Local podiatrist and owner of Happy Fit Footwear, Jane Earl, will be taking one step forward when opening the doors of Happy Fit Manuka this Saturday, 2 September, and another giant leap for the comfy shoe movement.

The launch of the supportive shoe staple’s second ever store proves that comfort footwear has earned its place among fine fashion boutiques.

Fear not, southsiders; Happy Fit Footwear’s flagship store in Tuggeranong isn’t going anywhere. This expansion to Manuka is all about sharing the love and providing better accessibility to the central and northern regions of Canberra.

“We know when you’re living in Belconnen, it can feel like you need your passport and a packed lunch to come to Tuggeranong,” laughs Jane. Her goal of bringing Happy Fit Footwear closer to the heart of the Capital has been in the works for 18 months.

The new store is located in Manuka Court, delightfully placed among the ring of boutiques facing L’Orange Patisserie. For weeks now, passers-by curiously peep through the windows and eagerly anticipate the moment they can step into Jane’s colourful world.

“We’re being bold with our Manuka store,” she says. “Bolder colours, steering away from the plain.”

The store will continue to offer classic options, whilst introducing bright Manuka exclusives and experimenting with colour.

“We’re getting in some new brands as well, including Perth-based comfort footwear brand Klouds and their line for younger customers, Silver Linings,” says Jane.

In the year of 2023, even Barbie is trading in her stilettos for a sensible pair of Birkenstocks. Now more than ever, Jane emphasises that comfortable and supportive footwear isn’t just for people who already have foot problems.

“It’s for people who want to help their feet feel good and look good. The shoes in our shop are for everyone. The sooner we convert out of our stilettos into some decent shoes, the better,” she smiles.

Jane welcomes northsiders to “come and find out about the Happy Fit Footwear difference. As soon as they put their feet into some of our shoes, they will never shop anywhere else.”

Find Happy Fit Footwear’s new boutique at Manuka Court, 11 Bougainville Street, Manuka.