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?

[miffybun73]

Reading this it seems that they are not comfy for everyone. I have fairly narrow feet and a very high instep and they are as comfy as bare feet for me - stay on really well, can walk for miles in them and they don't rub at all ever.

[freddiefrog]

Unlike = I like

[PoppyAmex]

I might be the only person who looks at them and sees American pensioner tourists wearing bermuda shorts and socks

I wish I liked them because they do look comfy, but I'm Portuguese so I'm programmed to wear flip-flops in the summer.

[Helltotheno]

Well for those of you who don't have unsightly bunions can I just say a. you're so dang lucky and b. there's not really a host of other options open to someone with that particular problem when it comes to sandals... would love to hear all suggestions but until then, I won't be dumping the birkies!

[auntpetunia]

Love love my birkies, Am on to my 9th pair in 20 years, my favourite current ones are Kairo which are Gizeh with a back strap, fabulous as I can't wear shoes without a strap.

[erowid]

I really liked the Gizeh style but my very flat feet doesn't like the arch in birkinstocks. But I found a similar style by Doc Martens which have lasted all summer for the last 5 years

[BehindLockNumberNine]

They don't smell. Far from it!! In fact they are the only shoe I can wear throughout the summer without socks which don't make my feet smell. I literally can only wear Birkenstocks or Crocs. Everything else reacts with my bare feet resulting in an odour fit for chemical warfare!!
And I refuse to wear Crocs!!!

Love my Birkies

[BehindLockNumberNine]

erowid Doc Martens are my other shoe-passion. And I love love love love those you have linked to.

Have bought my birkies for this year and there is no money left in the pot for more footwear but may treat myself at the end of the summer sale with my birthday money and save them for next year. They look fab!!!

[erowid]

behindlock They're brilliant. Like all Docs, once you break them in they're like slippers and last years!