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Original poster

Which Birkenstocks?

40 replies

Amandoh · 25/03/2009 20:05

Having just looked at another shoe thread it seems lots of you find Birkenstocks comfortable.

Last Summer I bought these and I find them so uncomfortable. The soles are too hard and the raised parts dig in. They are now resigned to pottering around the garden in as I can't wear them for long without them hurting.

I didn't realise they made them in quite a few different styles until I saw them here. Which style is the best for walking around for a few hours in?

OP posts:
Fimbo · 25/03/2009 20:07

I think the footbeds are all the same, so if you didn't get on with the Madrid it will be the same for them all. It's only the style that is different.

ramonaquimby · 25/03/2009 20:09

yes all the footbeds are the same - you really need to work them in for a while before they are comfy - I have a few pairs, love them when the weather is nicer.

TheRealMrsJohnSimm · 25/03/2009 20:10

I love my Birkenstocks They are possibly the most comfortable shoes I have ever owned.

When you say the "raised parts dig in" are you referring to the raised parts that follow the contours of the sole of the foot beneath the toe joints? or the raised area around the whole shoe? I ask because the sizing on birkies can be difficult to get right - if the raised area around the entire sole is digging in it is usually because the shoe is too small. Your toes and feet should fit within the lower part of the sole, iyswim.

Original poster
Amandoh · 25/03/2009 20:11

Maybe I just have the wrong shaped feet for them. I do have feet like a duck.

OP posts:
nancy75 · 25/03/2009 20:11

agree, you do need to wear them in, and adjust the strap a few times before they are comfortable. i live in mine in the summer, the only ones i have never got on with are the patent ones, they rip my feet to shreds

poppy34 · 25/03/2009 20:11

it does take a couple of wears to get used to footbed- I've got madrid, gizeh and arizona - fwiw I think the arizona are the most comfy.

Hassled · 25/03/2009 20:12

I wore the Gizeh ones all last summer - they do take a bit of getting used to but they are so comfortable. The shape of the sole does look a bit different to yours, but that might just be the raised bit at the back.

Original poster
Amandoh · 25/03/2009 20:12

TheRealMrsJohnSimm ~ It's the raised parts around the toes that dig in. They felt fine when I tried them on but after wearing them for a while I found them painful.

OP posts:
brimfull · 25/03/2009 20:13

I find the Madrid style uncomfortable as you have to cling on more with your toes.

I wear this style and find it much comfier.

You do have to wear them in though.

McDreamy · 25/03/2009 20:13

Another Birkie fan here. I have worn mine everyday for the last 3 years - they are sooo comfy but agree they take a bit of wearing in. Realised that when i bought new ones to come home to the UK - they felt very different.

MarlaSinger · 25/03/2009 20:14

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

sickofthisrain · 25/03/2009 20:31

Same as Marla, I got mine and wondered what the fuss was about and also persevered and now I love them. Spookily I ordered 2 pairs today, a lovely Papillio stripy pair and plain white which should work with everything for summer.

minko · 25/03/2009 20:34

They do a 'narrow' and a 'normal' fitting, they do more I'm not sure... maybe worth a check. I love them and have never had any problems though.

Flutterbye · 25/03/2009 20:37

I was really disappointed, last year I bought real birkenstocks and the soles wore down within a few months, I do quite a lot of walking but will stick to clarks/next own birkenstoke-type shoes at half the price from now on!

RoobeeToozdae · 25/03/2009 20:42

another fan here. apologies for hijack but any tips for keeping them smelling fresh? I have worn mine all last summer, autumn and winter when pregnant and although they show little sign of wear, well they are a bit wiffy

minko · 25/03/2009 20:42

Have to say I bought some in Lidl (for less than a fiver) a couple of years ago and they were just as good as the real thing...

triffictits · 25/03/2009 22:35

I could've written the post by ggirl. I have always heard how amazingly comfy Birkenstocks are and I have bought the madrid, the plain toe thong type and absolutely hated them - they were the most uncomfortable shoes I had ever worn. I tried to wear them in but still awful.

As a last ditch attempt I bought the ones that ggirl linked and they are absolutely amazing - so much different to other styles for some strange reason.

claireinthecommunity · 26/03/2009 00:17

How are Birkenstocks for sizing? I'm quite keen on trying a pair and will be ordering online. I take a 5 in Converse and a 6 in Boden shoes - thanks.

pollywobbledoodle · 26/03/2009 01:35

is there such a thing as a birkenstock with a strap at the back or are they all slides

sammysam · 26/03/2009 08:27

I would love a pair-I just wish they made them with a square toe-my toes are all a fairly similar length (except little toe!) and so my outer toes curl up the curved bit and are not comfy I REALLY want a pair

WowOoo · 26/03/2009 08:34

DOn't know if this has been mentioned but the clinging on with toes is apparently very good exercise for foot muscles and posture. (don't ask me how though!)...

Especially if you have low arches or flat feet. I don't and I love Birkenstcks and find them comfy.

Sizing is odd I think. I take a half size smaller in them otherwise I'd trip up!

Best to try them on before buying online.

hazeyjane · 26/03/2009 08:41

Agree they take wearing in (I wore them around the house with socks for a while - very stylish!), and you have to buy a size smaller. I walk for miles and find them really comfortable (I've got the madrid's by the way)

BonsoirAnna · 26/03/2009 08:47

I have a very high instep and slim feet and I love the extra support I get from Birkenstocks (Madrid or Gizeh). My feet get very tired and sore in flat soled sandals.

So maybe it's just that your foot shape isn't particularly suited to Birkenstocks?

ohdearwhatamess · 26/03/2009 09:01

Gizeh much more comfy than Madrid, imho. THey're the only shoe I've found that fit me perfectly and are comfortable from day 1. Madrid only suitable for pottering around the garden imho.

I have very wide feet though, so that might make a difference.

BonsoirAnna · 26/03/2009 09:03

It depends a bit whether you like thong sandals or not. I don't actually find the Gizeh as comfortable as the Madrid because of the thong.