Latest news with #comfort
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Travel + Leisure
2 hours ago
- Travel + Leisure
This Seamless Bra Is Made With Cooling Fabric for Long-haul Flights and Sweaty Travel Days—and It's Only $22
You could wear the most comfortable travel set on Earth, but one inadequate item could ruin it all—and that item is almost always a bra. The undergarment might be the most overlooked piece of the perfect-travel-outfit puzzle. If it's the slightest bit too tight, too loose, too pokey, or too pinchy, you will struggle. Thankfully, other bra-wearers have tested tons of options so you don't have to. And after searching high and low for the best bras for travel, many swear they've found the holy grail at Amazon. It's even on sale right now for only $22. Warner's Easy Does It wireless bra is, according to reviews, the right mix of comfort, coverage, support, and softness, even impressing customers on long flights, big road trips, and days lasting 18-plus hours. The Easy Does It bra stays dig-free by eschewing wire and seams. Instead of structured panels and restrictive cups, the bra stays in place with spandex that contours to each person's unique shape. Rather than shopping by As, Bs, Cs, and band widths, sizes are simply XS to XXXL. You get a little more structure than you would with sports bras, but a more natural appearance than offered by underwired alternatives. The more than 32,000 Amazon shoppers who have rated it five stars come in all shapes and sizes. One who usually wears a 32A said it's the only bra they've tried that fits their bust, and another who wears a 36D said they were considering a breast reduction before buying the Easy Does It. 'This is the answer, my friends,' they wrote. Several have purchased the bra specifically for travel. It turns out to be the ultimate plane bra, one calling it 'heavenly' for back-to-back nine- and 14-hour flights and another saying it was 'beyond perfect' for a day full of delays. And when you get to your destination, this thing seems up to whatever you have planned, no matter how active or sweaty. 'I move, lift, and sweat like a lumberjack,' wrote a chef whose goal was 'to find a comfortable, flexible, well-made, well-fitting bra that I don't need to adjust during work, don't have wires poking me, and no foreign padding shifting in the wash.' Their verdict? 'This bra is a godsend.' Other highlights that make this bra as comfy as possible include the wide, adjustable straps and three rows of hook-and-eye closures. Many say it outperforms higher-end bras that cost over $50 or $60, and it's an even better value now that it's nearly half off the original $42 price. 'I plan on ordering more and replacing all my expensive bras with this brand and style,' a reviewer wrote after wearing it for 12 hours. The Warner's bra comes in 14 colors, including black, just about every shade of beige, and various pinks and blues. If you're looking for other bras to travel, lounge, and live in, we found more with great reviews and enticing sale prices at Amazon, below. At the time of publishing, the price started at $22. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
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Travel + Leisure
18 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- Travel + Leisure
The 9 Best Slippers for Men of 2025, Tested and Reviewed
Today, many models blend traditional slipper features like soft, cozy linings with the traction and durability of an outdoor shoe or sneaker. To find the best options, we tested 11 pairs of men's slippers while relaxing at home, doing our daily routines, and venturing outside (if intended for outdoor use). We assessed fit, comfort, design, quality, and value for each pair over several months of testing. Our overall favorite is a durable wool slipper, but many others stood out for their style, warmth, and ease of use. A quality pair of slippers can make all the difference in feeling comfortable. And if, like me, you wear slippers as house shoes, you'll clock more hours in them than virtually any other footwear. At a minimum, slippers should provide support and warmth to allow for extended wear. I appreciate a slipper that's easy to slip on but that also stays on without much effort while walking. To get year-round use without the risk of sweaty feet, I tend to choose wool designs over synthetic materials for reliable warmth that doesn't sacrifice breathability. The Vionic Men's Gustavo Slippers are designed with ergonomic comfort in mind. The EVA midsoles offer arch support and reduce impact on the