Advice on Birkenstocks

[Notarealmum]

I’ve just been advised by a podiatrist that my problem feet would be way better off encased in Birkenstocks. I know many of you ladies love them so I’m here for advice. I’ve worn the ones with just one strap in the past and found they rubbed my feet. Which would you recommend as the most comfortable style in terms of straps etc? I need to walk A LOT in them.

I like the two strap style. I think called Arizona. They don’t slip and have the wonderful moulded Birkenstock sole. I wear them non stop between April and September and they tend to last me two years (tho pretty grubby the second year).

Thanks, the Arizona ones are very popular aren’t they?

I should have also mentioned I have bunions, which means I need a wide fit and straps that don’t rub them. I’ve previously been wearing soft, flexible sandals for comfort but apparently they’re the worst thing for my feet ☹️

I wear Birkenstock trainers. I've only had them about 3 weeks but I 'm gradually wearing then in. They have good, if a bit hard, arch support.
You might want to look at Naot shoes too. They're a bit like Birkenstock but softer and more comfortable.

I like Mayari. My feet don't slip or rub in them

Thanks for the recommendation @Purplepatsy, I’ll have a look at those. I need a firm sole apparently and if they ‘rock’ a little (as in movement, not degree of coolness 😂), so much the better.

Hmm, @bananatuna, they look nice but I think the toe post would be a problem for me, unfortunately.

I've got the leopard air and grace ones which are comfy!

Gizeh are my go to and I can walk miles in them. I can’t get on with the one straps either.

My feet literally hate me btw!

I have bunions and flat feet and I live in my Birkenstocks (2 strap ones mentioned). I even started wearing them with socks when it's chilly

Arizonas. The whole of our family wear them

Milano, they have a strap round the back of the heel so don't fall off and you can drive in them.

www.birkenstock.com/gb/milano-birko-flor-nubuck/milano-core-birkoflornubuck-0-eva-u_650.html

I have wide feet and find Birkenstocks to be the most comfortable footwear. I wear the sandals (Arizona or Mayari) all summer and my house shoes are Birkenstock clogs.
I find regular width wide enough.

I love Birkenstocks - have many pairs - brown, bronze, silver and yellow Arizona, Green Kyoto, slippers, tan suede Boston and also black Montana Shoes

I buy and sell them on eBay - realised I was not wearing all my one strap Madrid ones and so I sold them all

They, to me, feel like I am not wearing shoes

I also live in Arizonas (two straps) and agree they're easier to walk in than Madrids (one strap) I've previously had three strap birks which were very comfortable, can't remember what they're called. I've looked at the trainers, am quite tempted by them if they're quick to break in.

I also have the Mayari. They’re very comfortable! It’s not a toe post in the traditional sense. Excuse my ugly foot

www.natural-footwear.com/?product-page=2
This company sell Naot. I bought the Swetlana sandals from them, they're very comfortable and I like the heel support.

I wear Arizona Eva Birkenstocks (not leather). I began because I sometimes get Plantar Fasciitis, but I have found I need to stay with the brand for indoors and out. If I go back to different shoes, the foot problems return. Quite pricy but last for ever.

I also have the Birkenstock trainers. I’ve worn them every spring, summer and autumn for about 6 years and they are still so comfy even if they’re looking a little ropey now! I also have PF and have definitely had no problems since wearing Birks most of the time. I use the clogs for slippers in the house, and although I love the arizonas they’re not brilliant for longer walks. For that I’ve found the Milano much better. Still the same look as the Arizona but with a back strap for stability. They are expensive, but I’ve found them to be long lasting and hard wearing. If you don’t mind second hand there’s loads on eBay too.

I like Papillio by Birkenstock - they’re lighter on the feet and come in different colours/patterns.

I wear Arizona and Mayari and they're both really comfortable. I never got on with Gizeh, they're too narrow for me.

they also make slipper type shoes and canvas type trainers.
I have the arizone (2 strips) and wear them every day around the house.

I would recommend you try for size. depending on your toe length you need bigger or smaller than your normalshoe size.

good luck.

Thanks, everyone, for your replies, much appreciated! I’m particularly interested in the Milanos as I think the back strap might be helpful.

Ive seen a platform version of the Arizonas online too and like the look of them but it says they’re a narrow fit. Has anyone got these, I’m wondering exactly how narrow they are?

I think I am going to have to try them for size in a shop as you suggest, @greenacrylicpaint rather than just ordering online.

So they don’t rub between your toes, @Emmelina? How long did it take you to get used to wearing them?