First I am a Born shoe fan in general.  I have purchased many pairs of various styles in the past, first at stores and now online, so I know they fit me. I knew from experience that I needed to buy one half size up from my normal size. I love their beautiful leather and the wider more natural looking toe box (no pointy toed shoes for me).

I bought these Born shoes for a trip to Ireland.  I like to not look American (no sneakers) and I also wanted a shoe that was water resistant.  Their unique soles (a little funky -don't buy sight unseen) push you up higher off the ground and keep the rain out of the seams a little better.

These shoes were perfect for the trip. They were comfortable to walk in all day and yet they looked nice enough to go into a decent restaurant.  I now wear them to work. The only reason that I give them a four instead of a five is that the back against the heel is a little high and could be bothersome if worn long enough. Also once, while traipsing through a very wet sheep field, my feet got a little wet.... so they are not completely waterproof.

But that said I love these shoes and wear them all the time.... My only problem is that the last pair that I bought for a Europe trip (2 years old) still hasn't worn out and so I can't decide which to wear....

Look at the unique Born style in person - and if it is your thing then these shoes are a great deal.