Meet the Other Phone. Flexible and made to last.

Meet the Other Phone.
Flexible and made to last.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Style and beauty

Looking for style advice? Chat all about it here. For the latest discounts on fashion and beauty, sign up for Mumsnet Moneysaver emails.

Birkenstocks or dr martens sandals?

68 replies

beigetea · 22/04/2024 17:32

As the title says really. Looking to get a new pair of sandals for when (if) the summer arrives.

www.birkenstock.com/gb/arizona-birko-flor/arizona-core-birkoflor-0-eva-u_1.html

Or

www.drmartens.com/uk/en_gb/blaire-hydro-leather-strap-sandals-black/p/24235001

Which would you choose?

OP posts:
beigetea · 22/04/2024 18:50

I haven't tried either on tbh so I have no idea!

OP posts:
unsync · 22/04/2024 20:16

Birkenstock. It is important to get the right size and footbed, and then remember to break them in.

Proudmummy67 · 22/04/2024 20:18

I've had those Dr Marten sandals and they just wouldn't fit my feet properly so I sold them. Make sure you try them on properly before hand.

Birkenstocks are really comfy when you get the right size!

Flamingmentalcats · 22/04/2024 20:20

NerdWhoEatsMedlar · 22/04/2024 17:36

Which ever ones are the most comfortable.

I'd also consider Fitflops
https://www.fitflop.com/uk/en/shop/lulu-adjustable-buckle-leather-slides-p-ES7#194

I have just ordered these but with the back strap. They feel really comfy around the house. Hope they are just as comfy outside

Spacecowboys · 22/04/2024 20:39

I wouldn’t get those particular dr marten sandals unless you’re prepared to take the time wearing them in. Voss II are much more comfortable and can be worn all day straight from the box. Birkenstocks just need worn round the house a little first but are comfortable quite quickly.

chichiwaaa · 22/04/2024 20:41

Hi OP, I have both Birkenstocks and Dr Martens but mine are the Voss ii style. Both are so comfortable. Had to break in the Birkenstocks but they're amazing once they're done. Dr Martens were a dream from day 1, but, anyone I know who bought the Blaire style had to break them in.

I legit couldn't choose between mine for comfort so I'd say it's just a style preference.

beigetea · 22/04/2024 20:53

chichiwaaa · 22/04/2024 20:41

Hi OP, I have both Birkenstocks and Dr Martens but mine are the Voss ii style. Both are so comfortable. Had to break in the Birkenstocks but they're amazing once they're done. Dr Martens were a dream from day 1, but, anyone I know who bought the Blaire style had to break them in.

I legit couldn't choose between mine for comfort so I'd say it's just a style preference.

In an ideal world I'd like both 😂
But at the moment I only budget for one or the other.
I prefer the look of the Blair to the voss tbh but they are nice.

I just wanted to get an idea of what was more "in".

OP posts:
larkstar · 22/04/2024 21:10

I have the Arizona Birkenstock - my second pair - they have instep support that take a good few days to get used to but persevere and incredibly they soon become unbelievable comfortable. I could have got half a size smaller -the straps are on their last/tightest hole - half a size smaller probably would have meant I could have had the straps a bit less pulled tight to keep my feet from slipping to the toes however - I tried both sizes on in the shop and thought the half size smaller was too small - but I'm being nitpicky - what I have are subs if the best footwear I've ever had: love them. No idea about the DM's.

MotherOfVizslas · 22/04/2024 21:16

I have those Birkenstocks (but in a different colour) and absolutely love them, they're sooo comfy.

However, I've been coveting the DM sandals since last year so I'm going to get them as well!

NotARealWookiie · 22/04/2024 21:21

I’ve got essentially both - slightly different Birkenstocks. I wear the Birkenstocks 99% of the time compared to the DM’s. They’re just easier and go with everything whereas the DM’s need more styling and are less comfy. I’m not super stylish everyday though, generally just chuck on some jeans/maxi dress/dungarees in summer.

echt · 22/04/2024 22:45

Comfort aside, thinking of looks, the Birkenstocks are more flattering. The ankle strap on the Dr Martens only really work on slim ankles.

Mumofoneandone · 23/04/2024 05:19

Birkenstocks all the way - been only sandals I wear for decades and they last really well!

BananaLambo · 23/04/2024 05:30

I have the Blaires and love them. I’m planning on getting a white pair for the summer as well. I love the look of Birkenstocks but they feel too flat for me. After trying them three times I’ve decided to cut my losses and accept that I just don’t have the right feet for them.

SquashPenguin · 23/04/2024 05:33

I could climb Everest in my dm sandals, they are that comfy to me. Can’t abide Birkenstocks, but I have very narrow feet and skinny ankles so I can’t wear anything without a strap to hold them on. Tried them once- far too flat and my toes were in agony trying to keep from sliding off all the time.

Thisisthedawningoftheageofaquarius · 23/04/2024 06:49

Birkenstocks are ridic comfy; they get my vote!

Delightadodo · 23/04/2024 07:04

I’ve never owned Birkenstock but have 3 pairs of DM sandals (and 25 pairs of boots). I went for the Clarissa sandal as the soles are much more heard wearing, the blaires tend to wear very quickly on the sole. The blaires are also pretty wide. I did have to break the Clarissa in but they’re now über comfy

Delightadodo · 23/04/2024 07:04

Actually, make that 4 pairs of sandals 🤣

WildRosesForCathy · 23/04/2024 07:10

Try them on first.
I have both. The Birkenstocks aggravate my plantar fasciitis I can wear them to walk round a pool on holiday but not much further, the DM's give me horrendous blisters, still have scars from last summer.

MamaBanana12 · 23/04/2024 07:26

I have the Birkenstocks & the Blair dr martens

I find both comfy, I went to Venice and did 4 days of walking in the Birkenstocks!!

Wore the Blair's on the evenings as a bit more dressy - only thing I'd say is try them on and size right, I found the strap was quite big around my ankle and it rubbed a bit.

I should have size down slightly as I have quite skinny feet so I'd recommend trying to them on.

Love them both tho, but Birkenstock most definitely comfier once worn in, they feel so awkward at the beginning!

Cauliflowery · 23/04/2024 09:30

I think it really must be down to individual feet.

I tried to like my Birkenstocks but they were agony. Luckily they retained their value so selling them on eBay was easy.

I have different chunky DM sandals and they are an absolute dream of comfort. I love the ones you posted and wish I could justify owning them too.

Lanawashington · 23/04/2024 09:50

I've got the DM Clarissa patent sandals and also the blaires. They are so comfy, I don't think I'd ever use another brand now. They do take a bit of breaking in but once they've softened they're fine

stealthsquirrelnutkin · 23/04/2024 10:11

Birkenstocks, more comfortable than going barefoot, and no daft straps and buckles to faff about with.

Purplecatshopaholic · 23/04/2024 11:04

I have both the Blaire and the Voss, and some Birkies. Voss are the most comfy by a mile. Then the birkies. The Blaire sandals are sadly the work of the devil. You need to try them on really - it depends on your feet which are most comfy.

FrannieGallops · 23/04/2024 11:06

I have both. Not helpful. I have the Arizonas in brown and white. I really love the DM sandals, they look good with everything. I wear the Birkenstocks for more schlepping about the house.

NOT the Fitflops linked above. Unless you’re 80+ 😂