What do you think of Birkenstocks?

[EuroShopperEnergyDrink]

Thinking of buying these:

www.amazon.co.uk/Womens-Birkenstock-Madrid-Patent-Sandals/dp/B00CAQZRXC/ref=sr_1_27?ie=UTF8&qid=1366823750&sr=8-27&keywords=birkenstock%20size%206&tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-21

or are they completely and utterly grim?

[Imsosorryalan]

How long do your berkies last? I've only got one pair which I love but they only seem to last a summer but then I do wear them constantly

[CognitiveOverload]

Have to say I'm really not a fan.

[sallysourire]

ScienceRocks I agree, no other sandal compares if you are a Birkenstock lover.

I have a pair as slippers I wear all year round and a couple of pairs I live in during the summer.

[mejon]

I can't wear the Madrids but I have several pairs of ones with two or more straps on in various colours and designs. My oldest and comfiest pair somehow went mouldy under my chest of drawers over the winter so I may have to chuck them. Wish they did the patent in other styles though.

[Selks]

What do I think of Birkenstocks? I think thank heavens for them, basically.

I like the mayari style - the toe loop looks great under trousers or jeans and they are extremely comfortable (and unlike some birkenstock styles they stay on well).

[DewDr0p]

I've got some floral ones in the same style as the ones you linked to OP. I love them.

I did size down though as they were massive.

[Labootin]

Birkies with socks.. And interesting ones at that..
Oh my sweet baby Jesus

[snoworneahva]

Great for my foot arch problems but the range has been downgraded to synthetic uppers which give me blisters on my very fragile skin, even the foot beds are often synthetic - I'd really like a new pair but I need leather.

[FrancesFarmer]

I have them in narrow size. They're the best - so comfortable.

[JennySense]

I bout the exact pair in silver this week - i've got horrible wide feet and they at least fit!

[MarjorieAntrobus]

I have a few pairs of Gizehs. I wear them all the time (and I live in a hot country).

They last well if you don't get them soaking wet. If you do get them wet then dry them slowly so that the cork doesn't crack.

They're meant to be a bit long so that your feet have room to move in them. I'm usually a 38 but I buy a 39 in Birkenstocks.

Yep, bargain Birks in TKMaxx. Also on Amazon.

[Kaekae]

I love them, I have a few pairs.

[piprabbit]

I have Madrids in silver and a sort of bronze. I'm wearing my clogs (cream with a sort of brown compass/maps pattern) today.

[AnythingNotEverything]

I love them! I buy a new white pair of Madrids every spring.

YY to breaking them in around the house.

Does anyone know how you can get the suede-y footbed replaced? That's the only reason I have to replace mine!

[cornflower123]

I have a pair of the Mayari style (bronze colour), which I adore. They are so comfy, and look OK I think. I'm considering getting the same again in a brighter colour.

If the rest of your outfit looks together, Birkies look great!

[Maiakins]

Not a fan anymore ... wore mine to death in 2004-5. Reminds me too much of coin belts, Sienna Millar and boho chic!

[BornToFolk]

I love my Madrids! I have a couple of pairs that are a few years old now and starting to show it so I'll have to get a new pair (or two...) for summer. They are so comfy once they get broken in and they last so well. I wreck cheaper sandals in a month or so!

My feet are size 8 and wide and I wear a size 40. I love that they are made for wide feet.

Birkenstock.co.uk have a sale at the moment. Not as cheap as I've seen in TK Maxx but they have some lovely colours. Gorgeous kids ones too, how cute are these?

[woozlebear]

To people talking about them wearing out and breaking new pairs in...you can send them back to be repaired. Getting them resoled is much nicer than getting a new pair as the inside is still all comfy and moulded to your foot. You can get any bit replaced though, until you gradually end up with a whole new sandal.

[kittykarate]

I live in Birkenstocks over summer as my feet are terrible. I prefer the styles with straps that go over the arch of my foot such as Gizeh, Florida or Pisa. I find Madrid quite hard to walk in. Costco usually do Gizeh and Madrid during spring for a good price.

I think there are definitely Birkenstock shaped feet though - my mam can't wear them as the support bits just don't line up for her.

[Eskino]

Birkenstocks make my feet trump

[AnythingNotEverything]

Woozle - that's really interesting. I basically want to keep the strap bit and replace the bit you actually stand on. Even the sole would keep another year or so.

Will check their website. Ta!

[GwendolineMaryLacey]

I lived in them till I discovered fitflops. Might dig them out though. I fancy a change.

[GraduallyGoingInsane]

Grim! I hate them with a passion! My beloved Mother and I have a deal that if either of us purchase a pair, the other is allowed to hit them repeatedly over the head until they come to their senses.

They look like orthopaedic shoes, they aren't comfy (I tried a pair on just to see what the fuss is about) and when friends come over and kick them off in my house, they smell of wet dog.

Bleeugh.

and now I shall run away as I have voiced the unpopular opinion