ART sustainable bootie with thick sole YORK BROWN
Brown shoes might not be the loudest statement in your closet, but they are secretly the ones that get to go out the most. YORK BROWN by The ART Company has a calm taupe-brown color, a cool thick sole, and a sturdy block heel. Easy to combine, but definitely not boring.
The model looks robust, while the Softlight sole is surprisingly light and flexible. You get all the toughness of a solid platform sole without feeling like you're walking through Rotterdam with two bricks on your feet.
- Cool leather women's bootie in taupe-brown
- Made of calf leather from Spain or Italy
- Produced in Spain
- Standard fit: generally choose your usual size
- Lightweight and flexible Softlight sole
- Sturdy block heel of approx. 5 cm
- Shaft height of approx. 15 cm
- Zipper closure on the inside
- Removable microfiber insole
- 360° stitched all around
- Produced with water-based adhesives
- Also available in KHAKI
Brown, taupe, or a little bit of both?
The official color is called BROWN, but don't expect a dark chocolate brown or warm cognac color. The leather has a softer taupe-brown shade with a slightly grayish undertone. Depending on the light, YORK BROWN can therefore look a bit more brown, sand, or even very light khaki.
It is precisely that calm color that makes the boot particularly easy to combine. Black can sometimes be a harsh contrast and cognac calls for warm colors, but this brown doesn't clash with anything.
YORK BROWN looks great with, among other things:
- blue, black, or gray jeans;
- wide-leg trousers in ecru, sand, or camel;
- olive green, burgundy, and rust brown;
- a long dress with a floral or animal print;
- a black skirt with thick tights;
- a knitted dress in a natural wool color.
Because leather is a natural product, small differences in color and structure may occur. That is part of genuine leather and ensures that not every pair looks like it came straight off a copy machine.
A 5 cm heel that feels sturdier than it sounds
YORK has a wide block heel of about 5 cm. Due to the raised sole under the forefoot, the actual height difference under your foot is smaller. As a result, the heel feels less high than the number on paper might suggest.
The wide shape provides more stability than a narrow heel. You get some extra height and a nice posture, but you don't have to rethink your life choices with every sidewalk tile.
Of course, it remains a shoe with a heel. If you are used only to flat sneakers, your feet will notice the difference. In that case, build up wear time gradually and break in new shoes by wearing them for shorter periods first.
What makes the thick sole so comfortable?
The Softlight sole was developed to make sturdy shoes lighter and more flexible. On the bottom, you can see several deep grooves. These ensure that the sole can flex better while walking and your foot can roll more easily.
The coarse tread gives YORK its cool appearance and offers grip during normal daily use. It is not a technical hiking boot, nor is it a fully waterproof winter shoe. And although the tread does its best, caution on ice, wet tiles, and slippery leaves is always wise.
How does ART YORK BROWN fit?
YORK is made on a standard last and generally fits true to size. Therefore, start by choosing the shoe size you normally wear.
The toe is rounded and offers more room than a narrow or pointed boot. Your toes should be able to move freely and should not touch the front. The leather may feel firm at first and usually becomes more supple with wear, but a painful shoe will not magically become comfortable through sheer willpower.
When trying them on, check whether:
- your toes have enough room;
- the shoe does not pinch at the instep;
- the zipper closes easily;
- your heel does not slide up and down excessively;
- the widest part of your foot fits properly into the shoe.
Try the boots on with the socks or tights you will likely wear with them later. A thick wool sock naturally takes up more room than a thin cotton sock. Sounds logical, but this is exactly the kind of detail you only think about once you're home.
Removable insole and handy zipper
The microfiber insole can be removed from the shoe. This makes it easier to air out, clean, or replace after a while.
Do you want to use your own orthotics? Then take them with you when trying on the shoes. Whether they fit well in YORK depends on the shape and thickness. A sturdy custom insole can make the shoe tighter, especially at the heel and instep.
There is a long zipper on the inside. This allows you to open the shoe wide so you don't have to struggle with the shaft every morning. Always open the zipper fully and check for any leather, lining, or sock getting caught if you feel resistance.
BROWN or KHAKI: which YORK suits you?
We have YORK in two colors: BROWN and KHAKI. The model, fit, heel, and sole are the same. So all you have to do is the easiest part: choose a color. Although in practice, that often turns out to be the hardest part.
Choose BROWN if you are looking for a calm, soft color that easily combines with denim, black, beige, and natural tones. The taupe-brown looks a bit more classic and is easily integrated into your existing wardrobe.
Choose KHAKI if you want just a bit more color and character. The forest green tint is still easy to combine but stands out more clearly.
And if you are still in doubt after this explanation? Then there is really only one thing to do: try on both colors in the store and see which one wants to come home with you first.
What is sustainable about ART YORK BROWN?
No new leather shoe is completely sustainable. However, The ART Company makes several choices that better suit long-term and conscious use.
The shoes are produced in Spain and the leather comes from Spain and Italy. A large part of the production chain therefore remains within Europe. ART also uses water-based adhesives and a semi-vegetable tanning method.
The leather is not completely chrome-free. ART states that it contains a low level of chromium III, which is permitted under European law. The brand has researched fully vegetable tanning, but according to ART, this appeared to require significantly more water. That is why a middle-ground method is used.
YORK is 360° stitched and has a removable insole. These are not exciting green buzzwords for a billboard, but they are practical features of a solidly made shoe that you can maintain well and wear for a long time.
Because ultimately, that remains the most important thing for us: buy shoes that fit well, take care of them, and have wear and tear assessed by a cobbler in time. The longer you wear the same nice pair, the less soon a new pair is needed.
How to keep the taupe-brown leather looking good
First, remove loose sand and dirt with a dry, soft brush or cloth. Is there still dirt on the leather afterward? Then gently wipe the shoes with a slightly damp cloth and let them air dry slowly.
Use a care product suitable for this type of leather and always test it first on a small, less visible area. Cream, wax, and waterproofing spray can make the taupe-brown color darker. That can be beautiful, but it's better if you choose it yourself rather than it being an unexpected Sunday afternoon surprise.
Did the shoes get wet? Fill them loosely with uncolored paper and let them dry at room temperature. Never place them against the radiator and do not use a hairdryer. Strong heat can cause leather to dry out, become hard, or crack.
Let YORK air out well after a long day of wearing and preferably alternate them with another pair. This allows the leather and insole to release moisture, keeping the boots fresh and beautiful for longer.
Trying on ART YORK BROWN in Rotterdam
Do you want to see BROWN and KHAKI side-by-side, feel how light the sole is, or check which size feels most comfortable? Come and visit our store at Zwaanshals 376 in the Oude Noorden of Rotterdam. We are open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 to 17:30.
Are you in doubt about the size, color, or fit? Call us during opening hours at 010-7954177 or email klantenservice@natur-el.nl. Our team is happy to help you honestly and without complicated shoe jargon.
