Founded in 1906, Cherry Blossom has been the nation’s favourite shoe care brand for 120 years, rising from humble beginnings in Edwardian London to becoming a household name and a globally recognised brand. We’ve been there through changing fashions, historic moments and everyday milestones.
For 120 years, Cherry Blossom has helped generations care for the shoes that carry them through life. As we continue our journey through the decades, we arrive in the 2000s, the start of a new century that brought Y2K fashion, celebrity style and a growing love of casual footwear.
Welcome to the Naughties
The new millennium delivered a fresh sense of excitement. Technology was changing rapidly, pop culture was everywhere, and fashion continued to be heavily influenced by music, television and celebrities.
In Britain, the likes of the Spice Girls, Kate Moss and football culture all helped shape what people wore. Fashion was playful, sometimes experimental and often all about the brands you could spot on your feet.
2000s Footwear: From UGGs to Trainers
The 2000s saw casual footwear become firmly established as everyday fashion. Trainers were no longer reserved for sport, with retro running shoes, basketball-inspired styles and colourful designs becoming wardrobe staples.
The decade also gave us some of the most recognisable footwear trends of the era. UGG-style boots became a huge hit, particularly when paired with jeans or leggings whilst ballet pumps offered a simple alternative for everyday outfits. Platform shoes and wedges continued the love of chunky footwear inherited from the 1990s, despite strappy heels and pointed-toe shoes remaining popular for evenings out.
For men, trainers, casual leather shoes and boots dominated, with brands and logos becoming an increasingly important part of personal style.
Looking After Your Favourite Shoes
As people invested in footwear that could be worn day after day, keeping it looking fresh became increasingly important.
Leather shoes and boots still benefited from regular cleaning and polishing to remove dirt, restore shine and protect against everyday wear. Suede required careful cleaning and protection, and sneakers needed regular attention to keep lighter colours looking their best.
After all, when your favourite pair becomes part of your everyday look, you want to keep them going for as long as possible.
Cherry Blossom in the Noughties
As the 2000s brought new footwear trends, Cherry Blossom continued our long-standing tradition of helping people look after their favourite shoes. Whilst fashion was becoming more casual, smart leather shoes remained a staple for work, school and special occasions. Keeping them clean, polished and protected was still an important part of making them last, particularly in Britain's unpredictable weather.
From everyday school shoes to much-loved leather boots, Cherry Blossom remained rooted in a simple idea: looking after your footwear helps you get more life out of it. And as the decade ushered in new styles and changing lifestyles, that commitment to shoe care remained as relevant as ever.
A Decade of Everyday Style
The 2000s helped cement the idea that footwear could be fashionable, comfortable and practical all at once. Trainers became everyday essentials, boots became wardrobe icons and celebrity culture made certain styles instantly recognisable.
Today, plenty of 2000s footwear trends are enjoying a comeback. And as we look back at two decades of changing styles, one thing remains timeless: whether they're brand new or a much-loved favourite, your shoes are always worth looking after.
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