch. It's all about spreading positivity and creativity with every step."

Design 20

Submitted by: Genevie Sara Lim Siang Ern, 16

Design Story: "My shoe design is influenced by my Peranakan heritage. It embodies a phoenix, peonies and butterflies, which are frequently seen on Peranakan designs, clothing and ornaments. I decided to use this design as an alternative to the normal beaded slippers that were traditionally worn."