Latest news with #DocMartens
Scottish Sun
4 days ago
- Business
- Scottish Sun
I've raked in over £10k on Vinted – I started with my old clothes & now a little-known site helps me cash in
Including new Vinted rules sellers need to be aware of CHA-CHING I've raked in over £10k on Vinted – I started with my old clothes & now a little-known site helps me cash in Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A CASH-SAVVY mum has revealed how she went from flogging items she was no longer using to raking in over £10,000 on Vinted. With the rising costs making our wallets feel tighter than ever, millions of individuals are on the lookout for easy ways to make some extra cash. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 The money-smart mum started by flogging items she now longer used Credit: tiktok/@isabella.98x 2 Since then, she's made more than £10,000 on the popular platform - scroll down to find out how Credit: tiktok/@isabella.98x One such viral side hustle is Vinted - a platform similar to eBay and Facebook Marketplace where you can sell pre-loved clothing, technology and so much more. Since its launch in 2008 by two Lithuanians, the platform has grown massively - in the UK alone, it has an astronomical 16 million users – nearly one-quarter of the population, as reported by The Guardian. With the sellers enjoying the benefit of listing without commission and the buyer dealing with the service fee of the postage, it's easy to see why the tech start-up has become such a major hit all over the world and amongst Brits. But if you ever feel like you're not making any sales and the old rags are just taking up unnecessary space in your wardrobe, one seller, mum Isabella, may have the solution. Despite joining Vinted just seven months ago, in December 2024, the cash-savvy mum has made an eye-watering fortune of £10,470. According to Isabella, who posts under the username @isabella.98x, she kicked off the side hustle by flogging stuff she ''no longer used''. However, the mother then ventured into selling items she had spotted elsewhere, such as at car boot sales and second-hand shops. More recently, she shared in a video, Isabella has started sourcing a range of products from a little-known site - Fleek. Whether you're on the hunt for jeans, polo shirts or even Lululemon gear, the wholesale marketplace offers a huge variety of true vintage clothing - which is a strong trend on Vinted. Some of the brands to look out for include Levi's, Burberry, Nike, The North Face, as well as the legendary and iconic Doc Martens - and more. I made £550 in 48 hours reselling clothes but NOT on Vinted - I found a platform where sellers get the full asking price - Spilling the beans on how she's managed to make a fortune, Isabella said in the comments that consistency was key. ''Just been very consistent with posting everyday and trying to source things to sell weekly.'' Following the huge success, the mum has also become ''a fully registered business who declares everything'' to comply with the new Vinted rules. Firms like Vinted now have to pass on customer data to HMRC if a user sells 30 or more items a year, or earns over £1,700. New Vinted rules to be aware of IF you fancy clearing out your wardrobe and getting rid of your old stuff on Vinted, you'll need to consider the new rules that recently came into play. If people are selling personal items for less than they paid new (which is generally the case for second-hand sales), there is no impact on tax. However, since January 1, digital platforms, including eBay, Airbnb, Etsy, Amazon and Vinted, must share seller information with HMRC as part of a crackdown. You're unlikely to be affected if you only sell a handful of second-hand items online each year - generally, only business sellers trading for profit might need to pay tax. A tax-free allowance of £1,000 has been in place since 2017 for business sellers trading for profit - the only time that an individual personal item might be taxable is if it sells for more than £6,000 and there is a profit from the sale. However, firms now have to pass on your data to HMRC if you sell 30 or more items a year or earn over £1,700. It is part of a wider tax crackdown to help ensure that those who boost their income via side hustles pay up what they owe. While your data won't be shared with HMRC if you earn between £1,000 and £1,700, you'll still need to pay tax as normal. The new rules were brought in from the start of 2024. Before that, some people making extra income still had to report their profits to HMRC. But now Vinted and other selling platforms and marketplaces like Depop and eBay share data directly with the taxman. It is part of a wider tax crackdown to help ensure that those who boost their income via side hustles pay up what they owe. ''I also resell on Amazon and eBay so already have a business set up for that so I just added this onto my business too,'' Isabella went on. '10k on Vinted is insane' Since being shared online, Isabella's epic success has left people open-mouthed, as the video racked up close to 250k views in just one day. More than 2,400 social media users gave the clip a like, as a further 162 flooded to comments. One seller cried: ''lmfao i've only made £60 must be nice.'' ''Go on then!!!'' a second chimed in. ''10k on Vinted is insane,'' another couldn't believe the astronomical sum.
