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AIBU?

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Original poster

To ask for your opinion on Birkenstocks?

134 replies

holdmyhan · 24/06/2026 19:46

Just that really.

I’m in my 20s, I need some good sandals and I’ve seen it reported that they work well for wide feet

OP posts:
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FruAashild · 24/06/2026 20:49

Screamingabdabz · 24/06/2026 19:55

They go with everything and you can walk miles and climb mountains in them. I love ‘em. They’re fugly but also quite hipster.

Only millennials use 'hipster' as a positive adjective, I don't think that will endear someone in their 20s to them.

Birkenstocks have been popular in the UK since the 1970s with a revival in the 90s (which is probably why they are fashionable again now, Gen Z wearing their Gen X parent's fashions). I've had at least one pair in my wardrobe since 1994. Your feet take a couple of wears to adjust to them and although I do love them they are not the most comfortable sandals I own (that would be my saltwaters, although I guess their moment in the sun has passed, love their retro charm though).

smallglassbottle · 24/06/2026 20:47

BeachAndSea · 24/06/2026 20:37

i have plantar fasciitis ! how did you heal it?!

With rocker sole shoes and trainers. Also, firm arch supports (valsole firm arch supports from amazon) There are other orthotics, but you need something well supportive and most of them are quite wimpy and don't support the arch.

I wear Joya shoes all the time, but there are lots of different rocker type shoes and trainers. Try to get a full rocker type and pair up with the insoles (remove the factory insoles first). Once it's healed you can try other types of shoe, but always wear the orthotics.

To relieve the pain, try ice, ibuprofen or voltarol gel and a support tubigrip.

Iheartmysmart · 24/06/2026 20:42

I hated mine - possibly the only pair of shoes that has given me blisters on the soles of my feet!

Drivingmissrangey · 24/06/2026 20:42

I think they’re so, so ugly but judging by the number of pairs on the streets round here I’m very much in the minority!

cantkeepruninawaay · 24/06/2026 20:41

I love my Birkenstock Arizonas and live in them all summer. I don’t have wide feet but I can see how they’d be comfy if so as they mold to your feet.

MegMortimer · 24/06/2026 20:40

I have tried a few different styles over the years but never really got on with them - I don't know why. My feet are quite narrow, so I bought the narrow version, but never found any of them comfortable. They feel too heavy and cumbersome on my feet. But I know loads of people find them comfortable, they're just not for me.

TheJustJoker · 24/06/2026 20:40

I’ve been wearing for yonks-currently have 3 pairs (2x Arizonas and 1x Giza). I’m terribly flat footed and they’re a god send. I trekked round Tunisia years back in a bright orange pair of Arizonas-and they can be refurbished (foot bed replaced) when they get a bit tired. Even wear in winter, inside, with socks-comfier then any slippers!

SisterTeatime · 24/06/2026 20:39

lmnabc · 24/06/2026 20:00

I’ve been wearing them for the last 30+ years which is probably not what a 20 year old wants to hear!

Yes but I was only 20 when I started!

ChasingRainbow5 · 24/06/2026 20:38

I have Arizonas and fur lined Bostons and love them both, can walk for miles without blisters. Bought from Vinted and eBay for a decent discount.

BeachAndSea · 24/06/2026 20:37

i have plantar fasciitis ! how did you heal it?!

smallglassbottle · 24/06/2026 20:35

I was liking mine, but then I got plantar fasciitis which took months to heal and I couldn't wear them anymore. They have no real cushioning and I found them comfortable, but also hard on the structures of the feet.

BeachAndSea · 24/06/2026 20:35

When I try them on in a shop they physically hurt!

Shinyandnew1 · 24/06/2026 20:32

I think they are the most comfortable shoes ever-I’ve worn the sandals and clogs for decades and now have a pair of their boots!

I have to size down though as they come up big.

Ohwhatfuckeryitistoride · 24/06/2026 20:32

Besidemyselfwithworry · 24/06/2026 19:54

I’ve got some and I love mine they’re so comfy - try some on in a shoe shop for size then look at vinted - there is lots of brand new ones on there

Be very very wary, there's lots of fakes on Vinted. I've been stung.

Ilovemyshed · 24/06/2026 20:31

I’m waiting on a pair of Arizonas to arrive but meanwhile am quite liking the £14 Peacocks knock off ones.

Original poster
holdmyhan · 24/06/2026 20:29

Interesting! I’m hopeful they’ll milanos work!

OP posts:
värskekapsas · 24/06/2026 20:28

i have a pair that is 15 years old and it looks great and so comfortable! So i think its a good investment

hellofrommyothername · 24/06/2026 20:27

Love them - I think the sizes run big though. I’m usually a 7 and my Birks are 5.5 and fit well (I think they use European sizing and have 39s as 5.5s and 40s as 7s, with nothing in between)

Butteredtoast55 · 24/06/2026 20:26

I love, love, love my Birkies, mostly Mayari design as I like the bit of support from the toe post part. Once you've adapted to the feeling of the cork bed, you won't look back!

Duvetdayforme · 24/06/2026 20:26

I have three pairs of Bostons and one of Arizonas. I have very wide feet so I buy the wide option and they are just so comfortable.

mamaduckbone · 24/06/2026 20:17

I love them - been wearing them for years, I have wide feet and they are the comfiest thing ever. I’ve even bought Birki boots for winter. You’ll never look back (or want to wear any other shoes ever again!)

ChristmasRager · 24/06/2026 20:16

I love them - wear nothing but my Arizonas all summer

TigTails · 24/06/2026 20:13

Am I the only person who’s ever had to size UP in Birkenstocks!? Took me ages to find the right size but now I have I’d recommend them!

sadeyedladyofthelowlands63 · 24/06/2026 20:11

I bought a pair years ago while visiting friends abroad (sudden very unexpected heatwave and I had no sandals with me). Best holiday purchase ever!
Like others have said, they take a bit of wearing in, but they are fabulous. There are lots of different styles to choose from now as well.

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