Best Birkenstock?

[JackieTheFart]

I’m after treating myself to a new pair. I have two pairs of Madrids- white and a patterned red one - I fancy something a bit different but they’re pricey if not quite right.

I like the look of the Madrid big buckle - has anyone tried them? I like a few of the others but I have hideous square feet and am loathe to try something that’ll look shit. I don’t like the ones with a toe post either - uncomfortable.

I’d prefer a slip on due to pure laziness.

Any recommendations?

@Appuskidu they have most of them in the narrow version which might work better for you.

I have really wide feet and would love a pair. Don't know what would suit me.

My feet are SO wide @Nuggetnugget, not helped by lockdown weight gain.

My Madrids are a size 37 and about 10.5 cm at the widest part, they’re very comfy.

I tend towards gizehs, I have a pair of madrids but I hate the flip flop of them.

Mayari definitely. The cross straps around the big toe and across the front hold your feet well and I don’t get the pain across my other toes from holding on to a toe post like Gizeh.

BUT BEWARE! Birkenstock have started making some cheaper models with artificial backing on the straps which soaks up foot sweat, dirt, seawater etc. I’ve thrown away pairs (metallic silver artificial material) after one season when the leather ones would last years.

I've had Madrid, Arizona and Mayari and my favourite all rounder is Mayari.

This material is called Birko Flor. Avoid!

@Sgtmajormummy

This material is called Birko Flor. Avoid!

Nearly all of these are Birko flor?! Does that mean they all have this cheaper backing on the straps? They aren’t cheap!

www.birkenstock.com/gb/models/madrid/

Yes!
£10 difference in price, HUGE difference in quality IME.

My favourite style is the Madrid, I can't get on with any of the ones that come further up the foot. The first Birkenstocks I bought were in a style that is no longer manufactured, a kind of flip flop like the front toe straps of the Mayari without the strap higher up, can't remember the name of the style - if they were still sold I might still prefer them to the Madrid.

I really like the look of the Yao (new-ish style I think) but can't justify another pair at the price. I did find a much cheaper similar style by another brand in TKMaxx so got those instead... Nothing is quite as good as Birkenstock though!

@Sgtmajormummy

Yes! £10 difference in price, HUGE difference in quality IME.

So do Birkenstock not sell normal Madrid (not the big buckle ones) in anything other than Birko Flor any more?!

@Sgtmajormummy

This material is called Birko Flor. Avoid!

Thanks for posting this. I hadn’t realised there was much difference, and I definitely want longevity!

@TrobadoraBeatrice I like the Madrids I think, as well as square feet I have very short toes so other sandals tend to look a bit weird.

@Howshouldibehave I’ve just looked on the website, there are still some Madrid’s that are all natural. Think they’re suede - these ones are anyway www.birkenstock.com/gb/madrid-suede-leather/madrid-smu-suedeleather-0-eva-w_1600.html#lang=en_GB&q=Madrid

Although I’ve just noticed they’re only in narrow. Fab

I have fake Mayaris I love the toe loop as my feet are a bit narrow and I have big gaps between my very long big toes!

Also the narrow fit Madrid Eva

I’ve just brought my second pair of Mayaris and love them! I have a pair of the Birko Flors from last year and I haven’t had any issues with them. Gone for oiled leather this time. So comfy! I’m not usually one for toe posts but because of the cross over, I barely notice these.

@JackieTheFart

Although I’ve just noticed they’re only in narrow. Fab

That’s rubbish-one pair in one colour and narrow only?!

I’ve decided I don’t want the Big Buckle ones now, I want the same as I’ve always had, but don’t want Birko Flor, so there’s nothing I can buy!

@Caesious they look really nice.

@Howshouldibehave I know I’m really disappointed. Schuh and Office have a fairly good range, but they’re not as forthcoming on the materials and sizing which is annoying.

OP these are Madrid big buckle leather and lovely. I also fancy that Mayaris

@TrobadoraBeatrice were those the Tabora? I had some like that and I think that was the name, I loved them so much!
Also had some Sparta which had 3 straps across and a toe post and a middle bar too. I have had many Birkis!
Agree that the flor ones don’t last quite as well but tbh the footbed got a bit skanky anyway after a while so I could cope with changing them every year.

Mayari here too, though considering a pair of Sydneys

I've got some big buckles!
I didn't find mine fit much differently from regular Madrids.
I also have Gizehs which I prefer for comfort, I've walked up big hills in me Gizehs.

I know you said no toeposts but I am firmly wedded to Gizehs and have .... erm... eight pairs at the last count.

Also 3 pairs of Amsterdams, but I only wear those inside as slippers.

@NotMiranda did they rub when new? I’m ok with normal toe post flip flops but have been told the Gizeh’s rub quite spectacularly until they’re worn in.

[quote JackieTheFart]@NotMiranda did they rub when new? I’m ok with normal toe post flip flops but have been told the Gizeh’s rub quite spectacularly until they’re worn in.[/quote]
It's so long since I bought my first pair (long since consigned to the stinky swamp) that I can't remember, but my feet are so used to them now that breaking in a new pair only ever takes one wear, and it's more the friction on the soles than any issue with the toe post.

Obviously, different strokes for different folks and all that: I have just taken off today's pair to inspect my feet, and there's a perceptible gap on both between big toe and second toe, so that probably helps.