About Bryr

 Our Making Process

Each pair of our clogs is made by hand in our workshop in San Francisco. We are proud to say that all our leathers are sourced from US tanneries, using the best, most ecological manufacturing processes. We decided to use US leather not just to support American manufacturing, but because after searching high and low for the best, strongest, most supple leathers to make our clogs, we found it in our own backyard. We designed and engineer our bases from the ground-up and they are hand routed out of solid wood and are lightweight and strong. 

Bryr Studio is a collection of hand-made clogs inspired by the West Coast lifestyle. Founded in 2012 and based in the Dogpatch district of San Francisco, every pair of Bryr clogs are hand-made in our factory. Dedicated to the simple idea that the best products are made with the best materials, Bryr clogs are constructed using the strongest, most supple American leathers and traditional European solid wood bases. 

The name Bryr (pronounced B·​rye·​​r, like the old English word for a thorny thicket) means to care in Swedish. We believe whole-heartedly in the intrinsic value of well-made things. With a nod towards 70's California design and a closet full of vintage clogs, we hope to bring a modern eye to classic craftsmanship.

We opened the doors to our beautiful new retail space in February of 2023 after being closed for almost 3 years due to the pandemic. Located in the heart of the Dogpatch in a 100 year old industrial building, our light and airy 900 square foot space welcomes our guests. Come to try clogs on, or peep through the window to see the team making your clogs. 

We're a team of nine kick-ass folks making clogs five days a week. Our retail space and production studio are all under one roof and we wouldn't have it any other way. The process of making each pair of clogs takes about a week, and every pair is touched by just about every person in the studio! On most days, we have the music playing, the pneumatic cutting machine going, and we are all happily making. 

Every year, we donate to local and national organizations that reflect our values and commitment to community. This year there has been an urgent need to step up. We know that much more than money is needed right now to support, protect and be allies to people impacted by inequality in the US- especially those impacted by Covid-19, climate change, LGBTQ+, systematic racism and violence against BIPOC. We also acknowledge that we (and I, @isobel_bryr) are beginners in this work and we are not leaders in this area. We are here to learn and welcome feedback and input on how we can do better as a small business. You can see our ongoing contributions here and our community fundraisers here. 

Born and raised in England, Isobel Schofield moved to the US as a teenager and feels most at home in San Francisco, California. In the spring of 2012, after more than 15 years in the apparel industry, Isobel left her job as a Design Director at a major retailer in search of something more. She had a gut feeling that there was a better way to make better things and went on what she calls a ‘creative walk-about’. 

Isobel always had an urge to learn how to make shoes and following that path, she traveled from the coast of Spain to the mountains of Sedona and, finally, to build a studio in Northern California. After a year of learning, making and refining her craft, Isobel launched her line of women’s modern clogs and Bryr Studio was born.

As a gay married woman, Isobel acknowledges those who came before her to pave the way for the rights she enjoys today, and also the continuing work that we still have ahead of us to safeguard LGBTQ+, women's and minority rights so that everyone can live in a world that is safe and we can all thrive. See our fundraisers here.