REVOLUTIONISING THE BALLET FLAT
For years, ballet flats have been a staple in every wardrobe. However, their uncomfortable fit, lack of cushioning and support have caused distress to women's feet. At FRANKIE4 our mission is to provide women with a healthier options for on trend footwear, and our ballet flat range is no exception. We had a dream to create styles that are more comfortable and supportive than the traditional ballet flat.
Our latest range of ballet flats surpasses expectations. We envisioned a collection that not only embraces current trends but also prioritises comfort and support. Say goodbye to the discomfort associated with traditional ballet flats.
KEEP SCROLLING TO LEARN MORE
REVOLUTIONISING THE BALLET FLAT
For years, ballet flats have been a staple in every wardrobe. However, their uncomfortable fit, lack of cushioning and support have caused distress to women's feet. At FRANKIE4 our mission is to provide women with a healthier options for on trend footwear, and our ballet flat range is no exception. We had a dream to create styles that are more comfortable and supportive than the traditional ballet flat.
Our latest range of ballet flats surpasses expectations. We envisioned a collection that not only embraces current trends but also prioritises comfort and support. Say goodbye to the discomfort associated with traditional ballet flats.
KEEP SCROLLING TO LEARN MORE
OUR BALLET FLATS
PATENT PENDING
We've addressed the 4 key issues with ballet flats that cause women discomfort:
1
When flat is too flat
2
Reducing the pinch
3
Supporting the sole
4
Helping hold on
OUR BALLET FLATS
PATENT PENDING
We've addressed the 4 key issues with ballet flats that cause women discomfort:
1
When flat is too flat
2
Reducing the pinch
3
Supporting the sole
4
Helping hold on
1. WHEN A FLAT IS TOO FLAT
Ballet flats have gained notoriety for their simplistic elevated aesthetic, establishing themselves as an essential component of the flat shoe category. However, it is imperative to recognise that shoes exhibiting a "dead flat" structure can intensify the likelihood of experiencing discomfort. Several studies lend credence to the notion that even a slight elevation beneath the heel can yield substantial improvements in ankle joint functionality, thereby diminishing the probability of sustaining injuries or dysfunctions in the lower extremities.
In light of this understanding, we present our innovative solution – the incorporation of a comfortably lifted heel! Despite their externally flat appearance, our ballet flats discreetly integrate a concealed heel raise. In tandem with the sole and footbed, this thoughtful design elevates the heel, effectively circumventing the detrimental effects of a "dead flat" position. By ensuring that the wearer's foot is aptly angled within the shoe, our objective is to mitigate the overall risk associated with the development of foot pain or dysfunction.
1. WHEN A FLAT IS TOO FLAT
Ballet flats have gained notoriety for their simplistic elevated aesthetic, establishing themselves as an essential component of the flat shoe category. However, it is imperative to recognise that shoes exhibiting a "dead flat" structure can intensify the likelihood of experiencing discomfort. Several studies lend credence to the notion that even a slight elevation beneath the heel can yield substantial improvements in ankle joint functionality, thereby diminishing the probability of sustaining injuries or dysfunctions in the lower extremities.
In light of this understanding, we present our innovative solution – the incorporation of a comfortably lifted heel! Despite their externally flat appearance, our ballet flats discreetly integrate a concealed heel raise. In tandem with the sole and footbed, this thoughtful design elevates the heel, effectively circumventing the detrimental effects of a "dead flat" position. By ensuring that the wearer's foot is aptly angled within the shoe, our objective is to mitigate the overall risk associated with the development of foot pain or dysfunction.
2. REDUCING THE PINCH
While we certainly appreciate the elevated charm of ballet flats, it is important to acknowledge their propensity for causing various forms of friction and discomfort on the foot, whether in the toe or heel regions. In response to this concern, we proudly present our solution - a design that is gentle on the toes and considerate of the heels.
GENTLE ON THE TOES
To alleviate sheer stresses and mitigate friction and pressure on the forefoot area, our ballet flats feature a discreetly integrated soft foam lining. This meticulous addition ensures a soothing experience, minimizing any discomfort caused by rubbing.
CONSIDERATE OF THE HEELS
Many of our valued customers often inquire about the possibility of a 'breaking in period,' particularly in relation to the heel area. However, thanks to our meticulously crafted heel counters, such concerns become a thing of the past. Our ballet flats boast expertly balanced heel counters, striking the perfect balance between being neither too rigid nor too flimsy. As a result, you can revel in comfort right from the very first wear, eliminating the need for an arduous 'break-in' phase to soften the heel counter.
