About us
The Crew
Wingate Studio is a British barefoot lifestyle brand inspired by life on the South Coast.
We believe healthy feet create stronger foundations, walking is one of the most underrated forms of medicine, and the best adventures usually begin by putting one foot in front of the other. That's why we're creating beautifully made barefoot footwear that helps people move naturally, explore more and become Stronger Every Step.
The brand was founded by the Martinez family and led by Jo Martinez, a footwear developer with over 20 years' experience in the global footwear industry. A Cordwainers graduate from the London College of Fashion, Jo has spent her career developing footwear with factories across more than a dozen countries, specialising in design, development and ethical manufacturing.
Wingate Studio is shaped by that experience. Our shoes are developed with long-standing manufacturing partners in top ethically audited factories, using suppliers we've trusted for more than 15 years. Every decision, from materials to construction and packaging, is considered with care and built to last.
We're a small independent studio based on the South Coast of England, building something different. More than a shoe brand, we're creating a community that inspires people to move more, explore further and leave the places they love a little better than they found them.
Stronger Every Step.
our namesake
Joseph Wingate
During the COVID lockdown, a family school project led us to explore our roots and uncover an unexpected connection. Jo's great-great-great-grandfather, Joseph Wingate, born in 1841, was a shoemaker by trade.
That discovery became the inspiration for our name. Wingate honours a family heritage of British shoemaking, while Studio reflects the modern, design-led approach we're building today. Together they represent the balance between traditional craftsmanship and contemporary design, creating footwear made for how people move today.
For us, this isn't about looking backwards. It's about carrying forward the values that have always mattered; thoughtful design, quality craftsmanship and making things properly. The tools and materials may have changed, but the philosophy remains the same.
Our connection to the ocean
South Coast Studio
Wingate Studio was born on the South Coast of England, shaped by open coastline, winding forest trails and a way of life that naturally encourages people to move, explore and spend more time outside.
The sea has always been part of Jo's life. Her dad was a diver, and she completed her BSAC scuba training at just 14. Over the years, Jo and John have explored coastlines around the world, from Australia's Great Barrier Reef to the UK, France, Turkey and Italy. Those experiences created a deep appreciation for the ocean and a first-hand understanding of how fragile these places can be.
That connection influences everything we do. We choose materials carefully, work with trusted manufacturing partners and make thoughtful decisions that balance quality, longevity and environmental responsibility. For us, sustainability isn't a marketing message; it's simply part of making things properly.
The South Coast continues to inspire every collection we create. From quiet morning walks and coffee stops to windswept beaches and hidden coastal paths, it's where our ideas begin and where you'll usually find us when we're not designing shoes.