Soletrader is a British footwear retailer with roots stretching back to the 1940s, when its predecessor company Boro and Redmond Ltd was wholesaling and importing shoes across the UK. That heritage gives the brand deep knowledge of quality footwear, and today Soletrader stocks over 140 brands for men and women, from everyday trainers and sandals to boots and occasionwear. Their catalogue at the time this brochure was issued featured well-known names including Birkenstock, Converse, Vans, and Dr. Martens alongside sustainable and vegan-focused labels.
Whether you needed summer sandals, smart shoes for a wedding, comfortable work footwear, or a fresh pair of trainers, Soletrader aimed to cover every occasion under one roof. With 28 standalone UK stores and concessions in major department stores, as well as an international website, the brand made it straightforward to find the right pair at the right price. The mix of high-street, shopping-centre, and outlet-centre locations meant that value options sat alongside full-price collections.
Soletrader built a reputation for championing eco-conscious footwear at a time when sustainable options were still a niche consideration. Brands such as v.gan, Veja, Blowfish, and Inyati featured prominently in their sustainable range, offering customers styles made without animal-derived materials or with reduced environmental impact. This focus on ethical sourcing set Soletrader apart from many mainstream shoe retailers of the period.
One notable piece of Soletrader history is its connection to Dr. Martens: the company's predecessor Boro and Redmond Ltd placed the very first retail order for Dr. Martens Airwair boots with R. Griggs & Son, helping to launch one of the most recognisable footwear brands in the world. That early eye for standout brands continued to define the retailer's buying approach for decades.
Soletrader carried a broad range including trainers, casual shoes, boots, sandals, and occasion footwear for both men and women. At the time this brochure was produced, the website listed products from over 140 brands covering everything from everyday styles to premium and sustainable lines.
The range included well-known names such as Birkenstock, Converse, Vans, and Dr. Martens, alongside sustainability-focused labels like v.gan, Veja, Blowfish, and Inyati. The mix of mainstream and specialist brands gave shoppers a wide choice at varying price points.
Yes. Soletrader stocked a dedicated selection of vegan and sustainable footwear brands. Labels such as v.gan and Veja were highlighted as part of their ethical range, providing animal-free alternatives without compromising on style or quality.
At the time this brochure was current, Soletrader operated 28 standalone UK stores trading across high streets, shopping centres, and outlet centres, plus four department store concessions. They also sold internationally through their website.
Soletrader traces its origins to Boro and Redmond Ltd, a footwear wholesaler active from the 1940s. That company famously placed the first order for Dr. Martens Airwair boots, a moment that helped spark the growth of one of Britain's most iconic shoe brands and laid the groundwork for the Soletrader retail chain.
At the time this catalogue was live, Soletrader ran a newsletter programme offering subscribers member-only deals, new product announcements, and seasonal updates. Visitors to their website could sign up directly. As this brochure is now archived, we recommend checking Soletrader's current website for their latest sign-up options.
Note: this brochure is from our archive and may no longer reflect current availability, pricing, or product ranges. It is preserved here for reference purposes.
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