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?

I have walked for miles in gizehs a nd been comfortable. . They are so worth it.

Your toes. Your poor little toes. Won't the be a bit vulnerable in a primary school classroom? I'd be too worried about a spiky footed chair leg landing on them.

@GrumpyHoonMain I have narrow feet and get the narrow fitting Birkenstock's

I have birkenstock shaped feet so I love them but know that not everyone's feet fit their lasts. For looks, I like the Gizeh, it has enough structure on the top to stay on your foot without a heel strap. Some people find the the toe post a challenge though, as it's quite stiff. I could never get on with Madrids (or most flip flops in general) because after a while my toes start to 'claw' trying to hold them on while I walk.

Milano style (2 broad straps plus heel strap) are really comfy, but can make you look like a small child.

I have a pair of havainas with a heel strap - they've stopped doing the model I had but still do similar ones www.havaianas-store.com/en/havaianas-twist/4144756.html?dwvar_4144756_color=BLACK&cgid=

Love them, but only wore them when pregnant as my feet swelled and normal work shoes did not fit. Not usually allowed open toes.

I've had a few different styles over the last 20 years I've walked miles and miles in them and never had a problem.

You don't need a back strap, just don't get the one strap ones like the Madrid. Get the ones that have straps higher up the top of your foot and ot will stay on fine. I've mostly had Arizonas, but also love the Mayari as it's a bit more delicate looking.

I love my gizeh's-have a few pair and wear them a lot!!

I easily walk 15,000-20,000 steps a day and they are perfect.

I dread winter when they get put away!!

I find the cork ones amazing. Like bare feet once broken in.

I'm currently wearing some plasticky sole ones & I don't love them. They look cheap, don't mould to your foot like cork, make farty noises & slide around if your feet are sweaty.

Still comfortable, but no more so than my £10 supermarket sandals (which I bought in an emergency when my cork soled birkies finally fell apart in the mall after many years of service!).

Very comfortable once they have moulded to your food shape after a few wears.
And worth the money.

But I am now converted to Fit Flops. For some reason they really tone my legs?! It could all be in the mind but they are comfy, anyway.

I got mine 12 years ago when pregnant, swollen fat feet they were a saviour....they finally really really need replacing this summer! I can’t wear flip flops as I can’t stand things between my toes!
So comfy I’m just hoping the next pair are as comfy

GrumpyHoonMain
You can't get my favourites any more. The strap is diagonal across the foot
These have a back strap
images.app.goo.gl/kj1EgQgGKGxu2zEw6

I have these too
images.app.goo.gl/o3Favghf6iVmiTm16

These off ebay are like my favourites but a different colour
www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BNWT-Havianas-flip-flops-pink-rose-gold-size-39-40-6-6-5-/373486576717?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49292

I love mine. Had a few pairs now and treated myself to the vegan felt ones as slippers which are just lush. I’d wear them
To work if I could

Yes! Use the measuring guide on the website to see if you need the regular or narrow footbed. Also the soft footbed ones are comfier, I think. I have tan suede Arizonas and I love them :)

Heaven is the Arizona, in suede with the soft foot bed. Ahhh, I can't wait for summe!

@dudsville me too! I've just got mine out the box and worn them in the house for a bit 🤣 Need to paint my toenails! 😳

@GrumpyHoonMain I don't know how to link from my phone but if you Google Hotter and Google Voyager they should come up. They aren't as edgy as birdies but I know they won't hurt me. Clarkes have something similar this year but I don't like the white soles.

I've tried them so many times but can't get a decent fit. I don't think they are suited to those of us with the Grecian style foot... the one where the second toe is longer than the first. I've never found any footbed sandals that are.

waitingforsun, I sat outside in the sun today just starting ay my very pale feet and thinking about varnish and how it's time to start trimming nails with a little more care!

I've always been a Arianna or Madrid girl but fancy Yao or Mayari this time. Anyone had these and can recommend?

Arianna? Arizona!

Also had Boston once and couldn't get on with them.

I have had several pairs. They are fantastic. They really work for me because I have narrow feet that over pronate. They come in narrow sizes and provide good arch support.

My slippers are now Birkenstocks and they are really comfy and supportive for cooking etc.

I do recommend the three strap version (Florida) over the two strap Arizona as they are more stable on the foot for walking etc.

I felt bad about spending so much on slippers but they are worth it.

Birkies are ace. I always go soft footbed and narrow fit (they’re very wide fitting!)