Beren Blog

Designer Thierry Rabotin is one of our most popular brands, known for impeccable design, premium materials and the perfect juxtaposition of beauty and comfort. As the largest U.S. retailer of his line, our extensive collection draws customers from all over to find their perfect fit. People say, “I’ve never seen so many styles and colors!” Twice a year, we also host a trunk show, allowing customization with different colors and materials for a truly unique shoe to reflect personal style with a shoe last that really fits.

How It’s Made

Created in an eco-friendly factory near Parabiago, Italy, Thierry Rabotin shoes are crafted with the utmost attention to detail. Comfort and brilliant design are a part of every shoe. Famous for sacchetto construction, his shoes wrap themselves around the foot for a glove-like fit. Sacchetto construction involves stitching the insole directly into the rest of the lining as a continuous part, creating a ‘sac’ that comfortably envelopes the foot. This method doesn’t require a heavy shank, which makes the shoe light and allows a flexible shoe. These characteristics provide an excellent fit and comfort while walking.

Designer Thierry Rabotin conceptualizing a new design on a shoe last. Image via B. Barnett

Poron insoles line the entire footbed of every shoe, creating an experience akin to “walking on thousands of tiny bubbles,” as described by delighted customers. Poron is the longest lasting, most cushioned insole material and Thierry Rabotin uses an ample amount in every design. This makes even heels walkable and wearable for an entire day.

How It Fits

Made in European sizes on customized lasts, Thierry Rabotin shoes provide an excellent fit. Different lasts fit in different ways, depending on the heel height and shoe size. Since multiple styles are made using the same last, our talented staff at our San Francisco Union Square store and helpful customer service representatives by phone can help ascertain exactly which size you need with their years of experience and knowledge. As the exclusive U.S. retailer with narrow widths in Thierry Rabotin shoes and the most extensive sizing selection in the United States, we can find you a fabulous fit.

What People Love

Thierry Rabotin is a designer known for both amazing comfort and design, never one without the other. Customers love the supportive instep, cushioned insoles, innovative design and customization options available at our Semi-Annual Trunk Shows held each spring and fall.

Sales associate Morgan from our San Francisco Union Square store says, “They feel like a slipper. These are the most comfortable shoes we’ve ever had.”

Being the largest U.S. retailer of Thierry Rabotin shoes, we have a close connection with their factory in Italy. Not only can we help you order shoes to your exact specifications during our trunk shows, our direct line to the source allows us extra sizes ranging from a 4 to a 14 and even narrow widths, which are custom-made for Arthur Beren Shoes.

How to Shop

Our San Francisco Union Square store, right off Maiden Lane, is located in the heart of premiere San Francisco shopping. Our patient and talented staff take only one customer at a time to ensure complete attention to detail and a total shoe experience.

Shopping online or by catalog? Call 1.800.886.9797 and one of our experienced customer service representatives can help determine which size is best for you. With free shipping on exchange orders, finding the perfect fit is easy.

INSIDER SNEAK PEEK: see it here first!

Neon brights and unique colorblocking are going to be huge this spring. This behind-the-scenes look at three top picks from Robert Zur features an update to the ever-favorite Petra driver with an orange, lemon and lime weave, the new, baubled Fruita in magenta and chic boat shoe Cruz in colorblocked navy, lemon, lime and white. These exuberant color combinations are a great way to add a pop of liveliness. Try styling it with a denim button-up and white cropped pants for a burst of color against a neutral background.

Shop the Fruita now in three hot color combinations  - the new Petra colors and Cruz are coming soon! Sneak peek from Arthur Beren Shoes.

The gladiator sandal is making a fashionable comeback this spring with finer details and a warrior-chic feel. Take on your day in style with this goddess-like shoe, perfect for a more stable, yet still open spring sandal.

Runway photo via Elle.com

1) Ninet Sandal by Amalfi in Black Printed Calfskin Snakeprint shimmers in pretty metallics and stretchy straps allowing a forgiving fit. Gladiator chic is entirely accessible with this trendy shoe. Wear it with boyfriend jeans and a solid purple top to really emphasize the metallic shimmer of the calfskin.

2) Ninet Sandal by Amalfi in Beige Printed Calfskin A sleek take on the Ninet, beige gives a more polished look and a natural-like snake print makes it more glam. Paired with an all white or all black ensemble, these sandals really pop.

