Any thoughts on Birkenstocks?

[Stockwell20]

I really fancy the Birkenstock Arizona, never had Birkenstock before, are they worth it? True to size? Or any other recommendations? Thanks

I love my Arizona's. I managed to melt my old ones at BBQ last year by popping
my feet up on a stone fire pit (not recommended) and have replaced them with an identical pair for this year.

I love them and have several pairs ( some are around 8 years old). Arizona soft footbed and the ones I recommend to a newbie. Also measure your feet and look on their website for the correct size. Then look for cheapest place to buy!

@SaturdayRocks

They are fugly and make your feet look ginormous. But I am in NZ and literally everyone wears them through summer - men and women, young and old, so...

I have numerous pairs of gizeh, they don’t make my feet as big as other birkinstocks

I love them

There's a good reason they are everywhere. Comfortable (for most people) and last ages. You might want to try a pair to see if you get on with footbeds.
I'm a Mayari wearer too. Fugly (comfortable) shoes rule.

See I think they’re quite cool looking, not what I would call ugly. Word of warning if you’re new to them, it does take a day or two to get used to them imho. You’ll think: “Hang on, these are a bit hard on the soles of my feet.” Then they start moulding to the shape of your feet and from then on, they’re dead comfy.

I had a pair of the Arizona sandals years ago and couldn’t get used to them so sold them on eBay. I normally wear Saltwaters all summer but I’ve been swayed by seeing the white Arizona ones everywhere and have ordered another pair. I will persevere longer this time.

I love them and buy them most years. They last a long time and you can walk a long way in them comfortably. I’m getting the rose suede 2 strap Arizona this year.

I have several pairs, Arizona, Mayari and Gizeh. I absolutely love them.

Really comfy! Buy your usual size for length, there is supposed to be a bit of room at your toes and heel to allow for space when you walk. The narrow/wide fittings are what give the perfect fit.

Also the soft foot beds are so so comfy!

I couldn’t get on with mine. They never softened. I ordered a pair of the eva ones in the Christmas sales but they made an unfortunate sucking:farting noise so I had to send those back.

I really wanted to love mine, but just didn’t get in with them. The just felt too flat for me, almost like my heel was lower than everywhere else on my foot, though my friend swears by them.

@Brogues

I couldn’t get on with mine. They never softened. I ordered a pair of the eva ones in the Christmas sales but they made an unfortunate sucking:farting noise so I had to send those back.

I cried when i first wore mine, they were so painful

I didn’t have a lot of money and they cost quite a bit and i was upset at the waste

But i had baths and wore then after and everything they suggest and I finally broke them in

I have a horrible feeling that the birkenstocks actually broke my feet in because ive not had a problem with them since then

Have them on now. Love them.

Thanks so much everyone for the advice, given I usually spend summer in flip flops or cheap primark sandals I think my feet are in for a treat!

I have these, they're on their 4th summer but this will probably be their last. Despite being a toepost they're really comfortable. www.amazon.co.uk/Birkenstock-Womens-Multicolor-Birko-Flor-Sandals/dp/B01J4ER8QG/ref=sr_1_2?dchild=1&keywords=birkenstock+shiny+snake&tag=mumsnetforu03-21&qid=1619366235&sr=8-2

I have mayaris in bronze, silver, a rainbow black colour and white. Love em. So damn comfortable.

I don't get the love at all. They're so fugly. Mind you, I'm the same about clumpy boots but they seem really popular on here.

My thoughts are they are outdated AF

I used to wear the white Arizona in 2015 when I worked at Topshop as an 18 year old. They looked cute back in the day with an ankle tattoo and ankle grazers with a crop top. I think times have moved on now.

Personally I didn’t like the sizing - a 3 was too tight but a 4 too large. Both sizes leading to slight foot scuffs/blisters so generally uncomfortable. I hated when they start to get foot sweat imprints. They didn’t wash well either.

I fancy a pair of the new Tulum kind, that have a back strap. They’re suede though and I wonder how practical they’d be. My ancient Arizona’s have served me very well. They are so comfortable.

I have a pair of Madrids that I bought when I was 20. I am now 37 and still wear them!

I like them and am eyeing a pair for when my current comfy (ugly) sandals wear out. My only hesitation is that they seem to be everywhere at the moment... I know they are a long established brand and have always been popular, but I think there has been a surge in popularity recently? Anyway, that's what would make me hesitate. I don't mind ugly sandals which nobody else wears, but weirdly, it would bother me if I looked as if I was copying everyone else . Weird of me, I know.

Assuming you aren't a total weirdo like I am, then go for it. I hear many good things!

I think Birkenstocks are kind of universal like Converse or Doctor Martens - they've been around the same for so long that it's not really a case of whether they are dated or not.

I have a few pairs. I only wear Madrid ones though and just got my Big Buckle Madrid ones. Just have to get my feet into some sort of presentable state now. I alternate between Birkies and Saltwater sandles.

I think they are both universal and also have had a bit of a moment. So I'm holding off for the moment. Also, my fugly sandals are still ok.

I actually think the same thing about DMs and Converse about 10 years ago when everyone wore them to their weddings etc