Our Exclusive Design Team Q&A: 10 AW26 Questions
We spoke with Gabrielle Thompson, Director of Footwear, and Rosie Jamieson, Associate Director of Technical Footwear, to share what’s new this season.
Q1: Why is the space between your foot and the ground so important?
Gabrielle Thompson (GT): “The space between your foot and the ground is where comfort, support, and movement come together. Every shoe interacts with that space, and the way it absorbs, cushions, and aligns your foot affects how you feel all day. Groundwork Vol. I is designed to optimise that connection based on our trusted foundation—so your feet move naturally, comfortably, and supported in every step.”
Q2: How does FRANKIE4 make comfort more than just a feature?
Rosie Jamieson (RJ): “That’s a great question. Our podiatrist-designed technology is the foundation of everything we do. Most styles across our range feature the Sole Hero® Footbed, which combines contoured layers to cradle the heel, arch, and forefoot. This design helps reduce pressure points, supports natural alignment, and has been clinically shown to improve comfort by up to 64% for women experiencing heel pain*. It’s more than a feature—it’s a trusted foundation you can rely on in your everyday shoes.
Most enclosed styles also come with our Sole Saver Pack®, which features adjustable footbed components so the fit of each shoe can be customised for narrow, standard, or wide fits. This means you can create the perfect fit for each foot, after all no two feet are not the same.
In selected heels and slides, we integrate LuxaLite®, a patent-pending slimline footbed. LuxaLite® provides contoured cushioning that maintains the sleek, fashion-forward silhouette you love while still delivering the comfort and pressure relief FRANKIE4 is known for. Combined, these technologies ensure every step feels balanced, supported, and effortless—whether you’re on your feet all day or stepping out for the evening.”
