Born FAQ
What makes a Børn shoe a “Work of Art ?”
For one thing, each shoe is a masterpiece of design. Old World techniques, like our patented process for hand-sewn construction, produce the world’s most comfortable, flexible footwear. And by using the softest, most supple leathers we can sculpt our designs down to the smallest detail, ensuring superior fit and exceptional styling. The result? Each shoe is a masterwork of craftsmanship, comfort and style.
The statement “Works of Art” reinforces the core Børn identity, which represents handcrafted footwear made by artisans using the finest shoemaking materials as our medium to achieve unconditional comfort, quality and creative self-expression for the wearer.
Walt Whitman once wrote: “the art of art...is simplicity.” Inspired by this thought, we work hard to keep all Børn designs simple, clean and natural. Each pair of shoes is a renewal of our commitment to superior craftsmanship, exceptional construction and incredible comfort. By being uncompromising in our pursuit of excellence, we create shoes deserving of the name Børn. Simply put, “works of art.”
More about Børn features and advantages...
Natural shape is our key design focus. Børn shoes have a generous toe box, which allow the toes to lay flat and wiggle. This breathing room also permits air to circulate inside the shoe to help keep the foot more comfortable.
Lightweight and flexible soles are used in every Børn design to ensure each “work of art” is as comfortable as it is contemporary. We commonly use polyurethane or rubber when creating our outsoles. Both compounds absorb shock to help relieve the stress and pressure feet are under when standing or walking. Polyurethane is extremely durable and rubber provides superior traction, while allowing us to create more innovative molds.
A thick layer of cushioning polyurethane foam is placed in the mid-sole of Børn shoes to provide additional shock absorbing support. Not only is this material an excellent shock absorber, it reduces slippage while molding to the wearers foot for a custom fit.
Børn uses two different types of sock liners.
1. In our more classic styles, we use leather, instead of synthetic man made materials. Leather is a natural moisture wicking agent and helps keep the foot dryer and cooler.
2. Some of our more sport inspired styles have our patented Dryz sock linings. The fabric sock liner acts as a moisture management system as it pulls the perspiration away from the foot and transports it to a layer of Dryz foam, where it is absorbed. The perspiration then turns into a dry gel like substance that evaporates continuously throughout the day. The Dryz foam also has special patented odor killing agents that fight the growth of fungi and bacteria.
Using the finest, high quality leathers, sourced from all over the world, Børn uppers are designed for durability, but are refined for comfort, softness and style.
“Opanka” construction is an Old World hand-stitching technique using two needles that create interlocking stitches. This construction reinforces quality and durability while allowing the shoe to remain flexible. The sock lining is pulled tightly over the foam foot bed and the upper is pulled tightly over the sole. Using the art of “Opanka” construction both materials are then simultaneously hand-stitched to the sole. By pulling the sock lining tightly over the shock absorbing foam foot bed, a trampoline effect is created, we more affectionately call this, “The BRN Boogie!”
