Design In Action

The Ballet Flat: A Timeless Silhouette
The ballet flat’s simplicity makes them versatile for any season, style or mood. The choice of materials and colors make them easy to style up or down. And their compact profile make them a desirable travel companion.
However, from a wearability standpoint, the challenge with the ballet flat is that simplicity in construction. The original ballet flat was designed by a woman and fashion designer, Claire McCardell, in 1941. She commissioned an Italian shoemaker, Salvatore Capezio, to add a hard rubber sole to the beloved dance shoe, making them wearable off stage. Beyond the rubber sole, most ballet flats aren’t constructed with support that makes them comfortable enough to be worn all day. And for those of us who aren’t gifted with long legs, the traditional ballet flat is just too, well, flat.
A Modern Take
We took the classic ballet flat silhouette and elevated it with a design detail across the toe. When we first contemplated the toe detail, we started with Japanese knots as a nod to the clean yet functional details often found in Japanese design. Knots proved not to be the right detail for this shoe as they’re hard to construct into a low profile using leather. Our iterations led us to the offset buckle, a signature look for TFR. The buckles placement coupled with the square vamp gives Helene a modern look.
 
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0726/3951/2858/files/1734359704074-af8cc034-c019-42ce-9e6f-55ec22384cab_2_480x480.jpg?v=1734359897" alt="">
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<div style="text-align: center;">Final Helene sketch</div>
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Our design team consists of experts in form, function and manufacturing. Together, we decided on these design elements for Helene:
<ul data-mce-fragment="1">
<li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-fragment="1">Toe shape with the right balance between square and round for a sleek look that elongates the leg</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-fragment="1">Offset buckle with stitching detail across the toe</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-fragment="1">Square vamp gives a modern look, placed to minimize toe cleavage and cover the bunion</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-fragment="1">“Ripiegato” folded edge opening</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-fragment="1">20mm exterior heel made of stacked leather, although the actual heel height with the insole is 40mm</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-fragment="1">Wide toe box for toe wiggle room</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-fragment="1">Suede heel lining and achilles pad to prevent heel slippage </li>
</ul>
Prototyping and Wear Testing
Helene is built on the same last, sole and insole as the Katharine, so this shoe came together relatively quickly given we had already done all of the hard development work. The details were in the vamp opening and placement of the buckle. It only took two prototypes to get this one right!
The feedback from wear testing has been extremely positive. It’s an easy slip on and feels much more substantial than any other ballet flat you’ll put on your feet.
Colorways and Material Selection
Finally, the fun part! We selected nappa leather from Sicerp and Enterprise tanneries for their quality, texture and colorways selection. TFR’s approach to colorways is timeless and efficient, meaning we select “blended” colors that can be worn with multiple color families so that you can maximize the return on your investment.
We selected these 5 colorways for Helene:
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<li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-fragment="1">Nero: a matte black in nappa</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-fragment="1">Midnight: darkest navy that pairs with black or blue in nappa</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-fragment="1">Chocolate: darkest brown in nappa</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-fragment="1">Berry: deep red in nappa</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;" data-mce-fragment="1">Olive metallic: a balance of brown, green and gold in textured nappa</li>
</ul>
Naming the Shoe
The final step in the process was giving the shoe a name worthy of its design and functionality. All TFR shoes are named after trailblazing women who broke through barriers, giving the rest of us a path to follow and allowed us to see ourselves in places we might have thought impossible. Feminine on the outside, fierce and passionate competitor on the inside, Helene is named after Helene de Pourtales, the first female Olympian. She represented Switzerland in the 1900 Paris Olympics, winning gold and silver in sailing.
Designing Helene was an exercise in elevating a simple classic and putting the TFR stamp on it. The signature offset buckle detail which we love so much will likely reappear in future TFR designs. More to come!
 
<h5 style="text-align: center;" data-mce-fragment="1"><a href="https://tfrshoes.com/collections/helene/products/helene-20mm-black">SHOP HELENE</a></h5>

Designing Helene

Luxury fashion has long been synonymous with craftsmanship, exclusivity, and status. But as sustainability takes center stage, the industry—and the women who drive it—are rethinking what luxury truly means. Shoes, a cornerstone of any wardrobe, are at the heart of this transformation. From material innovation to ethical production, the high-end footwear market is evolving, proving that sustainability and style are no longer mutually exclusive.
The Price of Luxury: More Than Just a Label
For decades, luxury shoes have been defined by their materials—fine leather, exotic skins, and handcrafted embellishments. But as awareness grows about the environmental and ethical costs of fashion, many women are asking: Can luxury be sustainable? The answer, increasingly, is yes.
Historically, high-end shoes were designed to last, making them inherently more sustainable than fast-fashion alternatives. However, the push for seasonal trends and increased production has led even luxury brands to face scrutiny over waste, emissions, and labor practices. Today, sustainability is no longer a niche concern—it’s a driving force reshaping the industry.
Sustainability Meets Style
Luxury footwear brands are responding to demand with innovative solutions. Some are turning to plant-based leathers made from mushrooms, apples, or cactus, reducing the need for resource-intensive animal leather. Others are embracing recycled materials, from regenerated nylon to repurposed rubber soles. Even traditional tanneries are evolving, using waterless dyeing techniques and non-toxic treatments.
Beyond materials, ethical production is gaining traction. Many brands now prioritize fair wages, transparent supply chains, and carbon-neutral manufacturing. Labels like Stella McCartney and Chloé are pioneering this shift, proving that high fashion and responsible practices can coexist. Meanwhile, emerging brands dedicated to sustainability are disrupting the industry, offering high-performance, stylish shoes without compromising on values.
How Women Can Drive Change
Women are not just the biggest consumers of luxury fashion—we’re also the most powerful force in shaping its future. Here’s how we can champion sustainability while still indulging in the artistry of luxury footwear:
 1. Invest in Quality, Not Quantity
A well-made shoe should be a long-term investment. Instead of buying multiple pairs of trend-driven styles, opt for timeless, versatile designs that will stand the test of time.
 2. Support Ethical Brands
Researching a brand’s sustainability efforts can make a significant impact. Look for those committed to responsible sourcing, ethical labor, and eco-conscious production methods. Many brands now offer transparency reports detailing their environmental and social initiatives.
 3. Repair, Don’t Replace
Luxury shoes are crafted to last, and a good cobbler can extend their lifespan even further. Resoling, re-dyeing, and refurbishing beloved pairs keeps them in circulation and out of landfills.
 4. Explore Pre-Loved and Circular Fashion
Buying secondhand or from luxury resale platforms helps reduce waste while offering access to high-end designs at a fraction of the cost. Some brands have even launched their own resale programs, encouraging a circular economy.
 5. Advocate for Change
Consumer demand drives industry shifts. Supporting brands that prioritize sustainability—and holding others accountable—encourages broader adoption of responsible practices. Engaging with brands on social media, asking about their sustainability commitments, and choosing ethical options sends a strong message.
The Future of Sustainable Luxury
Sustainability in luxury footwear isn’t a fleeting trend—it’s the future. As more brands innovate and consumers embrace conscious choices, the industry will continue evolving toward a model that values both style and sustainability. For women who love fashion, this means they no longer have to choose between looking good and doing good.
By stepping into sustainability—literally—women can redefine luxury, proving that the most fashionable choice is also the most responsible one.

Stylish & Sustainable: How We Can Shape the Future of Fashion

Community

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Andrea Robinson isn’t just one of the world’s few women to earn the prestigious Master Sommelier title—she’s done it with historic firsts, a camera-ready charm honed over multiple television shows, and a portfolio of groundbreaking collaborations that challenge how we think about wine, business, and womanhood.
Transformation is something Robinson knows intimately as a wine expert, author and educator for programs like the Institute of Culinary Education. She left a promising Wall Street career to pursue her passion for wine, starting from the bottom—literally—volunteering to clean spit buckets at wine schools in New York in exchange for free classes at the renowned Windows on the World Wine School, founded by legendary wine educator Kevin Zraly. The pivot paid off. She became the first American woman to compete in the Concours Mondial des Sommeliers, or Sommelier World Championship, and the first woman named Best Sommelier in the United States by the Sommelier Society of America. Today, she’s one of only 25 women in the U.S. and 279 professionals worldwide to hold the Master Sommelier credential, a feat with a pass rate of around 4 percent. 
It’s exactly the kind of bold, values-driven leap that made Robinson a natural fit for The Extra Mile, a new profile series from luxury footwear brand TFR. A master of perfect pairings, Robinson gravitates toward the TFR Slingback in Champagne—a fitting nod to her go-to pour. “Can you imagine why?” she laughs. As for her favorite wine, “it’s not what most professionals probably would say, but I think I end up at white because of the champagne.”
For Robinson, every choice—from career pivots to style—tells a story.
<h6 dir="ltr">From Wall Street to Wine Country</h6>
Robinson’s wine journey started almost by accident. While studying finance in college, she took a wine-tasting class for fun. 
“I had that lightbulb moment,” she recalls. “It's history, it's science, it's gastronomy, it's art, it's connection, it's culture.”
Her passion for wine had been sparked—equal parts sensory pleasure and intellectual rigor—and followed her to Wall Street. When her analyst program at Morgan Stanley ended, she realized if she didn’t jump now, she may “never have the guts to do it.” So she broke the golden handcuffs, skipped business school, and traveled through Europe on a UL public-transit pass and a youth hostel card, immersing herself in the centuries-old traditions of winemaking “in the hilltop town of Tuscany.”
The result was an entrepreneurial career that blended hospitality with strategy, sensory experience with storytelling. She quickly became a media entity. She hosted three food, wine and beverage shows—Simply Wine with Andrea Immer (Fine Living Network), Pairings with Andrea (Fine Living and Food Network), and Quench (livestreamed monthly on Robinson’s YouTube channel)—bringing beverage education to a national audience with her signature wit and warmth. 
She’s also the force behind The Sipping Point, an upcoming independent film project set to debut in 2026, timed to the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence and the 50th anniversary of the 1976 Paris Tasting, a historic blind tasting that “transformed an 8,000 year old industry in 50 years time” and forever changed the global wine industry. 
The three-time James Beard Award winner’s inviting, inclusive approach to wine is as rooted in education as it is in deep expertise. Robinson teaches, writes, speaks, and consults for major hospitality brands like Delta Air Lines, where she’s curated the wine program since 2007, all while demystifying wine for newcomers and connoisseurs alike. 
She may have traded Wall Street for Napa Valley, where she’s based today, but Robinson still uses her financial background to pitch her brand as a food and wine expert with experience in hospitality for clients like Norwegian Cruise Line and Starwood Hotels. 
“Wine comes with its own trappings of superiority and self-importance and the stuffy sommelier thing,” Robinson says, explaining the delicate balance. “My approach is [to] become a big student of [a client’s] business, try to get a real clear picture of what they care about, and then ask them if I've gotten that right.”
When working with brands or hosting a tasting, her perspective on both business and wine has a common thread: validation. Whether it’s a brand partner feeling seen in her proposals or a guest discovering a flavor profile that confirms their instincts, Robinson finds joy in giving others that moment of recognition—and the confidence that comes with it. “I really take the world of wine and invite everybody into the sandbox,” she says.
“As long as the discussion around wine highlights the fun, the connectedness, the authenticity— everybody gets it. As long as you're not talking down to people, the people who already knew the answer just feel validated.” 
<h6 dir="ltr">Unmatchable Experiences, Unmatchable Women in Wine </h6>
With a moniker that stands for Timeless Form Reimagined, TFR and Robinson make a natural pairing. For Robinson, wine is both timeless and always evolving—like the unmatchable design and continuous improvement TFR represents—and her own continuous reinvention of what it means to be a woman in wine. 
“It’s timeless in the sense that it is always connected to a place.” To Robinson, “fine wine” doesn’t mean expensive wine, but wine with soul, identity, and intention tied to its source. She makes a point to mention environmental responsibility, and believes wine shouldn’t be treated as commodity, but respected and preserved. “Improvement requires treating the land as the resource that it is, rather than something to be leveraged [and] monetized.” 
When asked what her version of an unmatchable experience would be, Robinson doesn’t hesitate to combine wine with influential women. If she could sit down with anyone, she’d host a long lunch with the late Margrit Mondavi, known not just for wine but for her philanthropy and integration of the arts in Napa Valley, and South African vineyard activist Rosa Kruger, who champions the preservation of ancient vines that are 60 to 130 years old. Compared to regions like Napa, where vineyards are typically replanted every 30 years, Kruger’s work represents a rare kind of living legacy. 
“As people age, we are less productive, but we’re more interesting and have more to say,” Robinson says. “The wines from old vines are kind of cool that way too.” 
To Robinson, these kinds of conversations—where history meets hospitality, and tradition meets reinvention—are what elevate a moment into something lasting. 
“Experiences are kind of by definition unmatchable,” she says. “And so investing in the best of them is so wise, because that’s all we’re here for.”

