Birkenstocks: are they worth the money?

[BansheeofInisherin]

I walk a LOT as I do not have a car ( London). Up to 10 km per day. Are Birkies really as comfy as everyone says and worth the high price? I have very narrow feet. Usually, i just wear trainers. But fancy a change as summers getting hotter.

Which one is the most comfy ( and least ugly). I think I might want silver or dark grey, and easy to put on and slip off.

Big ass, clumpy ass, ugly things. Like a block of wood on your feet. Right, off to bane change and move. Sorry!!!!

Comfortable but hard

not for me

I went to a running shop and got some assics trainers for walking - huge insoles so really good for walking and good for my ankle stability

I've started wearing mine (up to now only worn in the house) to gigs or places where I'll be standing a lot.
Walking a lot - not so much (but that's just because i don't have a heel strap on mine and they are ancient so the inside is polished a lot and my feet slide around a bit.

I can't remember the name of mine, and i don't think they do them any more, but they have one strap that snakes from the inside, by the big toe, round to the opposite side of the foot very close to back of your heel, then another 2, one that goes from by your instep across to the outside, it splits into 3 the first covers my little toe, the other ends on the other side of where your instep is. It is threaded through the first strap. Then a final strap that goes from the inside towards the back and buckles into the tirst strap. That is your only adjustment opportunity. I love them because they cover a lot of my toes, which i hate.

Looking for another pair if anyone knows the name of them?

Definitely go and try some, you can buy different sole types which might be more suited.
I had the type that went between your toes first and they were horrendous and I sold them on vinted in the end.
I got some two buckle ones and although they are comfy, they are also way to wide for my feet even with the buckles done up! Comfy enough for my fat pregnant feet in summer now though!

I have wide feet - G - and I need a narrow fit in Arizonas but my Gizehs are perfect in the standard footbed but a size smaller. They are worth every penny if they suit your feet but the worst purchase ever if the size or style is wrong for you.

I can and have walked miles in both but if I know I’ll be walking then I prefer my Tevas. I rarely bother with trainers from Spring to Autumn

I love mine for mooching about but I can’t walk miles in them … blisters all over and I’ve had them for years

Would you mind letting me know if your Bostons are the same size as your others please? Been thinking about buying them for a few months now! Also, what material / finish did you go for and are you happy with them? Thank you!

I think you would be better served with a specific walking sandal from a brand like Teva

I can't get on with the footbed.

I've got 6 pairs (it's all I wear in summer), I walk everywhere too as I don't drive usually 8km a day just doing the school runs. I've found Madrid vegan leather and tulum suede in narrow to be the best for walking long distances, the tulum ones are the comfiest footwear I've ever had. I've got Arizona ones and I can't wear them for long walks the leather is so hard despite me trying everything to soften it. I've recently got some sienna ones and they are comfy but not as good as the other two.

I'm on my 3rd pair of Mayari Birkenstocks and love them. I usually find when I first start wearing them that my feet need to get used to them again but once settled, they're fab. I've always found them to be hard wearing and mine have never been smelly (as was discussed on a thread ages ago).

However I'm starting to wonder if they're truly worth the money as there are cheaper alternatives out there.

I think it's getting them wet that makes them smell ... you can get the footbed replaced easily though, if a pair that you like otherwise and leather part is good.

I have just bought Arizonas, have a pair of Madrids (which are more 'dressy' - using the term loosely LOL - for me ... but my heart belongs to Gizeh really, and I have a fair few pairs.

Me too. I'm a big 8, but a 7 in Birkenstock

My feet are already sporting their summer Myari tan 😂

Love them, they’re comfy from the off for me, and have walked miles in them on holidays.

I did deviate into a pair of M&S footbed (Kids! I have small feet) sandals, which are also proving to be a good buy.

I think a lot of the love/hate relationships with Birkies have to do with the shape and size of people’s feet, so it is really individual whether you find them comfortable or not.

@TheLongpigs yes, mine are the same size, but I often wear socks with them ( sexy, I know ) I have the wool finish which is not ideal for the weather in Scotland, but I have had them now for 5-6 years, and while I don’t choose to go out in the rain in them, they have survived the odd shower.
They are my go-to for mooching about my local area, but I wouldn’t walk the dogs in them.

Yes I have Arizona, Gizeh and Madrid. Had 10 pairs I think over the years. Arizona are so comfy and they suit narrow feet

depends on the design of your feet, they never worked for me as I have high arches and they offer no arch support so I end up doing lots of pronation while walking, those bumps on the inside hurt me. I need a shoe with 3 or 4 cms elevated heel to walk long distances comfortable . I would say try them on and walk inside the store a few minutes see how you feel. They're definitely well made and high quality shoes.

I have bright pink Madrid birkies, they're patent and were hell to break in, but now they're amazing, I walked round Berlin in them a few years ago. I wear them all year round around the house and in summer I wear them outside. I can walk miles in them. They're my third pair, I've had black ones and bronze ones. Just make sure you get the narrow fitting.

I’ve got Arizonas and while they’re ok for short walks round town etc there are far comfier shoes out there - there’s no way I could walk miles on them.

I’ve recently bought a pair of blush suede Arizonas with a soft footbed, and I love them

I have one strap Madrid, and now wide big buckle Madrid in size 37.
Super comfy, I walk miles and miles and they never rub.
Can't wear two strap, they press on the top of my foot even in the shop.
Been wearing them for about 18 yrs now (different pairs obvs) but they do last several years, even worn every day.
Try styles in the shop, and avoid suede if you want to do miles and keep them looking new.

Nothing has ripped my feet to shreds as much. Every year I try and wear them but the second I have to walk more than a few hundred metres, blister time.

Yes they are. Most comfy shoes ever.

I am pretty much living in my Gizehs now it’s summer. Day 1 was hell, with lots of arch pain that night, but from day 2 they’ve been the most comfortable sandal ever.

I have a series of spinal issues & can limp (numbness & peripheral nerve damage) and they’re the only sandals I have ever worn that make my feet feel secure & protected.

Being my first Birkenstocks, I did cheat a little and bought a (very clean, clear footbed!) second hand pair from eBay as I couldn’t justify full price with the back issues throwing off my gait. I’ve made many a bad shoe decision before so that I have to give them away as they’re useless for my particular movement quirks.

I will definitely be buying more (second hand & new) in the near future! Perfect for all day walking with my stick, mooching around Tesco or a quick fling of the dogs around the park, and smart enough to wear with formal maxi dresses too. I love them. Arizonas next I think!