Australian women’s footwear brand Frankie4 has proudly announced its achievement of B Corporation certification, underscoring its commitment to environmental and social responsibility. This prestigious certification is awarded to companies meeting rigorous standards of performance, accountability, and transparency.
Hilary McMillan, CEO of Frankie4, expressed her pride in the company’s new status. “The process involves an intensive assessment of a company’s impact on workers, customers, community, and the environment,” she said. “Improving the well-being of women worldwide is the heart of our mission, and we want to do so as responsibly as we can.”
The brand’s journey to certification included an extensive evaluation across five key areas, ultimately earning a score of 85.7. This is significantly higher than the average score of 50.9 for businesses seeking certification, highlighting Frankie4’s dedication to making a positive impact. The brand’s achievement places it among an elite group of only five footwear companies in Australia and New Zealand to earn this certification.
Frankie4’s story began in 2010, founded by podiatrist Caroline McCulloch out of a desire to create supportive and stylish footwear for women. Each pair of shoes is meticulously crafted with podiatrist-designed footbed technology, a testament to the brand’s commitment to comfort and quality. The design and development of these innovative shoes are carried out by an all-female team, ensuring that every detail meets the highest standards.
The certification marks a new chapter for Frankie4, which has already made significant strides in the U.S. market. The brand has established key wholesale partnerships with major retailers like Nordstrom and J.Jill, and it operates nine stores in Australia along with a flagship store in Seattle. Frankie4’s presence extends globally, with its products available at numerous retail locations.
Joining the ranks of over 9,000 B Corporation-certified companies across 102 countries and 162 industries, Frankie4 stands alongside other notable footwear brands such as Manitobah, Birdies, and Aera, who have also received this recognition in recent years. Earlier this year, the shoe care brand Jason Markk also earned its B Corp certification.
Frankie4’s impact extends beyond its products. The brand collaborates with several organizations, including Queensland University of Technology for research and development in podiatry, Plan A for carbon accounting and reporting services, and TreadLightly, an Australian footwear recycling initiative.
“This important milestone reflects the hard work and dedication across all Frankie4 teams. We’re proud of our journey so far—and look forward to Frankie4 continuing to be a force for good as part of the B Corp community,” McMillan added.
As Frankie4 steps into the future, its commitment to improving women’s well-being through responsible business practices remains at the forefront, ensuring that style, comfort, and sustainability go hand in hand.