Member Spotlight: Andrea Robinson

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How I Created Timeless Form Re-imagined
Hello, TFR community. I’m so thankful you’re here. I’m a designer, a wife, a daughter, a sister and a mom—but mostly, I’m a woman who understands how life-changing it is to feel good in your own shoes. After a 25-year career at a major international airline, I worked my way through the ranks of 90,000 employees to become one of the top female leaders. (Unsurprisingly, there were only about 30 of us—but that’s a story we can dig into together another time.)
Like most women, I juggle different roles everyday from self-care to career to family and community. For me, that has always meant being on my feet all day—and literally running—when I need to.
The Spark for TFR
So how did I make the shift from airplanes to shoes? More importantly, why? 
The idea for TFR came to me in 2020 when many of us transitioned from traditional workplaces to work-from-home environments. Our new workday uniform became yoga pants and sneakers paired with a presentable top and a made-up face for virtual meetings. 
Having grown up in a conservative work environment, my closet was full of suits and high-heeled shoes. When it came time to go back to the office, I dreaded those high heels — the physical pain just simply wasn’t worth it anymore. However, I didn’t want to compromise on fashion or give up beautifully designed and constructed shoes. I needed a shoe that helped me look, feel and be my best. My search for a shoe that combined luxury and comfort didn’t lead me to any existing options. So, I decided to create TFR. The name “TFR” stands for “Timeless Form Reimagined,” which encompasses the pillars of everything we believe in. The timelessness of meticulous Italian handcrafting. Form based on the way feet actually move. And reimagining new possibilities for a brand that lifts all women upward and onward. (It’s also my initials—I’ve literally poured myself into this incredible brand.) A New Journey Shortly after I started to explore TFR, life threw me a curveball: I felt a lump doing a self-exam and was diagnosed with stage 2 breast cancer a few weeks later. I spent the next 6 months going through treatment consisting of multiple surgeries and weeks of radiation therapy. I’d never experienced physical pain like that nor have I felt so completely out of control in my life. Working on shoes became something positive and creative to focus on while my body and mind were battling through hell. A year later, I’m happy to say that I’m cancer-free and have built back my physical and emotional strength. Going through a major life experience like that forced me to deeply reflect on what matters most. So, I decided to make my side project my full-time passion project and retired from the corporate world in a complete reinvention of myself. 
Long Overdue Changes
This journey of creating TFR has been full of learnings about the wearable options women have. Here’s a few crazy aha moments I want to share with you:
First, did you know most women’s shoes are designed by men, with their ideals about what a woman’s foot should look like?
Second, did you know many shoes aren’t actually wear-tested for fit and comfort in the development process?
And third, did you know the crucial aspect of biomechanics is often overlooked in the development process, leading to issues like foot pain, bunions and plantar fasciitis?
Our team includes a fashion designer, a medical podiatrist specializing in women’s foot health, a performance midsole designer, a manufacturing consultant specializing in shoes made in Italy and a personal stylist. This dream team brought both a passion for the product and a representation of the brand.
TFR and You
To me, TFR is about more than just shoes; it's about empowering women to reach for greatness in all aspects of their lives, no matter what form that greatness takes.  I believe we can help each other advance and find our power in a variety of ways, and we are stronger as a collective when women help other women. Our community is here to help and support one another. We believe that the last thing standing in your way should be your shoes. We’re committed to being the bridge between where you need to be and the shoes that take you there. We're here to help women go further, push boundaries, and live without compromise. 
After all, your shoes should match your power and potential, ensuring you look, feel and perform at your best every day.
Don’t stop moving. We’re all behind you. With love and power, Tori (TFR)

A shoe to love and live in, not just wear

Understanding Biomechanics: Form &amp; Function for Healthy Feet
Our feet serve as the foundation of our entire body. Similar to how a house requires a solid and stable foundation to endure the test of time, our feet play a crucial role in supporting our bodies and ensuring we perform at our best. People don’t often think about how our footwear helps us perform in our daily lives. As a podiatric physician specializing in dance medicine and an advocate for prioritizing holistic care of women’s foot health, I believe the shoes we wear play a critical role in reaching our potential each day. Because when we are our healthiest, we feel our best, which empowers us to do our best––whatever that looks like for you. 
The best way to understand why our footwear is so important to our overall health is to understand the concept of foot biomechanics. Simply put, foot biomechanics is the scientific study of how the bones, muscles, and joints in our feet and ankles work together to generate movement. As podiatrists, we receive extensive training in biomechanics because it allows us to analyze how the feet and lower limbs function within the larger musculoskeletal system. By understanding biomechanics, we can identify and address potential problems related to gait abnormalities (imbalances in one’s pattern of walking or running) as well as abnormalities in foot structure. Most importantly, understanding how various forces, motions, and muscle activities that occur within the foot throughout our daily activities impact the rest of the body is essential for maintaining overall physical health and well-being.
What happens to our feet as we age - and what to do about it
When it comes to women's foot health and biomechanics, preventative care is vital, especially since the way our feet function and support us changes as we age. Several factors contribute to these changes, including hormonal shifts, decreased activity levels, and fluctuations in body weight. Women often notice a thinning of the fat pads on the soles of their feet, leading to reduced shock absorption and increased pressure on the bones and joints. Ligaments and tendons in the feet also become less flexible with age, resulting in decreased range of motion and heightened stiffness. However, it's possible to alleviate these conditions by proactively caring for our feet before problems arise.
One of the most important things women can do to prevent potential foot health problems in the future is to be educated about proper footwear. Once you understand how the different elements of a shoe’s design can impact your overall health, you can choose designs that are best for you. When it comes to the form of TFR shoes, foot biomechanics were top of mind at every step of the design process. To ensure that a shoe provides the necessary support, functionality, and comfort, several critical design factors should be considered:
Toe Box Width: One of the most common complaints among my patients is that shoes are often too narrow in the toe area. When your toes don’t have enough room, you run the risk of developing a neuroma, often referred to as a  “pinched nerve” in the foot. A wider toe box reduces the risk of neuromas, blisters, and corns. It's particularly crucial when considering how our feet tend to swell throughout the day.
A shoe that has the functionality to expand over time can significantly reduce the pain and pressure experienced in the front of the foot when the shoe is too tight.
Heel Height: Perhaps the most apparent design element that has the potential to impact both comfort and stability is the height of the heel. The higher the heel, the less weight-bearing surface area there is for your body, and the more likely your body weight will shift forward. Not only does this increase pressure on the balls of the feet, but it can lead to general discomfort, fatigue, and pain in the feet, calves, and lower back. Lower heels distribute weight more evenly across the foot, reducing strain and enabling you to move more comfortably. The heel of the foot also tends to slip out of the heel of the shoe, creating a risk of injury.
A shoe with a slip-resistant heel and outsoles with traction-enhancing technology minimizes the risk of injuries and aids in shock absorption.
Weight Distribution &amp; Foot Support: The lack of the necessary weight distribution and support in a shoe can lead to various common injuries. Whether you’re walking, running, or standing, shoes with well-designed weight distribution help keep the body stable and aligned, and reduce the risk of instability-related injuries like ankle sprains. When your foot isn’t properly supported, your body tends to overcompensate, leading to overuse injuries such as shin splints, patellofemoral pain syndrome (also known as runner’s knee), iliotibial band (IT band) syndrome, or hip bursitis. While some of these conditions are associated with exercise or rigorous physical activity, they can also arise from improper alignment and excessive stress on the joints during everyday life.
A shoe that provides well-balanced weight distribution and support prevents improper alignment and excessive stress on the joints that occurs during everyday life. 
 
