Where Are Born Shoes Made? Irish Guide to the Origin of Born Footwear

Open any shoe shop window on Shop Street in Galway or stroll though Dublin’s Brown Thomas and you’ll spot slick brogues, strappy sandals, and every type of runner under the sun. But every now and then, a friend—maybe someone dropping by from the States—asks, “What country are Born shoes from?” It’s not the kind of question we were taught to ask before trying on a pair, but it’s turned into a rite of passage among Irish shoppers in recent years. You notice Born on the feet of fellow parents at the Galway Market or in the playground when you’re running after the little ones. But there’s real curiosity about where these shoes are actually made, how they measure up to the international market, and whether they suit the Irish way of life. 

Tracing Born Shoes: The Surprising Origins

Born shoes aren’t designed or manufactured in Ireland; let’s get that straight from the start. While folks might think from the name that ‘Born’ must have some connection to Europe, possibly Denmark or even the Netherlands, the brand actually began its life in the United States. Born (often stylised as Børn) was launched in the mid-1990s, specifically in Connecticut, with a focus on comfort-focused design mixed with European-inspired looks. But here’s the twist: while the brand is American, Born shoes are almost always made outside of both the US and Europe.

The actual production for most Born shoes takes place in countries like China, Vietnam, and occasionally Mexico. The company’s founders, always frank about their process, cite the skilled craftsmanship available in Asia and Central America as key for maintaining their signature hand-sewn Opanka construction. This isn’t unusual in the world of footwear—many household names, from Adidas to Skechers, rely on skilled manufacturers overseas, especially for high-volume or intricate work. So if you’re in the Irish market hunting for the origin story, think international assembly rather than historic European cobbling. Have a look at their shoe labelling or request info at a stockist—Irish retailers legally must tell you the country of origin if you ask.

Børn’s Opanka construction means each shoe’s sole is hand-stitched directly to the upper. This method is old-fashioned but effective—reminiscent, really, of the traditional cobbling you’d find in small Irish towns like Westport or Trim decades ago. But the actual handwork is now done by skilled workers in factories stretching from Asia to Central America. According to a 2024 report by the Footwear Distributors and Retailers of America (FDRA), 73% of American shoe imports come from China, and Born rides that wave with most of its main lines. Born’s owners have openly acknowledged that their partnerships in China and Vietnam let them keep both prices reasonable and standards high. Now, to be clear, there hasn’t been any recent, large-scale Irish-owned production of Born shoes, but you’ll spot the label in plenty of Irish retailers, both in person and online.

Børn Shoes in the Irish Market: What Makes Them Stand Out?

Walking through Galway’s Corrib Shopping Centre or checking out the Kildare Village outlets, you’ll notice the variety of footwear on offer gets broader every year. Born shoes stand out, especially for those who value support and comfort—two things that matter if you’re spending your days darting from city pavements to greenways in the west. 

Born’s reputation in Ireland isn’t built around hype or celebrity designers. It’s mostly word-of-mouth, often from people who need serious comfort—teachers, healthcare workers, tour guides, or just parents on their feet all day. The insoles tend to be padded with foam and arch support (really handy if you deal with plantar fasciitis or other foot pains), and the leather is soft instead of stiff, so the breaking-in period is next to nothing. If you’re comparing them to, say, Dubarry or Clarks, you’ll find Born’s leather often feels slightly more supple from day one and the styles are less formal, more “smart-casual.” 

If you favour a traditional Irish look—think tweeds and Aran jumpers—you might wonder if Born’s fashion-forward lines suit local palates. In fact, many of the earthy colours and practical designs mesh well with Irish wardrobes, whether it’s a walking boot for the Wild Atlantic Way or a slip-on for city commutes. They’re also good for dealing with unpredictable Irish weather; many styles have water-resistant uppers, which really comes in handy on drizzly days running errands or waiting at a bus stop in Salthill. 

Irish shoppers sometimes worry about shoe durability, especially when market stalls can fill up with budget imports that fall apart after a season. According to a 2023 survey by the Irish Footwear Retailers Association, one in four respondents preferred footwear that could survive everyday Irish rain and last at least two years. Born’s production model—with its hand-stitched construction—is designed for longevity. You’ll often hear about folk wearing a single pair of Born clogs for five years or more. For kids on the go, that’s peace of mind for parents aiming to pass on shoes to younger siblings. 