feet, making these a solid choice for combating foot pain and plantar fasciitis. The footbed and interior are lined with plush faux shearling, which we found breathable enough to avoid overheating. We appreciate that the enclosed heel and snug fit keep our feet in place to get the most from the integrated arch support. Still, the secure fit didn't prevent us from slipping them on and off with ease. While the style and suede upper lean toward indoor wear, the rubber outsole has sufficient tread and volume for outdoor use in the right conditions. Equipped with cushy fleece lining and sturdy rubber outsoles, the VeraCosy Men's Corduroy Scuff Slippers deliver comfort and functionality at a great value. The corduroy material used in the upper stood out for its softness and durability. We were also impressed by the breathability, heel support, and cushioning in the footbed while wearing these for hours at a time in 75-degree weather. The rubber outsole was sufficiently grippy and supportive on tile and hardwood floors alike. They're easy to slip on and off, but we found ourselves needing to scrunch our toes at times to keep the feet from sliding. We recommend sizing up if you're at the higher end of one of the size ranges. The Lucrin Leather Slippers are an upgrade in style and comfort from the typical house shoe. They slipped on with ease and were enjoyable to wear right out of the box. The leather upper felt durable without being overly stiff, providing enough flex to walk in them comfortably. We were impressed with the breathability of these leather slippers in warmer weather and how well the suede soles gripped different indoor surfaces. The thin and lightweight materials also stood out to us for their packability. We appreciate that the Lucrins grant a great deal of customization to select a design that best suits one's style preferences: they're available in smooth or pebbled leather and up to 23 colors. On the other end, the sizing is limited to three sizes (medium, large and extra-large) and requires conversion from EU to U.S. sizes (though there is a helpful size chart on the website). The suede soles didn't feel the most durable at first, but we'll continue to test for durability over the next six months. We love the classic and cozy design of the Wicked Good Moccasins. The plush shearling lining felt soft on the skin and provided quality insulation and moisture-wicking capabilities, ensuring our feet remained dry and at a comfortable temperature while wearing throughout the day. They stayed securely on our feet and they were very easy to slip on and off without using our hands. While the rawhide laces are more about aesthetics than functionality, they can help adjust the fit if needed. The thick rubber outsoles performed well in terms of traction on vinyl, hardwood, and cement alike. We were also impressed with the construction quality, with no signs of wear after wearing these around the house, outside, and taking them on vacation. However, the suede uppers give us pause on wearing the slippers outdoors on grass or in any scenario where they might get wet. The OluKai Moloas are a fashionable, yet functional, leather slipper that can be worn to relax at home or on the go. We found the lining incredibly soft on the skin, while the Merino wool footbeds provided excellent arch support and cushioning. The construction quality is evident throughout, from the stitching to the waxed Nubuck leather (available in several hues). The matte finish on the leather gives them a casual, but refined feel. The Moloas feature OluKai's signature drop-in heel, letting them be worn as a slip-on or loafer-style slipper depending on the occasion. We appreciate that the unmarked rubber outsoles are easy on indoor surfaces while providing enough durability for outdoor wear. A toasty pair of slippers is essential for enduring winter weather and mustering up the willpower to emerge from bed on chilly mornings. Equipped with soft fleece lining and parka-like insulation, the North Face Thermoball Mule V's deliver reliable warmth, even when temperatures drop below freezing. We found the fleece-lined upper collar to be adequately snug, yet comfortable, on the ankles to prevent heat loss. The rubber outsole performed well on a variety of outdoor surfaces, including loose rocks, dirt, and grass. We could see ourselves taking these camping or skiing, given their warmth and durability. For indoor use or milder temperatures, we appreciate that the collapsible heel allows them to be worn as a slide instead. The Birkenstock Boston Shearlings up the