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0726/3951/2858/files/IMG_0590_480x480.jpg?v=1726590111" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
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Xray of Dr. Terri's patient wear testing the Katharine loafer
 
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Merging Biomechanics with a beautiful aesthetic
I can personally attest to the importance of each of these elements of shoe design. Having been a dancer for most of my life, I am no stranger to foot issues. I was fortunate enough to have a mom who understood how important good shoes were, and she always took me shopping at a specialty shoe store as a kid. At that time, the shoes that provided optimal support for the hours of dancing I did each week had a distinct appearance, setting them apart from the shoes worn by my peers. While they may have looked different, I can confidently say that they saved the health of my feet and contributed to my performance as a dancer.
Today, I do still have a few lingering foot issues that don’t allow me to wear high heels, shoes with narrow toe boxes, or those without significant support – especially since I am on my feet all day. Having said that, I still enjoy wearing a stylish pair of shoes. I look for a pair of shoes that are functional, comfortable, beautiful and made from quality materials.
The TFR shoe design process was incredibly collaborative, and the principles of biomechanics were applied when designing the prototype. The most important part of the process (which is also the part I love the most) was testing them on the feet of my patients. I was intentional about choosing women patients with a variety of needs for their feet, including those with a wider foot type or that had certain foot deformities. They were able to experience the shoes firsthand, wear them around, and share their feedback directly with us. I also took measurements to ensure the fit was right for the foot type. We received great feedback on the fit of the shoes in the testing phase and made small adjustments to the designs as a direct result of that feedback. 
Not to mention, everyone absolutely loved the classic appearance of the shoes and the quality of the Italian leather! Every aspect of the shoe was thoughtfully designed with the end wearer’s performance in mind––from the biomechanics to the beautiful aesthetic.

Bringing Biomechanics Back

Trailblazers

Our inaugural loafer, the Katharine, gets its name from trailblazer and Washington Post luminary, Katharine Graham. Though Miss Graham was born into The Washington Post––her financier father having purchased it in 1933––it was under Katharine’s leadership that the face of journalism was forever changed.
Katharine was led to her position at the helm of The Washington Post when her husband, president and former publisher of The Washington Post, Phillip Graham, committed suicide. But it was not a seamless transition. In the 1970s, women in journalism, let alone positions of authority, were uncommon. While we celebrate Katharine’s headstrong leadership today, it took her years to find her voice in a male-dominated industry. 
Though she was one of the first female CEOs of a Fortune 500 company, as well as one of the first female publishers, it was Graham’s decision to publish the Pentagon Papers, effectively exposing the Watergate scandal and eventually leading to the resignation of Richard Nixon, that helped solidify the magnitude of her cultural contribution. What binds Katharine to the women who inspire TFR, however, is her determination, grace, and conviction.
The Katharine loafer is imbued with elegance and versatility, a nod to the woman who forever altered journalism, paving the way for female CEOs, publishers, and writers. You could say we’ve got big shoes to fill.
<a href="https://tfrshoes.com/products/katharine-20mm-black"><img src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0726/3951/2858/files/TFRPRODUCT9.25.202401741_480x480.jpg?v=1728565192" alt="" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" data-mce-fragment="1"></a>
 <a href="https://tfrshoes.com/collections/siblings-katharine/products/katharine-20mm-black">SHOP KATHARINE</a>

Katherine Graham speaking to newsroom employees during pressmen's strike

Why Katharine, and Who Is She?

Our feet, the unsung heroes of our daily grind, deserve nothing less than the pinnacle of support and comfort. The innovation behind the <a href="https://tfrshoes.com/pages/tfr-power-sole">proprietary TFR performance sole</a> is grounded in this belief. As a seasoned performance footwear designer, entrepreneur and professor of the world’s first accredited sneaker design minor, crafting the insole for TFR shoes was an exciting challenge! It wasn’t just about fitting the insole within the timeless silhouette;  it was a deliberate effort to integrate modern materials and engineering akin to those used in high-performance athletic footwear. 
Having designed footwear for athletes in the NBA, WBA, NFL and MLB, I deeply understand the essential attributes they require to perform at their best while ensuring comfort. I often use the analogy of designing a Ferrari: if you can design a high-performance, luxury vehicle, you can certainly design a reliable everyday car like a Honda. Our goal for the TFR insole was to create a high-performance “Ferrari” insole for your foot. Designing such a product requires meticulous attention to detail, focusing on millimeter precision and a thorough understanding of a woman’s foot. 
My approach to the design of performance footwear is based on a simple formula – one that I teach to my students at the Savannah College of Art &amp; Design (SCAD). It boils down to understanding “the who,” “the what” and “the why,” which ultimately leads you to “the how.”
Biomechanical Expertise and Women's Foot Health - the "Who"
The TFR design philosophy revolves around optimizing movement, performance and comfort. We recognize the unique characteristics of women’s feet and that the shoes you wear throughout the day are vital in empowering you to reach your greatest potential. That’s why every aspect of the insole was designed with you in mind, ensuring you both feel and perform your best. Integral to the TFR insole innovation is the invaluable expertise and partnership of TFR Podiatrist Consultant Dr. Terri Ronna, DPM, a seasoned podiatric physician with a profound understanding of women’s foot health. Dr. Terri’s wealth of experience and years of data on women’s feet with variables like gait (a person’s walking style), arch height and age formed the bedrock of our design process. Using those insights into biomechanics, we could delve into the unique demands of women’s foot health, ensuring that the custom insole not only performs but nurtures the health of its wearer.
Meticulous Engineering to Enhance Performance - the "What"
The engineering of the TFR insole involved a meticulous focus on key design elements crucial for both comfort and performance, ensuring precision in every detail without compromising the elegant silhouette of the shoe. In the world of footwear, the marriage of form and function shouldn’t be exclusive to athletic shoes!
Metatarsal Support and Cushioning: Your metatarsals, the long bones in the forefoot of your feet, form the framework supporting your arches, making their support crucial to alleviating stress and impact on your feet during daily activities. We designed the metatarsal pad so you can feel the support and cushioning when you step into the shoe without experiencing crowding. Additionally, a unique wave pattern is embedded in the pad to offer traction and prevent your foot from sliding inside the shoe.
Arch Support: Recognizing the biomechanical significance of arch support, we designed the insole to ensure proper alignment, reduce stress on joints and mitigate the risk of overuse injuries. We strategically elevated dimensions throughout the foot arch to effectively redistribute weight and pressure, enhancing shock absorption.
Extra Rear Heel and Security Comfort: We know a significant pain point for women’s shoes is the stability and security of the calcaneus (heel bone), especially during activities involving movement or extended periods of standing. The deep and sculpted heel lip alleviates discomfort, provides ultimate containment and helps avoid pronation or supination.
Heel Crash Pad: The crash pads within the insole add a layer of comfort and cushioning, reducing heel impact loads and supporting the heel bone for stability during daily activities. The crash pad complements the rear heel lip, as the horseshoe shape created by both elements helps cradle the heel bone to limit movement in the rear foot while wearing the shoe.
Flex Zones: The debossed areas of the insole, the flex zones, are intentionally designed and placed within the forefoot of the insole to enhance flexibility and reduce stress on the foot. Think of it like trying to bend a stiff piece of cardboard – it would be rigid. But if you make cuts in the cardboard, it becomes more flexible. Similarly, the flex zones assist the natural flexing of the foot during movement.
 
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Early stage design sketch of the TFR Power Sole
 
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Designed With You In Mind At Every Step - the "Why"
The emphasis on forward design – using data to understand and anticipate your needs, diving deep into the finite details, and leveraging modern technology in design and manufacturing – is what, in my opinion, sets TFR performance insole apart from the rest. The unique perspective and access to data that Dr. Terri brought to the collaboration, coupled with my over 13 years of experience and understanding of the nuances of manufacturing design of performance footwear, has allowed us to create a shoe that transcends mere aesthetics. In the intricate world of footwear design, precision is paramount, and attention to detail, down to the 10th of a millimeter, will make all the difference in your comfort and performance throughout the day.
Innovation, Collaboration and Iteration - the "How"
Using the valuable insights from Dr. Terri’s data analysis and Rhinoceros (“Rhino”), a 3D design software, I created a 3D last–an anatomical copy of the foot–to guide the design process. I then sketched multiple iterations of the insole, adjusting the dimensions of each of the key design elements until the first version of the prototype was ready to be modeled in Rhino and sent to the factory in Italy for manufacturing.
To produce the insole, we partnered with Miami SRL, a leading insole manufacturer based in Morrovalle, Italy, renowned for their injection and thermoforming technologies expertise. Collaborating with the factory, we experimented with foam options, durometers and placements, transitioning from digital to physical prototypes. We ultimately chose to manufacture the TFR insole using thermoforming technology, which allowed us to create an organic shape with precise arch support and varying degrees of density throughout the insole to provide extra support and cushioning where necessary. Real-world testing on Dr. Terri’s patients provided crucial feedback for fine-tuning the final design and foam placements for optimal comfort and fit. 
The entire insole was crafted from a proprietary, high-density compression molded EVA foam, a lightweight and flexible material known for its superior cushioning properties, impact resistance and durability. We’ve chosen a specially treated Italian Alcantara top liner to enhance the luxurious feel inside the shoe. This sustainable, suede-like material provides a premium touch and features sweat-wicking and antimicrobial properties. 
These iterative steps and collaborative efforts from the TFR team of experts in design, manufacturing and foot health were instrumental in achieving the perfect insole design. However, it was the invaluable real-world feedback from women that truly guided our refinements, ensuring the final product met the highest standard of comfort and performance.

The TFR design philosophy revolves around optimizing movement, performance and comfort.