2. REDUCING THE PINCH
While we certainly appreciate the elevated charm of ballet flats, it is important to acknowledge their propensity for causing various forms of friction and discomfort on the foot, whether in the toe or heel regions. In response to this concern, we proudly present our solution - a design that is gentle on the toes and considerate of the heels.
GENTLE ON THE TOES
To alleviate sheer stresses and mitigate friction and pressure on the forefoot area, our ballet flats feature a discreetly integrated soft foam lining. This meticulous addition ensures a soothing experience, minimizing any discomfort caused by rubbing.
CONSIDERATE OF THE HEELS
Many of our valued customers often inquire about the possibility of a 'breaking in period,' particularly in relation to the heel area. However, thanks to our meticulously crafted heel counters, such concerns become a thing of the past. Our ballet flats boast expertly balanced heel counters, striking the perfect balance between being neither too rigid nor too flimsy. As a result, you can revel in comfort right from the very first wear, eliminating the need for an arduous 'break-in' phase to soften the heel counter.
3. SUPPORTING THE SOLE
The traditional ballet flat is minimalistic on all fronts, this typically includes what is under your foot too, creating a hard and uncomfortable experience for the wearer.
OUR SOLUTION: SOFT SUPPORTIVE CLOUDS
Hidden within the sleek looking exterior lies our unique layered support and cushioning system. Our podiatrist designed footbed cradles the heel, supports the arch and cushions the forefoot.
3. SUPPORTING THE SOLE
The traditional ballet flat is minimalistic on all fronts, this typically includes what is under your foot too, creating a hard and uncomfortable experience for the wearer.
OUR SOLUTION: SOFT SUPPORTIVE CLOUDS
Hidden within the sleek looking exterior lies our unique layered support and cushioning system. Our podiatrist designed footbed cradles the heel, supports the arch and cushions the forefoot.
4. HELPING HOLD ON
Ballet flats often pose challenges when it comes to achieving the ideal fit. Many women find themselves opting for ballet flats that are too small, in an attempt to prevent them from slipping off, resulting in painful pressure points over the toes. On the other hand, some individuals wear the correct length but experience the need to clench their toes to maintain a secure fit, leading to discomfort, pain, and excessive heel slippage.
Improperly fitted shoes in the forefoot region can potentially give rise to skin lesions such as corns or calluses, as well as potential joint issues like toe deformities and increased pressure underneath the foot. Considering these concerns, we proudly present our solution - an adjustable forefoot system. The toe box of FRANKIE4 ballet flats has been meticulously designed and thoughtfully crafted to offer greater comfort and adjustability to the wearer, surpassing the capabilities of traditional ballet flats. Our ballet flats empower women to incorporate a forefoot cushion beneath the footbed, allowing for a tighter fit, when necessary, without compromising their true shoe size.
4. HELPING HOLD ON
Ballet flats often pose challenges when it comes to achieving the ideal fit. Many women find themselves opting for ballet flats that are too small, in an attempt to prevent them from slipping off, resulting in painful pressure points over the toes. On the other hand, some individuals wear the correct length but experience the need to clench their toes to maintain a secure fit, leading to discomfort, pain, and excessive heel slippage.
Improperly fitted shoes in the forefoot region can potentially give rise to skin lesions such as corns or calluses, as well as potential joint issues like toe deformities and increased pressure underneath the foot. Considering these concerns, we proudly present our solution - an adjustable forefoot system. The toe box of FRANKIE4 ballet flats has been meticulously designed and thoughtfully crafted to offer greater comfort and adjustability to the wearer, surpassing the capabilities of traditional ballet flats. Our ballet flats empower women to incorporate a forefoot cushion beneath the footbed, allowing for a tighter fit, when necessary, without compromising their true shoe size.
EXPERIENCE THE FRANKIE4 DIFFERENCE
EXPERIENCE THE FRANKIE4 DIFFERENCE
WRITTEN BY
CAROLINE MCCULLOCH
Founder
B. Podiatry, B. Physiotherapy
ALAN MCCULLOCH
Founder
B. Podiatry, P.G.Dip in Human Movement Studies
SARA TAYLOR
Contributing Writing
B. Podiatry (Hons)
WRITTEN BY
CAROLINE MCCULLOCH
Founder
B. Podiatry, B. Physiotherapy
ALAN MCCULLOCH
Founder
B. Podiatry, P.G.Dip in Human Movement Studies
SARA TAYLOR
Contributing Writing
B. Podiatry (Hons)
JESS KOSTOS | PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Jess Kostos aka "The Mama Physio" is a Melbourne-based Physiotherapist with a specialist interest in Pelvic Health for Women.