Tom's Guide
28-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Tom's Guide
Keen Whisper sandals review: Not-so-cheap, not-so-cheerful
If you enjoy long walks and casual hiking, you'll need a pair of sandals that's breathable and quick to dry — like the Keen Whisper sandals for women. These sandals feature an easy-to-wear pull-on design so you can put them on within seconds, and they have toe protectors that keep debris and pebbles out. If you want to take them to the beach, they're quick drying, too. But these aren't the most comfortable sandals out there. While they're comfortable for everyday use, their straps tend to rub against little toes, and the arch support feels non-existent. The Whispers aren't earning any accolades at Paris Fashion Week either. Should you ditch the best hiking boots for these? Read my full Keen Whisper sandals review to find out. Specs Keen Whisper Price $120 / £90 Size availability (women's) U.S. 5-12 U.K. 2.5-9.5 Weight 9.88 ounces per sandal Colors (women's) Various, including: Granite Green/Peach Parfait, Black/Magnet, Cayenne/Fired Brick, Original Tie Dye, Taupe/Coral, etc. Material PFAS-free polyester Waterproofing Yes (no Gore-Tex) The Keen Whisper sandals are available for women only. In the U.S., they have a retail price of $120 at both Amazon and the Keen webstore. In the U.K., they retail for £90 at both Amazon and Keen. These sandals come in 13 different colors, and I won't bore you by listing all of them, but some examples include Cayenne/Fired Brick, Original Tie Dye, Dark Shadow/Ceramic and Chalk Violet/English Lavender. I tested the Granite Green/Peach Parfait colorway, which looks good but is bright enough to draw a fair bit of attention. There's also a range of sizes available. Americans will be able to buy the sandals in sizes 5-12, while Brits can get them in sizes 2.5-9.5. Half sizes are available in both countries, too. As I said, the Whispers are available for women only, but I'd honestly describe them as unisex, at least in the darker colorways. Men don't need to feel left out, though, as the Keen Hyperport H2 sandals ($120) are great alternatives available in both men's and women's sizes, and share the same price. Much like the Keen Hyperport H2 sandals, the Keen Whispers have what can be best described as a divisive design. As someone who rotates between Doc Martens, the Keen Zionic Mid hiking boots ($170) and the Salomon Super Cross 4 Gore-Tex shoes, the Whispers aren't shoes I'd usually go for. You get to choose from 13 different colorways, as I mentioned. Personally, I don't think any of the colors (yes, even black) make the sandals more fashionable. But I suppose the primary focus here is function over form. And that almost rings true, because the Whispers are comfortable… but not for long periods. Let's start with the things the sandals do well first. The Whispers are wearable straight out of the box and don't need to be broken in, just like the Zionic Mids. They sport a pull-on design with zero velcro or laces so you can slip them on in seconds. They can then be tightened via the bungee lacing. Unlike the Hyperport H2s, the Whispers sport Keen's Contoured Fit design (also seen on the Zionic Mids), which, compared to a straight or wide fit, is narrower. This helps the sandals fit snugly around your feet. The soles have a decent level of bounciness to them. The foam midsoles have lightweight cushioning, while the insoles' foam is shock-absorbent. The latter provides impact protection from the ground, floors and pavement. If you jump from, say, a boulder to the ground, you won't feel the impact as much as you would with sandals/shoes that aren't shock-absorbent. Each sandal also features rubber toe protectors — or 'bumpers,' as Keen calls them. These keep rocks and debris from getting in, especially when traversing rocky terrain or standing on a sandy seabed. It works as intended. No debris got inside the sandals when I stood in an ankle-depth stream in the woods. The protectors also shielded my toes effectively when walking over muddy and pebbly ground, too. Not all is right in the world, though. While my feet remained free of blisters after four days of wearing the Whispers, each morning I hesitated to wear them again. That's because the sandals' front straps kept rubbing against my pinky toes, and it kept happening regardless of how tightly or loosely I wore the Whispers. Wearing socks negated the issue, so that's what I did the second time I went on a long walk — but I immediately felt my coolness factor drop another few points. Another issue with the Whispers is that the arch support feels non-existent. Arch support helps with proper weight distribution and posture maintenance, so having none can add extra pressure to certain parts of your feet, which ultimately can result in fatigue and discomfort — I'll discuss my experience in the performance section below. The Keen Whispers are a decent pair of sandals, but I don't think they're as good as the Keen Hyperports H2s. I found the Whispers more comfortable while wearing socks, but this meant that I had to be careful dipping my feet into water lest I have soggy socks. The Whispers are great for trails and walks, thanks to how grippy they are. I went on a few long walks in and around Bath and Bristol in south-west England, and I found the sandals up to the task, whether walking on jagged rocks, a muddy woodland floor, or gravel. I didn't lose my grip even when jumping from a boulder to the ground. While the Whispers