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Original poster

I thought Birkenstocks were supposed to be comfy????

21 replies

MaineGirl · 27/04/2010 13:25

I finally gave in and brought some Birkenstocks Madrid as everyone said how comfy they are and they are blooming killing my feet today, really rubbing at the side too even though as far as i can see my foot not too wide for the shoe even got a little gap all the way round.

OP posts:
apple99 · 27/04/2010 13:28

I have never been able to wear the Madrids, just found them so uncomfortable. I much prefer this style

MorrisZapp · 27/04/2010 13:35

I live in madrids* for about 5 months of each year, but every year I have to 'relearn' how to walk in them.

Once I've got used to it again, they're unbeatable for comfort.

  • wouldn't it be nice if I lived in Madrid for 5 months a year.....
fishie · 27/04/2010 13:39

you might need to break the footbed in a bit. or you migtht not be able to wear that style, i can't either, need gizeh. have high instep.

uggmum · 27/04/2010 13:42

I bought some 'Gizeh' today from Costco. (they are good value there) I buy a new pair each year. I do find that I have to break them in each time and it usually takes a few days. Once I have done this they become really comfortable.

miche8 · 27/04/2010 13:44

i've had the same pair for about 8yrs and every summer or holiday i have to wear them in again, stick with them they do get comfy.

Try wearing them just in the house or for short outings, take plasters, i find once they've rubbed and the blister has healed it doesn't rub again.

BigTillyMint · 27/04/2010 13:45

I agree fishie and apple, the Gizeh are sooo comfortable, but I felt uncomfortable even just trying the Madrids on. I have a high instep too.

MarineIguana · 27/04/2010 13:48

I can't get comfortable in anything with a bit that goes between your toes, but I wear Birkenstock arizonas all summer and they are super-comfy. Even with them though, you have to break them in - about a week and they will be shaped to your foot (as long as you've got the right size). Wear them around the house with socks on at first.

CiderIUpAndSetIFree · 27/04/2010 13:52

I think you have to have the right shaped feet for them, and not too high an instep. I've got some Madrid ones and although I can pad round the house in them now in socks they still make my feet feel bruised on top and it feels like a real effort to stop them falling off.

I've gone down a size as they suggest, and the footbed is still too long and the strap too far back. I've got a high instep and wide feet, maybe that's why.

It's worth experimenting with the settings on the strap to see if it helps though. Judging from previous threads on here, some people seem to find them comfy when the straps are very loose, but others prefer them quite snug.

Original poster
MaineGirl · 27/04/2010 14:31

ah right will have a play then, i got them yesterday and of course wore them today, even planned my outfit last night to co-ordinate.
i've had birkenstock style shoesbefore and been ok, it feels like its the shaped bit under the ball of my foot thats hurting.

OP posts:
Fimbo · 27/04/2010 14:41

It's strange isn't it? I have the madrids and they are fine but the arizona's were dreadful and made a real mess of my feet!

CiderIUpAndSetIFree · 27/04/2010 14:52

Actually I was wrong earlier, they don't suggest going down a size, I'm confusing them with something else. The ones I have ARE my usual size, but feel too long.

Downdog · 27/04/2010 15:31

the Floridas are very comfy - I love my patent red ones brought in Germany.

Never tried MADRID - looks too much like a flip flop for me whereas the Florida is fairly stable on the foot - can run in them.

BigTillyMint · 27/04/2010 16:18

When I got both pairs of mine, the shop assistant recommended going down a size, and they definitely fit like a glove!

Fimbo · 27/04/2010 16:18

I have to size down in them. I am off to google the Floridas.

BoysAreLikeDogs · 27/04/2010 16:23

urgh I could not get my birkies to be comfy and sent them to my mate on here

Fimbo · 27/04/2010 16:31

Ah the Floridas! I had the knock-off version of them from Lidl when I was in hospital having dd nearly 12 years ago. They were plastic and reeked after I came out (section - in hosp for 7 days).

ArthurPewty · 27/04/2010 16:33

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn

Fliight · 27/04/2010 16:37

I hate them...it;'s that bump inside the instep, andthey told me I'd get used to it and must have flat feet (thanks ) but I wore them for 6 months and it still hurt, and then the strap broke so I got a refund. Never again.

those were the veggie ones, it was about 10 years ago though.

EggyAllenPoe · 27/04/2010 16:43

i had some very similar sandals from 'wat bequem' but they were only comfy after wearing-in. once worn in, very comfortable indeed, though did actually cut into feet and draw blood whilst being wornin. And the leather stretched which meant after a few months...they were just falling off.

shockers · 27/04/2010 17:04

I can't wear them. They make my feet ache.

coolkat · 27/04/2010 19:30

Ya love um or hate um!

Got pink madrids last year and siver this year and both pairs were comfy from day 1. I must be lucky. I find them good for my back as well.

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