Hotter/Moshulu/Birkenstocks (frumpy shoes query)

[ShimmeringIce]

If I find Hotter's tourist sandals comfortable, will I like similar from Moshulu? Or Birkenstocks? And how do the sizes compare?
I need some sandals I can just slip on without bending over, but also arch support and no toe loops, which Hotter don't do, so it's going to involve some guesswork I miss real-life shopping!

I have Madrid birkies which I can just walk into. No toe post which I was originally concerned about as I like it but they stay on fine. Have a firm shaped sole which I like, massages feet.

Sizing true to slightly large I'd say (I'm a 3)

Thanks @TooMinty, that's good to know as I'm a size 7 but often a 6 in sandals 🤷🏻‍♀️

Shoe sizing can be weird! Just a warning, mine took ages to arrive so don't leave it too late to order if you need them for a particular date.

Madrid birkies FTW. I have just repurchased the patent black ones having worn my previous pair to death (live in london and walk EVERYWHERE). They are not exactly sexy but sort of Cos-chic! Comfy, can defo walk in them and they get more confortable as you wear them in.

Ps I have sturdy ankles and they make my legs look reasonably good!

They look to have decent arch support @freebuttonbee. Is the heel a bit higher than the front? I'm an old crock since working from home on the sofa/in the garden etc - hoping some decent shoes will help my backache!

When it comes to birkies, I struggle with Madrids but have worn out both Gizeh and Mayari styles. I have a pair of Madrids "for best" but to be honest I find them hard to walk any distance in and (more importantly for me), impossible to drive in.

If you go on Birkenstock’s own website you will find a much wider range. I’ve had similar to this www.birkenstock.com/gb/kumba-birko-flor-nubuck/kumba-core-birkoflornubuck-softfootbed-eva-u.html?dwvar_kumba-core-birkoflornubuck-softfootbed-eva-u_color=10254 in the past and they are the most comfortable shoes I’ve worn in my life. The straps mean you can walk all day without the tops of your feet tiring.

Bit higher at the back and excellent arch support. I wore flip flops for the first 10 weeks of lockdown - these are much better

I love Birkenstocks. They are true to size I think? I can get into a size 2 Rio because they are actually wide enough whereas I have to upsize to 4s for width in enclosed shoes.

I switched to them from regular walking sandals postnatally when still struggling with SPD and with joint stability like putty. The arch support makes a massive difference.

Thanks all, I'm going to check the different styles and go for it!

I'm very fond of Boston in Birkenstock's, the clogs. I wear Madrid on holiday.

I size down in Birkies.

My Madrids arrived but are massive! Feel a bit too floppy as well, so back to the drawing board. Can't believe on their size chart you have to choose between 5.5 (39) or 7 (40)

I am a 3.5 and wear a 4 in Moshulus. I have 2 pairs of Wilma disco that have lasted me ages but some people on here have said the quality has gone down recently and I haven't bought any more but I got a cheap copy instead.

Oh that's a shame Shimmering, it's so hard ordering stuff online without being able to try on first. What about Scholl sandals? I'm sure they used to be quite firm, not worn any recently though (and never owned my own pair, just borrowed my mums!).

I’m a 3.5 but wear 4 in moshulu too. I buy two pairs of their wasabi sandals every summer and wouldn’t be without them. They wouldn’t work for you as you can’t just slide your foot in and go (I don’t undo and do up the suckle each time, but I do have to reach down and pull up the back strap).

I hadn’t thought of Scholl. I had a pair with wooden soles in the late 90s but they weren’t very comfortable; it felt like the ‘bump’ between the ball of my foot and my toes was in the wrong place (I have freakishly short toes). I’ll take a look at what they do now, though!
Oh that’s confusing WellTidy, I’ve never had to size up. Do you think the quality is still ok?

I’ve bought wasabis for about five years and the quality is the same now as it was then, I think. I am always happy with them. I wear them to death and then chuck them after the end of summer, or keep them as beach and also only for the following year. I do walk quite a lot in them but I find that they lose the comfort in the padding underneath by the end of the season. I still buy them though as they accommodate my bunions well!