How long should Birkenstocks last?

[ThousandCows]

Am averaging about 2 years per pair for my Mayaris. Have tried both the Birko-Flor and oiled leather, but no apparent difference in durability. I do wear them pretty much constantly in the summer, but I feel like everyone else seems to get more than a couple of years out of theirs... It's specifically the toe-post bit that comes away from the sole, IYSWIM, but I love this particular 'model' and don't really want to switch! Could I be unwittingly abusing them somehow?!

My Arizona's lasted for years until I melted them by propping my feet up on my fire pit. This is not recommended.

I had a pair of Mayaris that lasted almost 10 years of constant summer wear

I've two pairs, Yao and Madrid, both are a couple of years old. Generally I get at least 5 years out of a pair.

I get 2 years of them looking nice and being suitable for work then they are relegated to being a scruffy pair. Mine wear out on the sole at the outer edge of the heel from all the miles. And they just start to look quite grubby but I tend to buy paler colours which doesn't help.

Mine are in their 4th summer and look good.

I had birko-flor Florida's when I was pregnant with DS. I can't remember if I bought them that summer or the year before. DS is now 11, and there is one slightly crumbly patch of cork on the edge that makes me think they don't have all that many summers left.

I wear my birkenstock's a lot. Usually get a couple of years wear out of them.

I have some stuff from Birkenstock to put on the cork which helps prevent cracking where my foot bends.

Mine only lasted 18 months, I was so disappointed. You can't get them anywhere near water, and as I wore mine walking the dogs, they didn't survive at all.

Mind you, I spent the best part of £100 on a pair of so called waterproof Keen sandals, and they've gone in the bin after 2 years.

I'm flat footed, so am hard on shoes but won't try either brand again. I've got several pairs of Clarks that are older than my young adult kids!

I've had mine for 20 years and still wear them 😂

They still look pretty new as well, but I am by no means a daily wearer. I probably wear them 10-20x a year

I’m amazed at these lasting years.

I have a pair l bought last summer. Cracking really badly on the cork sole, literally breaking off and worn down at the back.

I had my first pair for 11 years! I know because I was pregnant with DC1 when I bought them. I wonder whether the quality isn't as good now. Pair no 2 is 2 years old and still going strong, though.

@adrianmolesmole

I have Mayaris and there's a hack for preventing the toe post coming away from the sole - undo the buckle and move the long strap that goes underneath the toe bit to OVER it. It helps stop the toe strap being pulled out as it takes more of the pressure when walking.

I love mine though tbh I haven't worn them much, I prefer my arizonas which I found quicker to break in.

Oooooh! I'm trying that!

I've only ever had Mayaris (or the "sister" company version - can't remember what it's called). When I had a shop and was on my feet all day everyday they'd last about one summer but I bought a pair six years ago when I went back to office work and they're still going strong (hot pink with a black glittery trim since you ask). They don't like going down steep hills though.

I've kept one of the broken pairs because I can just about still walk in them and they're perfect for walking home after a pedicure

They're way too expensive these days though.

@LaCerbiatta

These are probably 3 years old and still okay ish. Will probably get new pair for next year. But weak point for me is always the Cork bit where it bends.

I have this exact style and they’re deteriorated in the same way. The Gizeh toe post is pretty robust though, no problems there.

I got them in 2016 and have worn them at least 4 times a week from April to October every year since, so even if I’m disappointed they’re worn out, the cost per wear must be pretty low!

I've had my black Arizonas since summer 2014 and worn them 164 times (according to Stylebook). They are looking a bit past their best now mind your so I'll probably treat myself to a new pair next year. I seem to have got them in a sale for £28 too! That was pretty good value even for 2014..

I only get 2 summers out of mine these days. I do walk a lot of miles in them though.

I got my first pair of Madrid when pg 13 years ago and they did about 5/6 years
.....since then they do 2 years max. I do wear them all the time and I agree don't get them wet.

Mine lasted nearly 30years.
Classic Arizona green suede.
Over the years the cork and sole got glued together many times.

When there was no cork left to glue and the sole was dangerously flapping I threw them out.

I loved them and wore them loads.