Our Story
Originally founded by York, England-born Benjamin Lovell, a descendent of the Clarks family that started Clarks Shoes, Benjamin Lovell Shoes might just be the βcrown jewelβ of the Sole Provisions Family Of Stores!
The first Benjamin Lovell Shoes location on South Street opened in 1991 with the aim of providing the personalized fitting experience needed by Philadelphians who wished to enjoy their city on foot. Possessing many years of experience as a director for Clarks, a keen eye for fashion, and a strong background in community theater, Mr. Lovell enjoyed instant success serving his adopted hometown with a beautiful selection of properly fitted, walking-friendly footwear for women and men. Soon, he was opening additional locations in other regions of Pennsylvania and even Delaware.
Among the many things setting Mr. Lovell's vision apart was how its fit-focused, multibrand model added a broader focus to the world of comfort shoes than any single-brand store ever could. After all, not all shoe brands feel great on all feet, and not all brand identities match everyone's aesthetic: The only way to truly serve every customer's needs is with exceptional know-how and a variety of brands and designs.
In 2015, Mr. Lovell contracted the web-based Sole Provisions company to manage his growing online business. The following year, he sold his website, the two exisiting Philadelphia locations at Rittenhouse and South Street, and his Glen Eagle, PA store to Sole Provisions. And thus, the Sole Provisions Family Of Stores was born! What followed next was the closure of the South Street outlet, the addition of South Jersey's longtime comfort-footwear destination Allen's Shoes in Northfield, NJ, the relocation of BL Shoes Rittenhouse to a larger storefront, and the opening of both the Benjamin Lovell Shoes Old City and suburban Benjamin Lovell Shoes Spring House stores.
From its groundbreaking beginnings to the dependable service and unparalleled selection you enjoy today, the story of Benjamin Lovell Shoes is proof that true comfort is always in style.
At the Sole Provisions Family of Shoe Stores, we believe the right shoes can make a real difference in how you feel every day. When footwear is properly fitted with the comfort features that are important for your individual feet, life simply feels better! Our goal is to help you find shoes that provide lasting comfort while still reflecting your personal style.
The Sole Provisions Story
Comfort, Fit, and Style Since 1997
At the Sole Provisions Family of Shoe Stores, we believe the right shoes can make a real difference in how you feel every day. When footwear is properly fitted with the comfort features that are important for your individual feet, life simply feels better! Our goal is to help you find shoes that provide lasting comfort while still reflecting your personal style.
The Sole Provisions story began in 1991 when founder Holden Nagelberg
discovered the world of comfort footwear while working in a family owned orthopedic shoe store in Queens, New York. Seeing how the right pair of shoes could truly improve his clients' lives sparked a lifelong passion. In 1995 Holden became a Certified Pedorthist, and in 1997 he opened the first Sole Provisions store in Huntington, New York.
Today that vision has grown into a family of award winning specialty footwear
stores across the country, with multiple locations per year awarded with Footwear Insight's prestigious Gold Medal Service Award, a national honor given to retailers who provide outstanding customer service and fitting expertise.
Although our stores operate under several different brand names, each location shares the same commitment to expert fitting, thoughtful service, and a curated collection of comfort footwear designed to support your feet while
complementing your personal style.
Personalized Shoe Fitting That Makes a Difference
What truly sets our stores apart is our personalized sit and fit service. Every customer receives a professional foot measurement and guidance from trained associates who understand common
foot concerns and how footwear and insoles can help.
We take the time to listen, learn about your needs, and present a range of carefully selected options so you can discover footwear that works for your feet and your lifestyle.
Our collections include many of the world's most trusted comfort footwear and accessory brands, along with our exclusive lines Alivio, Sanata, and Lunita. Every style is selected with the same goal in mind: Incredibly comfortable footwear that looks as good as it feels!
It's a level of personalized service and fitting expertise that simply cannot be replicated by ordering shoes online!
A Commitment to the Communities We Serve
Being a contributing member of the communities we serve is incredibly important to us. Our stores regularly support charitable initiatives and organizations that help local people in need.
One of our most meaningful initiatives is our annual Fight Hunger and Save event, which has raised hundreds of thousands of
dollars for hunger relief organizations local to our individual stores. Another charitable event we are passionate about is our semi-annual NAMI Weekend when we contribute a percentage of our sales to support the National Alliance on Mental Illness and
raise awareness for mental health in our communities.
When you visit one of our stores, you are not just shopping for amazing shoes. You are working with people who genuinely care about your comfort, your experience, and your community!
Why Shop Anywhere Else?
Finding comfortable shoes should never feel like guesswork. There is no reason to struggle with constant online returns or deal with salespeople who do not fully understand what your feet need.
When you walk into one of our stores, the process begins with professionally trained associates who are genuinely invested in your comfort. Our team measures your feet, observes how you move, and takes the time to understand your lifestyle, preferences, and any foot concerns you may have.
Whether you are dealing with plantar fasciitis, bunions, flat feet, arthritis, ball of foot pain, or you simply want shoes that feel better at the end of a long day, our knowledgeable staff can guide you toward the right footwear and orthotic solutions.
Once we understand your needs, we bring out a range of thoughtfully selected options designed to support your feet and your lifestyle. Our stores offer one of the most comprehensive selections of comfort footwear available, including sandals, walking shoes, sneakers, boots, and
slip-ons from trusted brands known for their comfort features and quality
Many styles feature cushioned footbeds, anatomical arch support, adjustable straps, slip-resistant outsoles, and compatibility with orthotic insoles. We also offer a variety of over-the-counter orthotics designed to provide the correct combination of support and shock absorption for your foot structure to help improve comfort and alignment.
What makes the experience in our stores truly special is the personal attention you receive throughout the process. Our team takes pride in helping you explore different options until you find footwear that feels just right. And because we believe expert service should be part of every great shoe purchase, our professional fitting and guidance is always included at no extra charge
When you shop with us, you are not just buying shoes. You are provided with fitting expertise, a thoughtfully curated selection, and a team that is genuinely invested in helping you feel your best.