cozy factor on the brand's popular Boston Clogs while still delivering the same quality and functionality. The shearling lining made these among the most comfortable slippers we've ever worn, but keep in mind that the plush material can cause a tighter fit initially, until the suede upper is broken in. However, the quality construction makes us think they'll give us reliable comfort for years to come. We were impressed with how easily they slip on and stay in place. Between the contoured footbed and adjustable strap, our feet didn't shift at all while walking around. We're big fans of the arch support provided by the footbeds, too, making these a pair we depend on for all-day wear. While the EVA outsole is suited to variable surfaces, the suede upper limits their outdoor use in rain or snow. The Ugg Men's Scuffs were comfortable to wear right out of the box. We love how the wool lining feels against the skin, plus the warmth it provides without overheating our feet. The backless design makes them a breeze to slip on, yet they remain securely in place while walking—so much so that we had to make a deliberate effort to take them off our feet. While there isn't any integrated arch support, the foam footbed and cushion afforded by the lining are adequate support for walking around the house. We were impressed by the traction of the suede outsole on slick surfaces, including laminate flooring, as well as carpet. The suede upper is available in several colors, and we appreciate the broad range of sizes Ugg offers. I've worn these for nearly a year, and the wool design has ensured they are breathable enough to wear year-round. The material also helps keep odor at bay. We appreciate that the wool mix is sourced from farms in Denmark and New Zealand that have certified standards for quality and animal welfare. The minimalist style and numerous color options make them a versatile slipper for wearing with pajamas or dressed up—they're my go-to house shoes when hosting dinner parties. Though the leather soles are best suited for indoor use, this Glerup design is also available with a rubber outsole, but at a higher price point. Hailing from Denmark, the Glerups shoe truly embodies the Danish concept of hygge, which refers to a feeling of quiet comfort and contentment from the smaller joys of life. They're constructed from 100 percent wool (aside from the leather sole) and don't include plush shearling or faux fur lining. While I had some initial skepticism about the wool's softness, I found that they were quite comfy to wear barefoot right out of the box. They continue getting softer and more contoured to my feet with each wear. While there isn't integrated arch support, the ergonomic design, elevated cuff, and broken-in fit help support the feet. They are meant to form to the shape of your foot, so they're best worn without socks. Other Men's Slippers We Liked There were two other pairs of men's slippers that were worth consideration for their cozy design and plush materials. However, they didn't earn a spot on our list due to concerns about support and breathability. Bombas Men's Sunday Slipper: We love the warmth and softness of the fleece-like lining and their slip-resistant sole. Even so, the bulkier design makes them less packable, and we wish they had more heel support. Dearfoams Men's Fireside by Dearfoams Grafton Genuine Shearling Clog Slipper: Though we were fans of the grippy sole and plush faux fur interior, we found that our feet overheated easily and that the suede upper was prone to water spots. Our Testing Process The Travel + Leisure team tested 11 pairs of men's slippers in real-world settings over several weeks to find the best options for different styles, uses, and budgets. We started our assessment when we unboxed them to get an initial impression of the materials and construction quality. We paid special attention to the stitching, fabric, and any extra features like laces and straps. Then, we wore each pair a minimum of three times during an initial two-week testing period. From kicking back on the couch and working from home to daily house chores and outdoor activities, we tested them in a variety of settings. To assess the fit, we took stock of how well they stayed on our feet and the effort required to put them on and take them off. We also evaluated softness, cushioning, arch and heel support, and break-in period to rank their comfort. Key design elements, such as the traction, breathability, packability, and durability for indoor or outdoor use were considered throughout testing. At the end of our