Frankie 4 - anyone tried their shoes?

Sal

I am looking at some white sneakers and Frankie4 looked good - podiatrist run Australian company - with some good choices.

I haven’t worn their shoes and website reviews are positive but another review website was very negative. I can return - they have a NZ warehouse as well - but they are pricey sneakers.

And with white sneakers there are options - plenty!

I wondered if anyone had experience or feedback?

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8 months ago

Shopping

23 replies

Latest reply was from Sal

birdie99

Active Member

Hi Sal, I have lots of shoes from here. Their sneakers are great for walking and travelling in. I’ve had two pairs of the Jackie and am on my third Mim now. I recently also bought the slides which I haven’t tried outdoors yet but I love the fact that they have free returns too. Good luck!! PS. I have very fussy and hard to fit feet!

8 months ago

Suz

(website)

Veteran

Well, I don't know them but they look great! Though I was sadly disappointed with my own white sneaker experiement last year (not from this company) -- delayed disaster shoes, i.e. felt comfortable in store but nothing, nothing, nothing worked once I'd got them home. Had to donate!

8 months ago

Sal

Veteran

Thanks birdie - I was considering the Riley and the Mim....

I remember that Suz - so disappointing.....and it does happen. My new slides this summer keep giving me a blister if I walk more than expected in them..... I have put them aside for one last chance next summer.

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8 months ago

Brooklyn

Veteran

I’ve heard good things about them but never had the opportunity to try them because they don’t seem to be stocked in mainstream stores. I will be interested to hear how you go.

8 months ago

Janet

(website)

Veteran

I’ve never heard of that brand in the US but they look intriguing. I like the lack of embellishment. Finding the right pair of white sneakers is harder that one would think, right?? The Riley’s are really good-looking (I’m a sucker for a bit more platform sole if it’s not too stiff).

I have an ancient pair of Adidas that I keep cleaning and they keep rocking on, and a pair of Nero Giardini that were pricey but they are about 6 years old and still looking good. I’ve thought about a new pair before the Adidas bite the dust.

Good luck and let us know if you try them.

8 months ago

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Brooklyn - I haven't seen them in store either. I am having a few issues with my left foot and am likely to get an orthotic (or two) over the next few months. I think these could be worth the risk.

I agree Janet - I want some very simple sneakers - harder than you think. For me leather sneakers are a transitional and winter option, I mostly find them too hot in summer. And I just want a simple pair that will work with 80% of my work outfits. I was drawn to the Riley too.

8 months ago

Runcarla

Veteran

What Janet said. I’m on the hunt for a plain white leather sneaker too! I need a rubbery sole. I want something more elevated than Converse (which do work for my feet.) YLF favourites Ecco don’t work for me, and a few I’ve tried haven’t impressed

8 months ago

BlueJay

Veteran

I don't. They look cute though! I hope they work for you if you buy them!

8 months ago

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Carla - that's what I want too!

BlueJay - thank you. I will report back.

If I like them my shoes get a lot of wear so I can cope with the $300 - and I can return. It is a lot of dollars though for sneakers....

8 months ago

kinnick

Active Member

I bought the Frankie 4 Riley sneaker. Great looking shoe but the back of the heel came up too high for my foot and was uncomfortable. I think a lower back sneaker would be okay. I exchanged the sneaker for a backless shoe and have found it very comfortable. I am normally a size 8 in regular shoes and 8 1/2 in sneakers so bought the 39 and it fits well. They send extra insoles to adjust the fit. Return and exchange was easy and helpful. However, I ordered another sandal from them about 3 weeks ago and still haven’t received it. I emailed them and they say they were counting inventory, then having a sale, etc. I will likely cancel the second order. They do respond within a day to emails. Bared is another Australian brand. They fit larger than Frankie4. They are very comfortable as well. I have a high arch and instep and wide toe box and both brands work for me.

8 months ago

Sal

Veteran

Thanks Kinnick - I ordered the Riley yesterday and will report back! I was tossing up this one and the Mim.

There is a NZ warehouse - it does not have all the shoes but mine shipped yesterday.