From Our Performance Sole to Yours

It’s early September in Berlin and digital artist and TFR guest collaborator Gretchen Andrew has a busy month. She’s a woman who is going places, in her career quest to see if the Internet can make her a famous artist, and in the most literal sense: She takes our Zoom call on foot, speed-walking to catch a glimpse of “Facetune Portraits,” the exhibition she’s showing at Berlin Art Week, before the sun goes down. 
For the brand launch of TFR, Andrew designed “Dreams to Reality,” a series of NFTs celebrating the first collection of footwear. Andrew splits her time between London and Park City and travels often (“Facetune Portraits” tours in Paris, Miami, San Francisco, New York and Dubai in the next six months), so the collaboration was a true fit, pairing an artist manifested from an experiment on the Internet with the ambitious mission to invent a luxury dress shoe with the insole of a sneaker. 
“For the digital collectible we decided to go for an animation that reflects Tori’s journey in making the shoes and also the literal and metaphorical journeys we hope the women who wear them go on, ‘from dreams to reality,’” Andrew says of the NFTs in collaboration with TFR’s eponymous founder, Tori Forbes-Roberts. Each of the three pieces of digital collectible art come with an animated, mixed-media illustration of a TFR shoe rendering becoming real, and an affirmation for the wearer.   
For the photo shoot for the collaboration, the artist, whose self-described style includes elevated sporty looks for “literally running from one thing to the next,” wore the Katharine loafer from the collection and “loved the way it felt both powerful and comfortable.” 
On Owning Your Likeness—And Your Power
As a format, NFTs mirror the footwear line’s unmatchable designs. (Any person who has limped in heels can appreciate that, like an elusive dress shoe that feels like walking on clouds, NFTs are unique because they can’t be replicated.) Andrew’s NFT collection for the brand ties into her larger body of work through themes of manifestation, which Andrew explains as her way of hacking the Internet. In her art project and career challenge to become a successful artist online, Andrew set out to use search engines to build associations between her and a famous artist, attacking the “subconscious of the Internet.” 
“I was using these very girly and frivolous ideas of vision boards and affirmations and manifestation, but I was using them in a technically structured way where they were changing Google search results,” Andrew says, pointing to the power a democratized Internet gives the end user. The results were effective. “They were manipulating these big tech algorithms.”
In her touring exhibition, Andrew’s featured collection of portraits employ custom robotics to apply the same face-tune filters that social media users try on to beautify themselves—but using physical paint instead of digital filters. 
Andrew’s robot distorts the faces and bodies of her subjects to expose “where the power is in how we represent ourselves,” by visualizing in the physical world what AI does to our likenesses in the online world. Like an alarm to remind us of our humanity, the work seems to tap the viewer on the shoulder and say, particularly to women: We have power, and we are giving it away to technology. 
“These tools seem like they're very self-empowering because they let us decide how we want to be represented. But then they go into this algorithmic system where someone else has determined that if you look this way, you're more likely to get exposure on these platforms,” Andrew says. 
“The sense of choice disappears quite quickly.”
Andrew has used the robotics to face-tune her own portraits as well as influencers and singers whose careers rely on social media—all of whom understand the pressure to aesthetically appeal to the algorithm while promoting their creative work. 
“I also know if I post a pretty photo, my next three photos will get more traction,” Andrew says, explaining the catch-22, where creators are on social media to work but “are rewarded if we look pretty.” 
What makes the artist’s commentary interesting on a meta level is the irony of using the very manipulation tools and technology she’s commenting on to make the art. After all, visibly distorting subjects’ physical personhood, rather than their online avatars, demonstrates the harm more starkly. So does Andrew see AI’s influence on the algorithms as perilous, or as a tool in her artist palette? While she believes it’s generally bad to normalize using AI tools and filters to manipulate reality, part of how she views her role as an Internet artist is to educate on how the technology works by taking it to an “absurd” level.
Andrew says the wisest course to chart is not to run from (or attempt to outrun) technology but to “rearrange our expectations and personal relationships to it.” She believes the future of AI will be “a lot like the way that capitalism is in our world where it's pervasive; it impacts everything; it changes our priorities.” 
“No creator can fully exist outside of the capitalist system. And that I think is going to be true for AI and, and artists as well.” 
On Making Yourself Unmatchable in the Future of Work 
Andrew spends a lot of time thinking about what makes us human—vulnerability, emotional capacity, desires and unfulfilled dreams—and reframing the negative connotations associated with our fragility as assets in the mixed universe of the future.
If using AI at work is as inevitable as it seems, Andrew’s advice for creators and high-performing women in industries where the future of work is changing is to try to remember you’re not competing with the AI. 
“There are a billion versions of AI and a billion bots and none of them are you.” 
According to the artist, the key is in your humanity, and being yourself. 
“Make yourself irreplaceable,” Andrew says. “Who are you that is different than any other person in the world? If you can believe that who you are matters even to yourself, then you’re the only you that will ever exist.” 
Andrew’s self-transformation and global success are proof of believing in your inner power, answering the question in her virtual experiment on how the algorithm manipulates us—and what happens when we manipulate back. 
As a creator who believes an artist’s job is being celebrated for their unique self, Andrew says, like an irreplaceable NFT, each unique human is inherently unmatchable. 
More than a decade after a false start in Silicon Valley using her degree in information systems and theory (she loved tech but hated her job), Andrew has found a way to use technology to show the public how it’s misused. 
“That was like 15 years ago. Here we are and I’m running around Berlin because I've got this big exhibition opening. ‘It's worked’ is kind of the point.” 
System hacked.

Member Spotlight: Gretchen Andrew

Marie Curie was the first woman in France to receive a PhD in Physics and the first woman to receive a Nobel Prize. She received the award for her work in Physics in 1903, an honor she shared with her husband and another colleague, Pierre Becquerel. She’s also the only person––male or female––to receive two Nobel Prizes in separate disciplines, with the second honor achieved in Chemistry, on her own, in 1911.
Her accomplishments are an inspiration for women who work in STEM, but the way she got there likely resonates with all of us. Marie was often described as “quiet, dignified, unassuming,” which sound to us like euphemisms for those likely to be underestimated. But what she really demonstrated was an uncommon intelligence, intensity, and will. She pushed herself hard to be the smartest and hardest worker in the room. She was someone who wanted to win on merit. Because good gets noticed, right? Not always.
Despite being the best and brightest, her contributions in the discovery of radioactivity that ultimately led to the first Nobel prize were still downplayed. Her skeptics among the French Academy of Sciences tried to exclude her from the award and give it to her two male research partners: her husband and Becquerel. Rightfully, her husband advocated for her and her role in their discoveries. Ultimately, the three shared the prize. A supportive partner, whether you work in the same field or not, continues to be a key attribute for many successful women today. 
Marie was also a working mom. She and her husband, Pierre, had two daughters together. Long before the days of daycare, society norms at the time would have her leave work to raise her children. Instead, her father-in-law stepped in to help raise the girls. She was heavily judged by those around her for not spending more time raising her children. Despite all of her professional achievements, the press tried to alter her story, emphasizing her role as mother, wife, and humanitarian, downplaying her role in science. Those were the roles that women were expected to play. More than 100 years later, these expectations are not entirely extinguished.
Thankfully, Marie overcame obstacles in her career and still found time to pave the way for others to follow her lead. She was a teacher, tutor, and mentor for girls in science, including her daughters. One of them followed in her mom’s footsteps, became a scientist, and also won a Nobel prize. Marie knew that our success as pioneers shouldn’t be defined by the destinations we reach, but by our ability to pave new paths for others on their way to bigger and better places.
 
<a href="https://tfrshoes.com/products/marie-20mm-black"><img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0726/3951/2858/files/TFRPRODUCT9.25.202401341_480x480.jpg?v=1730556134" alt=""></a>
<a href="https://tfrshoes.com/collections/siblings-marie/products/marie-20mm-black">SHOP MARIE</a>

Be A Marie

Heart and Sole

If someone says “bunion-friendly footwear” and your mind goes straight to the beige Dr. Scholl’s of yore, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, many of us don’t have particularly high sartorial standards for shoes that offer support and style. Bunions and hammertoes, both technically classified as deformities, can be a challenge when it comes to finding the right shoes to not only provide comfort but also support feet properly. Wearing the wrong footwear can be more detrimental than you might imagine. It can make these foot conditions worse, leading to pain, discomfort, and even worsening the deformities.
Thankfully, brands like TFR are evolving those comfort standards in footwear, but overall, the industry has a ways to go. Here are a few things you can look for in your next pair of shoes to avoid further foot discomfort.
STRUCTURAL DETAILS TO LOOK FOR WHEN CHOOSING SHOES FOR BUNIONS AND HAMMERTOES
Toe Box Width &amp; Depth: Look for shoes with a wide and deep toe box. This is essential to prevent pressure on your bunion or the tops of hammertoes. A spacious toe box allows your toes to spread naturally and prevents rubbing, which can aggravate these conditions. Avoid shoes with pointed or narrow toe boxes, as they can crowd your toes and increase discomfort.
Soft, Flexible Upper: Shoes made from soft materials like leather, suede, or stretchy fabric are ideal because they can form to the shape of your foot, reducing friction and pressure on bony areas. Avoid stiff materials like hard leather or synthetic fabrics that do not give enough flexibility, especially around the toe area.
A Low, Stable Heel: A heel height of less than 1.5 inches to a maximum of 2 inches is recommended. High heels place excess pressure on the ball of the foot, which can worsen bunion pain and contribute to the development of hammertoes. Look for shoes with a stable base, preferably square, which provides better overall support, as a skinny heel can lead to foot imbalance and further strain on your toes.
Supportive Insoles &amp; Cushioning: Shoes with built-in arch support or ability to accommodate orthotic insoles can help redistribute pressure on your feet, relieving strain on the bunion area and the affected hammertoes.Look for shoes with cushioned insoles that provide ample shock absorption to minimize the impact on the front of your foot.
Adjustability: Adjustable closures like laces, Velcro straps, or buckles can help accommodate swelling or changes in foot shape throughout the day. These closures also allow for a customizable fit, which can reduce pressure on specific parts of the foot.
Rocker Sole Technology: Shoes with a rocker bottom sole can be particularly beneficial for people with bunions or hammertoes. The curved sole helps to shift the weight away from the forefoot, reducing pressure on the toes and bunion area. However, these shoes may take some time to get used to, so start with short wear periods before gradually increasing use.
Breathability: Foot conditions like bunions and hammertoes are often accompanied by swelling and inflammation, so choosing shoes made from breathable materials is essential to keep your feet cool and comfortable. Shoes with moisture-wicking linings or mesh uppers can help reduce sweat and prevent irritation.
THE BEST TYPES OF SHOES TO ALLEVIATE FOOT PAIN
Athletic Shoes: Unsurprisingly, athletic shoes typically offer a combination of wide toe boxes, cushioning, rocker sole technology, and arch support. Look for running or walking shoes that have removable insoles, which allow you to insert custom orthotics if needed.
Casual Flats: Flats with low heels, soft uppers, and wide toe boxes can be great for daily wear. Opt for versions with cushioned footbeds and flexible materials that provide both comfort and style.
Orthopedic Shoes: Specifically designed for foot conditions like bunions and hammertoes, orthopedic shoes usually feature extra depth, width, and removable insoles, allowing you to insert custom orthotics. They are typically not fashion-forward, so most reserve them for a time when nothing else will do.
Sandals with Adjustable Straps: When it comes to summer wear, sandals with adjustable straps are a good choice. Look for models with multiple points of adjustment (across the forefoot, midfoot, and ankle) good arch support and soft footbeds to accommodate your foot shape without adding pressure to the bunions or toes.
Dress Shoes: Finding dress shoes that work with bunions and hammertoes can be challenging, but it's not impossible. Look for low-heeled styles with round or square toe boxes, made from soft materials. Avoid stilettos and other high-heeled shoes.
PODIATRIST-APPROVED TIPS FOR TRYING ON SHOES
1. Shop later in the day. Feet tend to swell throughout the day, so it's best to try on shoes in the afternoon or evening when your feet are at their largest.
2. Measure both feet. Sometimes one foot can be slightly larger than the other. Always fit your shoes to the larger foot.
3. Walk around. Walk around the store or at home (if buying online) to see how the shoes feel. There should be enough space to wiggle your toes, and the shoes should not press uncomfortably on your bunion or hammertoe.
THE RIGHT SHOES DO MORE THAN LOOK GREAT, THEY SUPPORT YOUR OVERALL PHYSICAL HEALTH
Choosing the right footwear when you have bunions or hammertoes can greatly impact your comfort and foot health. Prioritize shoes that offer ample space, cushioning, support, and adjustability to accommodate your unique foot structure. The right pair of shoes can prevent further complications and help alleviate the pain associated with these common foot conditions––and the perfect pair of shoes will do that and look great, too.

