Oh god - pleeeeese tell me that Birkies get more comfortable and that I haven't just flushed £35 down the pan

[Vamonos]

Following loads of rave reviews about how comfy these are I bravely removed my Crocs and tried on a pair of

these

They didn't seem all THAT comfy in the shop, but I tried on a couple of different sizes and strap adjustments, and finally went for size 38 (I normally take a 38 or 39, depending on style).

Have been schlepping around the house for an hour or so with them on, and the tops of my feet (where the strap is) are all bruised and sore and red. I can't imagine walking in them for any distance. Is there something wrong with my feet Am I doomed to Croc-dom and flip-flops forever???

I found my birkenstocks very uncomfortable when I first got them, and I do remember thenm hurting across the strap. However, they are now the comfiest shoes EVER. I have even worn them on long days out at Chessington and the like, where I would normally have worn trainers.

They are fab after a while. I love mine.

I found the one strap ones really uncomfortable too. I'm tempted to try the two strap ones but not sure

I have 5 pairs the same as that and they definitely took a few days to wear in but once worn in they are super comfy.

Sounds like you went for the right size - I need at least a size less in Birkies and the comfiest ones I have are a size and a half less and in the narrow fitting.

Thanks all, maybe there is hope then...

Are you supposed to wear them with the strap very loose, or quite snug, or somewhere in between?

I have tried all ways and it doesn't make much difference to the pain at the moment.

erk I gave mine away in the end, they were v uncomfortable, I persisted with them for months

Birkenstocks gave me plantar faschiatis (sp?) that crippled me for a whole summer. I don't rate them at all. In fact the style you've got are the ones that did my feet in.

What on earth is plantar fashiatis?!

Posh name for fallen arches. It really hurts!

I wear a new pair of Birkis with socks around the house for a few days before trying without socks. It's not pretty but it does seem to wear them in a bit. It honestly does get better with time - once they are worn in, they will be fabulously comfy.

Oh crap. That does sound v painful Mrsmaidamess!

I have wide feet but quite a high instep, maybe that makes a difference?

I would have gone for the flip-flop style, but they are really gross.

I wear my Madrid (one strap) birkies with the strap somewhere in between. Not tight and not loose.

I have lots of pairs and you do have to wear each pair in so the footbed shapes to your foot. Persist because ime it's worth it.

Ah socks, that's worth a try.

Agree though, not the fetching summer look I had in mind... But then I wear Crocs so should be used to being sub-glam I suppose

I have wide feet and a high instep and I think that's why they suit my feet so well, the arch support is quite high.

Right, I have socks on now with them, feels slightly better (well warmer, anyway!).

Especially fetching as they are black socks with bright blue heels and toes, nice.

Haha, Vamonos. I bet you look wonderfully glamorous. I can say that as I am wearing turquoise crocs and navy and white stripy socks and therefore know all about style and glamour.

I had mine for about 6 months, during which time the instep bump-thingy really really bugged me. Perhaps my arches are low or something, but anyway after 6 months the strap broke (they were Birko-flor vegan ones) and I sent them back, phew!

You are supposed to wear them big though, they don't fit like normal shoes. There should be a gap of quite a few mm between the end of your toes and the edge of the sole.

I love mine but have to wear them in for a week or so to soften them.

I have wide feet nad high arches would they be comfortable for me do you think? Am in love with these now
www.birkenstock.co.uk/index.php?m=catalogue&a=vw_prod&wprid=3&colid=998&fabric=125

Must stop clicking on other peoples links....

When I first got my Birkies I was annoyed they didn't seem as comfortable as advertised..but then I wore them while I was hospital with socks..now they are one of the most comfortable shoe/sandals I have ever worn in me life! I love Marids!(esspecially with the cut outs)

They're gorgeous mumof2. I prefer the Madrids because I worry the Gizeh's will rub my toes.

I have to say, I'm v tempted by these.

If i haven't just bought a pair of brown/gold Gizeh in Costco, I would buy the one form your link mumof2. I LOVE purple.

How much are the Gizeh in costco this year micku?

Mumof2andabit, I have those and the single strap ones and I love the thong style the best. I got them from Costco about 3 years ago and dread them wearing out as I can't afford new ones they were a blessing when I was pg and had very swollen feet and ankles during the Summer.