Will it get better?

Feet ache, no blisters, they just seem to ache.

Am I going to have to consign them to shoe recycling bin?

It takes a bit of time to get used to them but you do - trust me!

Persevere! I wore mine last week out for a walk and were my feet hurting from it- I forgot about getting used to them again. They'll be like a second skin soon

wear them with thin socks at first, it does make a difference

what type are they?

It always take me a good few days wear before new Birkenstocks are comfortable. Some of theose days are pretty damn painful. Then the sole moulds to your foot and they become the most amazingly comfy shoes in the world.

I agree - keep going they will soon mould to your foot and they will feel like heaven !

I wore mine for teh 1st time again thsi yr the other day and it was liek wearing slippers.

I really need new ones and am not looking for ward to it...

Buda - they're Madrid, I think. The classic one strap across ones. Beautiful sky blue colour. I do love them and even polished my toe nails - a rare event - worn them on the school run twice (a 5 min walk) and now limping. Worried I've got funny feet.

No - I've got Madrid too. Bought my first pair of real Birkies las year and they def hurt for the first few days. (Better than the Clarks version which made my feet fart though!!) It will be uncomfortable underneath your foot at first as your foot is getting used to a new shape underneath. But they do mold to your feet and feel great.

Then mine got smelly. Have a new pair for this year but need a pedicure first!

Is the one strap enough to prevent the flip flop claw toe thing?

It should be, you have to trust them not to come off and enjoy the spread.

Message withdrawn

oh yes they give you foot achebut when you are used to them thye are LOVELY and comfy

oh yes they give you foot achebut when you are used to them thye are LOVELY and comfy

Out of interest, what is average price for pair of Birkies?

I only ask because I bought a pair of shoes for DS at the same time and didn't notice prices in the shop, and till receipt didn't itemise (lovely local independent shop: Merlin Shoes in Crystal Palace).

So I don't know if mine were £29.99 and DS's shoes £34.99, or vice versa. Not that it really matters ...

I always wear mine around the house for a week first or they hurt like buggery. But after that, soooo comfy! Always find my Madrids hard work though as I seem to have to clench my toes to keep them on!

Yes, They take a while before your feet have got used to them - on QVC the Birki woman always says wear them round the house for the first week. I love them, actually can't wear anything else now, nothing supports your feet as well as Birkis. My last pair were £29.99 from john Lewis (Madrids), last pair of clogs about £60 from Birkenstock online.

I've just got a new pair of Madrids and they are no proplem. I live in them all summer, when they are new I always rub the footbed with plenty of Vaseline. It turns it darker but softens it up.

I found Birkenstocks hurt at first, but they eventually raised the arch of my foot. Which was nice.

I found Birkenstocks hurt at first, but they eventually raised the arch of my foot. Which was nice.