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Can a shoe be both stylish and comfortable? My relentless research into the annals of the podiatric internet have shown me that yes, despite the countless rows of ugly orthopedic shoes offering sweet relief, there are shoemakers doing some innovative things in the name of foot health. Enter: FRANKIE4—the Australian-born label that’s rewriting footwear rules. Founded by a podiatrist and physiotherapist, the brand’s mission is “to take wellness to the next level with award-winning, podiatrist-designed support for game-changing comfort in every cleverly cushioned step.” Since I have yet to find a pair of ankle boots I can pair with a night-out outfit and my flat feet, I put the brand-favorite Liberty ankle boot to the test. Here’s my review of this game-changing shoe.
Testing the Frankie4 Liberty Ankle Boot
The boots arrived in packaging that felt just as considered and high-quality as the boots themselves. Because of my chronically fussy feet, I’m usually a sneakers-only kind of person—so slipping into a pair of luxe ankle boots straight out of the box, all supple leather and meticulous craftsmanship, felt almost sacrilegious. I saved them for a date night. And, unplanned, that date night turned into a one-mile walk to and from the restaurant—a true test drive. To my shock (and my arches’ delight), they were comfortable from the very first step. No blisters, no rubbing, no “breaking in” period required. Maybe these really are podiatrist-approved.
Comfort
No cap, as the kids say:The Liberty boot was comfortable straight out of the box—no rubbing, no awkward “break-in” period. There’s just so much considered comfort—the triple-layer cushion systems and the Goldilocks heel counter (that rigid part at the back of the shoe) that’s structured enough to stabilize, but soft enough to flex. And then there’s the whole “Sole Saver Pack,” aka an orthopedic footwear obsessive’s dream! Designed by that aforementioned podiatrist, the pack comes replete with three types of footbeds to play around with and make the shoes work for your feet. Already fitted in the shoes are full-length footbeds. But when I wear the shoes with thin socks or hose, I can slide in the additional forefoot cushion under the full-length footbeds to secure a narrower, more snug fit. And if the shoes feel a bit tight you can remove the full-length footbed and replace with the half-lengths. Look at you—you’re a walking shoe store!
Design
I love that the ankle boots on their own are timelessly stylish, simple and “quiet luxury.” Smooth leather upper and a slightly rounded, slightly pointed toe keep them classic. The pull-on elastic panels make them easy to slip on and anywhere-appropriate. The modest 2.3-inch block heel adds a little polish without sacrificing stability. They read as classic and elevated—not “comfort shoe.”
Fit
I wore a 9.5, which felt a little roomy at first but ended up being ideal for longer wear. My feet tend to swell with walking, so that extra space made all the difference. The boot still felt secure and supportive, thanks to the structured heel and well-contoured footbed. If you’re between sizes, a half size up may be your sweet spot–especially with the Sole Saver Pack options.
Bottom Line
What We Like
- supportive yet flexible
- triple layer support & cushion system
- Sole Saver Pack
- podiatrist-designed
What We Don’t Like
- run a tad large
Are these podiatrist-approved ankle boots worth the hype? Absolutely. The Frankie4 Liberty boot truly delivers: they’re stylish without trying too hard, engineered for comfort without looking orthopedic, and versatile enough to wear with jeans, dresses or pants. After a mile-long walk in them straight out of the box, I can confidently say this is the rare boot that truly merges fashion with function. The thoughtful design—from the customizable Sole Saver Pack to the perfectly balanced 2.3-inch heel—has officially made a night on my feet sans sneakers not only possible, but enjoyable.