initial testing period, we inspected the slippers to make note of any signs of wear and tear. We will continue testing each pair for six months to give an update on their performance and durability. Tips for Buying Slippers for Men Consider the Style Slipper style involves both aesthetics and functionality. When and where you plan to wear the slippers is part of the picture. Many slippers on this list can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. In terms of functionality, backless designs like mules and slides boast convenience and air flow, but often at the cost of support and a secure fit. Opting for a moccasin-, clog-, or loafer-style slipper might be better suited for heat retention and extended wear, especially beyond the confines of home. Look at the materials Appearances aside, the materials used in slippers have implications for their comfort and durability. While suede uppers can provide an elevated style, they're vulnerable to water damage if worn outside. If you're primarily after a pair to cozy up on the couch with, more breathable materials like wool or shearling and a softer sole could be ideal. For an outdoor slipper, I look for a rubber outsole with treads that can provide the necessary traction while protecting the lining and upper material from the ground. Prioritize comfort There's some degree of personal taste when it comes to comfort, so it's important to prioritize comfort-oriented features that are geared toward your intended use and preferences. If your feet run cold, plusher materials and warmth may be top of mind. Whereas those prone to sweaty feet might value lighter materials or a backless design that supports breathability. I tend to wear slippers throughout the day if I'm at home, so I look for some level of arch support or an ergonomic fit that prevents my feet from sliding around. I also value a cushioned or foam footbed for indoor slippers to provide some padding between my feet and hard surfaces underfoot. For outdoor slippers, I prefer a sturdier outsole for enhanced shock absorption. Frequently Asked Questions How to choose the perfect fit for men's slippers? Slippers may run big or small depending on the brand, so it's recommended to read customer reviews and any guidance on whether they fit true to size. Whether you plan to wear socks with slippers should also factor into your decision on sizing. Given the more relaxed nature of slippers, sizing up if you're between sizes may be a safer bet for getting the right fit. What are the warmest slippers for cold feet for men? The North Face Thermoball Mule V's proved to be the warmest slippers on our list, as they are designed with parka-like insulation and fleece-lined heel cuffs to trap in heat. They're also geared for indoor and outdoor use. If you're after warm outdoor slippers, look for wool or water-resistant synthetic materials that won't lose their insulating capabilities if they get wet. For indoor use, faux-fur linings can also deliver warmth, but often at the cost of breathability. Why Trust Travel + Leisure Travel + Leisure contributor, Kevin Brouillard, is based in upstate New York, where he spends most of the year dressed for comfort in the cold. His work has been published in TripSavvy, Jetsetter, and Oyster. For this story, he used his firsthand experience with several of the brands on this list, including Glerups and The North Face, plus T+L testing insights to compile this list of the best men's slippers. Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
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Travel + Leisure
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Travel + Leisure
The Nordstrom Anniversary Sale Has Comfy, Chic Travel Shoes Up to 50% Off
Cute shoes and comfortable shoes are a dime a dozen, but shoes that have a foot in both camps are rare gems. Unfortunately, shoes that are chic yet tolerable to wear for hours on end can cost a pretty penny, which is why we recommend keeping an eye out for opportunities to buy them at a discount. And as it just so happens, some of our favorite brands that combine comfort and style—like Rothy's, Vionic, Toms, and Sam Edelman—have a wide array of shoes heavily marked down for the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Curious to know which styles we're shopping for ourselves? Keep scrolling for our 15 favorite travel shoe deals happening during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. This curated list includes ballet flats, slip-on sneakers, and sandals that are equal parts comfy and chic, with shoppers specifically