Birkenstocks, worth buying cheaper version or not?

[MissyB1]

I've never owned any Birkenstocks but I've fallen in love with these
https://www.thewhitecompany.com/uk/Birkenstock-Oiled-Leather-Boston-Mules/p/A09584?swatch=Beige

But £130!! Yikes! Not sure I can justify it. Fatface and Next have much cheaper versions, but would I regret that is the question 🤔

I have a pair from Zara that are an absolute dupe for those and were half the price. I wore them all
last summer and can’t wait to get them out again.

Thanks that's helpful, the fatface reviews are a but mixed on quality. I will see if zara have any.

Not that style but after buying knock-off Birks every summer for several years (they never lasted more than a summer), I realised it was a false economy and bought a legit pair. They are made to last.

I have original Birkies that are still good after 20 years.

I was about to recommend Mephisto- my first pair lasted 10 years of constant wear from May to September each year and my second pair are on their 5th or 6th year and going strong. But the prices look comparable to Birkenstocks anyway!
Highly recommended though- I've had the Helen style twice.

I got mine from Moshulu, very comfy and reasonably priced

www.moshulu.co.uk/suede-cork-footbed-clogs-p3151/s44658

Birkenstocks last in my opinion. Dupes don't. Don't buy the vegan leather ones though as they don't last!

I found the dupes so uncomfortable. I’ve now got 4 pairs of Birkenstocks! The most comfortable shoes ever.

I do like moshulu, currently wearing my felt slippers ftom there.

I need to go and try the real thing on I think.

Try Josef Siebel. I have had a pair of their sandals for coming up to three years now.

Admittedly, they didn't get worn much over the last two summers because the weather was so awful, but they are brilliant, well made and very comfortable. Avoid the M and S ones.

Chances are they've got a mark up because they're being sold by TWC. A quick google had brought up the same (or at least a very similar) style, still by Birkenstock, for £30 less.

The only issue I have with Birkenstocks is that they do last for ever. No dupe even comes close. I have loads of perfectly serviceable pairs which range in age from 5 to 10 years but I then I get bored with them and buy a new pair. £130 is a lot but on a cost per wear it'll be worth it.

I've tried Moshulu and one or two others whose names I have forgotten for me none have been as good, but I like the very high arch support and others just aren't the same, I didn't keep the Moshulu ones long enough to comment on longevity. I love Moshulu slippers though.

Birkenstock will send you a voucher code when you sign up to the mailing list and it is worth keeping an eye on the sales. I get so much wear out of mine that cost per wear is very reasonable.

@MMissyB1 they are like gloves.

Tried a couple of different styles of Birks over the years, found them extremely uncomfortable

Op, I bought those exact ones on vinted. Granted they were second hand p, tu they were in fan condition and I paid £25. I wear them all the time, they go with anything and are very comfy.

I've got some almost identical ones from Primark, very comfy. I wore them a lot last year.

(Although I always get dupes of everything as I need the vegan versions and posh shops either don't do them or the quality is the same as the cheaper option.
I doubt they will last as long as the real ones but good enough for me!)

I didn't think about vinted! Great idea!

I’ve got that pair (I think) which I bought in 2018; has them resolved once but they’re still going strong despite being worn several times a week between March and November each year.

I have Birkenstocks which are super comfy

I bought some dupes to take the bins out and stuff and they're like wearing concrete in comparison. So not the same and nowhere near as comfy

No but the real ones and they'll last for years

Birkenstock brand doesn’t matter but I would get leather dupes if you can. I got a leather suede terracotta pair from M&S and wore them to death! I’m now on the lookout for a new pair (I’ll keep my battered ones for the garden).

I have the authentic Boston clogs, bought years ago, wear regularly in the summer, not daily and they still look fine. So worth it for this style as it's so versatile and hard-wearing in my opinion.
I bought the toe out M&S dupe for Arizonas last year and was really impressed with them. Probably wouldn't pay full price for sandal styles while. The M&S versions exist.

I've had birks that have lasted me 10+years, one I've taken in the sea, on hikes, worn daily in summer. So I think they are worth the money rather than £30 dupes that last one year.

Although I love birkenstocks, they are expensive and whilst they do last, I have never owned a pair for more than 5 year's.