Birkenstocks

[mumofoliver]

I really want a new pair but can't make my mind up as to which ones. Was checking the website and found these ones.

www.birkenstock.co.uk/Product/2301/Papillio-Catania-Birko-Flor-Batik-Rose-291043/

Which I quite like and are different. But should I go for good old classics I don't find the Arizonas as comfy as the Madrid and was thinking about silver.

View please? I'm so indecisive!

Those look really nice -id like a pair of those but im not sure if id get away with it. I can't wear the ordinary ones as they cut into my feet.

I'm also thinking of buying some Birkenstocks, but want to make sure that (a) I buy a pair I can wear for years; and (b) that stay on my feet easily, I don't want to have to scrunch my toes to walk. Watching this thread with interest!

How funny, that's just what I've been browsing at all afternoon! My friend swears by her madrids but said she had to break them in which was torture! How do they size?

I'm not keen on the pattern on them. I have silver Madrid and gizeh and they go with most things. I have a few colours and find it's the silver or navy that I reach for most often. I brought navy and black Arizonas this year but they aren't as comfy as the gizeh.

Size down a whole size from your usual - and then you will be fine. The toe clenching thing only happens when they are too big and to be fair Birkenstock recommend sizing down.

I tried some size 38's of the madrids on the the other day which seemed to be fine but having read the sizing guidelines on line I wonder whether they would be too small as they were pretty snug and according to the website you need room at the front and back.

The Arizonas seemed quite restrictive when i tried walking in them which is why I am thinking about the Madrid. But then I found the ones I linked to in my original post which I like for being a bit different.

hi BCBG. I thought you needed room in them? I was thinking of going up a size

Helpme - thanks for your opinion. I usually try and go different and then wish I had gone for the more classic version so perhaps I will stick with the Madrid in silver. May go and try on again tomorrow

I find them true to size. Birkenstock recommend a bit of room
www.birkenstock.co.uk/Article/View/articleCode/Sizing/

I find them true to size but my dd has to size down . I like Arizonas ,but the ones you've linked to do look lovely .

They look nice, but they are a narrow fit. Owning -fifty-, well about ten pairs of Birkies, my fave styles are Gizeh, Tabora and Mayari. Madrid's are too 'flappy'. The clogs are a bit fugly, but my new soft toothed Kay's are gorgeous.

I am officially sad.

Size wise I am normally a 43, but wear a 42 regular fit in Birkies.

I have two pairs now - Madrid purchased last year and some Gizehs just bought recently.

Both are very comfortable- the Gizehs were fine from the first wear. The Madrids seemed to push on my big toe in a strange way at first. They are fine now.

I feel able to drive in the Gizehs- not so much in the Madrids.

Love them though - ever so comfortable. I have a 39 - and they are perfect. In regular shoes I am a 6.5 or 7 - slightly broad foot.

Well, this was the MN thread that originally helped me with size, and elsewhere I have read Birkenstock's own size comparisons that advise sizing down as Iwantgin has done, - I can only speak for Gizeh though, both for me and DDs.

[http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/style_and_beauty/789339-Birkenstocks-do-they-come-up-small-or-big-i-e/AllOnOnePage mums net thread here]]

I'll try that again.. www.mumsnet.com/Talk/style_and_beauty/789339-Birkenstocks-do-they-come-up-small-or-big-i-e/AllOnOnePage

They say on QVC to 'go down a size if you're a half size'. Saying that, they don't sell my size as I'm guessing that their 8 is a 41 :(

I have these ones. I luffs them!
I'm a size 6 in most places but always a 37 in Birkenstocks. I never have to break them in, they just suit my slightly hobbit like feet.

I always size down. I'm normally a 40 or 41 but get a 39 in Birkies.

I used to have Madrids but I now prefer Gizeh. I just ordered some lovely ones with coloured soles, just waiting for them to arrive.

I have blue patent gizehs with red soles; Louboutins for hippies.

I'm a 42 shoe everywhere except Birkenstock where I'm a 41. They are comfy though and glad they are having a revival this year although suspect I still look like a late 30's mum as my dresses and skirts are hardly cutting edge.

I am wearing a pair of Milanos as I type. I love them, I take a size 5 (38) in shoes and the Birkies are the same size and are perfect.

I couldn't manage without my Birkies in the summer, off to look for more.

I have recently bought a pair of Birkis 'Tahiti' style. Found them true to size, no breaking in have worn them everyday and they're very comfy.

I have several pairs of the Gizeh - hate the flip floppy ones they smack the floor as you walk.

Agree namechange, the Madrid ones are too flappy for me.

And thats why I love Milanos. They have a back strap and no flapping.

I have Arizonas and love them. The soft suede ones with a soft footbed are like slippers. However I normally take a 39 /40 in shoes and sized down to a 37, perfect fit with all toes and heel within the raised part of the sole. Try before you buy or at least find somewhere with free returns!