How to Choose the Right Footwear for Common Foot Deformities

Dry feet are a common condition, often caused by environmental factors, aging, or lack of proper care. However, persistent dryness could be more than just dehydrated skin; it may indicate an underlying issue such as a skin fungus. This article will explore how to care for dry feet, recognize signs of a fungal infection, and understand available treatments.
Proper Care for Dry Feet
Dry feet usually result from a lack of moisture due to environmental exposure, wearing open shoes, or standing for long periods. Here are simple steps to care for your dry feet:
<ol>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Hydrate Your Skin: Use a thick, oil-based moisturizer or foot cream daily, ideally after showering when your skin is still slightly damp. A great organic cream is Pure Organic 40% urea cream you can get on Amazon.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Exfoliate Regularly: Remove dead skin cells with a pumice stone or gentle exfoliant such as epsom salt and coconut oil. This helps creams absorb better and prevents buildup.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Wear Proper Footwear: Opt for shoes that provide adequate support and protect your feet from excessive dryness caused by exposure.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Stay Hydrated: Drink enough water throughout the day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Use Humidifiers: If your home has dry air, especially during winter, a humidifier can prevent your skin from becoming overly dry.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Soak Your Feet: Use warm water and Epsom salts with lavender oil for a relaxing soak. Avoid hot water, which can strip natural oils from your skin.
</li>
</ol>
When Dryness May Be More Than Skin Deep
Sometimes, what seems like regular dryness could be a sign of a skin fungus, such as athlete’s foot (tinea pedis). Fungal infections thrive in warm, moist environments, making feet especially vulnerable. Here are key signs to watch for:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Persistent itching or burning sensations.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Cracked skin, particularly between the toes.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Flaky or peeling patches that do not improve with regular moisturizers.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Discoloration or thickening of toenails.
</li>
</ul>
Diagnosing and Treating Skin Fungus
If you suspect a fungal infection, early treatment is crucial to prevent the condition from worsening or spreading. Here’s what you can do:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">
Over-the-Counter Antifungal Creams: Products containing clotrimazole or terbinafine can be effective in treating mild fungal infections. Apply as directed, typically for 2-4 weeks.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">
Prescription Treatments: For severe or recurring infections, consult a healthcare provider. They may prescribe stronger topical creams, oral antifungal medications, or medicated powders.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">
Maintain Good Hygiene:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Wash your feet daily and dry thoroughly, especially between the toes.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Change socks frequently, especially if your feet sweat. Opt to you moisture wicking socks instead of cotton.</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">Avoid walking barefoot in communal areas such as gym showers or pools.</li>
</ul>
</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">
Disinfect Shoes and Linens: Use antifungal sprays on your shoes and wash socks and towels in hot water to kill fungal spores.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" role="presentation">
Avoid Scratching: Scratching can worsen the infection and lead to secondary bacterial infections.
</li>
</ul>
Prevention Tips
To prevent both dry feet and fungal infections:
<ul>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Keep your feet clean and dry.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Choose moisture-wicking socks made of a microfiber blend.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Rotate your shoes to allow them to air out between wears.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Make at home antifungal spray with 8 oz of water and 10 drops each of tea tree oil and lavender oil, put in a spray bottle and spray shoes out periodically.
</li>
<li dir="ltr" aria-level="1">
Avoid tight, non-breathable footwear.
</li>
</ul>
When to See a Doctor
If your dry feet do not improve with regular care or if you notice signs of a fungal infection that persist after using over-the-counter treatments, it is time to consult a doctor. Chronic or untreated fungal infections can lead to more severe complications, such as nail damage or secondary infections.
By staying vigilant and proactive, you can keep your feet healthy, hydrated, and free from infections.

Caring for Dry Feet

MARIE, the third shoe developed in the TFR collection, is a slingback. A classic, feminine silhouette, there are so many directions you can go with variations on straps, hardware, heel height and other design details as many designers have done since the style’s introduction in the 1940s. But the core design features of a covered toe and open heel have remained consistent. The visual effect of smaller-looking foot and longer legs, coupled with its day-to-night versatility, keeps this silhouette as a wardrobe stable. It’s a great choice when pumps feel too formal and sandals too informal. 
Designing the Marie
It turns out this was the most technical shoe to design. By nature, a slingback has an open back which means we needed to find a way to integrate the insole in a discrete manner. We designed a “lip” around the back of the shoe, essentially creating a cup for the insole to rest inside.
<div style="text-align: left;"><img style="margin-bottom: 16px; float: none; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" alt="" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0726/3951/2858/files/TFR2-3_sept_18_23_-_1_480x480.jpg?v=1742050022"></div>
Next came the strap design. The heel strap needed to fit comfortably while keeping the shoe securely on the foot. We opted for elastic wrapped in leather to keep the aesthetic while allowing for flexibility of fit. The strap across the toe not only visually balances the heel strap, it provides extra coverage over the bunion for a functional, flattering look.
For the finishing details, our design team of experts in form, function and manufacturing decided on these design elements for Marie:
<ul>
<li>A horizontal strap across the toe with folded edges for a clean look</li>
<li>Angled heel strap with folded edges and covered elastic for flexible fit</li>
<li>Memory foam pads on the inside of the heel strap for comfort and secure fit</li>
<li>Wide toe box keeps toes from crowding</li>
<li>Toe shape with the right balance of square and round for a sleek look that elongates the leg</li>
<li>20mm exterior leather stacked heel, although the actual height with the insole is 40mm</li>
</ul>
Prototyping and Wear-Testing
Even though the Marie uses the same last, sole and insole as the other two shoes in the collection, it took five rounds of prototyping to make sure we got three key things right:
<ol>
<li>The open back had to conceal the insole, making it look integrated with the shoe on the inside.</li>
<li>There’s nothing worse than a slingback strap that doesn’t stay up. We prototyped different strap angles and lengths to find a comfortable, secure fit.</li>
<li>A potential pitfall when designing an open shoe, it can make the foot look unflatteringly wide. We tweaked the pattern and placement of the straps to ensure a flattering fit.</li>
</ol>
<div style="text-align: left;"><img style="margin-bottom: 16px; float: none; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" alt="" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0726/3951/2858/files/IMG_2474_480x480.jpg?v=1742050174"></div>
<div style="text-align: left;"><img style="margin-bottom: 16px; float: none; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" alt="" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0726/3951/2858/files/IMG_2230_480x480.jpg?v=1742050242"></div>
When it comes to wear-testing, I have two non-negotiable tests. First, if I had to literally run in the shoe, could I do it without the shoe falling off? And second, the shoe has to fit securely and not flop around on my foot, making flapping noises (you shouldn’t hear me coming before you see me…) Wear-testing feedback says we nailed it!
Colorways and Material Selection
This style has such great versatility and range of wear. Our color choices were intentional in adding to that versatility for day to night, weekday to weekend. We also wanted to have a little fun with this one with metallic finishes.
The five colorways of Marie:
<ul>
<li>Nero: a matte black</li>
<li>Caramel: a beautiful brown with orange hues</li>
<li>Foam: a blend of grey and blue, a signature TFR color</li>
<li>Midnight Metallic: dark navy with a subtle metallic finish</li>
<li>
Champagne Metallic: bright and bubbly champagne with a hint of pink in metallic finish
</li>
</ul>
Naming the Shoe
The final step in the process was giving the shoe a name worthy of its design and functionality. All TFR shoes are named after trailblazing women who broke through barriers, giving the rest of a path to follow and allowing us to see ourselves in places we might have thought impossible. The Marie is a technical shoe so we named her after the scientist, Marie Curie, the first woman to win a Nobel prize in physics.
 
