In Discussion with Two of Our Senior Footwear Designers
Step behind the scenes with us for an insider’s look at the creation of a new sneaker that’s more than just a trend — it’s a true wardrobe staple: Raider.
We sat down for an exclusive Q&A with Catherine Kingdon, our Product Development Manager, and Rosie Jamieson, Associate Director of Technical Footwear, to discuss one of our latest arrivals: Raider. They're dishing out the details on how FRANKIE4's design team have blended classic style with cutting-edge comfort.
Rosie: With Raider we took a community favourite, Winnie, and reinvented it with a brand-new edge. By blending classic design with our fashion-forward tech, these white sneakers aren’t just a style statement—they deliver the top-notch support and feel that defines us.
Cat: Raider has the signature triple-layered support and cushion system that our community loves, but what makes it truly stand out is its fresh silhouette and design details. The beautiful leather and textured accents are not only visually striking but incredibly comfortable.
Rosie: Sure! The foam lining is strategically designed to relieve pressure and provide targeted support. It’s all about enhancing comfort where it’s needed most, so every step you take feels cushioned and supported. Plus, Raider’s foam lining is made from rPET, helping to save plastic bottles from landfill.
Cat: One of the biggest challenges was integrating high performing style with high performing comfort. We wanted to ensure that while Raider looked stylish, it also delivered the superior comfort our sneakers are known for. Balancing these aspects required a lot of innovation and creativity, but luckily our team has a lot of practice with that.
Rosie: Raider is like the chameleon of sneakers. Its sleek design and refined details make it perfect for dressing up or down. Whether you’re going for a casual look or something more polished, Raider complements a wide range of outfits—it’s versatile enough to handle all your fashion needs.
Cat: I’m particularly excited about the textured leather finish. Texture is having a major moment in fashion right now, adding serious dimension and a touch of luxury to any look. It makes the Raider a standout piece in your sneaker collection. And it’s not just about looks either—did you know the raised cording, inspired by the fletch of our arrow logo, provides extra midfoot stability? We love combining style and science in every detail!
Rosie: We wanted Raider to have a bit of a wow factor, so the textured accents were our way of adding some personality and flair. They make the sneaker pop without overshadowing its classic style.
Cat: It's so exciting, the feedback starting to come in has been overwhelmingly positive! People are loving the combination of the detailed craftsmanship and the comfort features. When it comes to the fit and feel, Raider has our Sole Saver Pack™, of course, so perfecting your fit is easy.
Rosie: Raider is built to be both timeless and trend-ready. It’s designed to stay stylish and relevant, no matter what the fashion world throws at us.
Cat: We’re always exploring new ways to innovate in the footwear space. We have some exciting projects in the pipeline that will continue to push the boundaries of comfort and style. Stay tuned for more surprises.
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