The winner of the Hush Puppies competition

The five finalists gather together before the winner is announced Photograph: PR/Nick Delaney

Drawing on the style of the moment - the shoe-boot - Cathryn Nicholson's design was one that we could imagine wearing to Christmas parties this year. With diamante studs adorning the heel, a peep-toe, and a velvet bow at the back, it was an ultra-glam design which would work well teamed with a miniskirt or party dress Photograph: PR/Nick Delaney

Georgina Wray's design would function as a shoe for work and play. With a low heel and wide strap across the front, it would be entirely possible to run for the bus while wearing it. We liked its clean, modern lines and the duffle toggle fastening Photograph: PR/Nick Delaney

Yes, that's a real parrot perched upon Heidi Henderson's wrist! Her design was inspired by a vintage birdcage she bought to decorate her home. The shoe's high heel was adorned with an embroidered tropical bird, and the pastel colours evoked a real springtime feeling Photograph: PR/Nick Delaney

The inspiration for Sarah Rygielski's design came from the book The Elves and The Shoemaker. We, however, thought it had more than a touch of The Arabian Nights about it. Its rich purple colour and jewelled exterior seemed to fit better inside Aladdin's cave than the elves' workshop.

The comfortable flat-heeled design zipped up at the back with a snazzy little toggle. We'd have been very happy to slip these on with skinny black jeans or even a pair of harem trousers, a la the genie! Photograph: PR/Nick Delaney

And the winner is ... Laura Berry!

Laura's design was inspired by her own search for a shoe that comfortable and versatile enough to take her from day to evening. She drew inspiration from shapes and architecture from the 50s and 60s, but also from another source: 'I entered the competition at a time when I was looking for a first pair of shoes for my daughter. I was seeing a lot of T-bars around and really thought that could work on an adult's shoe too.'

As a textiles teacher, she enjoyed experimenting with fabric and tried out many different kinds before she found the gingham pattern which was a scrap from one of her lessons Photograph: PR/Nick Delaney

Now that she's won, Laura has big plans for the future: 'I'd like to be able to design for a living. I think a lot of people are like me - they teach a creative subject but wish they had more time to do their own thing. I feel lucky that I'm going to have the chance to make a living from what I love doing' Photograph: PR/Nick Delaney