Sole mates

Sole mates: Teddy (Ed) Draper

18 January 2023
Teddy Draper

Having the same values and philosophy as we do here at Herring Shoes is important to us, not just anyone can be a ‘sole mate’. A great feel for quality footwear and clothing helps too, as is understanding sustainability and slow fashion. For these reasons and many more, we are over the moon to have Teddy on board, it’s been a real highlight for us here at Herring Shoes HQ.

For those of you that perhaps don’t recognise Teddy’s name, you will almost certainly recognise his face. He describes himself as a journalist, tv presenter, radio broadcaster, and podcast host. Having worked for Absolute Radio, Rock N Roll Sports podcast, and presented some of the 2012 Olympics, it’s fair to say he has an impressive CV.

Let’s fast forward to the present. Teddy is perhaps the most recognised Sky Sports News presenter on our TV’s, often breaking the latest stories whilst seamlessly transitioning from newsreader to interviewer. Naturally, he is always immaculately dressed too (especially now he’s wearing our shoes of course).

Teddy wearing his Herring Carnaby

Teddy’s friendly and personable character is an unteachable asset that has no doubt helped him throughout his career and when paired with his journalistic qualities, it’s no wonder his personal podcast is such a big hit. ‘Sport and Life‘ (available on both Apple and Spotify) has been a labour of love. On his pod he chats to people in the world of sports, fitness, business and health. When you start delving into his episodes you soon realise he covers these topics and much more, the variation of guests is truly refreshing. Here are some of my personal favourites on the podcast: Dr Chidi: Lifestyle Medicine, Former boxing champion George Groves, Dr Mark Draper on Vitamin D, Matthew Mansell: Former pro rugby player and Athlo app founder

‘I’m very excited and honoured to join the Herring family and to partner with these great people on my podcast. Primarily, it’s the history and quality of the handmade shoes that go all the way back to 1966 (epic year for English sport!). I’m grateful and proud of the opportunity to be associated with a family business based in Britain that has a growing global reputation. I love my Herring brogues for their classic smart appearance, but also the incredible comfort – you can wear them all day, in and out of the studio. They feel almost like a trainer, and still feel fresh and supported come the close of play on my work day. Massive fan of my Red Wing boots – stocked by Herring – too  as they, again, look fantastic, are very practical and you can wear them all day long.

Teddy enjoying his Red Wing classic Moc’s


Looking to grow the sport and life podcast has created a dilemma – you require partners to amplify the show, but I’m determined to stay true to my principles and promote something of quality and benefit to the listeners. My conviction that Herring was a great match was cemented when my father-in-law shared an anecdote: his wife bought him two pairs of Herring shoes in 1986 and not only does he still wear them, but maintains “they’re the best shoes he’s worn.” As far as recommendations go, that’s hard to beat. ‘ Teddy, January 2023

If you haven’t already given ‘Sport and Life‘ a listen, then I strongly implore you to do so. You wont be disappointed. If however you do need some encouragement, then his latest episode ‘Sports broadcaster Richard Graves‘ may contain a little gift for any new order on our website 😉

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