The high-end sneaker market might not be the first business opportunity that comes to mind when thinking about Topeka, Kansas, but 23-year-old entrepreneur Eric Patterson saw potential where others didn’t. Now eight months into operation at Westridge Mall, Saved Soles has become the city’s go-to spot for buying, selling, and trading high-end footwear.
From Flip to Foundation: Eric’s Journey
Eric Patterson’s sneaker hustle began in middle school after receiving a gifted pair of coveted shoes from his cousin. With a $250 loan from his dad, Patterson started flipping limited-edition sneakers for profit. What began as a teenage side hustle grew into a decade-long pursuit that evolved into Saved Soles—a store that now blends fashion, community, and faith.
The Sneaker Market: A Culture of Value and Expression
To Eric, sneakers are more than style—they’re a form of expression, a collector’s item, and even an investment. From $600 Travis Scotts to $25,000 1985 Chicago Jordan 1s, every pair carries meaning. Saves Soles welcomes both collectors and enthusiasts, serving those who preserve pristine pairs and those who believe shoes should be worn with pride.
Business with a Mission: Where Faith Meets Footwear
What sets Saved Soles apart is its faith-driven mission. With a background deeply rooted in church life, Eric uses the store as a ministry space—donating shoes to those in need and emphasizing putting God first. His approach blends commerce with calling, offering more than just sneakers.
From Pink Lemonade to Pi-Sized Profits
Entrepreneurship runs in Eric’s blood. Inspired by his father’s lessons on business and relationships, Eric started with "Little Eric’s Pink Lemonade," earning $500 in one summer. That early venture taught him that even when you don’t close a sale, you can still make a friend—an idea that now fuels his customer-first approach at Saved Soles.
Beating the Odds and Building for the Future
Despite skeptics saying a sneaker store couldn’t succeed in Topeka, Saved Soles is thriving. Eric’s experience in local marketing helped him grow a network of mentors and believers. With plans to expand into a larger space and open a custom shoe lab, Saves Soles is poised to become more than a store—it’s becoming a creative hub.
Try and See: Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Eric’s advice for dreamers in Topeka is simple but powerful: “You just have to try.” His journey reflects the power of faith, family, and community in turning bold ideas into reality. With Saved Soles, Eric is proving that with vision and values, even a sneaker store can become a ministry—and a movement.
About the Author:
This article, The Rise of Saved Soles: Where Sneakers and Faith Create Community in Topeka with Sam Ungashick, Jake Schadegg, and Andrew Orr, was written by Justin Armbruster of the Armbruster Team at Genesis, LLC, REALTORS®—trusted experts in Topeka real estate, digital marketing, and community storytelling. Justin has helped hundreds of clients buy and sell homes in the Topeka area and is passionate about highlighting local businesses and entrepreneurs who are making a difference. Contact him at 785-260-4384, and follow along on Instagram to stay connected.