calling out how versatile and supportive they are. On sale for 47 percent off, these timeless leather loafers from Sam Edelman have earned plenty of praise on the Nordstrom site for their comfort and style. Constructed with buttery genuine leather uppers and cushioned, padded insoles, these slip-ons 'might be the most comfortable shoe straight from the box,' wrote one shopper. Complete with a brass bit accent and a ruched toe box, these stylish loafers are the perfect companion for trousers, maxi skirts, and even jeans. Made with breathable knit uppers, a stretchy top strap, and anti-skid outsoles, these machine-washable Rothy's Mary Jane flats are as chic as they are comfortable. One shopper who now owns four pairs of Rothy's flats gave these Mary Janes a five-star rating for versatility. 'They have been a lifesaver this summer while I've been dealing with heel pain,' they wrote. 'Super comfortable and easy to dress up or down. I've worn them with everything from maxi dresses to sweatpants.' Don't let the slight heel and pointed toe fool you—these Naturalizer slingback flats are seriously comfy, according to multiple five-star reviewers. Available in six colors, these 42 percent-off flats come with contoured, cushioned footbeds and adjustable ankle straps to keep your feet secure all day. 'I had a conference to attend where I was on my feet for six hours a day and walking miles on hard convention center concrete floors,' wrote one five-star reviewer. 'These shoes were perfect.' Summer heatwaves are no match for these breezy flats from Dolce Vita. Currently $50 off during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale, these flats have a woven knit mesh upper that promotes air flow, keeping your feet cool and comfortable on hot, sunny days. Available in half sizes and wide widths, all three colors of this flat—scarlet red, onyx black, and creme white—are on sale (while supplies last, of course). These simple yet stylish black Toms flats have a versatile silhouette that 'will go with everything,' according to one five-star reviewer, including 'long skirts, short skirts, jeans, cropped pants.' Made with a stretchy, elastic slingback strap and the brand's patented CloudBound foam cushioning, these $55 flats are comfortable to boot. If plain black flats aren't your style, they're also on sale in a daring leopard print, too. Much like the aforementioned Square Toe Mary Janes, these Rothy's flats are constructed with an elastic knit upper that stretches to fit your foot. Rather than a square toe, however, these ballet flats have a pointed toe that's still spacious enough to prevent your feet from scrunching up. The heel-to-toe cushioning and sculpted outsoles allowed one five-star reviewer to explore the streets of Paris 'for about 18,000 steps without blisters.' These flatform Mar sandals, made by podiatrist-approved and Oprah-loved brand Vionic, are built with thick, shock-absorbing soles and arch-supporting cushioned footbeds. Over 100 shoppers have given these sandals a perfect five-star rating for comfort, with one reviewer reporting that they received 'not a single blister' despite wearing them for 'miles and miles' in Italy. Previously $135, you can get these strappy sandals for just $68 during the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale. Equipped with Naturalizer's signature cushioned footbeds, these Cece Mary Jane Mules are equal parts chic and comfortable. The adjustable buckle strap and square toe give these mules a versatile, contemporary look that'll suit everything from wide-leg trousers to boyfriend jeans. For a limited time only, you can save $45 on all four colors while they're marked down. These chunky platform sneakers have an elevated, preppy look that's worthy of a first-class upgrade. Made with breathable, soft knit uppers, padded collars, and thick, cushioned midsoles, these slip-ons are both 'practical and comfortable,' according to one five-star reviewer. Whether you're throwing them on last-minute to catch a flight or plan on clocking thousands of steps on a walking tour, these stylish sneakers will carry you the whole way. These puffy, cloud-like Olukai slides are made with a water-resistant fabric, so you can feel good about wearing them at the beach or poolside. The grippy rubber outsole prevents slipping, and the cushioned footbeds have arch support built in for long-lasting comfort. 'These sandals are a dream,' wrote one five-star reviewer who wore them on a vacation while seven months pregnant. 'Worth the money!' Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week.
