Walks in RED: Tess
This month’s Walks in RED takes us on a slow stroll through old oak woodland with Tess. It feels especially fitting to photograph her boots here — this year has been a mast year, and the ground is thick with fallen acorns, the air rich with the scent of wet leaves and bark. Jane’s leather is tanned using oak bark and acorns, so as we walk, there’s a real sense of connection between the place, the material, and the craft.
It feels like the perfect setting to catch up with Tess, and see these boots in their element.
Hi Tess! What first drew you to a pair of RED shoes?
I had quite a shoe obsession when I was in my twenties. Probably influenced by my love for Sarah Jessica Parker and Sex and the City. I had 40 pairs of shoes, one for every outfit. Then, I got problems with my feet and hips and back and quickly realised that the shoes I was acquiring were terrible for my body. So I had to get rid of them all and just wear sensible, comfortable shoes. I was okay with the change as quickly my aches and pains went away but about 12 years ago a friend send me a link to RED and I thought one day, I will have a pair of shoes made for me that are both beautiful and sensible.... Then I moved to Machynlleth 4 years ago and knew my feet would soon wear them.
What first drew you to a pair of RED shoes?
They encompass everything I want in a shoe: beautifully crafted and stylish in a simple way, yet incredibly comfortable. They fit like a glove and really do feel like a second skin, which is why I’ve been able to cover so much ground in them.
They also come in a fantastic variety of colours. The shape and cut create a natural yet distinct look that really stands out. People often comment when I wear them, and if they don’t already know the RED brand, they always ask me where I got them.
Where have your REDs taken you so far? I think the better question is: where did I take myself to get to the REDS? It took quite a mental, physical and emotional journey to believe I am worthy of these shoes. They are a true investment in myself — in my stride and my value. When I first saw REDs so many years ago, I thought to myself, “I’m going to buy those shoes when I’ve made it.”
What does that even mean? When I am worthy? When I feel good enough? When I am successful? The truth is, it took all these years to really understand what that means. It means loving myself and knowing I deserve to treat myself like a precious object — worthy of walking without shame — because I do deserve these shoes. I love them, and I love me.
It took heartbreak, grief, anguish… genuine pain and sorrow that finally, I didn’t shy away from. I chose to embrace it all in the hope that through all the anger, fear, and tears I would gain a better understanding of who I am and why I deserve to be loved. So here I am — wearing shoes that represent life and death, love and pain to me- genuine healing. Every time I put them on I feel divine... which is every day!
As a Machynlleth local, where would you send someone visiting for the first time? To community garden, so they can witness the collaborative energy that this town possesses. It warms my heart every time I walk by it.
Thanks Tess! Wonderful to see those boots out in the wild.
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