In late November 2016, the 30th Annual Footwear News Achievement Awards took place at the IAC Headquarters in New York, and fan favorite Rihanna won the Shoe of the Year award in her Fenty Puma Creepers. She was the first woman to win the award, joining the ranks of Kanye West and Stan Smith.
Rihanna rocked a street-chic look with her Fenty Puma Creepers, a velvet maxi skirt, and sparkling accessories at the 30th Annual Footwear News Achievement Awards
During her acceptance speech, she expressed pride in being a young woman from Barbados. The Barbadian singer and businesswoman credited her collaborator, Jahleel Weaver, and others for helping bring her vision for the Creepers to life. She emphasized her desire for the shoe to be a key part of the Fenty brand, though she didn’t expect its popularity.
“I would literally send them my sneakers one by one and say, ‘Can you creep this out for me?’” she revealed about the inspiration behind the style.
“I wanted this shoe to be part of the Fenty brand. I wanted it to be the first thing people saw because that’s what I was into at the time,” added Rihanna. “I didn’t expect people to love it the way that I do.”
Rihanna walked the red carpet in Fenty Puma Creepers on November 29, 2016, at the Footwear News Achievement Awards
Known for their flat, thick-soled “creeper” platform, the Puma Suede Creeper sneakers sold out within hours. Inspired by British punk culture, the Creeper style has transcended the typical celebrity endorsement, primarily due to Rihanna’s influence. She was seen sporting custom creepers as early as 2014, well before they became an “It shoe” in mainstream fashion.
Rihanna arrived at the awards show in a Vetements x Juicy Couture ensemble paired with black-and-white Fenty Puma Creepers.
Rihanna adds a touch of sparkle to her look with a diamond anklet paired with her award-winning Fenty Puma Creepers
The “Work” singer proudly flaunted the coveted shoe as she walked the red carpet at the awards. Her award-winning Creepers, which have taken her last name “Fenty,” come in various colors, including army green, white, beige, and black with white.
Rihanna wearing a Vetements x Juicy Couture ensemble paired with her Fenty Puma Creepers and sparkling accessories
Rihanna was street-chic in a velvet maxi skirt, a long-sleeved shirt, and a baseball cap. She added sparkle with an ankle bracelet, arm cuffs, a necklace, and earrings. This was not one of her best looks, but it went well with the vibe of her sneakers.
Rihanna makes history as the first female recipient of the Shoe of the Year award
Rihanna in a velvet maxi skirt and long-sleeved shirt at the Footwear News Achievement Awards on November 29, 2016 (Credit: Ivan Nikolov / WENN)
The Fenty Puma by Rihanna Creepers have completely sold out, further demonstrating why she truly deserved the Shoe of the Year award.
The Fenty Puma Creepers, designed by Rihanna, feature a bold platform sole and sleek suede design, available in various color combinations