Latest news with #SoleBliss
The Independent
13 hours ago
- Business
- The Independent
Creator of shoes worn by the Queen among innovators honoured at awards reception
The creator of a shoe brand whose products are worn by the Queen has been honoured during an awards reception at Windsor Castle. The King welcomed recipients of The King's Awards for Enterprise at Windsor Castle on Thursday, and chatted to the entrepreneurs and innovators whose practices and products have earned them the prestigious recognition. Among the award winners was Lisa Kay, the creator and chief executive of Sole Bliss, whose products Camilla has frequently been seen wearing at public events, and is said to love for their stylish yet comfortable design. Ms Kay, whose business won an award in the international trade category, shook hands with Charles at the reception, and the pair exchanged a few words. She said: 'I (told the King) that Her Royal Highness has purchased our shoes, so hopefully she finds them comfortable. 'He said, 'She like a heel that's not too narrow', so I said 'Yes, a block heel, I understand', he said: 'Yes, a block heel!' 'He said it gets harder to wear heels as you get older, and I said 'I understand'.' Sole Bliss was launched as a 'very small' business in 2017, Ms Kay said. Its popularity soared after Camilla was spotted wearing a pair of Sole Bliss shoes at the 2018 Royal Cornwall Show. 'A year after we launched, that was amazing,' Ms Kay said. She added: 'Women generally just need comfort, so you're not thinking about your feet, you're thinking about where you are, what you're doing… 'It's for every job really – but especially royalty.' Julia Roberts, Dame Helen Mirren, and Olivia Colman are among the celebrities who were also seen wearing Sole Bliss at public events. Asked how she felt about receiving the King's Award for Enterprise, Ms Kay said: 'It just means the world. 'It's so exciting, you can see I'm very overwhelmed,' she added, laughing and fanning her face with her hand. Ms Kay was also praised by Dame Annabel Whitehead, a courtier and former lady-in-waiting to the late Queen Elizabeth II, who walked up to her during the reception and said: 'We all love you here.' Also at the event were the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Duke of Gloucester, and the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Peter Kyle. The awards recognise outstanding achievements by UK firms in the categories of innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunity through social mobility. They are the most prestigious business awards in the UK, with recipients recognised as being among the best of British businesses. Some 197 businesses received awards across the four categories and can now use The King's Awards emblem for the next five years on their products and to promote their services. The viral cuddly toys company Jellycat was also among the winners, with production director Jack Gatacre describing the reward as 'a great honour'. 'We're very happy that people do love our brand,' Mr Gatacre added. The Prince and Princess of Wales were gifted two Jellycat plushies during a royal garden party at Buckingham Palace last month. Seeing the toys, which were in the shapes of a pickled onion and a lemon tart, William said: 'These are like gold dust. My children go crazy for these things. This is a children's currency.' Asked how he felt knowing that George, Louis, and Charlotte love Jellycat plushies, Mr Gatacre said: 'It delights me, it delights everybody at Jellycat that we can make people happy across the world.' Previously known as The Queen's Award for Enterprise, this is the 59th year of the Awards and the third year recipients received a King's Awards for Enterprise following the scheme's name change.
Belfast Telegraph
15 hours ago
- Business
- Belfast Telegraph
Creator of shoes worn by the Queen among innovators honoured at awards reception
The King welcomed recipients of The King's Awards for Enterprise at Windsor Castle on Thursday, and chatted to the entrepreneurs and innovators whose practices and products have earned them the prestigious recognition. Among the award winners was Lisa Kay, the creator and chief executive of Sole Bliss, whose products Camilla has frequently been seen wearing at public events, and is said to love for their stylish yet comfortable design. Ms Kay, whose business won an award in the international trade category, shook hands with Charles at the reception, and the pair exchanged a few words. She said: 'I (told the King) that Her Royal Highness has purchased our shoes, so hopefully she finds them comfortable. 'He said, 'She like a heel that's not too narrow', so I said 'Yes, a block heel, I understand', he said: 'Yes, a block heel!' 'He said it gets harder to wear heels as you get older, and I said 'I understand'.' Sole Bliss was launched as a 'very small' business in 2017, Ms Kay said. Its popularity soared after Camilla was spotted wearing a pair of Sole Bliss shoes at the 2018 Royal Cornwall Show. 'A year after we launched, that was amazing,' Ms Kay said. She added: 'Women generally just need comfort, so you're not thinking about your feet, you're thinking about where you are, what you're doing… 'It's for every job really – but especially royalty.' Julia Roberts, Dame Helen Mirren, and Olivia Colman are among the celebrities who were also seen wearing Sole Bliss at public events. Asked how she felt about receiving the King's Award for Enterprise, Ms Kay said: 'It just means the world. 