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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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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RoniaCheetah · 24/06/2026 19:47

I have wide feet and I love them. They can size big so try them on somewhere before buying if you can.
They take a bit of getting used to because the cork beds mould to your feet which takes a wear or two but then they're so comfy.

SisterTeatime · 24/06/2026 19:51

They are classic, hard wearing, comfortable, good for your feet, stylish provided you like a normcore kind of vibe, go with everything, good quality, value for money. I bought my first pair at 20, and 30 years later I’ve never seen a reason to try any other brand for everyday sandals.

holdmyhan · 24/06/2026 19:53

I’m really hopeful they’ll work for my feet. But they are a bit hippy, aren’t they?

OP posts:
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

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.

Noshowlomo · 24/06/2026 19:55

I live in mine, I love them

Panda34 · 24/06/2026 19:57

I live in mine in the summer! Bear in mind they take a few weeks to wear in and will be uncomfortable to start with, but once you do they’re like slippers

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!

7238SM · 24/06/2026 20:00

I have hobbit wide feet but never considered birkenstocks. I wrongly assumed they only came in 1 style and also thought rather hibby/alternative types would wear them with socks. A friend was recently wearing sandals and I commented on them. To my surprise they were birkenstocks and they looked more like regular, nice sandals that a birkenstock style. I think these are the ones and because I saw the straps and not the footbed, that is why I assumed they were regular sandals. I'm trying to find where I can try them on locally before buying.
www.birkenstock.com/gb/franca-natural-leather-oiled/franca-summer-oiledleather-0-eva-w_7888.html

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.

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!

ChristmasRager · 24/06/2026 20:16

I love them - wear nothing but my Arizonas all summer

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!)

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.

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!

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)

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

holdmyhan · 24/06/2026 20:29

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

OP posts:
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.

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.

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.

BeachAndSea · 24/06/2026 20:35

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

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 20:37

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

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