3) Togive Sandal by Stuart Weitzman in Black Nubuck/Stretch Casual chic to the gladiator degree. Soft nubuck combined with stretchy inserts provides a comfortable fit and unique overlay on the straps adds visual interest. Try it with worn-in boyfriend jeans and a brightly printed top for a perfect coffee date look.

4) Togive Sandal by Stuart Weitzman in Tan Nubuck/Stretch A classic style in a classic color, both of which are huge this season. This extremely versatile shoe can be dressed up or down with ease, pairing well with the entire color spectrum!

Natural wovens have been a spring favorite for years. From the ever-popular espadrille to the updated loafer, woven materials add textural interest and a decidedly spring vibe to an outfit.

Runway photo via Elle.com

1) Rafalumni Sandal by Stuart Weitzman in Desert Raffia Stretch, raffia and ankle support? It’s true, the ultimate in woven wonder is here. Casual enough for coffee, heeled enough to feel beautiful, this beautiful shoe can be worn with almost every outfit this spring.

2) Lisa Wedge by Sesto Meucci in Cuoio Nappa Cutout detail on richly hued leather creates a great contrast against the rope-covered wedge. Perfect when paired with jeans and a silk tee, it can be dressed up with a boyfriend blazer for a chic shopping ensemble.

3) Lisa Wedge by Sesto Meucci in Black Nappa Black-on-black detail makes the cutouts and peep-toe really pop. Worn with black slacks and a blazer, this shoe can even make it into the office when styled appropriately.

4) Weaveit Sandal by Stuart Weitzman in Saddle Woven Fiber This strappy sandal is all about the platform. A thick heel and rocker sole make walking in this woven marvel a breeze. When worn with a floaty maxi, it’s taken to the next level in more ways than one.

5) Folklore Slingback by Stuart Weitzman in Camel Woven Fiber A covered toe and quarter strap take this trend from runway to real life, providing the coverage and support many women want while keeping the style quotient high. Try it with brightly colored pants and a silky white top for a balanced and beautiful ensemble.

6) Petra Driver by Robert Zur in White Nappa Bright white is a perennial spring must-have. The Petra is a customer favorite for its flexibility and glove-like fit, making this a staple for spring. Wear it a la Parisian chic with skinny stripes, cuffed jeans and a scarf.

7) Petra Driver by Robert Zur in Black Patent/Metallic Favorite colors woven together create a truly versatile shoe. Patent makes it dressy, the design makes it comfortable and metallic makes it trendy. Whether worn with a modern cut suit or a bias-cut skirt, you can’t go wrong with this unique combination.

Nude tones are another must-have this spring. Aside from the leg-elongating properties of a nude shoe, this wardrobe staple takes on nearly every outfit with polished flair. Whether done in a strappy slingback or a chic flat, this hue is a genuinely easy-to-wear tone, pairing with every outfit and upping the chic factor in an instant.

Runway photo via Elle.com

1) Lisa Wedge by Sesto Meucci in Bone Nappa Airy cutouts, a rope wedge and peep toe create a spring-y shoe that gives a little height without sacrificing stability and comfort.

2) Limone Slingback by Amalfi in Taupe Suede Perfectly perfed Ultrasuede and resort-inspired rope trim. Try it with cropped cigarette pants and a printed top for a polished-casual resort look.

3) Bismark Bag by Stuart Weitzman in Camel Woven Fiber An oversize tote complete with a small getaway clutch takes you from beachy daytime to a casual evening at the resort bar in no time flat.

4) Slam Oxford by Stuart Weitzman in Tan/Beige Nubuck The epitome of a breezy, springtime shoe. Honeycomb panels and rope trim with a hidden wedge look great when paired with everything from a pair of bright skinnies to cutoff shorts.

5) Nicco Flat by Stuart Weitzman in Camel Suede Ultra-light, ultra-airy Ultrasuede flat, perfect for the stylish woman who doesn’t want anything to weigh her down. Wear it with a maxi dress and oversize bag, like #3 on this list, the Bismark, and you’ll be airy, comfy and chic.

6) Gottagive Slip-On by Stuart Weitzman in Beige Fabric Molded-to-you fit and wear-with-anything color, this comfortable flat has it all and more. Pair these beauties with palazzo pants and a tucked-in tank top for a refined retro vibe.