<a href="https://tfrshoes.com/products/marie-20mm-black">SHOP MARIE</a>

Designing Marie

Crafted by Italian Hands
The artistry of the Italian shoemaking process thrives on a rich legacy of skill, an unwavering pursuit of quality, and a commitment to delivering footwear that encapsulates both tradition and modern luxury––and we wouldn’t have it any other way. Claudia Ciuti, one-half of the Italian shoe manufacturing team behind TFR, speaks of the distinction, “Made in Italy,” with pride. However, she suggests a more fitting phrase would be "Made by Italians." She believes that the rich history, knowledge, and skill Italian artisans bring to the creation of shoes is something truly unique. “It's in the creativity poured into the design,” Claudia emphasizes. “The intention behind every manufacturing step, the passion in choosing the materials, and the meticulous attention to detail that sets Italian craftsmanship above the rest.”
Claudia and her partner, Roberto Angiolucci, both come from high-profile shoemaking families in the Tuscan region of Italy. Their heritage grants them invaluable insight into a shoe's anatomy––the art of crafting heels, adjusting lasts, shaping patterns, and selecting the finest materials. After years of designing for and managing their own brand collection, they started their footwear consulting business in the U.S., where they collaborate with brands and support them through the design and production process in Italy. 
Engineered with Italian Precision––and Why It Matters
Every detail of TFR is intentional and discerning. Because you are, too. Similarly, the intention behind Italian shoe manufacturing is deliberate and precise. Each shoe is a result of careful planning, incorporating various construction options to deliver the desired qualities, whether that be comfort, versatility, elegance, or a combination of many attributes. 
“As we envisioned crafting TFR shoes,” says Claudia, “we knew that each pair needed to support the wearer in their everyday lives. This allowed us to focus on specific techniques that are known for providing comfort, flexibility, and durability such as Sacchetto, Bologna, and Goodyear Welt constructions.”
Italian artisans don’t just bring skill and knowledge to the process of construction, they bring an unmatched aesthetic and dedicated consideration to their selection of materials. The reason Italian leather is renowned worldwide is because of its exceptional quality and unique characteristics: Not only is it known for its beauty and durability, but its softness and pliability are medically best for your feet. Tanning, which transforms raw hides into a durable material, is what makes Italian leather feel so luxurious, and Italy boasts a long history that spans centuries. Tanneries, the big three global centers residing in the Tuscany, Lombardy, and Campania regions, have perfected traditional methods while also embracing modern techniques. The result: leather that is high-quality, luxurious, and durable.
Embracing Tradition and Innovation
In Italy, shoemaking is traditionally a family business rooted in generations of expertise and heritage. This legacy of familial craftsmanship is reflected in the blending of different generations within the shoe factories and supplier networks: The older generation preserves valuable traditions, techniques, and knowledge; conversely, the younger generation brings a new perspective and excels in technology adoption and application, enabling advancements in shoemaking. “I think when the collaboration between the old generation and new generation happens, magic happens. The collaboration and sharing of capabilities are key to making a better product overall,” said Claudia.
This balance between age-old practices and modern advancements is a hallmark of Italian artistry. Uncoincidentally, the harmony between timeless tradition and innovation is a defining aspect of TFR shoes. That’s why choosing the right suppliers and materials is central to our commitment to excellence. It was important that our local partnerships not only reflect a deep connection to tradition and quality but also dedication to adopting the latest sustainable practices. 
“We chose to work with a small factory that calls the Tuscan region home,” explains Claudia. “We live our life in this area. It’s the air we breathe. So, everybody is extremely sensitive to protecting its condition by prioritizing sustainable practices.” Practices like chrome-free leather production illustrate a commitment to reducing environmental impact and embracing sustainability. 
Making the TFR Shoe
The creative journey of designing a TFR shoe is a meticulously planned process that marries innovation, artistry, and collaboration, and it all starts with an idea on a piece of paper. “I always prefer to sketch the idea freehand first,” says Claudia, “as it allows you to design free of any borders with unrestrained creativity and avoid the constraints of predetermined formats.” The concept then evolves into a comprehensive plan encompassing every crucial element, from construction techniques to heel design and the sole's composition. This stage carefully considers each shoe's distinct requirements––traction, comfort, and even foam placement––tailored to its purpose.
 
<img alt="" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0726/3951/2858/files/Copy_of_Open_TR_1_sketch_480x480.png?v=1726577278" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;">
<blockquote>
Original KATHARINE loafer sketch by Claudia Ciuti
</blockquote>
 
Next, this comprehensive vision is translated to the factory. Communication with the right manufacturer is key. It must be someone who understands the goal and desired qualities and has the expertise to match those needs. Once the initial prototype is produced, we refine based on wearer feedback. Prototypes are never perfect from the start; they're meant to be improved. Sometimes it takes multiple iterations to get it right. This stage is not merely about the shoe's appearance but also its tactile experience and fit, a vital aspect for TFR.
During this process, we also focus on the shoe's insole. Its design significantly impacts comfort and performance, and for TFR, those attributes are paramount. This is where the collaboration gets exciting. Designers responsible for different facets of the shoe, including the insole, goes to TFR’s insole designer, who has a background in sneaker design. 
“When I’ve approached a project for a sneaker in the past,” Claudia explains, “it's been primarily from an aesthetic point of view, with a focus on the outer appearance. The focus for TFR was on creating an insole that could seamlessly marry the comfort of a sneaker with the luxurious appearance of an Italian leather shoe. This was a new concept that required us to blend what are typically different shoe making techniques and to take an ‘inside-out’ approach. The iterative process of prototyping, learning from those prototypes, and making necessary modifications allowed us to learn a lot and adapt the shape of the insole to fit seamlessly in the shoe, achieving the desired results without sacrificing quality.”
Finally, we’re ready to choose colors and materials. TFR’s core color palette includes timeless shades that can be worn across seasons and occasions, but we also like to have a little fun, so you can expect some color surprises along the way. Material selections for the outsole (the outermost part of the shoe) include rich nappa leather. And in true Italian fashion, we’ve also incorporated modern materials into our design, using Italian Alcantara fabric to line the insole. Alcantara is a sustainable material that combines aesthetics and performance. With its luxurious appearance and suede-like texture, it provides both a vegan-friendly and durable solution, while also boasting excellent sweat-wicking properties.
Finally, through this carefully orchestrated process, TFR shoes come to life, embodying the fusion of creativity and precision that defines Italian craftsmanship. The result is a pair of shoes that not only reflects timeless elegance but also the heart and soul of Italian shoemaking tradition. Now the rest is up to you.

Claudia Ciuti and partner Roberto Angiolucci

Made In Italy: No, We Insist

Inside the Atelier

Our founder, Tori, got her first pair of loafers in high school: Bass “weejun” penny loafers. (She even kept dimes in the cut out slots because that’s how much a phone call cost at the time.) They’ve been a wardrobe staple ever since, and with this, it was destined that the first shoe in the TFR collection would be a loafer.
We were inspired by luxury innovation, from Porsche to the bullet train, and set out to develop a shoe that was sleek on the outside and high-performing on the inside. Sneaker culture and the post-pandemic desire for comfort make the loafer the perfect comfortable, luxury footwear choice. You’ve probably noticed the trend (particularly among men) of pairing a tailored business outfit with sneakers. This look––which makes sense from a comfort perspective––can be hard to pull off for some women. Many have tried, few can make it work. (Our founder considers herself in this category). The loafer is our solution to sneaker comfort but with a polished, elevated look. 
 
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 The original moodboard for Katharine
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Designing The Katharine
Our first iteration of the loafer was actually a mule. We liked it, but the mule silhouette wasn’t timeless enough for our inaugural shoe. We went back to the literal drawing board with Claudia, our design and manufacturing consultant, who sketched our current closed-back design. Its sleek, timeless silhouette is feminine, sporty, functional, and comfortable.
 
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 First Katharine prototype in mule silhouette
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Final Katharine sketch
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Next, with our design team of experts in form, function, and manufacturing, we decided on these design elements for Katharine:
<ul>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Toe shape with the right balance between square and round for a sleek look that elongates the leg</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Piping details in complementary nappa</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Vamp shape provides a feminine silhouette</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">20mm exterior heel made of stacked leather, although the actual heel height with the insole is 40mm</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Elastic gussets that move with your feet</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Wide toe box to keep toes from crowding</li>
<li style="font-weight: 400;">Suede heel lining and achilles pad for comfort and stability</li>
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Prototyping: From 2D to 3D
Once we had a mock of the silhouette and design features, Claudia turned these into drawings with precise measurements that she could provide to the factory. She also discussed the construction technique necessary to achieve the quality and aesthetic. For the Katharine, we first selected Bologna sachetto construction. The factory puts into motion the physical prototype, creating the last (the physical form used to shape the shoes), developing patterns for the uppers, and selecting partners to make the sole.
The hardest part of the development was integrating a modern insole into classic construction. We learned quickly that we needed every millimeter of space inside the shoe and revised the construction method to a "typical" cemented insole - although nothing about this shoe is typical!!
Podiatrist-Tested and Approved
Once we had the form, we needed to ensure proper function. TFR's team podiatrist, <a href="https://tfrshoes.com/pages/dr-terri-ronna">Dr. Terri</a>, tested the prototypes with her patients, even taking <a href="https://theformation.tfrshoes.com/blogs/design-in-action/articles/biomechanics">x-rays of patients in the shoes</a> so that we could see the fit in detail. Her detailed measurements and wear-testing feedback was critical in the development process to get the fit right. We used the Katharine to prototype the last and <a href="https://tfrshoes.com/pages/tfr-power-sole">Power Sole</a> development, too, as it has the most comprehensive fit needs and could be applied to other styles. This process of prototyping and wear-testing took over three years and 9 different iterations to get right.
 
<img style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0726/3951/2858/files/IMG_2234_480x480.heic?v=1730565992" alt="">
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The evolution of Katharine in 9 prototypes, top and bottom views
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Colorways and Material Selection
Finally: the fun part. We selected nappa leather from Sicerp and Enterprise tanneries for their quality, texture, and colorways selection. We wanted an approach to colorways that would be both timeless and efficient, meaning we chose “blended” colors that could be worn with multiple color families so as to maximize the return on your investment.
The Five Colorways of Katharine:
<ul>
<li>Nero: a matte black</li>
<li>Midnight: darkest navy that pairs with black or blue</li>
<li>Saddle: medium brown </li>
<li>Taupe: perfect blend of brown and gray</li>
<li>Bronze metallic: a balance of brown, gray and gold in textured nappa</li>
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<ul></ul>
Naming the Shoe
The final step in the process was giving the shoe a name worthy of its design and functionality. All TFR shoes are named after trailblazing women who broke through barriers, giving the rest of us a path to follow and allowing us to see ourselves in places we might have thought impossible. Katharine is named after <a href="https://theformation.tfrshoes.com/blogs/trailblazers/articles/katharine-graham-loafer">Katharine Graham</a>, the first female CEO of a Fortune 500 company.
Making the Katharine was an exercise in perseverance. We had a vision of what we wanted her to be and never gave up on that vision until we had it right. We hope you love her as much as we do.
 
