Named after the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale, Gales was inspired by founder Rob Gregg's experience of the covid-19 pandemic.

The footwear designer said: “At the beginning of the pandemic, a family member fell ill with covid-19 and was rushed to the hospital where his condition worsened.

“Due to the incredible care provided by medical staff he recovered from critical condition in five days. I was so grateful to the staff and every healthcare worker that I looked for a way to give back.”

Gales launched its first collection with the help of crowdfunding from a community of healthcare professionals across 89 medical facilities in the US.

Rebecca Love, director of Nurse Innovation and Entrepreneurship in the US, said: “As nurses, we come into contact with all sorts of patients’ fluids and those can leak on our exposed shoes, as well as track home with us. Protective footwear in healthcare is long overdue.”