Birkenstocks WTF? 😳

[SecretSwirrel]

I was just wondering what colours Birkenstock are doing this year and had a quick look on their website. I’m sure they used to be about £60ish full price and I only ever bought them reduced/in the sale so usually pay much less. They are £90-£105 - massive price increase…why oh why?

I won't buy them secondhand unless BN but do usually buy in end of season sales or discontinued. I've never found any in my size (6) in TKMaxx they always seem to be only in much smaller or larger sizes.

They've done vegan and leather versions of many styles for ages.

I thought exactly the same this year, mine have lasted three years of near constant wear but looking a bit shabby. I got some dupes in rose gold from the Next Kids range for £25 and they are just as comfy, go up to size 6.

Thanks, I’ve only had two pairs, both leather so just assumed the standard was leather but I understand now it’s not.

I managed to get some on vinted, there’s no way I’m ever paying £105 for them! I know they’ve recently got more popular but they end up getting pretty stinky after a while - not that special!

Moshulu look good, will give them a go next time.

I’ve tried Birkenstocks repeatedly (ok maybe twice) and had to send them back both times as they felt AWFUL. The ridges were uncomfortable and my toes felt like they had to ‘grip’ too much.
I went for Saltwaters instead, they work much better for my feet (no cheaper though!)

Where are you all looking for Birkenstocks? I got my new Madrids from John Lewis in April for £65.

I got mine for £55 in John Lewis a couple of weeks ago.

I can’t wear Madrids (I need a strap over the instep or they flap about and start my plantar fasciitis up again, which is annoying as they usually seem to be cheaper than the other styles. Arizona, Gizeh and Mayari are my usuals. There are a few places with cheaper Mayaris but only in black.

I have arizonas but with a back strap so that these are proper sandals. Worth every penny.

@redbigbananafeet yup give them a good scrub with antibacterial wash and when dry chuck in the freezer for a few days job done.
No different to any other 2nd hand clothing. Once washed it's fine.

I must be the only one who finds them totally uncomfortable. They always give me blisters on the soles of my feet.

https://genuins.com/products/hawaii-kahiko-genuins-x-peseta?variant=40046361608275

I have these in pink glitter, got them half price in TKMaxx, I can't see the difference between them and Birkenstock.

I thought I had them broken in but a lot of walking over the last couple of days I have an enormous blister on the sole of my foot. Just like Birkenstocks

With Birkies though they mould to the shape of your foot and that’s how they become more comfortable - I wouldn’t fancy a second hand pair that’s been moulded to the shape of somebody else’s foot?

For years I have always had the proper brand name Birkenstocks but this year couldn’t justify the price so got a pair of the Primark dupes and honestly they’re just brilliant! I can’t really tell the difference. I’ve been wearing them all weekend, super comfy and so cheap. I think they were £7-9ish. Something like that. Even if they fall apart by the end of the summer I’m happy with that.

Birkies last ages , I’ve got a few pairs of the Arizona style that are years old and still look good . I don’t have to break them in as I apparently have Birki shaped feet .

I have just had the foot beds and soles replaced on my favourite pair of Birkenstocks (black metallic snakeskin😁- couldn't find a replacement at all, let alone at a price I was willing to pay). Still not a cheap process at £60, but they are basically like new. Worth considering if you have any favourites where the leather is good, it's the cork that has died.

I've just got some Mayari from Humphries Shoes for £59.99. Online purchase and free shipping with 2-4 delivery ( were delivered earlier). I also was shocked at the price in Office & Shuhh etc so did an online search.

Oxygen from https://footbeds.co.uk/ are a fraction of the price and are more comfortable than Birkenstocks for my feet.

@MsRinky Oxygen look nice. Would you say the arch support is as defined as Birkenstocks. I have a few Birkenstocks and a few similar cheaper types. I find the cheaper ones don't tend to have as robust an arch support. I have tried various from TK Maxx and I think Aldi (which were quite good).

Also would you say sizing is similar to Birkenstock

I just bought my new pair direct from Birkenstock - they're the Madrid big buckle ones in the shade 'Matcha' which I fancied for summer

They were £95 so not cheap but I've been wearing the shearling ones as slippers over winter and they were about £130

@Jewel1968 hmm, I don't currently have any Birkis to compare to, but it's possible the Oxygen arch support is slightly different, that maybe why I find them more comfortable. I'm always a size 39 though, so would say the sizing is consistent.

Not that I sell my Birkies - I get rid when they are totally giving up the ghost - but I am with you on this one 🤮

I was given some size 4 Birkenstocks which I was planning on selling. No idea what price to put on them. I’ll have to take a photo.

What sort, I am in the market for some size 37 standard width birkies