Birkenstocks, worth it or not?

[DarylDixonsDarlin]

Are Birkenstocks worth the money? I am looking specifically at the Gizeh ones but like some of the other styles too. All the ones I've see seem to look dirty where the foot sits in it, do they all go like that even if you have clean feet?

also what's the sizing like, true to size, narrow/wide or what? Not many shops down here stock them so i may need to order online if I decide to buy.

sorry this subject has probably been done to death but my flip flops are minging and will not do another summer!

I buy a new pair of brown leather Arizona every few years. To me, it means spring has arrived when I get them out

I am a size 6 and find the 39 perfect

I live in madrid's as soon as the weather warms up. I walked for hours arond New York in them
I rub vaseline on new ones to soften the footbed up. .

Yep me too, I live in them. I've got arizonas and sort of madridy ones but with 2 narrow straps in stead of the one.
Also sparkly kerala papillios.
I love them, they last ages as well.

Love Birkis and know from experience cheap copies are not worth it. I have several pairs (clogs and sandals) but current favourites are Mayari, which have a criss cross strap. So comfy and I think they look great too. (Disclaimer: I do have very wide feet that go puffy the minute the sun comes out so my footwear tends towards the wide and chunky.)

Definitely worth it! Last ages, very comfortable and gonna be trendy again this summer! The Madrid style font suit my feet - not comfy - but all others are bliss. Try on on a shop if possible before buying as they are bigger than uk sizing I think. I am 3 or 4 and wear 36 (so 3) in narrow.

I have some patent leather ones that aren't hugely comfortable. The band gets too hot and they rub a bit. And grubby v quickly.

I was a bit disappointed, but seem to be in the minority.

I don't like patent leather in any type of shoe, tbh

I always have a pair of Madrids on the go. I've bought them in them in a Birkenstock shop and they advised me to go UP a size from my normal. Yes - UP! They are mahoosive but very comfortable and I think their huge size makes my feet look surprisingly dainty by comparison I like to kid myself

I love mine! I have Gizehs that are years old and still going strong.

if they don't fit you properly, the back edge of the footbed digs into your heel rather painfully

there should be plenty of room

I love my Madrids and wear them to death. I wear a size 6 normally but find 38 plenty big enough. I walk miles in them.

Love them .... Have about 6 pairs in all and tend to buy at least one new pair a year. I cant do toe posts so have. Madrid, birkis and an unusual thin strap pair.

Buy them in Jones when they have20% of day , TK max etc so never pay full price and come summer I live in them. Have walked around Washington in them during a very hot holiday. Worth every penny. I have washed in washing machine. I take a 39 in them , in other shoes 6.5. I agree that first few wears your shins hurt if you wear for too long.

Last year as well as birkenstocks I bought a pair of superga lace ups and they were really comfy too.

I didn't know they could go in the wash, may have to try it with a couple of my older stinky pairs!

Yes

Comfy for the summer.

Can't believe they are now on trend

Thank you all so much for your help, kind ladies!

I have ordered a pair of these pretty floral ones in a 38 as I normally take a 5-5 1/2, but have got wide feet. So hopefully they will be right.

Right, off to buy batteries for the ped-egg and shave my toes

I've been trying and failing to find anywhere online that has narrow-fitting Madrids in a 39 and a colour I like. I had khaki ones for years but they disintegrated last autumn, and I just want to replace them (or would settle for mocca if no khaki available). Any tips?

(just found some mocca ones on www.footshopping.com - a German site, but free delivery to UK).

I love Birkenstocks and always have a pair of Madrids and Milans on the go.

I particularly love Milans when I do a lot of city walking in hot weather. I can walk miles with never a blister.

I bought some Madrids in Costco last summer. About £22

I have slightly broader feet- and wear a 6.5 or 7 usually. I chose a 39 in the Birkenstocks - and they fit really well.r

They also had the Gizehs in stock at Costco, but I found that they weren't so comfy. The front part of leather, rubbed on the top of my toe. I can't explain very well.

My only gripe is that I don't feel confident driving in them - which I guess one shouldn't do in any flip flop style shoe anyway ?

I've had a pair of pink Madrids for a couple of years, they're pefect for hot days when I'm just pottering about doing errands. I wouldn't walk distances in them.

They were around £10 in tk maxx IIRC.

princessalbert I'd never drive in mine, I go barefoot instead.

I love my Birkenstocks - can they really go in the washing machine? I'm regretting throwing a couple of manky pairs now

I haven't tried the washing machine. Am not convinced they would survive?

Mine look a bit grubby on the footbed, but they don't smell.

Absolutely I love mine and they are way cooler than any copies out there - will last forever too - I have a pair that are 10 years old and they get better with age...