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Original poster

Those Birkenstock things - do you like them?

34 replies

getthemfromlidlme · 27/12/2023 10:01

The slip on ones.

Seen people wearing them with socks and I know it looks 'off' in a way but I really like it Grin

Does anyone know where I can buy a reasonable looking knock off pair? Not really wanting to spend the £100+ on a pair as the fabric looks quite easily damaged.

OP posts:
MistletoeRegrets · 27/12/2023 10:35

GrinIn the words of the whole of MN Are you very young? Because Birkenstocks really aren’t the strange innovation you seem to believe. They’ve been around a long time.

But buying knock-offs would rather be missing the point. It’s the footbed you’re paying for, not a style statement. The non-leather versions are cheaper (I prefer the leather) but you can often find all types substantially discounted, at TK Maxx for example.

YYURYYUCICYYUR4ME · 27/12/2023 11:36

My Birkenstocks are my go to when the weather permits, which is far more than just a few very warm months. I have one leather (4 years), one faux leather (3 years) and the pool side versions (3 years and counting) and they have been worn repeatly, do not hurt my feet or cause pain (which is something that happens with some shoes now regardless of fit) and I often forget I am wearing them. I did try a faux pair and they were OK, but not as comfortable and the sole material started to wear, so cost per wear the real things are far more cost effective.

Gnomegnomegnome · 27/12/2023 11:44

It’s not about style. As pp said, it’s the footbed. Just try them!

They have a sale on atm.

ActuallyChristmas · 27/12/2023 11:53

Birkenstock are too wide for me but I love Haflinger clogs. Good footbed and not too wide for me. As regards cheaper alternatives, I would say they don’t last as long so don’t work out cheaper in the end. I got some La Redoute felt clogs that are very Birkenstock, have a good footbed and aren’t too wide for me. They were in the sale two years ago. I wear them as office shoes, so don’t really go outside but lasting well.

The Haflinger I have are 8 and 6 years old. Just beginning to wear out

Birdcar · 27/12/2023 12:04

Birkenstock do a narrow fit in their online shop, ActuallyChristmas. They might be worth another look :-)

InAMess2023 · 27/12/2023 12:07

I just got some slingback clogs from Boohoo, think they were £23... I needed ones with a strap as I have issues with my toe grip. And yes I will be wearing them with slouchy socks and leggings or possibly even a unitard... at 38 I think I'm maybe a little old for the 'aesthetic' but I'm not sure I care 🤣

Gardeningtime · 27/12/2023 12:08

People don’t really buy Birkenstocks for the look, for obvious reasons. They are for the comfort, so as a pp said, buying cheap knock offs would be an unusual thing to do.

EwwSprouts · 27/12/2023 12:09

I wear the leather Arizona. Not saying they are beautiful but oh the comfort. As a PP said mine have come from TK Maxx.

LittleCrackers · 27/12/2023 12:39

I think OP means these. I really like them!

Those Birkenstock things - do you like them?
WombatBombat · 27/12/2023 14:14

Next have some - search footbed clogs.

I didn’t get on with the Birky Bostons but like these. I wear them with boot socks if I’m nipping out.

KirstenBlest · 27/12/2023 14:20

They've been around for decades @getthemfromlidlme . For dupes for under £20 try TKMaxx

Original poster
getthemfromlidlme · 27/12/2023 14:47

MistletoeRegrets · 27/12/2023 10:35

GrinIn the words of the whole of MN Are you very young? Because Birkenstocks really aren’t the strange innovation you seem to believe. They’ve been around a long time.

But buying knock-offs would rather be missing the point. It’s the footbed you’re paying for, not a style statement. The non-leather versions are cheaper (I prefer the leather) but you can often find all types substantially discounted, at TK Maxx for example.

Not the sandals! I know they're donkeys

I'm talking about the slip on ones with the sealed toe

OP posts:
Original poster
getthemfromlidlme · 27/12/2023 14:48

LittleCrackers · 27/12/2023 12:39

I think OP means these. I really like them!

Yes, these Smile

OP posts:
bloatedbobby · 27/12/2023 14:50

The Bostons have been around for years though.

As pp said it’s the footbed & comfort you want.

Original poster
getthemfromlidlme · 27/12/2023 14:53

bloatedbobby · 27/12/2023 14:50

The Bostons have been around for years though.

As pp said it’s the footbed & comfort you want.

I've had the sandals for years and never knew about the Boston ones

OP posts:
dontgobaconmyheart · 27/12/2023 14:59

Primark.

ActuallyChristmas · 27/12/2023 17:02

Birdcar · 27/12/2023 12:04

Birkenstock do a narrow fit in their online shop, ActuallyChristmas. They might be worth another look :-)

Cheers, will have a look. Do love my Haflingers though 😀

BladeOfMiquella · 27/12/2023 17:32

I love my Bostons! I’ve worn them in all weather including the snow with woolly socks. They are just the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever owned. I only wear Birkenstocks now and have some trainers and sandals too. I’ve had my Bostons a few years and they are showing no signs of wearing out so I think they are well worth the price.

SideshowAuntSallyx · 27/12/2023 17:36

I've had my Birkenstock Madrid for years they always give me blisters on the soles of my feet. So bloody uncomfortable, I can only wear them for a short time or if I'm not walking far.

erikbloodaxe · 27/12/2023 19:21

Birkenstock footbed lovers have you tried the Bartlett or Bend hi tops for the cooler months? Amazing comfort and warm dry feet. I cannot recommend them enough.

AnyFucker · 30/12/2023 00:13

Try Vinted for gently used ones if you want to give them a whirl

GettingStuffed · 30/12/2023 11:51

I bought some replica Birkenstocks and they only just lasted the summer, Birkenstocks last for years.

KirstenBlest · 30/12/2023 15:33

The leather birkenstocks last a very long time. Cheap copies don't.

Bearpawk · 30/12/2023 17:08

Gardeningtime · 27/12/2023 12:08

People don’t really buy Birkenstocks for the look, for obvious reasons. They are for the comfort, so as a pp said, buying cheap knock offs would be an unusual thing to do.

@Gardeningtime I do buy them for the 'look' as well as comfort. I love the style of them. With linen trousers in summer or wool socks and barrel leg jeans in winter.

Original poster
getthemfromlidlme · 30/12/2023 18:37

GettingStuffed · 30/12/2023 11:51

I bought some replica Birkenstocks and they only just lasted the summer, Birkenstocks last for years.

Do the Boston Birkenstocks really last years though? I've still got my sandal ones from years ago but cannot see how the Boston ones last years because of the fabric they're made out of? It's like a suede from what I've seen

OP posts: