Hey Reader, your event bestie here 👋

Welcome to the very first issue of Step & Repeat — the newsletter for people who travel for work, produce events, attend conferences, and have very strong opinions about what their feet and gear are doing while all of that is happening.

Dubai in February sounds like a dream until you’re standing in a hotel ballroom in the UAE at hour seven of a full conference day, smiling through a networking reception, and quietly negotiating with your feet.

That’s the heel dilemma nobody talks about honestly enough. You can look incredible or you can survive the day. Pick one.

The FRANKIE4 Baker Black showed up to argue otherwise. It looks like it belongs poolside at a five-star resort and claims it can handle a full work day on top of that.

I took it to SITE Global in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for four days, 36,762 steps, and zero advance notice. Straight out of the box. No break-in.

Here’s what actually happened.

PRODUCT OF THE MONTH:

FRANKIE4 – BAKER WEDGE

What it is: A podiatrist-designed leather wedge sandal with a triple-layer support system built for all-day wear

Price: $214 → Shoe Info​

What I tested: Size 9, Color Black

Where I tested it: Dubai, Abu Dhabi during SITE Global Conference

Step Count: 36,000+

The promise: FRANKIE4 says you never have to choose between a shoe that looks good and a shoe that supports your feet. Podiatrist-designed from day one. Built-in Sole Hero® Footbed with heel, arch, and forefoot cushioning. All-day comfort without the compromise.

The reality: They’re not lying and I say that as someone who went in with healthy skepticism and came out a convert.

SCORE CARD

FIELD NOTES

Best surprise:​
The 8-Hour Test didn’t just pass, it passed multiple times, on multiple days, in a new shoe straight out of the box with zero break-in. Day Two I logged over 10,000 steps and went day to night without once thinking about my feet. That is genuinely not normal for a heeled sandal and I want to give credit where it’s due.

Worst surprise:​
Day One ankle strap irritation. Around step 6,000, the strap started rubbing — not badly, but noticeably. In full transparency: I was wearing these brand new, my skin was on the drier side, and I can’t remember the last time I wore an ankle strap style regularly. By Day Two it was a non-issue. But if you have sensitive skin or you’re prone to strap irritation, moisturize your ankles before you put these on the first time. You’re welcome.

What I’d change:​
The sizing. FRANKIE4 recommends sizing up if you’re between sizes, but based on my experience, I’d actually say size down half a size if you’re a half. I wore a 9 when an 8.5 would have been better. The extra room caused just enough foot slide to flirt with a blister on Day One. Small thing, real consequence.

Who it’s secretly perfect for:​
If you need to look resort-polished from the general session through the welcome reception and somehow also through the farewell dinner. This shoe was made for that exact person. It reads elevated and intentional, it photographs beautifully, and it will not betray you at hour seven of a full program day.

The moment I knew:​
Day Two. 10,146 steps. Full conference day into an evening event. Got back to my room and realized I had not thought about my feet once after 9am. That’s the moment.

THE VERDICT: BUY

✅ Best for:

• Event and incentive travel professionals working resort, hotel, and outdoor conference environments
• Anyone who needs a heel that looks intentional and survives a full program day
• The person who has been burned by cute shoes before and needs actual data before committing $200+

🚫 Avoid if:

• Your events are predominantly on hard concrete trade show floors. This is a sandal wedge with a lane, and that lane is not a convention center expo hall
• You have significant ankle strap sensitivity and aren’t willing to do a little prep work before Day One
• You need a true closed-toe, structured work shoe. This reads resort-chic, not boardroom formal

🔁 Would I rebuy?:​
Yes — in an 8.5, and probably also in Tan.

One-line verdict:​
“At $214, this is the last heel you’ll have to talk yourself into and the first one you’ll stop making excuses to wear.”

💰 DISCOUNT CODE

Use the link below to get 15% OFF your first pair of Frankie4 Shoes
→ Start Shopping Here​

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Check out the Testing Lab to see all reviewed items and their scores, the list of products up for review, and submit products you want to see next.

JUST FOR FUN

what i’m watching: Love Story, JFK Jr. & Carolyn Bessette

what i’m reading: A World Appears: A Journey into Consciousness​

where i’m headed: NYC, Orlando, Belize

tiny existential question: At what point does having a “system” for everything just mean you’ve made being busy your entire personality?

hit reply and tell me: What’s the most money you’ve ever spent on something you absolutely did not need but have zero regrets about? No judgment. This is a safe space. 👀

catch up with Event About It Podcast: Why going wide beats climbing the corporate ladder​