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?

Primary teacher here and our on-site risk assessment says all footwear must have a back-strap, unfortunately. Otherwise I am in my Arizonas or Mayaris from spring until autumn. They make your feet look very attractive!

I have Arizonas and Madrid.
I would prefer the Arizonas to have a strap at the back, so would next get the Milano.

They are worth it IMO. I've had mine a long time.

Hmm..I bought some “proper” ones last year (I have the plastic ones) and my feet were killing me after wearing them (the footbed as a pp mentioned - they have a kind of “hillock” on them - however I’m going to give them another go this summer. And beware of the plasticky ones as your feet make farty noises as you walk (I gave mine to my sister - these other ones may go the same way!)

@BikeRunSki same here, Blundstones for fall and winter, Birks for the warm weather

@Seafog, today is my first anniversary of working at home. I cat remember the last time I wore formal shoes. I mostly wore Blundstones to work, but as per PP, we were (are) not allowed backless sandals at work.

Totally worth it, I live in mine most of the year.

I love my Arizona pair. Only way to keep plantar fasciitis at bay in summer, for me.

I like them but I think they are inappropriate for work and particularly when there may be a strict uniform for children. Examples and all that jazz.

I didn't get on too well with them but did read that flip flops are bad for the feet ?

I have two pair, the Arizona's are good for walking further. The Madrid's are good for just for trundling around. I have Big buckle Madrid's, they're lovely.

@randomMess

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

Me too! Have about 18 pairs including a v old and knackered 'garden' pair

I have fitflop and birkenstocks. The fitflop has a weird plastic sole that irritates my foot when it gets hot. The only downside with the Birkenstocks is if you kneel down a lot and bend your toes then the cork sole cracks. I have narrow feet and like that they do a narrow fit one and that the straps are adjustable.

I've worn loads of Midrids over the years (single strap and buckle over the front) in silver, white etc.

I would say about Madrid's is they do "flap" when you walk and make that flop flip noise. You must also use a foot file and file and paint your nails (even in a clear varnish) otherwise they can look a bit hippyish.

I can't wear them. Well I can the single strap ones but only for slopping about at home. Keeping them on is too hard for any distance
I love the 2 strap ones but they hurt the top of my foot. Perhaps I have a high in step? I can only wear them if I walk strangely and put my foot down completely flat. If I lift my heel to walk they hurt
I have havianas with a back strap for summer and I can walk all day in them

Yes. Been wearing them for at least 20 years and some of my pairs are 8 or more years old. Usually get a new pair each year

I think different shoe lasts suit different people. My mother can't wear Clarkes, they don't fit her; I maintain M&S shoes come with a complimentary blister. I like Birkies but they are the wrong shape for my foot/arch/instep. Josef Siebel however are divine - as were a Clarke's birkie rip off from 8 years ago which are headed for the bin. Hotter have something I like with two straps this year which I may order as a replacement.

100%
So comfortable and long lasting. I can walk for miles in mine.

Yes! I love them and have been thinking about buying the shoe and boot versions too, as the sandals are so comfy. I wear the Gizeh style, usually buy a pair every 2 or 3 years, but you can get them repaired - there's a place you can send them for about £25 and they replace the footbed and sole and they come back like new, so I'm thinking of doing that next time - less wasteful. I have narrow feet and high arches and wear the narrow footbed birks.

Anyone else find the footbed starts smelling after a while? I'm not a smelly person but was disgusted at the stench coming from my feet in Birkenstock's.

Are they good for narrow feet?

@TwoBreakingIntoOne

I can't wear them. Well I can the single strap ones but only for slopping about at home. Keeping them on is too hard for any distance I love the 2 strap ones but they hurt the top of my foot. Perhaps I have a high in step? I can only wear them if I walk strangely and put my foot down completely flat. If I lift my heel to walk they hurt I have havianas with a back strap for summer and I can walk all day in them

Which Havianas pls?

@RosesAndHellebores

I think different shoe lasts suit different people. My mother can't wear Clarkes, they don't fit her; I maintain M&S shoes come with a complimentary blister. I like Birkies but they are the wrong shape for my foot/arch/instep. Josef Siebel however are divine - as were a Clarke's birkie rip off from 8 years ago which are headed for the bin. Hotter have something I like with two straps this year which I may order as a replacement.

Could you share a link?

Re smelly Birkies, I find the best approaches are to have a couple of pairs so that they can dry out, if it’s a sunny day I leave them on the garden table to air and the sun can get at the bacteria. If they are really minging I make a paste with bicarbonate of soda and water, leave to dry and then brush off.

I love mine and have worn them all year - with socks at home. Very sexy.
I find they only last a year or two though, suspect I am quite hard on mine. Also rate Saltwater sandals as I prefer backless Birkies but can't drive in them.

I live in Arizonas from Easter til September - primary school teacher here. They take a bit of getting used to, and need breaking in, so might hurt your arch initially. I always get the leather ones, they age well! last year I got some with Big Buckles - sooo nice!