Birkenstocks - yes or no?

[biddybid73]

Not having ever bought these and in dire need of some summer sandals I wondered if these are comfortable?

Any recommendations?

[mrsvilliers]

Would have thought you'd get loads of people coming on saying how fab they are. However I never got on well with them, I have small narrow feet that never quite fitted properly into the imprinted sole. But probably worth trying a pair as can always send back if not comfy?

[misspym]

I love them but they do seem to be particularly suited to my rather wide short feet. They do a narrow fit as well so might be worth trying different styles and fits.

[DoinItFine]

Also love them and also have wide feet.

[RiverTam]

I have small wide feet too and love mine, just got some Papillion ones for £16!

[MadisonMontgomery]

I love mine! I do have small fat feet tho.

[LaurieFairyCake]

I've got about 20 pairs. The narrow fit makes a huge difference. They take a couple of weeks to wear in for me.

But I'm now using them for my 10,000 steps every day in this heat.

[ElspethFlashman]

They're fab if you do a bit of research and get a pair to suit you.

Their normal fit is wide but they offer a narrow fit. They also have two footbeds, the classic one (rough till you wear it in) and soft (smooth out of the box).

They also have a lot of different materials on the straps.

[HoggleHoggle]

I love mine and wear them every day. I have narrow rabbit feet but read on here to go down a size if that's the case, and that has worked perfectly for me. Didn't know they did narrow sizing

[iseenodust]

I love my Birkenstocks - two straps Arizona style. But I cannot get along with ones with a toe bar nor those with only one strap. Confess also have short fat feet. Usually take a size 5 shoe but in these have a 3.5.

[ThinkPinkStink]

I love the look of Birkenstocks, but have never got on with them (small, narrow feet) - maybe I haven't given them a good chance to wear-in as I've always given-up at the point of trying them on.

I'm currently wearing these: www.clarks.co.uk/p/26117526 which are LUDICROUSLY comfortable, though I recommend going 0.5 size up and a size wider. Also they are currently £20 (down from £50).

[rollonthesummer]

I have narrow feet and they are soooo comfortable!

[iseenodust]

RiverT please share where got such bargainous Papillions.

[Fairylea]

I love mine- perfect if you have wide feet. However the "narrow" style seems to be everywhere at the moment!

[iwillbemrsminty]

I have some and love LOVE them! I've walked miles in them on holiday and at home.

[SnuffleBadger]

I love love love mine. When one pair wears out I replace them with another. They were originally recommended to me by a podiatrist when I was having problems with my hips during pregnancy. They did make me more comfortable and 3.5 years/2 children later I am still wearing them....well I am wearing my 4th pair of Mayari in Mocca!!

I also have wide feet which seems to be a trend.

[RiverTam]

iseen on sale in Peter Jones (branch of John Lewis). Only had them in my size (3 for Birkenstocks). I never ever ever catch a bargain so I am dead chuffed.

[misspym]

They are the closest thing to walking barefoot that I have found.

I like Arizonas, Mayaris and Gizehs.

I also have clogs and they are equally comfortable.

[iseenodust]

How lucky RiverT ! No Peter Jones within 100 miles but will have quick check online.

[blowmybarnacles]

I love mine now (have a pair of Madrids) but they were so hard to break in, I have flat wide feet and found the strap quite hard, even thought it is made of felt. I wore them round the house with a thick pair of socks.

I have another pair which have more straps and they were good to go almost immediately.

[Floralnomad]

I love mine ,I generally have the 2 strap styles but I'm very much of the opinion that you either have Birkenstock shaped feet or you don't - I've never had to 'break' a pair in they are comfortable instantly .

[Pendu]

Loooove them, I've had my pair for 4/5 years and I've taken them to India three times , I go everywhere in them. I can drive in them and they are so comfy but don't look terrible and jesus-y

[biddybid73]

Thanks all.

I have wide feet so sounds like they might be the ticket!

[elizadolittlechoc]

I have great problems with my very flat feet with weak ankles and have given up on any sort of heel. I wear arch supports in enclosed shoes. I have suffered from plantar fasciitis too. Birkies are the first mule I have ever been able to walk in. The arch support is fab for me. Takes a few days to wear your foot in to the shape, if they're like mine.but have helped my arches; increase wear time slowly. I wear the narrow fit. I think they are recommended by foot specialists.

[piddleypower]

I love love love mine. I have Gizeh, two colours, replace one each and the old ones get relegated for dog walking. So comfortable I could walk miles in them.

They are not the height of style tho!