Birkenstock Boston clogs, which material?

[LynneBenfield]

I love my Arizonas and Madrids and I’ve been eyeballing the Bostons for A/W. I really like the aesthetics of the wool felt versions but am concerned about the durability in typical British A/W weather, as they will be an outdoor shoe (they are the ones with the proper sole, not the felt slipper clogs). The natural leather version will be more durable but are much more austere looking. Does anyone have the wool versions and can offer thoughts?

(I’m not interested in the non-leather or suede versions)

I had the felt ones last year. Mostly as indoor slippers but also for wearing outside a bit. I was really disappointed with the durability - I've got small children and do a lot of crawling about on the floor and the felt rubbed away to nothing where it meets the sole. Only lasted a few months... they might have done better if they'd only been used for walking, but I certainly wouldn't buy them again.

Oh that’s useful to know. They are very expensive for that to happen, @JofraArchersFastestBall !

I have the dark grey wool/felt ones, but I do only wear them indoors and to pop to the corner shop. Mine have lasted really well though and look like new. (I got them last winter I think)

I think they'd be fine outside, just not in the rain probably.

I was also tempted by the fur lined ones but they don't come in a dark grey

I have had both-the leather lasted well but marked easily. I liked the look of the felt/wool ones and they are v comfortable but I tend to only wear them inside as slippers now so don’t know how they’d hold up with the weather.

I tried some on last year but didn't buy them. They didn't feel very robust on my foot - too loose.

I have just received the Birkenstock trainers and can't decide on the sizing. I ordered the same size as I wear in sandals. But not sure if the length is right.

I also had a thread about Bostons this weekend. I agree that the leather seem too austere and also I think the colour looks too flat. I tried on some felt ones but they didn’t feel sturdy enough, I have the felt slippers which I love for home but I can’t imagine wearing felt out. I’ve ordered some oiled leather ones as they look the least austere in online photos. There is also a colour called Iron that comes up under grey on the Birkenstock website that looks a bit softer but I thought too brown for me.

Sorry @Thinkle, I didn’t see your thread. I’ll look it up . I’ve seen the iron but they won’t work with most of my wardrobe. I quite like the oiled finish, there aren’t any locally to try on though. I might order pair of the normal leather and the oiled to try at home.

I’ve got the black leather ones being delivered today. I’ll post a pic of them when they arrive, whether I keep them or not, as it may be useful for others to see the finish.

Hmm. They came. I ordered them in my usual Birkie size (a size smaller than shoes) and they fit perfectly with bare feet but I need to size up for thick socks, even though I can wear my Arizonas with thick socks with no problems at all. They seem to be narrower than my Arizonas (standard width). I like the finish though, they are more matte than I was worried they might be and the leather is fairly thick. The surface does look like it would mark but I prefer birks to look a bit lived in, so think a few scuffs and a bit of surface wear will do them good, aesthetically.

I think they can look austere. I have black leather and a brown oiled leather. I wouldn't wear the black pair with a black skirt for fear of looking funeral. BUT Bostons with socks is a combination that is a real pleasure to wear!

Just to update this thread. I ended up sending the Bostons back and bought the Scholl Grace (black) instead, which are the equivalent of the shearling lined Birks. They are more matte than they appear in the attached photos.

Excuse the modelling outfit, I’ve not been outside further than the wheelie bin dressed like that.

@LynneBenfield On the off chance you see this could I ask how you found the Grace for sizing and comfort please? Are they rain resistant? Thanks in advance

Hi. The Grace are really good if you need a wider toe box and there’s a little bit of adjustment with the buckle. Size-wise, I think I bought my normal size, rather than sizing down like I do in Birks. They come far enough up my feet not to flop off. The leather is pretty sturdy and fairly rain resistant. The sole is much better for ‘outdoors’ than the Birks sole, it has better grip and is harder wearing. The fluffy inside has held up well too but it’d probably get smelly/grubby if you weren’t wearing socks. They are easier to break-in than Birks but they are a little heavier. Worth trying on.

Assuming you’re in the UK, I wouldn’t get them from the Scholl site though as apparently there are issues with returns which now have to be sent to Germany. Buy them from a UK retailer, in case you need to return them.

I ordered these and the Hush version to compare and kept the Hush version. I found the Birkie leather a bit flat in real life, I would’ve liked the suede ones but they were out of stock. More than happy with my Hush version

Thanks so much! Hugely appreciated. J Just managed to nab a pair in my usual size from Office at 50% off!

Ah thanks a lot, I will need to look at Hush as a potential alternative option!