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Original poster

Saltwater sandals or birkies?

21 replies

Sausages123 · 04/07/2015 18:02

My lovely birkies are about to die I was going to replace with another pair but I am wondering about trying saltwater instead next summer I am going to be spending a lot of time running around after my 2 year old and am thinking they will be more secure on my feet!

Are they comfy? Any drawbacks?
Thank you!

OP posts:
mewkins · 04/07/2015 19:45

I have both and wear my saltwaters every day as they look smarter for work (a not very smart office). Also they are very comfortable. I am a 5.5 and buy a 39 if that helps. My tan ones go with everything.

Original poster
Sausages123 · 04/07/2015 19:51

Thank you I can't decide between tan or silver

OP posts:
caker · 04/07/2015 20:00

I have both and find Birkies more comfortable. The sole is thicker and squashy. The straps on my Saltwater ones rub a bit. They are pretty though!

stripytees · 04/07/2015 20:18

I didn't get along with Saltwaters at all and they didn't look that nice on me either.

This year I've discovered Art sandals and they are the most comfortable sandals I've ever worn, and look really nice too (I got a style called Breathe).

mewkins · 04/07/2015 20:21

Well I am no hope as have the tan and want the silver too! Both pretty much go with anything.

WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes · 04/07/2015 20:24

I think some styles of Birkie stay on much better than others, I'm no good with the names, but the toe post types stay on very well and are very supportive. Whereas the ones with just a strap across the base of the toes flap a lot. I haven't tried Saltwater, partly because I don't like the look of them, but also the soles look very flat and no arch support. Plus having to buckle and unbuckle all the time, which I don't mind for a long day out, but for just day to day I prefer slip on styles, I'm in and out of the house all day long. I can walk several miles in toe post Birkies very comfortably.

bluebump · 04/07/2015 21:21

I've got some Saltwaters (in gold), the sizing is great as i'm a 5 1/2 and wear the 39 although I find if I do a lot of walking in them my big toes hurt as there isn't enough padding or support, i'm not sure really! Other than that they are comfy.

BlackBettyBamALam · 04/07/2015 21:31

I love Birkies for the comfort and arch support, though mine always end up looking scruffy as I haven't yet found a way of cleaning them effectively.

I have a silver pair of Saltys that I lived in last summer, wore them everywhere even in the sea and they still look pretty good, not too worn. They don't have any arch support, though the sole is durable.

As a pp mentioned, Art Breathe are fab, I have a pair of t-bar turquoise ones that seem to be the best of both worlds, very comfy and nice to look at. The arch support is better than Birkies, and the style goes well with everything.

Candra · 04/07/2015 23:28

I love my haviana flip flops and would wear them any day over salt water sandals which IMHO are quite unattractive.

Saying that though I thought birkies were ugly too and ended buying them and I love them only they are a bit dated this year, plus my DS (9) thinks theyre too ugly to wear and just whispers 'embarrassing' when I attempt to put them on.

smugmumofboys · 04/07/2015 23:33

I replaced my deceased Birkies with some Moshulu ones. They were cheaper and so comfortable. I can't do links on my phone, I'm afraid.

Original poster
Sausages123 · 05/07/2015 06:39

Thank you, I can't wear a toe post thonkjiight pop into town later and try some on

OP posts:
PetiteBateau · 05/07/2015 11:06

I love my saltwater sandals, really comfy & go with everything. I've got a navy blue pair, a red pair & a fuchsia patent leather pair too. I think birkenstocks are chunky & ugly

toastandmarmiterocks · 05/07/2015 11:57

I can't help thinking saltwater sandals look like kids shoes.

ILoveChocolate33 · 05/07/2015 12:09

I have silver saltwaters which I love and find very comfortable. I can't wear flip flops or any sandals that aren't secured with a strap at the back anymore due to foot problems (which incidentally were likely caused by too much walking in flip flops!)

cerealqueen · 05/07/2015 13:06

I've put my birkies in the wash, if that helps *blackbetty8 !

PetiteBateau · 05/07/2015 13:06

They do look like children's sandals from the 70's but I love them

missmartha · 05/07/2015 13:32

I've got both and while they're both comfortable, the Birkies have a good deep sole that gives them the edge in the comfy stakes.

The Saltwaters have a very thin sole, which is fine, but you can feel every lump and bump and bit of gravel through them.

MyFriendsCallMeOh · 05/07/2015 18:47

I have birkis and Art Breathe ones - the Art ones are like walking on pillows, love them, they are 4 years old and still going strong. My kids wear saltwaters and I feel like at 5 year old in them, I don't like dressing like a child.

I recently bought a pair of Topshop Figs and love them, they are super comfy straight out the box.

BlackBettyBamALam · 05/07/2015 19:43

cerealqueen thank you, didn't think of that. Did it not ruin the leather?

WhoKnowsWhereTheTimeGoes · 05/07/2015 19:47

Yes, it's the 70s child look that I don't like about Saltwaters.

cerealqueen · 06/07/2015 19:14

My birkies are the felt upper ones (which they mostly are?) and they seem fine!

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