Fast Company
2 days ago
- Business
- Fast Company
La-Z-Boy just rebranded to prove it's more than your grandma's recliner
Nearly everyone in America recognizes the brand name La-Z-Boy, and most will remember it fondly as part of their childhoods. Far fewer see it as a brand they would actually buy today, but La-Z-Boy is on a mission to change that. The company is unveiling its first rebrand in 20-plus years to position itself as more than just your grandma's recliner. The brand has traded its minimalist, sans-serif logo for a retro script wordmark. It revamped its color palette and adopted a whole new brand voice that emphasizes coziness and comfort rather than just function. La-Z-Boy requested that Fast Company refer to these changes as a 'brand refresh' (a term typically used as a safer, less extreme alternative to 'rebrand'), but the sum of these swaps equals a full visual overhaul. The new look is part of La-Z-Boy's 'Century Vision' strategy: a business plan intended to prepare the brand for growth after its 2027 centennial anniversary. Christina Hoskins, the company's chief marketing officer, says the key to jump-starting that upward trajectory is to make sure that La-Z-Boy is not a brand that exists only in people's memories. 'We started to suspect that we are a brand that's on the verge of fading into history, and we didn't want that to be the case,' Hoskins says. The new La-Z-Boy La-Z-Boy is contending with a housing and furniture market battered by consumer concerns around inflation, the rising cost of living, and the economic whiplash of President Trump's tariffs. According to its fiscal year 2025 financial report, La-Z-Boy notched $2.1 billion in sales—up 3% from the previous fiscal year but down from its 2022 high of $2.4 billion. As of this writing, the brand's stock is also down nearly 10% compared to this time last year. Hoskins says that to set itself up for the future, La-Z-Boy has been working on expanding its retail network. This year, it built 12 new locations and acquired seven independently owned stores—one of the largest annual expansions in company history. Originally, the goal of the refresh was to widen the company's consumer base alongside its retail presence by attracting a younger audience. However, as Hoskins and her team worked with partners at the branding agency Colle McVoy, they realized they needed to zoom out even further. After analyzing their existing branding and consumer feedback, they found that La-Z-Boy's marketing focus was specific to the functionality of its furniture, whereas target consumers across generations cared more about the feelings the brand could evoke. 'There is a [target] consumer out there who wants comfort first, who wants a home they can live in, who wants peace over perfection in life,' Hoskins says. 'The beauty of that is that we're able to go in through this more emotional angle and tap into people's values and beliefs, and then reach a broad consumer set. The outcome of that will be that we're reaching younger consumers, but we're not just chasing after the age alone.' Over the past couple of years, La-Z-Boy has already begun quietly rolling out a more consumer-focused, playful voice via new brand activations. In 2023, the company debuted a national advertising campaign called 'Long Live the Lazy,' which called on fans to reclaim so-called laziness and embrace 'JOMO' ('the joy of missing out'). It also unveiled ' The Decliner,' an AI -powered prototype chair that helped the reclinee draft text messages to cancel their plans. On opening weekend, the Decliner drove a 50% increase in sales and a 200% increase in web traffic. In 2024, the company followed up with ' Decline to Recline,' an ad campaign poking fun at people who recline their seats on airplanes (and nudging offending passengers to use a La-Z-Boy at home instead). An accompanying petition to end airplane recliners, which La-Z-Boy published on its website, received more than 400,000 signatures. Through these campaigns, Hoskins says, La-Z-Boy showed up differently in the cultural zeitgeist than it ever had before, which 'opened people's eyes to the new La-Z-Boy.' From corporate to cozy Once the La-Z-Boy team identified this strategy, there was another issue: The 'new La-Z-Boy'—intended to encapsulate comfort, warmth, and a stress-free space—was deeply detached from how the branding actually looked. 'We did a fair amount of consumer research that showed it felt sterile, it felt cold, it felt corporate, and it didn't match the experience of sitting in a La-Z-Boy chair,' Hoskins says. La-Z-Boy's then-logo, first introduced in 2003, featured a thin sans-serif wordmark with a small pop of icy blue. Diana Quenomoen, design director at Colle McVoy, says the wordmark felt like something you might find in a healthcare or tech field, not a piece of furniture you'd want to sink into. Quenomoen's team turned to La-Z-Boy's 1927 script logo for inspiration. They drew a new version of the mark, character by character, that takes some cues from the original—like the connective flourishes and the Z appearing to be cradled between the other characters—while also putting a modern spin on the script concept. Another core inspiration was the furniture itself, which shows in the plumpness of the letters and the wordmark's italicized setting, meant to mimic a chair's recline. 'From the beginning, one of our team members pointed to this logo and said, 'I want to [lie] on that,'' Hoskins says. 'We were like, 'Oh, we're hitting on something here.'' The new identity also includes a warmer palette of burnt vermilion and soft celadon green, a custom monogram featuring the script letters LZB, and a wave-like color-blocked pattern. All of Colle McVoy's work was collected in a new internal style guide that's meant to help La-Z-Boy maintain brand consistency as it works to expand its network of company-owned stores. The rebrand will begin rolling out digitally and via advertising channels on July 29. Physical storefronts will be updated over the next few years. 'It's really exciting to see how we've captured what the brand is through the identity, and how that can inspire new thinking about shopper experiences,' Hoskins says.