<a href="https://tfrshoes.com/products/katharine-20mm-black">SHOP KATHARINE</a>

Designing Katharine

Step & Style

One day around 10 years ago, I noticed one of my female colleagues in the office (Kristen) looked different in a really good way. I couldn’t quite put my finger on what was different about her but she cast a powerful energy. Elegant. Sophisticated. Confident. I finally asked her if she was doing something new. Her answer: I hired a personal stylist.
The stylist completely elevated Kristen’s personal brand. Somehow, every outfit, day after day, conveyed that she meant business but in a way that just seemed to “fit” her femininity, power and position at the same time. I needed this in my life, too, so she introduced me to her stylist, Amy Nelson, Founder and CEO of ABN Style Design.
Working with Amy has been a trip. From her onboarding questionnaire about my then-current approach to style (my responses made her laugh out loud), to the first time we met for my closet “edit” (i.e., total obliteration) of everything that didn’t work, to the try-ons of pieces during the rebuild of my closet, we’ve been on a journey together to refine my personal brand. Thanks to Amy, I’m confident that my wardrobe conveys the right message for/about me, and that confidence is enhanced because I know the pieces I wear are high quality and fit well, but are also functional and comfortable. I can honestly say that it has been one of the most important and impactful investments I’ve ever made in myself.
As I got further into developing TFR, it made sense to bring Amy on to the team as both creative director and the brand’s stylist for several reasons. First, no one knows TFR’s style better than Amy. She architected it. Second, with a client-base of several hundred professional women, she knows what women want and are actually wearing. This is important context for our design process. Last, she has a proven approach to boost women’s confidence through their wardrobe. I wanted her to share her approach with the women of TFR’s community in a way that’s frictionless and achievable. 
Let’s get to know Amy.
 
TFR: Tell us about you and how you became a personal stylist.
Amy: After college, I started in the fashion business with 2 luxury houses in NYC. Five years later, I headed to Atlanta, engaged to be married and starting a new career as the Director of The Fifth Avenue Club, a comprehensive personal shopping service I launched for Saks Fifth Avenue. After successfully launching the business, developing a big roster of clients for The Club, plus having a 4 year old and and a newborn, it was time to leave and think of my next act. My consulting business started from there with a tiny idea I felt - that there was a niche of styling and personal branding I could create for clients in a very curated manner. And 23 years later, Style Design is a full service visual brand and styling agency that has grown exponentially. I feel grateful for that little idea.
TFR: Let’s talk about the process you go through with your personal styling clients. How do you onboard new clients to learn their style and brand?
Amy: Honestly, the best way to bring a new client on board is to listen…intently. Listen about life, their work, lifestyle, how they live, kids, philanthropy, travels…all of that. Trust is built that way and the beginning of your relationship with your client. But I also ask how they want to be perceived by others and how they want to show up…and that’s the key. As it’s not entirely about the clothes, what you're wearing has to be aligned with who you are. It’s part of the total story of you. It’s their personal journey we are taking together.
TFR: I still have a clear picture in my mind of the mile-high “discard pile” after you got done with my closet. I may have snuck a few pieces out of the pile and hid them away from you, haha. 
Amy: It was a MONSTROUS PILE, actually piles! It was much needed to remove what was no longer serving you in your wardrobe. And curate a cohesive blend of pieces that did serve you, a more refined, modern Tori! It's a bit daunting when you have all that “stuff” without a home. What to do? A few key ways: donate to places that could really use the clothes like Dress for Success (especially for working women’s clothing!) and consider consignment for higher end pieces.
TFR: I’m all about efficiency when it comes to, well, everything in my life. Every minute counts, especially in the morning during the crunch to get out of the house. I believe my response to your question, “How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?” (response: 8 minutes) made you laugh out loud. You helped me see that an efficient wardrobe is not just about time and can convey the wrong message if not done right. What does efficiency mean to you and how do you apply it in styling?
Amy: It’s really about defining your style and that takes a few steps. First, establish a color palette that compliments you with core colors plus a few accent colors. It’s a way to initiate your signature brand and style. Next, think about investing in the best pieces you can afford that are long lasting not only in quality, but also in style. Finally, bring in a bit of your personality and it turns into a fully functioning wardrobe that reflects who you are and where you want to go.
TFR: Our style can often be tethered to our professional environment because that’s where we spend most of our time. We definitely nailed that early on. But on the weekends, I’m all about comfort. How/why can/should our style carry over into our personal environment?
Amy: Your personal brand is 24-7. Consistent and true…to yourself! And I’m sure you will cringe at this, but I’ll remind you of the time you told me that you go to the Farmer’s Market every Saturday in Nike shorts, a t-shirt and Birkenstocks, and I almost had a stroke and passed out! A C-suite executive that so many look up to! While many executives earn their right to let their hair down on the weekends, that doesn't mean your brand falls apart. Grabbing an easy sundress or finished pair of khaki shorts, a knitted top and a loafer to wear to the market speaks volumes about your consistent brand while still being true to yourself and comfortable! The effort is the same! 
TFR: It seems that shifts in our work environment after Covid have had a lasting impact on style. What are some of the changes you’ve seen? 
Amy: I’m so happy the leggings on the bottom and a work shirt on top are days of the past!! I would encourage clients to dress anyway! And feel good about themselves even if we were all at home. With Zoom and other client-facing video chats, it’s still important to embrace your best self and not let yourself “go to the dogs”. It was a slippery slope for many.
I saw many clients struggling to go back to the office. And I worked hard with them to evolve their wardrobes after Covid. And get back to dressing, but with a bit less formal workplace style. That did not mean less professional, but softer and less structured. Another big piece? So many, like yourself, the tried and true Jimmy Choo 90mm pump wearer, said no more! And while as women we all love a lift in our step, stilettos took the back burner while stacked, block and lower heels prevailed. That didn’t mean not stylish, but the key was to be more comfortable and stylish, thus where your idea for TFR blossomed.
TFR: I’m so excited to bring your expertise to life in TFR, especially through our Step &amp; Style fashion edits. What can we expect to see from you here?
Amy: Great styling to show you the many ways to wear your fabulous TFR shoes! Look for the fashion edits soon!
Find Amy’s Step &amp; Style edits paired with TFR shoes on <a href="tfrshoes.com">tfrshoes.com</a> and on <a href="https://theformation.tfrshoes.com/style">The Formation</a>, TFR’s membership community, where you can save your favorite style edits in a digital closet for future inspo!

Meet TFR Stylist Amy Nelson

For a woman whose career has spanned nearly six decades across politics, media and consulting as an executive, author and speaker on women in business, Gail Evans has walked in many shoes. To celebrate the launch of TFR’s first collection of high-performance luxury shoes—and the unstoppable women who wear them—we sat down with the leadership expert to discuss career longevity, navigating transitions, and how to keep putting one foot forward, even when the road ahead is unknown.
Skimming Evans’ resume, it’s clear she’s left her mark over a long career. The trailblazer has contributed to defining cornerstones of American policy and the news cycle we know today. Evans first got her start on Capitol Hill, where she worked as a special advisor to LBJ on equal opportunity and the Civil Rights Act, setting up the president’s committee that eventually became the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission in 1965. She was among the first employees when CNN launched in 1980 in Atlanta, where she’s still based. For decades, she’s been a sought-after consultant in politics and women’s leadership. 
Put simply, if anyone could be described as unstoppable, it’s Evans: She has had a pioneering career with such impact, she once tried to retire as an 80th birthday present to herself—and it didn’t stick. 
“That lasted for six weeks,” she says with a laugh. Because of the demand for her leadership and expertise (and her insatiable drive), she quickly boomeranged back into consulting when the first intriguing project came across her desk. 
Even in her 80s, Evans is proving she’s far from finished. She’s still consulting on women-centered projects for clients like Delta Air Lines (on an initiative to get more women into top management positions), the <a href="https://thehgbfoundation.org/">Helen Gurley Brown Foundation</a>, and in politics where she began. 
Embracing Evolutions
Fast forward from her time in the White House, and Evans was writing books and lecturing about women in business. 
“I feel as though my life is circular,” she says. “I took a 30-year detour to have a career to discover all the things that I believed when I was 21 were true. And now I come back to it 50 years later and actually have the empirical evidence that it was true.”
It might feel nice to be right, but Evans would’ve rather been wrong about where women would be today, even if her book <a href="https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/play-like-a-man-win-like-a-woman-gail-evans/1004707261">“Play Like a Man, Win Like a Woman”</a> is still in print and selling copies 25 years later. 
“I really believed, when I wrote it, that books like that would be irrelevant 25 years later,” she says with a frankness that’s characteristic of her books, lectures (and this interview). “That actually isn't exciting to me because that means 25 years later we're still dealing with issues we dealt with 25 years ago that I wish for my daughters and granddaughters and great-granddaughters would just be gone.”
Reflecting on her journey in male-dominated spaces, Evans has seen some progress but not enough.
“Every place I went, it just seemed like there were 14 men and me in the room,” she says of where she started. “I think that's changed today. It's probably five men and me. But it's still a battle.”
On the evolution of roles for women in her various industries, Evans is blunt, but she also tells a great story, the kind with juicy historical trivia that commands respect for being in the room where it happens. She has been in the game long enough that she was there as an early contributor—but not exactly getting the credit for it. When asked about her role in shaping the landmark policy of the Civil Rights Act, we get to talking about job titles of the time, and Evans spills the tea. 
“I can tell you, back in those days, by and large, a little in the Kennedy administration, and then the Johnson administration, [for] the majority of women, the title was ‘Secretaries’—except that we were researchers,” she recalls. “We were everything. We did everything that the boss needed for the background to make it happen.” 
Story time. Evans has a treasure trove of illuminating anecdotes that, when weaved together, offer a timeline of how far we’ve come, even if we do have further to go. 
“It was a very different kind of world. We had a lot of freedom and a lot of policy got written and researched by young women and probably young men who worked on Capitol Hill and worked in the agencies,” she says of the White House “secretaries” who were actually writing the policy that became equal opportunity law. 
It was on Capitol Hill that Evans found agency and ownership over her career, but the role Evans says she learned the most from was being one of CNN’s early employees. She joined CNN a month after the network was on air, at a time when few believed it would succeed. She quickly learned that there’s nothing you can't do if you're strategic, smart, and willing to work hard.
“Everybody laughed at us and said, ‘You're nobody, you can't do it.’ They called us the Chicken Noodle Network, and every day we came in and said, ‘Okay, we can figure this out.’ And we did.” 
Unlocking Your Inner Power—and Your Best Performance
For Evans, finding your inner power is the driving force behind tuning out the haters and turning a tough transition into a brilliant transformation. Evans’ twofold philosophy to unlock her power—staying present and avoiding the trap of multitasking—has guided her through decades of high-stakes work. 
“When you are multitasking, you are never fully focused,” she says. “If you want to access your real power, you can't be doing 12 things at once.”
Presence, on the other hand, leads to better decision-making and fewer mistakes. Evans says she gets all of her power from focusing on the present moment, a trick that works even when you’re not perfect. 
“Most people live in the past or in the future,” Evans says. “I show up ready to play, focused on what's happening now. And you have a lot more power, knowledge, [and] ability if you're in the present.” 
In addition to the countless pearls of wisdom Evans brings from her experience in live TV and entrepreneurship, Evans embodies the TFR philosophy that a frictionless life leads to peak performance. Whether it’s a crisis strategy, a grounding mindset or a <a href="https://tfrshoes.com/products/marie-20mm-foam">supportive slingback</a> to get you through your week, the tools in your playbook should empower you to thrive under pressure and perform your best. 
“Very successful people in very stressful businesses stay calm and frictionless when things are at their worst,” Evans says. 
When things inevitably go wrong, Evans says inner power is finding the courage to cut your losses, strategize your next steps, and move forward with clarity. For her, inner power isn’t about perfection. It comes from knowing you’re already good enough, equipped to overcome setbacks, adapt and grow without feeling the need to constantly "fix" yourself.
Evans’ parting advice for today’s young professional women: Never settle for less than you can truly achieve.

