💛 20 Years of SoleLution: Comfort, Care & Community

SoleLution team celebrating 20 years

It’s hard to believe that SoleLution is celebrating its 20th birthday this month! 🎉

Two decades of comfort, care and community — and what a journey it’s been.

From those early days unpacking boxes in our little Portishead shop to welcoming customers from all over the UK, SoleLution has always been about one simple idea: helping people find shoes that make their feet — and their hearts — happy.

This October, we’re celebrating not just how far we’ve come, but the wonderful community that’s supported us every step of the way.

Hush Puppy Dog outside SoleLution's first shop in Portishead on opening day 2005

👣 How It All Started

Twenty years ago, SoleLution was born out of a belief that shoe shopping could be better.
Better for your feet. Better for your comfort. Better for your wellbeing.

From the start, we’ve been passionate about the fit of every pair we sell. Not just selling shoes, but helping you find the ones that truly work for you — whether that means the perfect school shoes for little feet or supportive, stylish options for adults who spend all day on theirs.

And while the brands, trends, and displays have changed a lot since 2005, our approach hasn’t: 

We take the time to listen, to measure, and to care.

That’s what has made SoleLution a local favourite — and why customers still travel to Portishead to see us, even after 20 years.

🏠 The SoleLution Spirit: Community First

Over the years, SoleLution has grown to be more than just a shoe shop.
It’s a space filled with smiles, stories, and people who genuinely care about one another.

We’ve had customers who visited for their first school shoes now come back as parents themselves.  We’ve laughed, chatted, fitted countless pairs of shoes, and — more than once — shared a few happy tears too.

That sense of community is at the heart of everything we do. Whether it’s helping a mum find the right fit for her child, advising someone with problem feet on comfortable options, or supporting local causes, SoleLution has always been about people first.

And that’s something we’ll never change. 💛

🎂 This October: A Birthday to Remember!

So, how do you celebrate 20 years of happy feet? With plenty of fun, of course!

From Thursday 16th to Saturday 18th October, we’re inviting everyone to join us for a weekend full of joy, shoes, and surprises.

In-store, you’ll find our Spin the Wheel game with exclusive discounts, treats, and even the chance to win a pair of shoes!  And because we never want our online customers to miss out, you can Spin the Wheel on our website too.

There’ll be cake and something sparkly in-store on Saturday, so if you’re nearby, pop in for a slice, a smile, and maybe a prize or two 🎈

It’s our way of saying thank you — for supporting an independent business, for trusting our team, and for helping SoleLution grow from a local shoe shop into something truly special.

🌍 SoleLution with Heart: Supporting Educate the Kids

Pupil at Jolaurabi School receiving a new pair of red shoes holding her old shoes

This year, we’re also marking our 20th birthday with something deeply meaningful to us — our continued support for Educate the Kids and the incredible children at Jolaurabi School in Kenya.

If you’ve followed us for a while, you’ll know how close this charity is to our hearts.
It all started back in 2017, when a simple conversation in the shop led to a life-changing trip to Kenya — and a lasting connection with the charity Educate the Kids.

Since then, we’ve collected shoes, visited Jolaurabi School, and seen first-hand how education changes lives.

This month, we’re aiming to sponsor 20 children — one for every year of SoleLution — giving them the chance to learn, grow and step into a brighter future.

It costs just £11 a month to sponsor a child, and every penny goes directly to the charity.
If you’d like to help, you can find out more at educatethekids.com.

Because at SoleLution, we believe shoes can change lives — and sometimes, that change starts with a single step.


👢 Stepping into the New Season

Lady wearing a pair of Rieker boots on a leafy path

Of course, it wouldn’t be autumn without a few new favourites on our shelves. 🍂

This season, we’ve handpicked a stunning range of styles to help you step into the cooler months in comfort and confidence.

From Fly London’s bold and beautiful boots to Rieker’s waterproof wonders, Josef Seibel’s crafted classics, and Skechers slip-on comfort — there’s something for every style, every day, and every pair of feet.

Whether you’re heading out for autumn walks, dashing to work, or meeting friends for coffee, we’ve got you covered.

And yes — you can Spin the Wheel while you shop these too (in-store or online)! 😉


💛 Here’s to the Next 20 Years

As we blow out our candles this week, we can’t help but feel so grateful.  For every loyal customer who’s trusted us to look after their feet,  For every new face who’s discovered us online, And for every local friend who’s supported an independent business through thick and thin.

You’ve made SoleLution what it is today.

And as we step into the next chapter, our promise remains the same:  To help you find shoes that feel good, fit right, and make every step that little bit happier. 💛

THANK YOU,

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