News.com.au
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- News.com.au
FRANKIE4 review: 5-Star stylish and comfortable footwear
These products are hand-picked by our team to help make shopping easier. We may receive payments from third parties for sharing this content and when you purchase through links in this article. Product prices and offer details are not assured, and should be confirmed independently with the retailer. Learn more I've always been a shoe girl. And the higher the better. So the day my podiatrist confirmed I had a bunion on my left foot and firmly told me I should no longer wear high heeled shoes, I got into my car and had a little cry. What did this mean for my future footwear? Nothing glamorous by the sounds of things. Then someone told me about FRANKIE4, a stylish shoe brand priding itself on creating women's footwear that offers comfort and podiatrist-designed support. I liked the sound of it and when I investigated further I found out that FRANKIE4 shoes feature innovative Solo Hero Footbed cushioning insoles aimed at supporting alignment and deflecting pressure from those sneaky areas prone to pain. Magic! But what of the designs? As I say, I'm a shoe girl and won't wear something for 'comfort' only. Footwear has to look and make me feel fabulous. It's as simple as that. (And probably why I got the bunion in the first place.) So when I got the opportunity to try out a pair of best-selling FRANKIE4 boots from the latest winter range, I was super keen. But not entirely convinced. After all, the winter boot is a crucial addition to the wardrobe. Would FRANKIE4 live up to my style expectations? In short, they did. The minute I saw my new FRANKIE4 boots, I was in love. And when I zipped them up, my feet were literally rejoicing. Certainly a promising start. But I wasn't the only one to trial a pair of the FRANKIE4 boots. I was joined by two other members of the checkout team, who each opted for a different style. TRIED AND TESTED BY SUSANNAH HARDY, CHECKOUT PARTNERSHIPS WRITER After much deliberation, I decided on the Ember boots in Bone, a chic off-white tone. The entire range was tempting but in the end of the day I was drawn to Ember's sleek style and in particular the square solid-looking heel. Plus I'm totally into cream-coloured shoes this season, so the colour was an easy choice. I'm usually a size 8 in shoes but in recent years, I've had to go up a size (Thanks, bunion!) so I was thrilled to be able to have these boots in a size 8.5. When my boots arrived, I opened the box and gasped. I was already in love. Then I tried them on and was totally blown away. Not only did they look absolutely stunning, but they also offered immediate happiness for my feet. Expectations over-exceeded! An outstanding feature is FRANKIE4's signature cushioning insoles. The boots come with two options, but I had no need to customise the fit. They felt like they were made for me and completely supported my arch, like no other shoe I've ever worn. This felt quite unusual at first, but after many days of running to and from work, it's a feature I've truly grown to love. The leather is noticeably soft and while the boots have a glove-like fit, there's plenty of give. I experienced a few adjustment days but the leather moulded very quickly to the shape of my feet. They even accommodated my bunion and caused no pain at all. In fact, the more I wear them the more comfortable they get, and now, next to my trainers (and UGG boots), they have been crowned the comfiest shoes in my current collection. The 60mm square-shaped heel is perfect, giving me height without causing pain or exhausting my feet and legs. Plus, it's solid and easy to walk on. And the colour has been a huge success. I wanted something a little different to the usual black or brown boot, however I had no idea just how versatile this colour would be. I wear them with everything. Initially, I was worried about getting the boots dirty or marked, however I sprayed them with leather shoe protector before wearing and have had no trouble at all. The one drawback is that FRANKIE4 boots do not come cheap. But in my mind, it's worth spending money on good footwear. And I have worn