'It's so exciting, you can see I'm very overwhelmed,' she added, laughing and fanning her face with her hand. Ms Kay was also praised by Dame Annabel Whitehead, a courtier and former lady-in-waiting to the late Queen Elizabeth II, who walked up to her during the reception and said: 'We all love you here.' Also at the event were the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Duke of Gloucester, and the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Peter Kyle. The awards recognise outstanding achievements by UK firms in the categories of innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunity through social mobility. They are the most prestigious business awards in the UK, with recipients recognised as being among the best of British businesses. Some 197 businesses received awards across the four categories and can now use The King's Awards emblem for the next five years on their products and to promote their services. The viral cuddly toys company Jellycat was also among the winners, with production director Jack Gatacre describing the reward as 'a great honour'. 'We're very happy that people do love our brand,' Mr Gatacre added. The Prince and Princess of Wales were gifted two Jellycat plushies during a royal garden party at Buckingham Palace last month. Seeing the toys, which were in the shapes of a pickled onion and a lemon tart, William said: 'These are like gold dust. My children go crazy for these things. This is a children's currency.' Asked how he felt knowing that George, Louis, and Charlotte love Jellycat plushies, Mr Gatacre said: 'It delights me, it delights everybody at Jellycat that we can make people happy across the world.' Previously known as The Queen's Award for Enterprise, this is the 59th year of the Awards and the third year recipients received a King's Awards for Enterprise following the scheme's name change.
Yahoo
16 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Creator of shoes worn by the Queen among innovators honoured at awards reception
The creator of a shoe brand whose products are worn by the Queen has been honoured during an awards reception at Windsor Castle. The King welcomed recipients of The King's Awards for Enterprise at Windsor Castle on Thursday, and chatted to the entrepreneurs and innovators whose practices and products have earned them the prestigious recognition. Among the award winners was Lisa Kay, the creator and chief executive of Sole Bliss, whose products Camilla has frequently been seen wearing at public events, and is said to love for their stylish yet comfortable design. Ms Kay, whose business won an award in the international trade category, shook hands with Charles at the reception, and the pair exchanged a few words. She said: 'I (told the King) that Her Royal Highness has purchased our shoes, so hopefully she finds them comfortable. 'He said, 'She like a heel that's not too narrow', so I said 'Yes, a block heel, I understand', he said: 'Yes, a block heel!' 'He said it gets harder to wear heels as you get older, and I said 'I understand'.' Sole Bliss was launched as a 'very small' business in 2017, Ms Kay said. Its popularity soared after Camilla was spotted wearing a pair of Sole Bliss shoes at the 2018 Royal Cornwall Show. 'A year after we launched, that was amazing,' Ms Kay said. She added: 'Women generally just need comfort, so you're not thinking about your feet, you're thinking about where you are, what you're doing… 'It's for every job really – but especially royalty.' Julia Roberts, Dame Helen Mirren, and Olivia Colman are among the celebrities who were also seen wearing Sole Bliss at public events. Asked how she felt about receiving the King's Award for Enterprise, Ms Kay said: 'It just means the world. 'It's so exciting, you can see I'm very overwhelmed,' she added, laughing and fanning her face with her hand. Ms Kay was also praised by Dame Annabel Whitehead, a courtier and former lady-in-waiting to the late Queen Elizabeth II, who walked up to her during the reception and said: 'We all love you here.' Also at the event were the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh, the Duke of Gloucester, and the Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology Peter Kyle. The awards recognise outstanding achievements by UK firms in the categories of innovation, international trade, sustainable development and promoting opportunity through social mobility. They are the most prestigious business awards in the UK, with recipients recognised as being among the best of British businesses. Some 197 businesses received awards across the four categories and can now use The King's Awards emblem for the next five years on their products and to promote their services. The viral cuddly toys company Jellycat was also among the winners, with production director Jack Gatacre describing the reward as 'a great honour'. 'We're very happy that people do love our brand,' Mr Gatacre added. The Prince and Princess of Wales were gifted two Jellycat plushies during a royal garden party at Buckingham Palace last month. Seeing the toys, which were in the shapes of a pickled onion and a lemon tart, William said: 'These are like gold dust. My children go crazy for these things. This is a children's currency.' Asked how he felt knowing that George, Louis, and Charlotte love Jellycat plushies, Mr Gatacre said: 'It delights me, it delights everybody at Jellycat that we can make people happy across the world.' Previously known as The Queen's Award for Enterprise, this is the 59th year of the Awards and the third year recipients received a King's Awards for Enterprise following the scheme's name change.
