Are Birkenstocks worth it?

[deedsnotwords11]

Have some birthday money and am thinking of investing in some Birkenstocks for summer - I'm a teacher and need something that will let me be on my feet all day/walk around site a lot but not look horrendous.

Are birkenstocks worth the money? If not, any alternatives?

Yes! I live in Birkenstock's in the summer, so so comfy

I love mine, I've had three pair over 30 years.
The first week is hard, the second week is fine, third week on is bliss. Once they form to your feet, they are the most perfect fit, and feel as close to safe barefoot as you can be.
They do stretch a tiny bit during break in, but are adjustable.

Would you recommend a style with a backstrap like the Milano or tulum? Or is a backstrap not needed for comfy walking? I regularly put in 15000 steps a day and more so am a bit worried a style without a backstrap might flop off as I'm rushing about

Yes a million percent!
I have the gizeh toe post ones...so comfortable, i wore them through the whole of my pregnancy as they were the only thing that fit my poor swollen feet and then wore them again all of the following summer. I didn't find I needed a back strap they are supportive and don't flip flop

I live in them all summer !

Nothing beats Birkenstock’s.
Love them.

Yes

Can you wear shoes without backs at work? Fit-flops are also very comfy.

Yes mine are years old and come out every summer. I have the classic Arizona, no back strap. They come up a bit big, I bought my normal size and they are ok but a size down would have been better. They took a bit of breaking in but once that was done I can and do walk for miles in them.

Yes! So comfy - I live in Gizehs in the summer! The only thing is if you are likely to get them wet at all they don't last (the cork falls apart) so I usually get a new pair every year. They now have a plastic type sole which I'm thinking of trying this year.

Can't help you with the strap question I'm afraid, but Birkenstocks are a brilliant investment, I got a 'classic' pair in white 12 years ago and they are only just wearing out.

I have classic Arizonas. They do a narrow fit, which I have and they are very comfy.

I can't get on with them the footbed doesn't sit in the right place on my foot.

Are you allowed your toes out at work?!

I prefer Saltwater sandals but it is a matter of preference. I have both and they are both worth it.

I’ve worn them for years but bought a pair with the padded footbed a couple of years ago - what a revelation! Comfiest shoes I’ve ever owned.

I live in my many pairs of Madrid's all summer and have an indoor pair instead of slippers!!

Although a podiatrist friend said fit flops are better for your feet/knees etc

Yes we are allowed sandals/toes out at work, it's a primary setting if that makes a difference? Some people even come in foam flip flops - maybe our head is just lax

I'm excited to choose some now!

I discovered them last summer after loads of foot problems and adore them. I also have Arizona ones. Before kids they would have been too wide for me to keep on without a back strap, but now my feet have spread they were fine. I even invested in Birkenstock shoes and slippers for winter as they are the only shoes that work for me at the moment.

I'm about to buy some more, after a winter in floppy slippers.

If I were working in a school I'd definitely want a back strap. Partly because they'd look more businesslike, mostly to prevent sprained ankles or broken legs.

I have three pairs of Gizeh sandals. I wear them all summer every summer. They are a game changer.

They are really comfortable, I wore them all through my twenties, every summer but I look back at photos now and they looked horrendous so a definite comfort over style.

Totally.

"mostly to prevent sprained ankles or broken legs."

I'm not sure a strap can stop a broken leg! I've been wearing them forever and am yet to suffer either of the above.

Mmm ... I've loved all the slip on styles I've worn, but have had occasional incidents where my foot changed direction but the shoe didn't. I wouldn't want that to be happening if I were running around with children.