Asked before surely but are Birkenstocks ugly and frumpy?

[dragonmother]

I was wondering about getting some for my holidays as they would be more practical than flipflops around town I imagine. But are they frumpy??

[emsyj]

Yes

[scottishmummy]

birkenstocks are ghastly.flatted footed platypus wear.and no amount of so called marketing blag or new colours will redeem the ugly slippers

[nickschick]

This was a thread last year I was a bit as id just bought new bronze coloured ones but last years concensus was as long as they are not the twee floral ones then its ok but you mustnt have horse hoof heels or dodgy shrek like toe nails.

[Lipstickgal]

They are fabulous. If you prefer a slimmer line the narrow are actually quite wide. I have had different styles over years and I'm not frumpy.Promise!!!

[dragonmother]

That was quick. OK I'm not buying them.
I have dumpy legs anyway so adding birkies to their ends will not be a good look. Maybe those with gazelle like pins can get away with them better.

[Lipstickgal]

It's how you wear them.......

[psiloveyou]

They are awful yes. Ugly and frumpy and make feet look like boats.

[Lipstickgal]

Mayari or Gizeh are the best designs. Don't knock'em until you have at least tried them!

[LuckyMrsT]

They are ugly. I used to have a pair a few years ago when they were fashionable and I hadn't learned to place style above fashion. If you get some decent rubber soled flip flops like haivianas they will be fine to walk a lot in.

[talkingnonsense]

No birkies much better than havs! And if you are sturdier I think they balance you out much better than a dainty sandal. I hate the way little shoes look on big feet- ballet flats on wide feet just make everything worse! And flip flops give you horrid heels. Get double strap birkies and be comfortable.

[Jux]

I was astonished when I googled them as a result of people on MN extolling their various wondrousnesses. I'm afraid my thoughts were exactly as yours. Ugly ugly ugly. Not even decent colours. I'd rather have crocs.

[Lipstickgal]

Well....that's quite a narrow view of 'style'. I don't think they have ever really been high fashion more of an anti-fashion look. It depends on the O.P's style leanings.
Personally I like to remain open to styles from all different directions. I love to see a bit of individual flourish.

[mumblechum2]

Bloody hideous. Always seem to be worn by women with hairy white legs clad either in ethnic skirts or cropped cargo pants.

[Bearcrumble]

I like them - I have the silver one-bar narrow ones. I generally wear them with skinny jeans or summer dresses.

[Lipstickgal]

Well I disagree. I wear fitted maxi dresses and cropped cashmere cardigans, lashings of lipstick and my personal grooming is top notch. However, I don't have a problem with ethnic skirts or cargo crops and think if you feel happy you tend to look great.......

[Abra1d]

Actually, the thing that Birkenstocks are NOT, is flat-footed. They encourage you to walk properly, because of the way they support your arches.

[WhollyGhost]

they are so comfortable and supportive that they mean I am relaxed and happy, no matter how far I have to walk or run after an escaping toddler.

I like them with straight leg jeans.

[scottishmummy]

birkenstocks have a type,and it aint priddy
West end alpha - thinks she is elle mcpherson.skinny jeans too much hair
flaky fairtrade - ethnicy prints and fair trade moisturiser.probably a social scientist
boden escapee - linen trousers, tunic and dog
and the hairy toed who think they look stylish

[piratecat]

no they don't have a type, i am none of those

[WhollyGhost]

not me either

there are way more types than that, some are fairly priddy

[midnightexpress]

Weeeeell, Elle McPherson is quite priddy, Scottishmummy.

FWIW, I love my Ibizas. And I don't give a fuck if anyone thinks I am in one of those categories. Tsk.

[piratecat]

get the Relax ones, they are the nicest. silver are nice op and go with everything.

best things i ever put on my feet. i have 3 pairs. i dont like the madrids, the footbed shape IS too frumpy, nor do i like the double ones or thong toe posts.

Tk maxx are doing some for a tenner.

[Lipstickgal]

Demonstration of stunning prejudice SM.

[superjobeespecs]

no idea what they are but i laughed at hairy toed - that would be me im always telling ppl about my hairy toes hairy toes are awesome..

[superjobeespecs]

the shoe things not hairy toes .. i know what they are.. i have them dozy mare i am..