Sole Trader

I realised something one year while braving the snow (uh, yeah, trying to imagine snow NOW. Heatwave, hello?) to try and see what the January sales had to offer. There are so few decent places to buy shoes in Manchester. We’re talking variety, lots of brands, reasonable prices, that sort of thing. So many shoe shops seem small and crammed and claustrophobic. Well, Sole Trader doesn’t break these rules exactly. It’s small, crammed and claustrophobic, and somewhat limited. But it has the potential to be the best of a bad bunch.
Sole Trader stocks some really unusual Converse, which I love; unique patterns and different styles and what-​not. It also boasts a small range of Diesel shoes, something I rather like. And? Many Mancunian maidens will be pleased with the sheer variety of Uggs in store. Everybody loves an Ugg, except Hadley Freeman, who’s never liked them or harem pants or leggings, and me, who is firmly committed to Bear Paws. But were I the Ugg-​buying sort I’d be in there like a shot. And again, we have our own range of Converse to choose from as well as ‘sensible’ formal shoes.
It may not be doing Manchester’s bad shoe reputation any favours, but for me, Sole Trader is just fine for a quick browse. And the sales are pretty good too, so hop in there while they’re on.

I actually like Sole Trader, I often think before I go in that I am definitely going to be disappointed, but I rarely am seriously disappointed, disappointment often occurs due to multiple choices and limited funds. But that’s a good thing isn’t it. Too much choice? It’s nicely laid out and there’s a good selection of brands to be had. I’ve seen a fair few trusty Timberlands on sale here, and a few kickass Converse too. Uggs, never been an Uggs fan, but for those Uggs fans, well, you can get the furry version of overpriced wellingtons here too. Nothing too exceptional going on here at Sole Trader, but there’s something that you could quite happily walk away with and wear. The staff are either super chilled or lazy, haven’t worked it out, but they don’t push you into a sale, so I’m not looking for the nearest exit or a comedy fish to slap them about the chops with. Good range of styles, better range of prices, even better when it’s sales and there’s a lot of money off your prospective purchases.

There’s boots for everyone here, boots and shoes in plenty!
Lots of brands, lots of prices, you can really choose from whatever you like and whatever looks good for your wallet. They stock brands like Paul Smith, Hush Puppies and even some Diesel.
It’s not a great place to be or a must see, but it definitely does a good job and keeps you warm with their collection! They have knee highs, biker boots, ankle boots and lots of ballerina to keep you happy! They also stock quite a few vareities of Uggs. So Ugg lovers you can watch out for here.
There is better to offer in Arndale, though this isn’t all that bad either!

Sole Trader is one of those shops that has something for everyone:
There’s Uggs for skinny people that want to keep their tootsies warm.
There’s biker boots for girls that want to look edgy and feminine.
There’s knee-​high leather boots for office workers and dominatrixes.
There’s Timberlands for men that want to look like they work in construction.
There’s Paul Smith shoes for men with style and money.
There’s Hush Puppies for men that go shopping on their own.
There’s Converse for students, indie kids and comic book fans.
There’s Pretty Ballerina slipper shoes for hippies and ex-​ballerinas.
And there’s Sugar Daddy boots by Rocket Dog for those that are blind or visually impaired.

Shoe store with a witty ditty for a name.
Unfortunately however, it certainly isn’t the sole trader– there are lots of other ones, lots of better ones.