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Original poster

Are Birkenstocks comfy?

42 replies

ThankYouVeryMuchGerry · 08/04/2022 18:13

I'm going on holiday in a fortnight and I'm thinking of buying a pair of Birkenstocks so just wanted to know if they are comfortable for walking around in - not massively far walking, more just strolling about the resort.

Also, do they take a lot of breaking in? What are the best type to get?

OP posts:
Saltyquiche · 08/04/2022 18:14

Is the pope catholic?

WeBuiltCisCityOnSexistRoles · 08/04/2022 18:19

I just know I'm going to be in the minority saying this on a MN Birkenstocks thread Wink but I fucking hate them. I like the look of them but they're just so fucking uncomfortable. I've tried a few pairs and they have cut my feet to ribbons, I've never been able to break them in. I do have really small feet so maybe that's why they rub more though?

Beamur · 08/04/2022 18:21

I love them. Not sure I'd risk it without making sure they're comfy first though. Once it's warm enough I'll wear nothing else until it snows. Even then I have been known just to pop some socks on.

MummaOf4Horrors · 08/04/2022 18:23

Yes!! My absolute fav summer footwear

EasterDecorations · 08/04/2022 18:23

Oh yes, I live in them in summer (apart from at work). SO comfy. Wore mine today even though it was only 8C outside - wasn’t out for long mind you.

Amelion · 08/04/2022 18:24

I have several pairs and find them really comfy. But you definitely need to try them on as my husband finds Birkenstock’s horribly uncomfortable.

Emmelina · 08/04/2022 18:25

As soon as it’s warm enough I live in them.

florianfortescue · 08/04/2022 18:26

They mould to your feet so you do have to break them in but once they fit you they're the comfiest thing ever. I wear mine with thin socks around the house for a while to start with. #sexy

caecilius1 · 08/04/2022 18:28

The 2 strap Arizonas are. The Madrid style not so much imo.
I've got a Gizeh pair too-they're better than the Madrid but nowhere near as comfy as the Arizona style.
They definitely need breaking in.

Twiceover · 08/04/2022 18:29

Yes, sooooo comfortable. But only after worn in - keep some plasters handy! I always go a size down on my normal shoe size as they come up large.

Ionlydomassiveones · 08/04/2022 18:31

This reply has been withdrawn

This has been withdrawn at the poster's request.

KirstenBlest · 08/04/2022 18:32

I have several pairs. My lovely arizonas aren't comfortable but my madrids and milanos are. Not sure why the difference

I do like them

caecilius1 · 08/04/2022 18:34

Are your feet a regular width OP?
Otherwise if you've very narrow feet, I think you can buy the narrow width.
I have to have the regular size Birks fastened on the narrowest buckle setting. Part of the reason I don't get on with the 1 strap Madrid Birks is because they're not supportive enough and they flap around even on the narrow west Buckle setting.

IvorCutler · 08/04/2022 18:36

So comfortable. Bostons were comfortable from day 1, arizonas made fart noises for a week but were great after 👍

Girlwhowearsglasses · 08/04/2022 18:39

Did you know they do narrow fitting? Depends on your feet but I always buy them (but size up)

imnottoofussed · 08/04/2022 18:45

I like mine but only for slow casual walking around. I wore them sightseeing in Rome and had a blister after 30 minutes of proper walking.

Lavenderlid · 08/04/2022 18:45

I love mine but for proper working I need the ones with back straps, I could manage around Tesco in Arizona's but not a walk around a shopping centre.(to give an example)

Concestor · 08/04/2022 18:46

Only comfortable once broken in but two weeks isn't long enough to do that. I've found that lookalikes are comfortable instantly though.

TheLadyGrayson · 08/04/2022 18:47

I have made this mistake before.. really wouldn’t recommend them for a holiday with lots of walking around, go for trainers instead. Had mine for a few years now and still wouldn’t wear them on a day out, they’ve never moulded to fit comfortably ☹️

earsup · 08/04/2022 18:52

No...found them awful...gave up and now in charity shop...!!

dudsville · 08/04/2022 18:52

I never have to break them in. I find them really comfy. But some don't. I think it's the arch partly. I have a reasonable one and the moulded foot bed is perfect for me. If you don't want to risk it but want to try them be sure to get a pair with the "soft foot bed", these are extra amazing!

ISeeTheLight · 08/04/2022 18:53

I really don't find them comfortable. Give me soft supple leather any day.

AuntieMarys · 08/04/2022 18:55

I can't wear Madrids. They rubbed the top of my foot.

Hisea · 08/04/2022 18:57

They are comfy but if I walk for too long in them they rub the underneath of my feet Sad

LadyOfTheCanyon · 08/04/2022 18:58

Nope, awful. I can never get past the moulding in phase. It's completely counterintuitive to ask people to buy shoes that feel like shit and hurt for weeks on the basis that they feel bearable in a while.

I have normal, slightly wider than average feet but can manage to get by in virtually ANY OTHER BRAND than Birkenstocks without the bedding in phase.

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