Talk to me about Birkenstocks

[hamustro]

The Arizona style, specifically.

I'm going on holiday and need some sandals that are comfy for walking in. Not hiking or anything, but maybe a few hours walking around a city. I don't know if I have particularly knobbly feet but for some reason I'm quite blister-prone, so the backless style of the Arizonas appeals to me.

I've heard a lot of people say they're comfy but is that just for pottering about the garden? As they're backless do they flap around on your feet and cause achey muscles after a while from trying to keep them on, like flip flops?

Absolutely love my Arizonas. So comfortable and can walk for miles in them.

I do have flat, wide feet and they are great for me.

I have to size down for birkies!

I've got Yao ones that are comfy. I'm in my 50s and like comfy shoes that support your arches. They are good for walking around on holiday in. Im not stylish though

I love my birkies. I have around 15 pairs. Never had a blister and they are comfortable for walking in. I only ever wear the Boston's, Eva's, Arizona and the Arizona with the back strap.

Teva are also comfortable for walking in too

I’ve just bought a pair of big buckle arizonas from an outlet. Really helpful staff. They told me that if the size 36 gizeh is perfect then I’d be better with the size 37 narrow in Arizonas. I didn’t believe them but they were right.

£75 instead of £125 so I’m happy with that. On the strength of this thread I’d bought a pair of Lazy Dogz but I sent them back this morning for a refund. They are ok but not even close to birkies. I also couldn’t get on board with the white sole.

Anyway if you’re anywhere near an outlet the prices are good. Madrids from £39, Arizonas from £43. (These were leather). Mostly bright colours or sparkly but worth a look

Totally agree.
I think they look awful. Just my opinion.

ugliest sandal ever!🤐I have never in my life seen somebody's feet look nice in them.

Do you spend a lot of time looking at people's feet as opposed to just noticing their shoes? That's a bit odd.

@LunaTheCat - I also have the midnight suede Kyoto from last summer. They are lovely and look great, but because they fasten with velcro, I have found it increasingly hard, as they stretched with wear, to make them narrow enough to stay on

My Birkenstock's have lasted me a couple of summers and seem to still be going strong! Durable, comfy, sturdy.
I was going to buy a. New pair this summer but after wearing these for so long I want something a bit more feminine. That's probably my only complaint, I just don't think they are all that flattering! That's obviously just personal preference though!

Well worth the money!

I don’t think they are particularly ugly. I’ve seen uglier sandals. They are a design classic and if they’re still going strong after 50 years then they are doing something right.

It’s fine not to like them, it’s fine not to buy them or wear them. The shops are full of options. I like the fact that I’ll still be wearing the pair I bought today for many years.

@Jins do you mind sharing which outlet you used? I never know which ones are genuine. Bought from Amazon in the past but they turned out to be fakes!

I find the ones with one buckle, as opposed to the more substantial two buckle ones, are “flappy” so avoid those for long walks.

I love mine.

Also a vote for teva. Super comfy from the get go.

I found the bottom of my feet were a bit sore the first few times I wore mine, just because the arch was higher than I was used to. But they are lovely now, not an issue at all. I have the Mayari, and the toe part does not cut in at all.

I'm due for a new pair. I think I've had mine for about 5 years, with lots of wear in the summer.

Which style d yku recommend please ? They look very comfy!

I love the single strap Madrid ones and live in them in the summer - various pairs. I can’t we’re flip flops that go between the toes. The only time I had an issue was day two walking round Paris in 38 degree heat. My feet and legs swelled like a pregnant woman’s - never had that before. I ended up, due to sweaty swollen feet, having a blister on the ball of my feet. I think I’d have had similar issues in any shoes that day. We did walk for 9 hours in the crazy heat.

@behaveasbefitsthesituationwillyas it was the official Birkenstock outlet store at Cheshire Oaks. I’m not sure if they are on any of the other McArthur Glen locations.

faustina.. Thankyou for that advice, I wondered about that too.. any they are so expensive!

I find the Next forever comfort similar style more comfortable as they have a softer spongier sole...I don't think they'll last like Birkenstocks but they're only £28

www.next.co.uk/style/st957699/D20934#D20934

I love Birkies, their Kyoto ones are great.

Love my Madrids, soo comfy, no issues walking all day in them

Really.... cobbler?

Would definitely recommend wearing them in before you go away. They're quite stiff under foot at first as the type of material but once they're worn in they're wonderful! I wear mine in the pissing down rain 🤣

Thank you!