I have been working as Jo’s last maker for many years, there is a saying in the footwear trade, last is first,  that is the correct way to develop a new style, this is exactly what Jo has done with Wingate, getting the fitting and styling correct on the last and then developing the sole and upper around it. With Jo’s technical knowledge  and design flare we have created the most comfortable balanced barefoot shoe on the market,
There is no bigger joy than helping develop for a new brand especially when the person has so much passion for the product, with the foundations in place we look forward to seeing wingate grow x

Wim is always saying that we have become alienated from nature. For me, the method is about reconnecting with what we’ve lost, restoring balance in the body, developing awareness and learning to listen to what’s going on within us.

That’s why barefoot shoes feel like such a natural fit. They allow our feet to move more naturally while challenging proprioception, helping develop balance, stability and spatial awareness.

I was very grateful to be asked to trial one of the very first pairs of Wingate Studio barefoot shoes, a family-run South Coast shoemaker, and honestly… these shoes are AWESOME!

The style, the little details, the fit, the supportive heel, it all comes together to create a fantastic all-round barefoot shoe. They are as at home on the school run as they are on a country walk. Equally suited to the beach, the city, the office or the weekly shop.

I could go on…

The point is, they’ve been on my feet a lot.... and that’s exactly where I love them to be!

Meeting Jo at Animal Clothing in Poole (seems so long ago now!), I was immediately struck by her warmth, presence and charisma. She has a real get-up-and-go spirit, a huge smile and an even bigger laugh. Jo is the kind of person you listen to, not just because she has something to say, but because her infectious enthusiasm draws you in. Her passion for enjoying life, getting out and about, taking on challenges and bravely following her dreams is genuinely inspiring. It’s been a privilege to play a small part in her journey, working together on the new Wingate Studios brand, capturing its relaxed vibe and reflecting the effortless, barefoot spirit of the product. I’ve worked with many start-ups and many fail, not through lack of talent, but because it’s really hard to retain the energy and persistence needed to succeed after the trials and tribulations that are thrown at you along the way. Jo’s got that in spades, that’s why when I search Wingate studios I don’t see a coming soon holding page, I see a Purbeck tan size 8 with my name on it!

I first met Jo through the British Footwear Association when I was starting Dubs. Through various calls, meetings and seminars, she quickly stood out as someone with a huge amount of footwear knowledge and real experience of the industry.

Over the years, we’ve become colleagues and friends, and Jo has also become something of a mentor to me. She’s helped guide me through some particularly tricky situations, always generous with her knowledge, straight-talking and full of practical advice.

Her experience spans design, product development, fit, construction and the technical realities of making great footwear. She knows shoes inside out Wingate Studio is in very capable hands.

I’ve known Jo for over ten years and first had the delight to work alongside her at DuoBoots and again at Penelope Chilvers.  One thing that has always been consistent with Jo is her boundless passion and enthusiasm for designing footwear and her unwavering commitment to getting the fit right.  Launching her own barefoot brand feels like such a natural next step (pardon the pun) and I’m so excited to see the inevitable success of Wingate Studios grow from strength to strength in Jo’s capable hands.