I have given in and joined the birkenstock bandwagon...MN this is your fault entirely!

[mmmgoats]

I recently bought some saltwaters which I loved but can't walk too far in them anymore as they make my feet ache through lack of support (amazing for the beach though, obviously).

My poor trotters have been in such a state that I gave in after all the raving about birks on here and can I just say GOOD LORD SWEET MOTHER OF COMFORT.

I shall burn all other shoes and dance naked around the embers. (naked apart from my glorious birks, of course.)

So in short, if you're on the fence, get them! Yes they're a bit ugly but in a rather pleasing way IYSWIM.

Thank you Mumsnet, you are collectively wise as always.

I love mine got a dupe pair last year to see if I would wear them and I’m obsessed I wear them so much so easy to slip on

I saw some young (20s), otherwise stylish, women wearing them the other day. So I can only conclude that they’re no longer frumpy. Not that I cared anyway, they’re the only shoes that relieve my plantar fasciitis.

I couldn't understand how the sole could be supportive and comfy because it feels so rigid, but I eat my words completely.
I've worn them non stop since I got them and am already contemplating a second pair.

God they are wonderful. So ugly and frumpy but just so comfy. I (accidentally) wore mine in the sea last week due to a rogue wave and they came out totally unscathed!

What styles do you have? I got the arizonas but am already eyeing up some others
I like the look of mayari but don't know if they'd be as comfortable

Had lots of Arizona style but finding them a bit clumpy now, Madrid's kill my feet ( no idea why) but my new favourite is Sydney. Two straps but much more narrow so I think, more elegant. I have worn them every day this summer ( and last)

Mayari are amazing.

Only style I ever wear.

The design means they hide my bunyons and make my feet look delicate in comparison. I have white and silver and will be purchasing another colour in the sales.

I live in my Birkenstocks. They rock.

I'm on my 3rd pair - Mayari this time. They are the best style I've had. I'm able to short jog in them - after children sort of thing. Rode my bike in them this morning. I don't normally like things between my toes but I haven't noticed them once. I am a total Bikenstock convert now.

I am contemplating a pair of Yara.

I think these are my 4/5th pair over the years and I've got the rose gold mayari- they are the best ones I've ever had. I love them.

www.birkenstock.com/gb/mayari-birko-flor/mayari-metallicstones-birkoflor-0-eva-w.html?dwvar_mayari-metallicstones-birkoflor-0-eva-w_color=574

@backinaminute are these the ones? Can't find any in rose gold.

Have you worn them with socks yet?

#pervertedlife

Okki I'm looking at yara too, does anybody have them?

Are all the styles good for plantar fascitis? Are any of the cheaper copies any good d ( not fakes obviously)

I have the schuh dupes and they have cured my plantar fasciitis! I went in the shop for the real deal, but got the schuh ones as they were much cheaper and I preferred the style, but they are practically identical to the birkenstocks.

That’s really interesting @eminybob i haven’t seen the office ones I will have to check them out!

These are the ones I have (but in gold rather than rose gold)

www.schuh.co.uk/womens/schuh-zodiac-rose-gold-sandals/1736046920/

I don't like those Yara. The ankle strap just looks like a fussy afterthought

Good grief stop telling everyone, we don’t want a birki shortage !!
I don’t care about their supposed fugliness I love them and am on my 5th or 6th pair 👍🏻

< Birks veteran well before MN noticed 'em >

Thanks Eminybob. I thought I needed a heel for the plantar fascitis but I will give these a try.

@busyboysmum - I'm sorry, yes that's the ones. Turns out they are copper not rose gold. They are a bit pinkish though, rather than an orangey copper - I love them.

I feel such a fashion anticipator: I bought my first pair in 1986 🤓

I have a white thong style pair of birkies. Bought them on sale two years ago and the more I wear them, the more comfortable they get. I was originally going for a pair of sky blue Arizonas but they were out of stock. I'm actually glad I bought the thong-style pair as they make my (otherwise harassed) bunions sing!

DH bought a pair of Aldi's Fakenstocks (Avenue, I think they are called) and refused to wear them after two goes as he says they hurt his feet. I had the same issue with the Birkies at first but you have to break them in to the point that there is a imprint of your foot on the cork bed and then they are sooo, sooo comfortable.

I'm jealous as I can't wear them as the toe shape doesn't match my feet. My 2nd & 3rd toes are about the same length as my big toe so the hard ridge round the toes would just dig in and my toes protrude off the end. Always thought the design was rather limiting.