aren't the lightest sandals, weighing 9.88 ounces each, they still didn't feel so heavy that I was dragging my feet. They're heavier than the Hyperport H2s (9.2oz each) and the Keen Zionic Mids (8.11oz each). I still had a spring in my step when wearing the Whispers. As is the nature of sandals, I found the Whispers very breathable. My feet didn't get too hot or sweaty even when walking in 26°C / 78.8°F heat. The Whispers also utilize eco-friendly, pesticide-free anti-odor technology that keeps bad smells at bay, so you don't have to worry about bad odor emitting from them after a long day of walking. Similar to other Keen shoes and sandals, the Whispers use Keen's proprietary waterproofing rather than Gore-Tex. Water will, of course, get in because these sandals aren't closed off. But the good news is that they're quick to dry. To test this out, I drenched the Whispers in the shower and left them to dry in indirect sunlight indoors, timing how long it took. After just under two hours, the Whispers were bone-dry again. This makes them great for use on the beach, and the toe protector will also keep debris and small pebbles/rocks out. Like I said, the Whispers aren't the most stylish sandals, which may affect how often you'd like to wear them every day. That said, they're great if you want to run errands around town or pop to the grocery store (as I did). Naturally, they are just as grippy on tarmac and pavements as on rugged terrains when hiking. The pull-on design also means that you can quickly slip them on if, say, you need to run to the grocery store in the middle of making dinner because you forgot to buy mushrooms (speaking from experience). If you want sandals more about function than form, the Keen Whisper sandals might be for you. They're much easier — and quicker — to wear than boots and shoes, thanks to the pull-on design, while their toe protectors ensure your toes remain unscathed regardless of the terrain. I also really appreciate how quick the Whispers are to dry. I wear boots all the time, and a problem I encounter frequently is that while they keep water from my socks, they can sometimes take a very long time to dry. But it's important to note that the Whispers aren't the most comfortable. Yes, they're good for everyday use and are grippy on all terrains, but their straps tend to rub against your little toes. I wish the arch support were better, too. And I'm not one to judge a book by its cover, but the Whispers aren't particularly… attractive. I'd recommend the Keen Hyperport H2 sandals as a better alternative, frankly. Everyone keeps telling me that I need to give sandals a chance, but given that the Whispers left me feeling short-changed, that will have to wait.
Tom's Guide
15-05-2025
- Tom's Guide
I hiked 7 miles in the Keen Zionic Mid Waterproof — and these are the boots I'd recommend for most terrains
One of the advantages of living in the south of the U.K. while also frequenting the north is that there are plenty of hills to hike and woodland areas to walk in — and I just tested a pair of hiking boots that have become my go-to. The Keen Zionic Mid Waterproofs are fantastic for all terrains, thanks to their grippy outsole, cushioned and bouncy insole, and breathable mesh lining. Having hiked seven miles in the Zionic Mids, I find them extremely comfortable for long durations, and their lovely design makes them ideal for everyday use. They're quick to dry, so walking through streams of water and puddles is a piece of cake — but they don't use Gore-Tex for waterproofing. Are these the best hiking boots for you? Read my full Keen Zionic Mid Waterproof review to find out. Specs Keen Zionic Mid Waterproof Price $170 / £160 Size availability (women's) U.S. 5-12 U.K. 2.5-9.5 Size availability (men's) U.S. 7-15 U.K. 6-14 Weight 8.11 ounces per shoe Colors (women's) Steel Grey, Nostalgia Rose, Dark Forest, Warm Taupe Colors (men's) Brindle/Bright Marigold, Dark Olive/Scarlet Ibis, Black/Steel Grey Material Recycled plastic, ripstop mesh Waterproofing Yes (no Gore-Tex) The Keen Zionic Mid Waterproof hiking boots for women are available for $170 / £160 direct from Keen. You can buy them at Amazon, too, but they may cost you more depending on the size. For example, size 6 boots will cost you nearly £30 more in the U.K. But at Amazon U.S., they cost nearly as much as directly from Keen — dealer's choice. Women can get the Zionic Mids in one of four lovely colors: Steel Grey, Nostalgia Rose, Dark Forest and Warm Taupe. There's also a range of sizes available. In the U.S., the boots are available from sizes 5-12, and this includes a few half sizes, so no one feels left out. Meanwhile, in the U.K., sizes range from 2.5 to 9.5. The boots are similarly priced for men: $170 / £160. Men have more choices in terms of colors in the U.S., with three available: Brindle/Bright Marigold, Dark Olive/Scarlet Ibis and Black/Steel Grey. In the U.K., men's boots are available in Dark Olive/Scarlet Ibis only. Men's Zionic Mids come in U.S. sizes 7-15 and U.K. sizes 6-14. Half sizes are also available here. These boots can be best described as mid-range, sitting between cheaper models, like the Columbia Konos ($130) and pricier pairs, like the Scarpa Rush 2 Mid GTX ($219). They're also priced similarly to their sibling, the Keen Targhee IV ($169). Full disclosure: I'm an emo kid at heart, and you'll usually always find me wearing my black Doc Martens. But I'd be lying if I said I didn't love how the Keen Zionic Mids look. They are a