experience with Born shoes?

JennyK (NC)

Someone here mentioned the barkingdogsshoes blog so I went over to have a look. Wow! I've never thought of myself as having fussy feet, but in the last few years I have discovered that I can't (or am unwilling to) tolerate shoe discomfort. I was expecting a lot of examples on the blog of shoes I just would not wear. I was pleasantly surprised to see lots of stuff I absolutely would wear!

Are any of you familiar with Born shoes? They have some gorgeous high-heeled sandal-type things in luscious colors and with ruffles/flowers, etc. If they are as comfy as they claim, I may have to take out stock in the company!

I have not tried on any Sofft or Clarks shoes, but their styles are just too... clunky and wide-strapped for me in general.

13 years ago

Dressing

14 replies

Latest reply was from Julie

Kristine

Veteran

Born makes well made shoes. They have nice support and good quality leather. I'm always drawn to them in the store, but the few styles I've owned haven't felt as great as I thought they would over the course of a day. So I would definitely check them out, but maybe start with one pair until you're sure how they'll wear on your feet.

13 years ago

elpgal

Veteran

Their footbed is cushiony but I returned most pairs I bought because the shoes feel very heavy and the leather is not as pliable as I would expect in a comfort brand.

13 years ago

Sparky

Veteran

Born shoes are nice. I always find them in discount stores like TJ Maxx and Marshalls; the brand seems to be regularly stocked there. I find they run a little too wide for my feet so I've never gone home with any, although I've tried a lot on.

13 years ago

Maya

Veteran

Some Born styles are comfy, some are not. I find many of their flats luxuriously comfortable but the Starling flat was really painful for me. Not sure about heels since I am not much of a heels person.

13 years ago

Reneeb

Veteran

My feet are a little wide and i find the borns very comfortable and have alot of cushion.. I have fussy feet and a bad back. I have bought Born boots, heels and flats and find them to be comfy and last a very long time. I guess it's just about find the right style for your feet.

13 years ago

Frances

Active Member

Jenny, I have both a pair of Born sandals and knee-length boots and have been happy with both. They're not perfect, but I find them to be more comfortable than other shoes. There have been some pairs, however, that I've tried on and felt were not comfortable at all. The same goes for Clarks and Sofft, so it's definitely a try before you buy situation. DSW often has a good selection of Born and Clarks. As for Sofft, if you poke around on Zappos, you'll see they actually do make some really lovely styles that aren't so clunky-looking, but I've found those styles tend to be a little harder on the feet. Elpgal said it best--it's the cushiony footbed that tends to make all three brands seem so comfortable, but sometimes even a cushiony footbed can't overcome an uncomfortable 3.5 inch heel.

13 years ago

April

Veteran

I would sum it up this way: with Clarks. Born, and Sofft, you have a better chance of finding a comfortable shoe, but it's definitely not a sure thing. Clarks "Artisan" line has special cushioning in the footbed so looking for those narrows it down a bit more, though you'll still have to submit to trial and error.

13 years ago

Active Member

Jenny, I have a pair of Born flats which are super comfy. Probably my most comfortable pair of shoes. But I haven't tried any others so can't comment on their heels.

13 years ago

Dusty

(website)

Active Member

I have a pair of Born sandals that I love and a pair of Born loafers (gosh, I don't even know what to call them) that I really like as well. I haven't tried high heels, so I can't say anything about those.

13 years ago

biscuitsmom

Veteran

I havent tried the Born brand yet, but wanted to tell you if you're looking for *really* cushy soles, Beautifeel sandals are great! Pricey, but great. I bought the Elde style...I have arthritis in my toes and 4 screws in my left ankle, so my (wide)feet are very difficult to fit...

13 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Hit and miss. I've had great luck with some Born shoes and not so great luck with others. But they are always worth a try because of that very cushioning footbed. (Heaven on the feet!). I have a pair in the YLF store and will be posting a few more styles this week.

13 years ago

Nelson

(website)

Member

My first pair of Born shoes would be a rememberable moment it was the most comfortable shoes at the time I'd ever worn, believe it or not, I've had em fifteen years and they're still going strong. Born manufacturer make's awesome shoes, link below gives insight into the efforts they put into making the stylish comfortable shoe

Born shoes

6 years ago

Mainelady

Veteran

I have a pair of Born tall boots in taupe that are THE most comfortable boots I own. I do have a pair of Born sandals that I love, too. I have not found every style to be quite as comfortable.

6 years ago

Julie

Active Member

I am often drawn to Born shoes/sandals/boots, but usually they turn out to be not as comfortable as my other go-to brands, like Merrell and Teva. I do have the Born tall boots, which have been awesome and lasted many seasons and fit my cushy orthotics.

6 years ago

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