JESS KOSTOS | PHYSIOTHERAPIST
Jess Kostos aka "The Mama Physio" is a Melbourne-based Physiotherapist with a specialist interest in Pelvic Health for Women.
THE VARIABLES
We appreciate the individuality of every foot. Despite our utmost endeavours to eliminate the necessity for a break-in period, certain individuals may possess specific conditions or unique characteristics that render a gradual wear-in process more beneficial. Nevertheless, we persistently refine the components of our designs, effectively reducing the likelihood of discomfort arising from friction.
Here at FRANKIE4, we meticulously consider all these variables when conceptualising our products, firmly committed to ongoing evolution. This commitment is fuelled by genuine feedback from our esteemed customers, those who directly experience the pleasure of wearing our shoes. If you have any feedback, please send us an email info@frankie4.com and we will do our best to assist you further.
DISCLAIMER
The contributors to this article make every effort to make sure the information provided is accurate. All content is created for informational purposes only. The information regarding our products is not intended to replace professional or medical advice relevant to your circumstances. Discontinue use if you experience discomfort and seek advice from your health care professional.
This article contains copyrighted material. Reproduction and distribution of this article without written permission from FRANKIE4 footwear is prohibited. ©2023 FRANKIE4 footwear. All rights reserved.
REFERENCES
- Johanson M, C. A. H. C. K. H. S. A., 2006. Heel Lifts and the Stance Phase of Gait in Subjects with Limited Ankle Dorsiflexion. Journal of Athletic Training , pp. 41(2)159-165.
- Pope, R., Herbert, R. & Kirwan, J., 1998. Effects of ankle dorsiflexion range and pre-exercise calf muscle stretching on injury risk in Army recruits. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy, Volume 44, pp. 165-172.
- Riddle D, P. M. P. P. J. R., 2003. Risk Factors for Plantar Fasciitis: A Matched Case-Control Study. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery , pp. 872-877.
- Branthwaite H, C. N. G. A., 2013. The Effect of Toe-box Shape and Volume on Forefoot Interdigital and Plantar Pressures in Healthy Females. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, p. Article Number
FURTHER READINGS
Plantar Force Distribution for Increasing Heel Height Within Women’s Shoes. Physics Department, The College of Wooster, Wooster, Ohio.
Beeson, P., 2014. Plantar Fasciopathy: Revisiting The Risk Factors.. Foot and Ankle Surgery, pp. 20(3) 160-165. Branthwaite H, C. N. G. A., 2013.
The Effect of Toe-box Shape and Volume on Forefoot Interdigital and Plantar Pressures in Healthy Females. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, p. Article Number 28. D Barkema, T. D. a. P. M., 2011. HEEL HEIGHT AFFECTS LOWER EXTREMITY FRONTAL PLANE JOINT MOMENTS DURING WALKING, Ames: Iowa State University . Ho K, B. M. P. C., 2012.
The influence of heel height on patellofemral joint kinetics during walking. Gait and Posture, Volume 36, pp. 271-275. Johanson M, C. A. H. C. K. H. S. A., 2006.
Heel Lifts and the Stance Phase of Gait in Subjects with Limited Ankle Dorsiflexion. Journal of Athletic Training , pp. 41(2)159-165. Pope, R., Herbert, R. & Kirwan, J., 1998.
Effects of ankle dorsiflexion range and pre-exercise calf muscle stretching on injury risk in Army recruits. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy , Volume 44, pp. 165-172. Riddle D, P. M. P. P. J. R., 2003. Risk Factors for Plantar Fasciitis: A Matched Case-Control Study. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, pp. 872-877. Rossi, W. A., 1999.
Why Shoes Make Normal Gait Impossible, s.l.: Podiatry Management. Telfer S, W. J. T. D., 2014. Measurement of functional heel pad behaviour in-shoe during gait using orthotic embedded ultrasonography. Gait & Posture, pp. 39;328-332. Wearing S, S. J. U. S. H. E. H. A., 2006.
The Pathomechanics of Plantar Fasciitis. Sports Medicine, pp. 36(7) 585 - 611. Werner R, G. N. H. A. W. N. K. W., 2010.
Risk Factors for Plantar Fasciitis Among Assembly Plant Workers. American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation , pp. (2) 110-116. Wulf M, W. S. H. S. B. S. R. L. B. T., 2016.
The Effect of an In-shoe Orthotic Heel Lift on Loading of the Achilles Tendon During Shod Walking. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Theray, pp. 46(2): 79-87. Young C, R. D. N. M., 2001. Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis. American family Physician, pp. 63(3) 467- 474.