ruggedly handsome pair of boots, striking a fantastic balance between form and functionality. Like I mentioned, the Zionic Mids are available in four colorways for women and three for men, so there's something for everyone. Green is one of my favorite colors, so I'm very pleased that my review unit came in the Dark Forest colorway. I like that the shades of green aren't too bright to draw unnecessary attention to your feet. Looks aside, how comfortable are these boots, really? Having hiked seven miles in them, I can confidently say that they're extremely comfortable. The Zionic Mids can be worn straight out of the box; I didn't need to break them in at all. They sport what Keen calls a 'Contoured Fit,' which is more streamlined than a straight or wide fit, ensuring the boots fit snugly around your feet. The Zionic Mids are made of recycled P.E.T. plastic and ripstop, breathable mesh — the latter is resistant to ripping and tearing, offering more peace of mind while hiking in rocky terrain. They also feel soft and are flexible, allowing your feet to move and bend naturally. This, in turn, helps you find and keep footing on uneven or jagged terrain. The Zionic Mids' soles have a good level of bounciness thanks to the high-rebound foam cushioning. I love my Salomon Super Cross 4 shoes, which have moderate cushioning, but I much prefer how comfortable the Zionic Mids feel. There are two hooks for quick lace adjustment, and each boot has a loop on the heel for easy pull-on, which I used every time. The built-in arch support is fantastic too, as it helps maintain proper foot posture. All of these features combined meant I didn't feel any pain or get any blisters, which I'll discuss in the performance section soon. I also appreciate Keen's commitment to minimizing its products' environmental impact. Just like the Targhee IVs, no glue has been used in the Zionic Mids' construction. Instead, heat and pressure have been applied to fuse the boots with the soles. Pesticide-free materials have also been used for the boots' applied deodorizer. Rain or shine, the Keen Zionic Mid is a reliable, sturdy pair of hiking boots. I wore them religiously for nine days to work, social events and on walks and hikes. Regardless of what I threw at them, the Zionic Mids walked away unscathed. The boots feel bouncy yet tactile, and are comfy for long periods. The Zionic Mids' soles are extremely grippy, which makes them ideal for hiking. I hiked seven miles in the Peak District National Park in northern England, and not once did I lose my grip on the ground — even while jumping from boulder to boulder or making my way over jagged rocks. After hours of walking, I felt no discomfort or pain and my feet were blister-free. I also noticed that I wasn't dragging my feet as much as I usually do when wearing my Salomon Super Cross 4s. Like I said, the Zionic Mids are bouncy but also very light, weighing just 8.11 ounces per shoe. This made lifting my feet far easier and more intuitive. These boots are even lighter than the 9.2-ounce Keen Hyperport H2 sandals ($120) and half the weight of the Targhee IVs, which weigh 16.58 ounces. The breathable mesh works as intended. I hiked on a sunny day with temperatures reaching 25°C / 77°F, and I never felt like my feet were too hot. The Zionic Mids have 4mm multi-directional lugs. These raised rubber projectors on the outsole are present on most hiking or trail shoes and directly impact traction and grip. Deeper lugs provide better grip in the wet and mud, while shallow lugs are better for dry surfaces. I found the 4mm lugs fantastic in both wet and dry conditions. These boots made trudging through streams of water a walk in the park, and I had a solid grip on soft, muddy ground, too. Similar to the Hyperport H2 sandals, the Zionic Mids use Keen's proprietary waterproofing rather than Gore-Tex. My Salomons utilize Gore-Tex waterproofing, so I was slightly skeptical when I put the Zionic Mids on — but I was quickly proven wrong. As I walked across streams, no water leaked to my feet and my socks remained bone dry. However, the boots themselves weren't as quick to dry as my Salomons, which is the difference between having Gore-Tex and not having it. The Zionic Mids aren't just great for hiking, but they're also fantastic for everyday use — and that's also thanks to them looking über cool. I wore them to work, the grocery store, on short walks and even for a concert. Going to a concert involves standing for hours, dancing, regaining balance when pushed in a mosh pit and contending with very sticky floors. Through it all, the Zionic Mids fared extremely well. Jumping and dancing around felt like walking on clouds because of how bouncy the soles are. They have strong traction, as I didn't slip or skid even once on the wet floor. It has been nine days since I last wore my beloved Doc Martens (at the time of writing); surprisingly, I'm not itching to go back. That's because the Keen Zionic Mids have given me very good reasons to stick with them. These boots are extremely comfortable regardless of the activity you're doing, thanks to the bouncy insoles. They're great for short walks, long hikes, wading through puddles and streams and everyday use. They look cool, and I received a bunch of compliments from my family and coworkers. The Zionic Mids dry quickly and are very grippy for traversing tricky terrain. I'd highly recommend the Zionic Mids for anyone who wants a pair of boots that won't let them down regardless of the weather.