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
The best dressy shoes that won't wreck your feet
At some point in the last year or so, conversations around heels have shifted – from how many irresistible pairs are out to part us from our hard-earned cash to how few comfortable ones there are. The volume gets turned up in summer, when special-occasion dressing hits its stride. We seem to have slipped from an era when a Carrie Bradshaw-level addiction to shoes was more or less normalised to one where commiserations around bunions are. It must be our age. That said, hardly anyone under 30 wears high heels either – unless they're on a red carpet. Even then, they're easily separated. At Cannes, Kristen Stewart rapidly replaced her heels with trainers. She's not the first to abandon outdated ideas of what a woman should wear to a formal occasion – and she won't be the last. Who can blame her? Ultra-high heels look and feel stridently unemancipating on all but a tiny minority who are presumably incredibly disciplined in pain management. While trainers will always have a place in every wardrobe – not least because a well-fitting pair is basic self-care – not everyone wants to wear them every day, especially when it's dress-up time. Queen Camilla loves Sole Bliss (so do Julia Roberts, Dame Helen Mirren and Viola Davis), a British brand that specifically talks up the comfort of its shoes. Most don't – you'd think it was a social crime. There are four considerations that determine shoe comfort: the narrowness of the toe (according to a 2014 study by the UK Society of Podiatrists, British feet are on average significantly wider than they were in the 1970s); the height of the heel; the amount of padding in the sole; and the softness and pliability of the upper – if it's velvet, mesh, suede or glove leather it will have much more give. With a few honourable exceptions (M&S's patented Insolia, for instance), many of the cheaper brands don't bother with padding. That's an issue as we get older and the fat beneath our metatarsals dissolves – the one place you don't want it to. Three more factors come into play when you're looking for shoes for a special event. One, if it has an ankle strap or is a Mary Jane, is it flatteringly positioned so as not to make ankles look thicker? Two, is the heel practical for the conditions? A pin-thin heel – no matter how low – isn't the best choice on grass. Three, if it's a sling-back, will the strap stay in place? Gigi: Denim Leather heels, £189, Sole Bliss The Sézane shoes I'm wearing here are clever because the straps sit low enough on the foot not to exaggerate ankles. They're slightly elevated, but I've regularly walked several miles in mine. They've been a bestseller for the past three years, and Sézane keeps bringing out new versions – from animal print to patents. If straps are a no-no, flat pumps or ones with a teeny heel can look lovely. Dear Frances's embellished styles are a revelation – not cheap, but well made and truly slipper-like. Plain, high-quality leather can also look sophisticated. Try an almond toe – more comfortable than a point, more leg-elongating than a round toe. Wedges and platforms work – especially with trousers – but are most elegant when you can only see a sliver of the lower part. Other details that make comfortable shoes event-worthy include stylish buckles, metallic finishes on the heels (however low), and velvet – which can look ultra-chic in summer with bare legs. The low-down: think outside the high heel.
CNN
15-05-2025
- CNN
22 best travel shoes that offer supreme comfort and support for your next trip, according to a podiatrist
Whether you're climbing mountains, relaxing on a beach or navigating city streets, your travel shoes can make or break your trip. Choose the right pair and you'll be comfortable for miles. Choose wrong and you could be in pain. That's why shoes are among the most important travel gear you'll bring on your vacation. 'When we travel, we typically do twice as much walking as we do at home,' said Dr. Monara Dini, a podiatrist at Bay Area Foot Care and the University of California, San Francisco. 'This means we average about 20,000 steps per day. So, it's important that the shoes support your feet to avoid injury.' With that in mind, we've selected the most comfortable travel shoes for 2025, factoring in support, cushioning, durability, materials and versatility. A post shared by Kim Davis (@kimdavisreal) Kangaroos Originals Flap OG Sneakers These sneakers are the ideal travel companion. They're not only stylish but also feature a discrete side pocket, which is perfect for stashing money or small essentials while you're on the go. Stay hands-free and travel with ease in your Kangaroos!Related article The best hard-shell carry-on luggage of 2024, tested by editorsAsics GT-2000 13 Sneakers Asics has long been a trusted brand for running shoes, known for its comfort and support. The GT-2000 sneakers, in particular, stand out for their excellent cushioning and stability. We found that they offer a cloudlike feel with every step. Scarosso Ludovica Burgundy Suede Loafers These loafers are crafted with unparalleled Italian craftsmanship. Available in various stunning colors, their soft suede construction exudes luxury and comfort. Slip into them and channel the glamour of a 1940s Hollywood star. And like any high-quality