Can a shoe also be a piece of artwork?

Shoes are more than just a wearable accessory according to one Suffolk businesswoman whose start-up provides trainers designed to be coloured in.

Shoes are more than just a wearable accessory according to one Suffolk businesswoman whose start-up provides trainers designed to be coloured in.

Mum-of-two Emily Vigor brought out a range colour-in canvas-style trainers for kids through her company Jex Shoes.

She makes a donation of 50p for every pair sold to Sal’s Shoes, a charity that delivers shoes to needy children.

The 37 year-old, of Needham Market, says she wanted to bring some fun into children’s shoes. “The imagination of children is amazing and something that should always be encouraged. What’s really unique about these shoes is that once coloured in, no two pairs will ever look the same.”

Mrs Vigor sources her trainers from China. “I couldn’t find any manufacturers of children’s shoes who are based in the UK,” she said. “But we commissioned local designers to do the art work on site.”

Mrs Vigor started supporting Sal’s Shoes back in 2016 when she raised money for them running her second London Marathon. She said starting Jex has been a “dream come true”, adding: “To be able to do it while also contributing to a good cause is so rewarding.”

Jex shoes are delivered in black and white and are available in a range of designs with themes including sea-unicorns and mermaids, a monsters’ meeting, comic book adventures, infinite rainbows and positive-vibe hearts.

There’s also a range of accessories including colourful laces and neon pens, so kids can personalise them even more.

Mrs Vigor sources her trainers all the way from China. “I couldn’t find any manufacturers of children’s shoes who are based in the UK,” she said. “But we commissioned local designers to do the art work on site.”