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.