shoes, they only improve with time and mold to your feet to become uniquely yours. Columbia Konos Hiking Shoes Dini loves that these shoes provide support for both your feet and ankles while being lightweight and perfect for all-day wear. The advanced underfoot system offers cushioning, stability and wet-dry traction to keep you comfortable and safe. With fun color options, they're stylish, sporty and great for all terrains, from hiking trails to cobblestone streets. Tom's Alpargata Cozy Slip-Ons The Tom's Alpargata collection are the go-to shoes for dancing and beach walks. They're incredibly comfortable by molding to your feet like custom shoes. Plus, Tom's donates one-third of profits and over 100 million pairs of shoes to those in need. Slip on your Tom's dance shoes and hit the floor! Rothy's The Point II Flats These fabulous flats from Rothy's are so comfortable you'll forget you're wearing shoes, and they're machine-washable, so you can easily keep them fresh. While they may not be ideal for all-day wear, they're perfect for the beach or special occasions. Sole Bliss Hampton Shoes The Hampton shoes by Sole Bliss feature a subtle platform that conceals cushioning designed to feel like walking on air, offering more comfort than many standard sneakers. Built with three layers of memory foam, these luxurious and stylish shoes are crafted for women with bunions, wide feet and/or sensitive soles but are a comfortable option for anyone. Birdies The Starling Shoes A favorite of Dr. Dini's, Birdies shoes blend chic design with sneaker-level support and slipper-like softness into versatile flats. The Starling shoes feature quilted insoles and extra heel padding that feels soft and luxurious. Calla Star Shoes Calla's Star collection features always fashion-friendly white sneakers that combine comfort, style and quality. Designed by women for women, they pair well with any outfit, while rose gold accents add an elegant touch. They're a versatile and travel-friendly option for any wardrobe. Reef Cushion Vista Hi Sandals If you dislike the discomfort of flip-flop prongs, you'll love Reef Cushion Vista sandals. Their small platform elongates your legs and offers amazing cushioning, making you feel like you're walking on clouds. Stylish for the beach and perfect with shorts or sundresses, you can wear them anywhere in sunny weather. Dr. Scholl's London Ankle Boots Looking for the perfect Chelsea Boots to go the distance? Then look no further than Dr. Scholl's London Ankle Boots. The classic faux-leather looks and feels like the real thing, and matches everything in your wardrobe. The 2-inch block heels, arch support and insoles give you the lift you need to stand tall with confidence. Keen Elle Backstrap Sandals If you love showing off your toes, Keen's Elle Backstrap Sandals are for you. They're lightweight, stretchy and comfy, plus they dry quickly without damage. Made from recycled plastic bottles, these sandals also feature an antimicrobial solution to prevent odor and bacteria. Tieks Ballet Flats Short on space? Tieks has you covered! These split-sole ballet flats fold up easily to fit into your suitcase or even your handbag. Perfect as emergency shoes for when your feet hurt or for a stroll by the beach or pool, you won't want to be without them. Allbirds Men's Wool Dasher Mizzles Let's face it: No one likes soggy sneakers. Bringing a pair of weather-repellant shoes is always a good idea when you're traveling the world. Allbirds has these great Wool Dashers that will not only keep your tootsies feeling warm and snuggly but also dry from the elements. Skechers Moreno Canvas Oxford Shoes Skechers Moreno Canvas Oxford Shoes are the perfect shoes to make you look like an English gentleman in any climate. Their two-toned uppers and leather-lined outsoles are stylish with any look. In fact, these shoes are so popular that many customers buy additional pairs in different colors. Skechers is well known for its memory foam soles, which make you feel like you're walking on a cloud. Blundstone #2036 Original Low-Cut Shoes For a rugged look, try Blundstone's low-cut shoes in rustic brown. With shock absorption, removable footbeds and water-resistant leather, these shoes are among the most durable travel options. Legendary for their longevity, they're perfect for everything from museums to mountains. Sanuk Hi Bro Lite Hemp Loafers If you prefer comfort without the formality, try the Sanuk Hi Bro Lite Hemp shoes. Stylish yet casual, these loafers have IMEVA sole cushions to protect your feet all day. Plus, they're slip-ons, which makes getting through airport security a breeze. Ecco Sport Track 25 Gore-Tex Shoes If you like to push the limits of travel and adventure, look no further than this Ecco pair. These versatile shoes are part boots, part sneakers and part dress shoes. They're made with leather and Gore-Tex, giving you the perfect balance of ventilation and water resistance, so whether you're chopping logs or fishing in the lake, you're ready for any situation. Xero Shoes HFS II Barefoot Running Shoes The lightweight mesh uppers, wide toe boxes and flexible FeelTrue soles of these barefoot shoes offer both style and comfort. Plus, the zero-drop design promotes proper posture and enhances comfort. Mephisto Tom Perf Sneakers Stylish enough for city streets yet casual and breathable enough for the beach, these shoes