Member Spotlight: Gail Evans

Our version of a ballet flat gets its name from Hélène de Pourtalès, a pioneer for women in sports and an Olympic champion. As one of the first women to compete in the Olympic games, Hélène paved the way for today’s greats: Katie, Simone, Sha’Carri, Diana, Ilona and so many others.
It’s no secret that we endorse women’s empowerment and equality here at TFR, which means we were, obviously, glued to our televisions for much of July and August watching the Summer Olympics in Paris. For the first time in Olympic history, these 2024 games had an equal number of men and women competing. But it was the women who shone in these games, bringing home more than half of the medals for powerhouses like Team USA, China and Australia, and breaking many records along the way. 
It took a long time to get to gender parity. The first modern Olympics, held in Athens in 1896, had 241 athletes. And they were all males. That same year, it was announced that women would be allowed to compete in the next games to be held in Paris in 1900. There, women were allowed to compete in no more than five disciplines: golf, tennis, sailing, croquet, and equestrianism. Unsurprisingly, this was not welcomed news. But it opened the door for the first 20 women to compete in an Olympic games, including Hélène de Pourtalès.
Hélène’s sport was sailing, an interest ignited by her father when she was a child. She also had great female mentors in the sport, including Baroness Julie von Rothschild, whose passion and competitive spirit earned her the title of “fastest yachting lady” of her day. Hélène married Hermann de Pourtalès, a fellow yachtsman who shared her passion for sailing. They competed together in multiple regattas, eventually qualifying for the 1900 Olympics where they won two medals for Switzerland––a gold and silver––and Hélène became the first female Olympic Gold medalist on May 22, 1900, at the age of 32. 
Hélène's fame after the 1900 Games was short-lived, not least due to the prevailing negative sentiment among the press and rest of society about women in sport. She spent the rest of her life in anonymity. Hélène's passion, competitive spirit, and fearlessness in a place where she wasn’t fully welcome are an inspiration for the women of TFR.
<a href="https://tfrshoes.com/products/helene-20mm-black"><img alt="" src="https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0726/3951/2858/files/TFRPRODUCT9.25.202401971_480x480.jpg?v=1728567414" style="display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"></a>
<a href="https://tfrshoes.com/collections/helene/products/helene-20mm-black">SHOP THE HELENE BALLET FLAT</a>

Sport Meets Sophistication: Introducing Helene

Cover Story

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Ali Harnell has spent 35 years shaping the live entertainment industry and advocating for women’s progress. Over Zoom in her office at <a title="Ali Harnell Live Nation TFR Shoes" href="https://www.livenation.com/" target="_blank">Live Nation</a>, the music industry veteran presents as a stylish executive with a casual, rocker-chic vibe that tracks with her career in Nashville—hair in undone waves, a classic denim jacket, and chunky gold rings against the backdrop of industry awards and a vintage Indigo Girls concert flyer.
Today, as Global President and Chief Strategy Officer of the Live Nation Women division at Live Nation Entertainment, Harnell’s career in the music industry has been defined by live performances and tours for some of the biggest acts in live entertainment. For The Formation blog, she shares her story with TFR in The Extra Mile interview series, celebrating the unstoppable women who are shaping the future of their industries.
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Women Paving the Way in Entertainment
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At Live Nation, Harnell produces live tours and leads the company’s division dedicated to driving progress for women, which she founded when she joined in 2019. As a tour promoter at the $28B global entertainment company in over 40 countries, Harnell’s team handles the nuts and bolts of tours from sales to production, sourcing venues, managing ticketing, bringing the talent’s production into the venue, and paying vendors. As head of Live Nation Women, Harnell works to drive the culture at Live Nation as a great company for women to work.
The division focuses on three pillars: advancing women internally at the company through resources, programs, and benefits; advocating for women across the industry; and amplifying the voices of women using Live Nation’s global platform and reach.
Under Harnell’s leadership, women’s advocacy initiatives have included Live Nation Women Circles, a peer-to-peer mentorship program, Live Nation Women Summits, and programs like Listen with Live Nation Women, which has covered topics from business and wealth-building for women to support for caregiving.
For her division’s amplification pillar, Harnell ensures that the industry’s big names have the platform to share their voices and bring their work to live audiences. In the last six years with Live Nation, Harnell has launched the tours of household names like Oprah, Katie Couric, Grammy-Award-winning artist and activist Brandi Carlile and podcast megastar Alex Cooper of <a title="Call Her Daddy Ali Harnell TFR Shoes" href="https://www.callherdaddy.com/" target="_blank">Call Her Daddy</a>—women who have reshaped their fields through originality.
"I got to do Katie Couric's book tour, which was great because, for me growing up, Katie was just such a beacon and north star of what women could do,” Harnell says of promoting the beloved journalist’s 11-city book tour for her memoir, Going There, in 2021.
In the American capital of country music, Harnell has stood by artists like Maren Morris, who briefly <a rel="noopener" href="https://www.vox.com/culture/2023/9/19/23880804/maren-morris-country-music" target="_blank">distanced herself from country music in 2023</a> over political differences. “I love working with [Morris], who is very vocal and always fighting for what's right and never afraid and never backs down,” Harnell says.
Harnell produced Cooper’s sold-out <a rel="noopener" href="https://deadline.com/2024/09/alex-cooper-unwell-tour-adds-new-dates-1236074214/" target="_blank">Unwell Tours</a> prior to the influencer’s $125 million deal with SiriusXM for the Call Her Daddy podcast, which garners 13.5 million monthly listeners. “Alex came to play,” Harnell says of Cooper. “She knows how to market. She knows how to engage with her community so authentically.”
But the ultimate unmatchable woman for Harnell is the inimitable Oprah, whose hugely successful tour, Oprah’s 2020 Vision, Your Life in Focus, to a sold-out audience of 15,000 women was Harnell’s first large-scale arena tour at Live Nation.
For Harnell, this year’s Grammy Awards were a testament to the power of women in music. They left Harnell feeling inspired and hopeful.
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"You saw so many incredible artists who are one of a kind and who are expressing themselves in completely new and exciting ways,” she says.
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“Unmatchable art is just that: unique, singular, innovative, fresh,” she explains, pointing to this year’s Grammy stage. Harnell calls leading artists like breakouts Doechii and Chappell Roan and icons Beyoncé and Lady Gaga “powerhouses” who not only speak to culture but become it.
Representation isn’t just about visibility for the entertainment executive; it’s about changing the landscape of entertainment itself. As Women’s History Month highlights the contributions of trailblazers past and present, Harnell is proud to champion artists who not only break boundaries in their craft but also take a stand for what matters. “You can’t be what you can’t see,” she says, emphasizing the importance of these moments for the next generation of artists and fans alike. She says Live Nation is committed to women artists and their fans. “That's what we do. That is the culture of art and music and connection.”
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A Mindset for Manifestation
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Before her current role at Live Nation, Harnell paused between contracts to spend two weeks answering the question, “What would I do if I could do anything?" The answer was focusing on what she did best, live entertainment, but specifically in service of more opportunities for women.
Harnell took a gold journal she’d received as a 50th birthday present and advice from her songwriter friend Brandy Clark to sit and write early in the morning. For those pivotal two weeks, each morning at 5 a.m., she drafted what became the pitch that led her to Live Nation. The company’s CEO, Michael Rapino, reviewed her pitch for a division dedicated to women in live entertainment, and Live Nation Women was born.
When it comes to investing in herself, Harnell enjoys rituals like her dream-job manifestation and little luxuries, like her gold journal or <a href="https://tfrshoes.com/collections/marie/products/marie-20mm-pewter-metallic" title="TFR Marie Slingback in Champagne Metallic">TFR’s Marie slingback in Champagne Metallic</a> with sneaker-like support for high performance and a fresh, functional take on executive style. When Harnell was honored by Save the Music in 2024 in front of her industry peers, family and friends, she treated herself to a new suit to wear for the occasion.
"There is something about feeling your best,” Harnell says of the confidence investment pieces can give you “when you walk into a room or a space.”
Having spent decades at the forefront of the entertainment industry, Harnell has learned that mindset is everything. To get through a typical day, she emphasizes centering positive thoughts and affirmations, and setting intentions.
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“To perform at my best I have to meditate. I swear it’s my super power. It’s been a long road to getting to where my practice is today, but it has changed my life.”
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Her advice is to create your own balance for the season of life you’re in, citing the Rainer Maria Rilke quote: “No feeling is final.” At 57, Harnell’s children are grown and it’s a “different level of parenting and connection.” What works for Harnell today in her 50s is something she’s well aware isn’t the advice she’d give to her younger self or a mom raising kids today.
"I look back and I have no idea how I survived it and remained successful,” she says of the years closing deals and then racing home “to make dinner and make sure homework is done.” For working parents, she says figuring out your support network is “paramount.” Harnell draws a metaphor of a rollercoaster: Look at what scares you and then look at all the people who are already on the ride figuring out how to do it.
And while Harnell says there is no magic wand, you can start by giving yourself grace.
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"Do your best and know that you're doing your best,” she says. “And if you need help, ask for it and find community, and you're gonna get through it and you're gonna get it done because we're getting it done.”
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Ali Harnell in her office in Nashville, TN