THE VARIABLES
We appreciate the individuality of every foot. Despite our utmost endeavours to eliminate the necessity for a break-in period, certain individuals may possess specific conditions or unique characteristics that render a gradual wear-in process more beneficial. Nevertheless, we persistently refine the components of our designs, effectively reducing the likelihood of discomfort arising from friction.
Here at FRANKIE4, we meticulously consider all these variables when conceptualising our products, firmly committed to ongoing evolution. This commitment is fuelled by genuine feedback from our esteemed customers, those who directly experience the pleasure of wearing our shoes. If you have any feedback, please send us an email infofrankie4.com and we will do our best to assist you further.
DISCLAIMER
The contributors to this article make every effort to make sure the information provided is accurate. All content is created for informational purposes only. The information regarding our products is not intended to replace professional or medical advice relevant to your circumstances. Discontinue use if you experience discomfort and seek advice from your health care professional.
This article contains copyrighted material. Reproduction and distribution of this article without written permission from FRANKIE4 footwear is prohibited. ©2023 FRANKIE4 footwear. All rights reserved.
REFERENCES
- Johanson M, C. A. H. C. K. H. S. A., 2006. Heel Lifts and the Stance Phase of Gait in Subjects with Limited Ankle Dorsiflexion. Journal of Athletic Training , pp. 41(2)159-165.
- Pope, R., Herbert, R. & Kirwan, J., 1998. Effects of ankle dorsiflexion range and pre-exercise calf muscle stretching on injury risk in Army recruits. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy, Volume 44, pp. 165-172.
- Riddle D, P. M. P. P. J. R., 2003. Risk Factors for Plantar Fasciitis: A Matched Case-Control Study. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery , pp. 872-877.
- Branthwaite H, C. N. G. A., 2013. The Effect of Toe-box Shape and Volume on Forefoot Interdigital and Plantar Pressures in Healthy Females. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, p. Article Number
FURTHER READINGS
Plantar Force Distribution for Increasing Heel Height Within Women’s Shoes. Physics Department, The College of Wooster, Wooster, Ohio.
Beeson, P., 2014. Plantar Fasciopathy: Revisiting The Risk Factors.. Foot and Ankle Surgery, pp. 20(3) 160-165. Branthwaite H, C. N. G. A., 2013.
The Effect of Toe-box Shape and Volume on Forefoot Interdigital and Plantar Pressures in Healthy Females. Journal of Foot and Ankle Research, p. Article Number 28. D Barkema, T. D. a. P. M., 2011. HEEL HEIGHT AFFECTS LOWER EXTREMITY FRONTAL PLANE JOINT MOMENTS DURING WALKING, Ames: Iowa State University . Ho K, B. M. P. C., 2012.
The influence of heel height on patellofemral joint kinetics during walking. Gait and Posture, Volume 36, pp. 271-275. Johanson M, C. A. H. C. K. H. S. A., 2006.
Heel Lifts and the Stance Phase of Gait in Subjects with Limited Ankle Dorsiflexion. Journal of Athletic Training , pp. 41(2)159-165. Pope, R., Herbert, R. & Kirwan, J., 1998.
Effects of ankle dorsiflexion range and pre-exercise calf muscle stretching on injury risk in Army recruits. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy , Volume 44, pp. 165-172. Riddle D, P. M. P. P. J. R., 2003. Risk Factors for Plantar Fasciitis: A Matched Case-Control Study. The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, pp. 872-877. Rossi, W. A., 1999.
Why Shoes Make Normal Gait Impossible, s.l.: Podiatry Management. Telfer S, W. J. T. D., 2014. Measurement of functional heel pad behaviour in-shoe during gait using orthotic embedded ultrasonography. Gait & Posture, pp. 39;328-332. Wearing S, S. J. U. S. H. E. H. A., 2006.
The Pathomechanics of Plantar Fasciitis. Sports Medicine, pp. 36(7) 585 - 611. Werner R, G. N. H. A. W. N. K. W., 2010.
Risk Factors for Plantar Fasciitis Among Assembly Plant Workers. American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation , pp. (2) 110-116. Wulf M, W. S. H. S. B. S. R. L. B. T., 2016.
The Effect of an In-shoe Orthotic Heel Lift on Loading of the Achilles Tendon During Shod Walking. Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Theray, pp. 46(2): 79-87. Young C, R. D. N. M., 2001. Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis. American family Physician, pp. 63(3) 467- 474.