from Mephisto pair well with both pants and shorts, and are versatile enough for a range of occasions. Vilocy Casual Oxford Dress Shoes The sleek and polished design of Vilocy's oxfords make you look like you're ready to board a yacht. The breathable knitted uppers and lightweight design offer all-day versatility for all occasions. The memory foam insoles will allow you to walk 20,000 steps without pain. Oofos OOahh Slide Sandals When you're heading to the beach, slip into Oofos recovery sandals, a favorite among podiatrists for their support. The light neutral Nomad tone stays cool in the sun too, unlike darker sandals that absorb heat. But whatever the color, these slides use Oofos proprietary OOfoam technology and unique footbed design for better shock absorption and reduced joint pressure, not to mention they're article 14 of the best budget-friendly carry-on bags for under $100 in 2024 The best travel shoes are versatile, durable and built to keep your feet happy mile after mile. Comfort and support should be your top priorities, not trendiness or even price. Instead, cushioning, arch support and sturdy soles are essential to prevent injury. According to Dini, the most important things to look for in travel shoes are support and minimal flexibility. 'You should not be able to flex or bend your shoe. It should also have plenty of cushioning, especially in the front of the shoe,' she said. Another key consideration is to wear shoes that are broken in but not worn out. 'You don't want to be [traveling] when you discover you have issues,' Dini said. 'Most shoes require a break-in period of approximately one to two weeks, depending on the amount of usage. You know you've broken your shoes in when you can walk a normal amount of steps (approximately 10,000 per day) without any discomfort.' She also advises against packing high heels, adding that she 'recently had a patient who broke her foot while on vacation in Paris because her high heel got stuck in a grate.' How should I pack shoes for travel? How should I pack shoes for travel? If you pack your shoes efficiently, you'll save space, protect your clothes and keep your footwear in good condition. Start by cleaning and drying shoes to avoid dirt and odors. Stuff them with socks or small items to maintain shape and maximize space. Use shoe bags, cloth sacks or shower caps to protect your belongings. Pack shoes heel to toe with soles facing outward by placing heavier pairs near the wheels for balance. Store them along the suitcase perimeter or in zippered compartments. Keep shoes separate from clothes using packing cubes or soft wraps, and wear your bulkiest pair while traveling. It's also best to choose versatile shoes to minimize how many pairs you bring. What are the best shoes to wear on an airplane? What are the best shoes to wear on an airplane? On a flight, you want something easy to take on and off. Slip-on sneakers or ballet sneakers are ideal for quick security checks and long flights, while loafers offer a polished yet comfortable option. We recommend looking for shoes that are easy to slip off, comfortable for extended wear and suited to your destination's climate. What shoes should you wear on a long-haul flight? What shoes should you wear on a long-haul flight? For long-haul flights, we recommend prioritizing comfort, ease of removal and versatility. Slip-on sneakers, like Allbirds Loungers or laceless Skechers, are popular for their convenience during security checks. Comfortable loafers offer a polished look, while breathable flats provide all-day comfort without blisters. Lightweight ankle boots are ideal if you need boots at your destination, and Crocs, though divisive, are praised for comfort. Compression socks are also recommended to prevent swelling. Which shoe brand is best for walking while on vacation? Which shoe brand is best for walking while on vacation? Many of our favorite brands have shoes designed to keep your feet comfortable during extended walking for a more enjoyable trip. For example, New Balance offers styles with excellent cushioning for long walks, while Skechers GOwalk shoes are lightweight and convenient. Dr. Scholl's Time Off sneakers combine style and comfort, and we love them for sightseeing. Allbirds also provides eco-friendly, breathable options ideal for warm weather. Are travel shoe bags worth it? Are travel shoe bags worth it? We think travel shoe bags are worth investing in because they protect shoes from dirt, dust and damage in transit, especially when it comes to delicate footwear. They also help organize your luggage and maintain hygiene by separating shoes from clothing and are often space-efficient to help maximize packing capacity. For this article, we consulted the following expert to gain their professional insights. Dr. Monara Dini, a podiatrist at the Bay Area Foot Care and the department of orthopedic surgery at the University of California, San Francisco Our team of editors and contributors includes frequent travelers and gear experts, including Kim Davis and Kyle Olsen, who log thousands of miles each year to find the very best travel essentials. This list was compiled with expert input from board-certified podiatrist Dr. Monara Dini and reflects hours of research, product vetting and firsthand testing. Every shoe featured here was selected based on comfort, support, durability and style.