these boots non-stop and cannot say enough good things about them from the silky soft leather and chunky heel to the inner side zip that pulls up like a dream. FRANKIE4's Ember boots, I hit the jackpot. TRIED AND TESTED BY MELODY TEH, CHECKOUT DEPUTY EDITOR This is a big call but these might just be the most comfortable boots I've ever owned. Yes, they're that comfy! You can walk in them all day and your feet (and precious toes) still feel fine. A miracle, I know! This is my first time trying anything from FRANKIE4 and now that I know their shoes are podiatrist-designed, I totally get the hype. It actually makes a huge difference. When I used to think of shoes recommended by podiatrists, I imagined clunky, orthopaedic-looking things but that's definitely not the case here. I'm obsessed with the Liberty Barley Suede: a timeless, chic ankle boot that goes with everything. I had a similar pair years ago that I wore to death so I'm thrilled to have found a stylish, everyday boot that's just as versatile but far more supportive. Now let's talk about comfort. It all comes down to the Sole Hero Footbed: with adjustable heel, arch and forefoot support, it's unlike anything I've worn before. The triple-layer cushioning genuinely makes it feel like you're walking on clouds. The 58mm heel is the sweet spot too – enough of a lift to feel polished but low enough to stay comfy all day. I also love that you can customise your fit – regular, wide, or narrow. I went for the half-length footbed because my toes tend to get squished in certain shoes and it's made all the difference. Yes, the Liberty Barley Suede boot is an investment but considering how many years I spent in flimsy shoes in my teens and 20s (and now in my 30s, I'm feeling it!), I honestly believe you can't put a price on proper foot support. These boots are stylish, supportive and still feel great at the end of a long day. With nearly 1,000 glowing reviews on the FRANKIE4 site, it's easy to see why the Liberty boots are a bestseller – and now I'm one of the many converts. FRANKIE4 Sage TRIED AND TESTED BY STEPHANIE YIP, ECOMMERCE TRAVEL WRITER Years ago my podiatrist put me onto FRANKIE4 as she suggested their roomy toe boxes would be kinder to my bunion covered feet than my then favourite shoe. At first I was hesitant – mostly due to the high price point of the shoes – but the reviews and the recommendations from my mum friends won me over. I invested in a pair of Nat III Chalk Tumbled sneakers and I've been a fan ever since. So naturally when I was offered to add to my collection with the gorgeous Sage boot, I jumped at the chance. This is now my fourth pair of FRANKIE4s (no, really) and, as always, they've delivered in both style and comfort. Of the three colour options (black, black tumbled and camel tumbled) the classic black drew me in with its rugged appeal, capable of being dressed up for an event or adding a bit of edge to my look. On paper they sounded great, but when I first wore them I was surprised that they needed breaking in. Not in the foot but in the ankle as the material was quite stiff and irritated my calves, even with stockings on. Thankfully after a few weeks of inconsistent wear they softened up nicely and, along with their low heel and waterproof leather finish, have since become my new go-to for long, cold and rainy walks. Like all Frankie4 footwear they come with the standard two insoles (a full and a half) with the full already in place ready to add an extra level of comfort and support. As I have high arches I tend to remove this and go with the half sole, which is what I've done with this pair. You've got to love that consistency. Something else that's consistent is how kind they are to people with wide front feet. On top of that roomy toe box, the Sage features a top-to-toe side zip to pop them on and off easily as well as an elasticised gusset which I've found is stretchy enough to slip on while standing instead. At $359.95, the Sage might be expensive, but for the quality, comfort and style I honestly can't fault it. Four pairs in and I'm still a fan. Here's to number five. *Products have been provided by FRANKIE4 for a 100 per cent independent, honest review