8 months ago

RachelNZ

Active Member

Hi Sal - I've finally joined the forum after lurking for a number of years because I wanted to share that I have a few pairs of Frankie4 shoes and have been happy with the comfort as I can have fussy feet at times.
It started with a pair of the Maria III slides in brown which I got from one of their stores in Melbourne last year. I think they run a little smaller as I had to get the 8.5 when I'm normally more a 7.5-8. I have a narrowish foot so they are slightly bigger on the straps but that doesn't cause any major issues. The foot bed is much more comfortable than Birkenstocks were for me.
They then have some reasonably good sales so I couldn't pass up trying the Dimity in a pale blue for $99. Again have been pleased with the comfort of these and they have a slightly more refined look for a sportier style of sneaker.
Then there was another sale earlier this year so I got the Nat II in white. Again comfort is good in the foot bed. The leather around the top of the shoe is a little stiff and needs to be worn in but because I wear them with socks it hasn't been an issue.
As Kinnick mentioned there is also Bared which I would agree seem to run a bit larger. I just received a pair of the Broadbill tan loafers in the 39 but they are too big so waiting on the 38 to compare (they will send you another pair to compare and you just send what doesn't work back). Again comfort feels pretty good in the foot bed (obviously just tried in the house so far) and the leather is really soft already. Hoping the 38 will work and I'm not stuck in between sizes!

7 months ago

Sal

Veteran

Welcome Rachel - thanks for your advice. My shoes arrived yesterday and I think they are a winner. Just going to hold off a few days and experiment with the insoles inside. They feel really supportive and good quality though.

My feet have been easy until recently when I have had some issues. Don’t know what is causing it as yet - could be the stiff calf or maybe slight arthritis in the toe.

Welcome to the forum!

7 months ago

rose

Active Member

Hi fellow Kiwi. Seldom post but I’m always reading! I bought a pair of frankie4 white sneakers online and I’ve never had a moment’s bother with them. I’m a primary school teacher so when I have a pair of shoes on for a day they get pretty hard wear and these have been so comfortable. I like the range of inners which come with them so that you can personalise to your feet. I’ve had lots of compliments when wearing them too! Hope your shoes work out well for you.

7 months ago

Jenni NZ

Veteran

I don’t have any but thought I would say Hi to Rachel and Rose! I was aware of Frankie4 from an article in Fashion Quarterly before I stopped getting it.
Hope they work out well for you Sal.

7 months ago

rose

Active Member

Hi to you too Jenni. Always enjoy your posts.

7 months ago

Lucy

Veteran

Frankie 4 is a bit of an institution in Brisbane, where they originate from, and where I live! Kind of "are you even a middle class soccer mum if you aren't wearing Frankie's?" levels of popularity, lol.

They are designed by a podiatrist, and the arch support is next level good.

I absolutely live in their slides. I put them on after work each day, and wear them heaps on the weekends. I also like their sandals, and have quite a few pairs for work. I've always struggled to get a good fit on their sneakers - I find my heels are too narrow (someone else mentioned that here, too!) That said, most of my Brisbane friends have multiples of their sneakers, so I am not in the majority there.

I hope they work for you!

7 months ago

Sal

Veteran

Haha thanks Lucy! I do like them - I think they are a yes!!

7 months ago

Joy

Veteran

I have not tried this shoe brand yet. Please report back if you try them. Size and comfort.

7 months ago

Sal

Veteran

Hi Joy - I have tried and I would say comfortable - but I am yet to commit to wearing properly as I was waiting for a physio appointment.

Sizing - I purchased a 9.5 and I am usually a 9 (3/4 of the time) and a 10 (1/4 of the time). But I likely have some arthritis in my navicular bone and have some swelling there which means sizing up.

I suspect the following shoes in my collection will have to go (seems a random selection and I am very sad about the new suede slides.....these ones cause irritation though. I am seeing the podiatrist in three weeks but the physio therapist was pretty definite and it makes sense with my symptoms.

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7 months ago

Joy

Veteran

I am. They all seem to be wearing out at the same time. I am between sizes now and having problem feet is more of a problem than in the past, try- ons are a necessity.

7 months ago

Joy

Veteran

The doctor has told me no open shoes like sandals and no heels. The lack of sandals was hard at first as I do not like hot feet. My climate for summer is cool some wear booties all summer. It always cools off at night and is slow to warm up. I can do fine with flat espadrilles. They are breathable and cooler than sneakers. I will be 78 this summer. I am keeping my arms toned so I can wear sleeveless tops. That is harder as I lose weight.

7 months ago

Sal

Veteran

Aging is not for the fainthearted Joy! The shoes thing is complex - especially in hot weather. I wonder about ventilated shoes eg those with small holes punched in the leather. I don't wear leather sneakers in summer only mesh or sporty type ones - leather sneakers for me work in spring, winter and autumn only.

My sneakers are super comfy - my dodgy foot is feeling so so so much better so i hope this continues.

7 months ago

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