Where to Find Born Shoes in Ireland: Shopping Tips and Local Know-How

I remember chasing down a pair of Born slip-ons for my wife last Christmas. Not every Irish shoe shop stocks the brand, but you’ll find them in several reliable places. Dublin’s Arnotts, Galway’s O’Mahony’s, and select shops in Cork City often get in seasonal shipments of Born. But if you’re outside the big cities, don’t stress—many Irish online retailers can get you sorted, plus you sometimes nab a better deal.

Born shoes aren’t typically found in discount chains like Penneys (Primark) or Dunnes Stores, so watch out for counterfeits. If you’re hunting for something genuine, stick to established Irish shoe retailers, both physical and digital. The Born official website does ship to Ireland, but you’ll need to factor in shipping and import VAT, especially post-Brexit. My tip? Use trusted Irish footwear websites like Shoezone.ie, Littlewoods Ireland, or the footwear sections of Brown Thomas and Arnotts online. The “Shop Irish” approach lets you dodge unexpected customs, plus it keeps a bit of business local.

For those curious about sizing: Born shoes tend to offer true-to-size fits, but if you have wide feet, check out slip-ons, sandals, or clogs rather than pointed toe boots. If you’re used to the sizing quirks of GAA trainers or classic Dubarry boots, you’ll find Born’s US/UK size translations straightforward, but always double check their charts to avoid the hassle of returns. Here’s a quick reference so you can figure out what size you’ll need the next time you browse your options in Ireland:

If you’re buying for kids, the range is more limited but sturdy—as any parent watching their kids dash through puddles outside Kennedy Park will appreciate. For repairs, your neighbourhood cobbler (there are still a few in every big Irish town) can handle minor resoles or re-gluing, just like they do with old-school GAA boots or dancing shoes.

Watch out for pop-up sales after Christmas or in summer clearance periods. I’ve seen Born boots go for half price at Galway’s top-end boutiques or special deals run through Irish shopping events like Black Friday. If you’re a sneakerhead, Born won’t scratch your itch for cutting-edge runners, but their aesthetic is perfect for parents, service professionals, and anyone who prizes comfort with a dash of polish. 

The Value of Craftsmanship: How Born Shoes Measure Up in Ireland

It’s natural for Irish buyers to want shoes that last—after all, you’d be mad to buy something just for the look if it can’t survive a season of Irish rain. Born’s Opanka method is all about stitch and flexibility. While every pair is technically machine-finished, that hand-stitching along the outsole means edges don’t separate easily and you get proper movement from heel to toe. In Galway, where you might tramp across uneven pavements one minute and slip through a damp field the next, that flexibility counts for a lot.

The brand’s designers riff on Italian and Scandinavian basics, but nothing about Born’s construction or branding is “fast fashion.” Instead, owners often keep the same sandals or slip-ons for years and get them resoled when needed. Born leathers are tanned to stay soft, which helps break in rapidly—something you’ll notice immediately if you’re used to the heavier, stiffer build of true Irish country boots or Doc Martens. They do get water spots over time, but a quick once-over with some Irish-made Dubarry leather cream can keep them tidy between Galway showers.

Sustainability is a factor popping up in every Irish shoe conversation lately. Born, while not as eco-branded as Veja or Allbirds, does make efforts to limit harsh chemicals in the tanning process. If you’re searching for vegan options, you’ll need to hunt—most Borns are genuine leather. But if you prioritise waste reduction, buying one pair rather than half a dozen cheap ones each year is a solid step. According to Bord Bia, nearly 60% of Irish shoppers in 2024 reported that durability is their top priority in fashion purchases. Born’s appeal in Ireland lies here: honest shoes that give you your money’s worth, whether you’re a city dweller or raising wild kids in the countryside.

Treat your Born shoes the Irish way: rotate them between wet and dry weather, let them dry out naturally after a soak (never on the radiator, or they’ll shrivel), and hit them with a bit of care every couple of months. The usual kit—leather conditioner, a soft brush, maybe a tin of Abbeyhorn polish—will be enough. For tough mud, let them dry, then brush it off. If the sole ever gives way, your Galway cobbler can stitch it good as new—often while you wait if you’re on your lunch break.