We’re the Martinez family—founders of Wingate Studio, a British footwear start-up dedicated to creating sustainable, ethically made barefoot shoes.
Jo, our founder and mum of the team, graduated from Cordwainers at the London College of Fashion in 2005 and has spent nearly two decades working in the global footwear industry. Her career has taken her to footwear factories in over 11 countries, specialising in footwear development, production, and ethical manufacturing.

Wingate Studio is set to launch before the end of 2025, and we’re working hard as a family team to bring our vision to life. Our barefoot shoes are being developed in an ethically audited factory with trusted suppliers we’ve worked with over 15 years. Every detail matters to us—from our FSC-certified sustainable packaging, beautifully designed by Tabby, to our new user-friendly website, which has been a huge (but rewarding!) learning curve.

We feel incredibly fortunate to be based on the beautiful South Coast of England, surrounded by forest and ocean. Jo’s love for the sea runs deep—her Dad was a seasoned diver, and she earned her BSAC scuba certifications at just 14. Together with John, she’s explored underwater worlds across the globe, from the Great Barrier Reef in Australia to the coasts of Turkey and Italy.

Through years of diving, Jo and John witnessed first-hand the heartbreaking impact of microplastics on marine life. That’s why at Wingate Studio, we are deeply committed to developing eco-conscious, barefoot footwear that reduces our reliance on plastic. Our mission is to craft shoes that are as ethical & sustainable as possible—without compromising on comfort, durability, or affordability. Because we believe responsible footwear shouldn’t cost the earth—literally or financially.