
Having called New York City home for 17 years, I can confidently say that selecting the right shoes is a daily priority for any New Yorker. Like many city dwellers, we log countless miles in our footwear, making comfortable shoes essential. At the same time, we aim to maintain a stylish appearance while navigating one of the world’s fashion capitals.
Finding the perfect blend of style and comfort isn’t easy, but when I stumbled upon Frankie4, a trendy Australian shoe brand, I was surprised to learn it was created by a podiatrist. Could such stylish shoes truly be good for your feet? Would these elegant block-heeled boots hold up during long walks on New York’s unforgiving streets? Would I end up with blisters before even reaching my destination? My curiosity led me to test the Frankie4 Ember Bootie when the brand sent me a pair. Spoiler: They’ve become my go-to footwear.
Frankie4 Ember Bootie

The Frankie4 Ember Bootie is available in black and bone. Since my wardrobe already has plenty of black boots, I decided to go bold and choose the Bone color. I adore the timeless square toe design and couldn’t wait to pair them with high-waisted jeans, tailored trousers, and even my black satin midi skirt. These boots are incredibly versatile, effortlessly enhancing any outfit.
As soon as they arrived, I tried them on and was instantly amazed by how perfectly they fit. They feature Frankie4’s exclusive Sole Hero Footbed, developed by podiatrist and founder Caroline McCulloch. This footbed offers exceptional support and cushioning, a signature feature in all Frankie4 shoes. Each pair also includes additional half footbeds for wider feet and extra forefoot cushioning for narrower feet, ensuring a personalized fit for everyone.
I put them on and immediately walked to a lunch appointment across town. After covering 2 miles, my feet felt incredible. I was amazed and instantly became a lifelong fan. Finally, I could stay stylish while comfortably walking up to 10 miles a day!
“While many comfort-focused brands prioritize functionality alone, we blend both style and support,” explains Gabrielle Thompson, Frankie4’s Director of Footwear. “Our designs ensure women don’t have to sacrifice fashion for the benefits of podiatrist-approved footwear.”
If you ever see me strolling through New York City, I’ll likely be wearing my beloved Frankie4 Ember Booties. The brand also offers a wide range of comfortable styles for any occasion, from sleek pumps to casual sneakers and versatile loafers. Explore more of my favorite Frankie4 picks at Nordstrom.
Frankie4 Juliet III Pointed Toe Slingback Pump

Frankie4 Liberty Chelsea Boot

Frankie 4 Octavia Platform Tassel Loafer

Frankie4 Billie Zip Sneaker

Frankie4 Campbell Block Heel Bootie
