Hush Puppies has revealed the top 20 semifinalists in a shoe design competition.

More than 700 entries were whittled down to 20 as the classic footwear brand seeks to find the best young designer around.

The Guardian has posted the 20 shortlisted designs on its website and reports that the competition was opened to international entrants after it caught the imagination of those outside the UK.

Members of the public can vote for one of the finalists, with the other four selected by a panel of judges. The overall winner will be announced in October and will have their design come to life and hit the shelves.

Earlier this summer, Hush Puppies vice-president of global markets Dani Zizak announced details of some of the lines that the shoemaker will be releasing in 2010.

The Madera sculpted wedge heel, the Split Second womans sports shoe and hand-sewn Viva Mocs are among the styles that will be available.

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