BORN - Womens - Malena Taupe Review
The BORN Womens Malena Taupe is more than just a shoe; it's an embodiment of comfort wrapped in classic style. This driver-inspired slip-on loafer integrates luxurious materials with modern design elements to create a versatile footwear option suitable for various occasions. The soft full-grain or suede leather uppers provide both a premium feel and aesthetic appeal, while the grippy outsole ensures stability and traction.
With Opanka hand-sewn construction, this model offers exceptional flexibility, allowing you to transition effortlessly from one activity to another. The lightly padded footbed adds an extra layer of comfort, making them ideal for all-day wear without sacrificing style.
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Features
- Material: Full-grain leather or suede
- Heel Height: 1/4 inch
- Leather lining
- Rubber outsole
- Opanka hand-crafted construction
Pros
- Stylish and classic design suitable for various outfits
- Soft and comfortable leather uppers
- Flexible and lightweight for easy movement
- Excellent grip from the rubber outsole
Cons
- Limited color options available
- May require a short break-in period
Comparison With Other Similar Products
| Feature | BORN Womens Malena Taupe | Clarks Womens Leisa Lacina | Naturalizer Womens Samira |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Full-grain leather or suede | Leather/Synthetic | Leather |
| Heel Height | 1/4 inch | 1 inch | 2 inch |
| Closure Type | Pul-On | Hook-and-loop | Slip-on |
| Outsole Material | Rubber | Rubber | TR Outsole |
Detailed Review
When it comes to evaluating the BORN Womens Malena Taupe, several factors come into play, including comfort, design, and versatility.
Comfort: These loafers are designed with your comfort in mind. The lightly padded footbed provides adequate cushioning, while the Opanka hand-sewn construction enhances flexibility. Whether you are walking around the office or heading out for a casual lunch, you will appreciate the ease with which these shoes conform to your foot.
Design: The timeless penny loafer style makes the Malena Taupe an excellent choice for both formal and casual settings. Pair them with chinos for a polished look or with jeans for a relaxed vibe. The neutral taupe color complements various outfits, giving you numerous styling options.
Versatility: One of the standout features of these slip-ons is their versatility. They can seamlessly transition from work to weekend without skipping a beat. The modern penny loafer design pairs well with dresses, skirts, and trousers alike, making them an essential addition to any wardrobe.
Detailed Rating
| Category | Score | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Comfort | 9/10 | Highly comfortable with excellent cushioning. |
| Design | 8/10 | Classic style with modern touches. |
| Durability | 8/10 | Well-constructed with quality materials. |
| Versatility | 9/10 | Suitable for multiple occasions and outfits. |
User Reviews
Love these shoes and all BORN. Fit wonderfully, comfortable, stylish and durable. I am on my feet all day and these are great. I don't wear them everyday, as the podiatrist says its best to switch around but the days I do wear them I am comfortable.
I purchased the embossed shoes in brown. I like that the color is not too dark. The shoes are a good fit and very comfortable. I ordered a size down, which I normally do to get loafers to fit my narrow midfoot.
I needed something comfortable to wear around the house and keep my feet off the cold floor. These shoes are soft and comfortable, and have nice grips on the bottom. Fit is as expected for size eight (one of my feet is 7.5 and the other 8 so one shoe is a little too big but that’s just my anatomy). I love Børn and they did not disappoint. The taupe color I got reminds me of shoes my great grandmother wore, maybe not the most fashionable but I am happy with my new mawmaw shoes.
Beautiful, high quality leather. As soft as any I've seen. Everything about this shoe is 5star, except the heel area. It is very stiff, but still wearable. Looks fantastic with several different styles of pants.
After reading many reviews I did order the loafer in a half size smaller than I usually wear and I'm happy I did. They fit just a little snug with socks but since they are soft leather it won't be any time at all before they conform to my feet perfectly. I have the black embossed pair and they are very stylish for work and travel.
Love the look, fit, and quality of material, but the stitching started to unravel after first wear.
I LOVE these!!!! I want more colors. I wish more companies sold 10.5. I went with an 11 and they are a tad big, but that’s pretty normal when I have to size up. The very first day, I wore them all day, walked 5+ miles at work, and they were cozy the entire time. One of my new faves!!!! Soft and comfortable.
I ordered this shoe in two different colors because I like it so much. The leather is soft and they run true to size and stretch a little as the leather is worn in. Highly recommend.