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 think if you had feet with second toes that are longer, you might be OK if you just sized up a half size. Because I have a pair that are a bit too big and I mainly notice it in the toe length. There's a bit more space on top of my toes than I need.

@GreenVaseline I have the Grecian footshape and thought I hated birkinstocks/most sandals but I tried on the soft footbed ones and it was love.
They've lasted four years and counting and I'm thinking of adding another colour for this summer.

If they smell I rub a bit of surgical spirit on and leave to dry. It sorts it out.

I got my first pair of Mayaris last summer in metallic taupe and I am converted. I wore them to death and they still look lovely. Going to buy myself another pair this summer so I can alternate. I walked absolute miles in them and they were comfy from the get go, no blisters or wearing in.

Thanks Caesious

Oh, thanks @70sduvet – I haven't tried the softbed ones. I wish I had those nice neat feet where the toeline slopes down in a graceful arc!

Yes so worth it, mine have lasted a few summers. I have a beige two strap pair and a red gizeh pair which suit me for most occasions.
I have the plastic ones too for poolside / beach times, which are also good for round the house as I don't do well with slippers.
They are worth the investment, good quality and comfortable.

I have had several pairs of Madrids over the years. Very comfortable, but even though I rotated them , they still stank after one season. I tried using bicarbonate and deodorant sprays. Last year I bought the Arizona EVA version and I’m very happy with them. I can wash them under the tap if they get grubby. They also come in a narrow version which is better for me. I got them from Shuh with a discount code.
I have also bought various dupes, most of which were rubbish. The pair from Next wore out within days! I do have a Madrid style from Joules which has lasted well, though.

I cannot wear Madrid's! No way. 2 strap all the way.

I've had this pair for years they last forever and are super comfortable.

I highly recommended them.

@bunbakes I have that style too. Super comfy

I have two pairs of black leather Madrids with the normal hard foot bed for house and garden slippers in summer. Tkmaxx had them for £19 at the time I thought they'd wear out much more quickly so I bought 2 pairs. 7 summers later they're still great.

Costco often had deals on Birkenstocks, but they previously only have had Madrids and Gizeh.

I'd like to get a pair and hoping you could advise? I have narrow feet, size 7, should I just order my normal size?

@Garman

I'd like to get a pair and hoping you could advise? I have narrow feet, size 7, should I just order my normal size?

They do a narrow fit. The little foot image on the insole is shaded black on the narrow ones and left unshaded on the standard fit. I found that out when I bought some last year and couldn’t get my fat feet in them despite them being the same size and style as I have worn for years!

BTW, I have size 7 wide feet and get 39 standard fit.

That was for Garman above

I tried 2 or 3 different styles and couldn't get away with any of them. The straps rubbed and I ended up getting awkward ankle/shin pain when wearing them.

Lots of friends and family rave about them so I think of you get on with them then they're amazing.

OP I am also a teacher and live in them all summer... I buy two pairs a year and they are bliss.

Whenthesunshines
Which ones do you have, if you don't mind me asking?

@LolaSmiles

Whenthesunshines Which ones do you have, if you don't mind me asking?

Gizeh and Mayari are my favourites! If I had to choose just one style it would be Mayari.

I buy a 39 regular and wear a size 7 normal shoe/boot but as I say I have wide feet.
I think my actual foot length is more like a 6.5.
I have had Birkenstocks in a 40 but for me they were just a bit too long.

Just to add... When I say ‘wide feet’ I really mean wide and fat feet 🤣

Garman
If your feet are a true size 7 in length I would go for 40 narrow fit.
If you are more 6.5 then 39 narrow fit.

Definitely go narrow as my feet are very chunky and regular is great for me.

Also go for an adjustable style like Mayari.

Thanks for the advice, yes I'm a true 7, definitely not a 6.5.

Whenthesunshines
Maybe I should look again.
PreDC I had even narrower feet than I do now and ended up wearing a size 4.

According to their calculator, for my measurements I need to wear a 5.5 /39 narrow, but most people I've spoken to have seized down.

If I tried them again then I would want one with an ankle strap I think.

I should have said I'm a 5.5 but whereas more DC I'd have gone down fo a 5 where there's no half sizes, now I'd size up to the 6.