HOW WE CREATE THIS CLASSIC DIFFERENTLY
Ballet Flats but Better
HOW WE CREATE THIS CLASSIC DIFFERENTLY
Ballet Flats but Better
A Classic, Reimagined
The classic ballet flat has long been a wardrobe essential; timeless, versatile, and easy to slip on. But for all their charm, industry standard pairs come with a familiar sting: sore arches, cramped toes, and a complete lack of cushioning. In fact, traditional pairs haven't evolved much at all. But here at FRANKIE4, we make the classics differently (and have from the start).
The Science Behind Our Actually Comfy Flats
A CASE ON WHY INDUSTRY-STANDARD BALLET FLATS FAIL
When we say there’s nothing like them, we mean it. For over 14 years, real feedback from women in our community has helped shape every step of our innovation, resulting in ballet flats that look good and feel even better. Here's why and how industry-standard pairs fail, and what makes ours different.
Traditional Pain Point: No Support
Standard ballet flats are little more than fabric and a thin sole. They offer no real support, leaving arches aching and feet tired by midday.
Our Solution: Subtle Support You’ll Feel
- Hidden Heel Raise: Though sleek and minimal on the outside, our flats have a hidden heel raise that helps reduce strain, improve alignment, and better position feet for biomechanical function.
- Sole Hero® Footbed: Podiatrist-designed with targeted cushioning under the heel, arch, and forefoot to cradle your feet with every step and provide soft support.
Learn more about our Sole Hero® Footbed here.
Traditional Pain Point: Rubbing and Discomfort
Most industry-standard ballet flats trade comfort for style, causing blisters, pressure points, and a style experience you'd rather forget.
Our Solution: Smart Cushioning and Pressure Relief
- Layered Cushion and Support Systems: Every style is equipped with layered support and cushion systems designed to help prevent and alleviate common foot pain symptoms.
- Pressure-Relieving Design: The specifically placed foam lining found inside most of our styles aims to alleviate pressure and rubbing on the skin. We’re proud to say that this has been made from recycled plastic bottles since 2020.
- An Expertly Balanced Heel Counter: Firm enough to keep shape, soft enough to move with you. This helps provide flexible support and a snug, slip-free fit, which brings us to our next point.
Traditional Pain Point: Heel Slip or Ill-Fitting
Flats that gape, slip, or squeeze? It’s a common problem with traditional styles that don’t adjust.
Our Solution: A Fit That Actually Fits
Inside the box of every FRANKIE4 pair of flats there is innovative tech specifically paired with your chosen style that is designed to help deliver a perfect fit. These are all complimentary and may include either:
- The FRANKIE4 Hidden Adjustable Forefoot Fitting. A pair of EVA foam forefoot cushions which can be inserted under the adjustable footbed, to enable a snugger fit and extra cushioning. Used in styles such as Dorset, Trinity, and London to provide a snugger fit where required.
- Or a pair of Gel Forefoot Cushions, Most often partnered with open-backed styles with a built-in footbed, such as Wallace and Grace for a snugger fit where required.
- Or FRANKIE4’s customisable Sole Saver Pack® created for your perfect fit, with components that can be adjusted for a standard, narrow or wide fit. Included with styles such as Hepburn, Saint, and Franklin.
Our Ballet Flats Explained
Dorset
A ballet flat like you've never experienced. Dorset features a hidden heel raise for enhanced alignment and a triple-layer cushioning system for unparalleled support. Handcrafted, luxe leather provides the final touch. It's classic elegance meets cutting-edge comfort.
Trinity
Not your regular ballet flats. Trinity reimagines the classic with pressure relieving rPET lining (made from recycled bottles), plus hidden arch support, and our podiatrist-designed footbed. Effortless, essential, elegance all in one sleek package at last.
London
Timeless charm modernised for today's demands. London presents a classic ballet flat silhouette, however, inside London features arch support, an adjustable forefoot, and a hidden heel raise for enhanced comfort. It's eternal style that's more than meets the eye.
THE TECH AT THE CORE OF COMFORT
Sole Hero® Footbed
Our Sole Hero® Footbeds lifts, cradles and cushions the heel, while its arch support goal is to help with better lower limb alignment. Cleverly hidden in the design are two-zones of cushioning, with the aim to prevent pain points. You’ll find our revolutionary footbed built into all non LuxaLite® sandals and heels, and adjustable in boots, sneakers and most flats.
A selection of timeless style on the outside, but on the inside innovative construction changes everything we know about these favourite flats.
Dorset Rose Gold
Trinity Black Tumbled
Trinity Zebra Print
Dorset Gold Weave Emboss
Dorset Denim Patent
Dorset Macchiato
London Black
London Tan
Dorset Steel
Trinity Pink Metallic
Your Stories, Your Style
"I needed a gold flat and this one is perfect. Comfy and light weight. I can wear them all day no dramas. As always the support is excellent and the soft padding at the back gives an extra level of comfort. Love these." – Louise I.
Dorset Rose Gold