ART sustainable patent leather heeled ankle boots BERNA SNAKE – dark, shiny, and quite irresistible
These boots are not meant to disappear obediently under a pair of trousers. The BERNA SNAKE model 1974 by The ART Company combines shiny patent leather with a dark reptile relief and a narrow burgundy stripe along the side. Depending on the light, you will see black, anthracite, night blue, and even a hint of purple appearing in the leather. Boring? Not for me.
The sturdy block heel, the platform, and the square toe give the BERNA SNAKE a wonderful seventies look. A touch of glam rock, a bit of disco, and yet surprisingly wearable. They look edgy with jeans, festive with a dress, and with an all-black outfit, the boots do all the work for you.
Why you will fall in love with the BERNA SNAKE
- Model 1974 BERNA in the HORASAN BERNA SNAKE version
- Dark patent leather with shiny reptile relief
- Smooth black patent leather on the back and side
- Narrow burgundy contrast stripe
- Square toe with a comfortable last
- Sturdy block heel of approximately 9 cm
- Thick platform, making the heel feel less high
- Lightweight Softlight outsole with tread
- Zipper on the inside
- 360° stitched construction
- Removable microfiber insole
- Calf leather upper
A color that cannot be pigeonholed
At first glance, the BERNA SNAKE looks black, but take another look. The embossed leather has a deep blue-black to anthracite-colored sheen that changes as you move. The smooth patent leather at the back is true black, and the narrow burgundy band makes the whole look just a little more exciting.
The name SNAKE refers to the reptile-like texture of the leather. So, it is not snakeskin, but calf leather with an embossed pattern and a shiny patent finish. All the looks, without a complete zoo on your feet.
A high heel you can actually walk on
According to The ART Company, the block heel is approximately 90 millimeters high. That sounds serious – and of course, it is – but because of the platform under the forefoot, the actual height difference is smaller. This makes the shoe feel less steep than a regular boot with a 9 cm heel.
Furthermore, the wide block heel is much more stable than a narrow stiletto. Of course, this is not a flat hiking boot you can thoughtlessly walk a marathon in, but for a heeled boot, the BERNA is remarkably comfortable and sturdy.
The Softlight sole keeps the overall design relatively light and has a distinct tread. Thanks to the zipper on the inside, you can put the boots on and take them off easily. No daily wrestling match in the hallway.
Fit and sizing advice
The BERNA SNAKE fits true to size and has a comfortable last with a square toe. As someone with wide feet, I wear a size 40 and it fits perfectly in this model. That is not official science, of course – every foot is different – but it is practical information, which is often more useful.
Do you have a high instep, a very wide foot, or are you doubting between two sizes? Feel free to call or email us. Better yet: come try them on in our store in Rotterdam. With a heeled boot, it is important that your heel stays in place and your foot does not slide forward.
How to style these patent boots?
With straight-leg or wide-leg jeans, they get an edgy, daily look. Let the trousers fall just above the shaft or tuck in a narrower pair of pants so the shiny relief remains clearly visible.
Under a dress or skirt, they immediately become a bit more festive. Think of black, burgundy, dark blue, purple, or even a bold dose of color. And yes, they can even be worn to the office – provided your workplace can handle a bit of personality.
What makes these ART boots a more sustainable choice?
The upper is made of chrome-free tanned calf leather. The 360° stitched construction ensures a strong connection between the upper and the sole. That is important, because for us, sustainability starts with shoes that are well-made, worn often, and do not end up forgotten at the back of the closet after just one season.
These are leather boots, so they are not vegan shoes. Leather and the production of shoes also have an impact. That is why we prefer to call a shoe a "more sustainable choice" rather than "fully sustainable." The quality, strong construction, and bold design are intended for years of wearing pleasure – and that is a lot more honest than pretending shoes are made from gnome fabric.
How to care for patent leather
Wipe the patent leather gently with a soft, slightly damp cloth after wearing. Do not use regular shoe polish, leather wax, harsh cleaning agents, or stiff brushes: these can damage the shiny finish.
Did the boots get wet? Let them dry slowly at room temperature and never place them against a heater. It is best to store patent leather so that the shoes do not press against each other or other colored leather for long periods. A patent coating can absorb color or stick to another surface when exposed to heat and pressure.
Don't buy if...
...you are actually looking for an inconspicuous black basic boot that no one notices. This BERNA SNAKE is far too fun for that. Also, if you exclusively wear flat shoes and suddenly want to spend eight hours in heels tomorrow, we would recommend practicing slowly first. But if you are looking for a sturdy, eye-catching heeled boot that is dark, festive, and easy to style? Then you have found her.
Frequently asked questions about the ART BERNA SNAKE
How high is the heel?
The block heel is approximately 9 cm high. Due to the platform under the forefoot, the height difference feels less extreme than with a shoe with a regular sole.
How do the boots close?
The BERNA has a zipper on the inside. This makes them easy to put on and take off.
Is it real snakeskin?
No. The upper is made of calf leather with a shiny, reptile-like relief. SNAKE is the name of this specific version.
Is the footbed removable?
Yes, according to The ART Company, this model has a removable microfiber insole. Due to the heel and available space, not every custom orthotic insole is automatically suitable. Therefore, bring your own insole when you come to try them on.
Are the boots waterproof?
No, they are not rain boots. The patent layer can withstand a splash, but in heavy or prolonged rain, seams, the zipper, and the top edge may let in moisture.
Come try on the BERNA SNAKE in Rotterdam
You really have to see these boots in person, as the shine and color can only be half captured on a screen. You are very welcome at Natur-el at Zwaanshals 376 in Rotterdam. We are open from Tuesday to Saturday from 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Need personal sizing advice? Call our "happiness makers" during opening hours at 010-7954177 or email klantenservice@natur-el.nl. We are happy to help you think through your choice – and will also be honest if a 9 cm heel just isn't your path in life.