Daily Mirror
21-04-2025
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mirror
Doc Martens axes price of 'comfortable and stylish' sandals shoppers 'wore so much last summer'
Doc Martens has launched a massive spring sale that's slashing the price of must-have boots, shoes and sandals by up to 40% - including these 'comfortable and stylish' sandals now under £70 If you've been thinking about getting some top-quality sandals to last you through this summer and for many summers to come, or just fancy growing your Doc Martens collection, this spring sale is not one to snooze on. At the time of writing, Doc Martens is hosting a range of deals that have axed their less-than-budget-friendly price tags by up to 40% off. What's more, a pair of sandals is currently up for grabs with £40 off, bringing its cost down to £60 while this deal lasts. Loved by shoppers who have been swearing by these shoes for many seasons, these sandals are touted as your new go-to shoe for comfort, style and practicality in the warmer months. But if you want to get your hands on a pair without breaking the bank, you'll need to act fast. These Nartilla Tumbled Nubuck Leather Gladiator Sandals are currently sporting a mega 40% discount, making now the perfect time to invest in your next staple spring and summer shoe. The Nartilla Docs represent a customisation on your average sandal. These shoes come with laces that can be tied and styled in countless different ways. Set on a lightweight Zebrilus sole punched with the Doc Martens' classic yellow stitching, these sandals are ready to go all summer as they boast the durability and versatility of the iconic Doc Martens boots, with the style and breezy aspects of must-have sandals. In a trendy and understated khaki green colourway, these sandals are the perfect go-to for all sunny weather activities, whether you're enjoying a walk in the park with friends or strolling the beaches on a sunny vacation abroad. They come in sizes 3 to 9, with an additional 6 and a half sizes available. However, some options are currently sold out, so you'll need to act fast to secure your desired size for the reduced price of £60. Shoppers adore these sandals as 5-star reviews come pouring in. One thrilled customer beams: "I already had these sandals in black and loved and wore them so much last summer that I bought them in the olive as well. Very comfortable and stylish and I feel they go with almost everything!" More love comes from this buyer, who shares: "Love these!!! I have three pairs in different colours . . . . . ... so comfy, and the leather is soft. I am a size 7, and I had to downsize to a 5 as the 6 was still a little big . . . . . . 5 fits like a glove!" A third chimes in: "I love my new DM sandals. They fit beautifully…. just waiting for the sun to shine now to wear them." A further adoration comes from this customer who notes: "Love them, they are light as feathers, like walking on air I've just received the same ones but in brown leather which are the same I'm now on one pair of boots and four pairs of sandals totally addicted need comfort and value got it with these thank you!" And a fifth says: " I love this sandals as have extremely wide feet, ankles and legs. As these are lace ups I can do them up to my measurements. They are comfy to walk around in or be on my feet for 9.5hrs. I have the black pair too." If you fancy getting a pair of these Nartilla Tumbled Nubuck Leather Gladiator Sandals in Muted Olive, you can pick up a pair for £60 down from £100 at Doc Martens' own site. For those fancying alternative colours, you can grab a pair of Nartilla Tumbled Nubuck Leather Gladiator Sandals in black from Schuh for £69.99 or in brown from Office for £70.
