https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bye-bye-birkenstocks Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 19 Apr 2026 03:53:09 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bye-bye-birkenstocks/page/2#post-1509570 Mon, 22 Jun 2015 13:47:58 +0000 Beth Ann 1509570@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hear you, Shannon!&nbsp; Just yesterday, I told my mom that my Birk knock offs (wonderful silver White Mountains from DSW) would have to be discarded.&nbsp; I wore them quite a bit this week on vacation, as I did last year on my western trip.&nbsp; They are clearly problematic.&nbsp; The latent PF that I struggle with resurfaced in days, even though I changed into other shoes for my hikes.&nbsp; I noticed that I have to keep my toes flexed up and out to keep them on, even with my wide, high volume foot.&nbsp; By contrast, I could wear my Crocs, with no arch support at all, with perfect comfort.&nbsp; </p> <p>We'll help you keep finding cute shoes that make the feet happy!&nbsp; Do you following the "Barking Dogs" website?</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bye-bye-birkenstocks/page/2#post-1509544 Mon, 22 Jun 2015 12:10:36 +0000 viva 1509544@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Nebraskim: DH taped his foot to deal with PF, too, and it really worked. He taped it while he slept, and it helped stretch the muscles out.</p> <p>On Birks, I guess this is one more reason for me to resist the trend (not that I needed one more reason). </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bye-bye-birkenstocks/page/2#post-1509417 Sun, 21 Jun 2015 22:59:41 +0000 Nebraskim 1509417@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Revisiting to suggest you ask your doc or a PT how to tape your foot to offer support during this acute pain stage until the inflammation calms a bit. I taped my feet for months when my PF flared when I was a fitness instructor. I also taped them during two different hiking vacations when it flared up. Basically, use 1.5 inch wide white athletic tape and tape longwise from the ball of your foot to your heel. Use three overlapping pieces. Then tape horizontally around your arch, from side to side. Might take four pieces. i bought atletic tape by the case for a year as I taped every day. But it really worked. Google for video how-tos. Good luck. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bye-bye-birkenstocks/page/2#post-1509132 Sun, 21 Jun 2015 01:00:31 +0000 karymk 1509132@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Holy cow Shannon I am glad you got that one figured out. &nbsp;Evil suckers... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bye-bye-birkenstocks/page/2#post-1508924 Sat, 20 Jun 2015 11:57:11 +0000 Anonymous 1508924@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My DD is a severe overpronator and was having heel pain (was running for the high school cross country team). I bought her some New Balance running shoes and some Lynco inserts. Pain went away DNS now she always wears the inserts. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bye-bye-birkenstocks/page/2#post-1508857 Sat, 20 Jun 2015 01:21:38 +0000 Nebraskim 1508857@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>My birks are great for me but I know they aren't for everyone. Did you know Vionic sells a removable orthotic? I've seen them on QVC but Zappos sells them, too. I have two pairs of Birks orthotic insoles that allow me to wear things like Converse. I have prescription insoles for my running shoes. I am thinking of trying the Vionic insoles because at $40, they are not a budget killer. Good luck. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bye-bye-birkenstocks/page/2#post-1508827 Fri, 19 Jun 2015 23:56:18 +0000 Tania 1508827@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Wow, amazing!&nbsp; I've had birks for a couple of years.&nbsp; As the strap has stretched, I've had to pop new holes to keep the fit tight enough/stay comfortable.&nbsp; My foot is narrow, but I have high arches.&nbsp; But I spend most of my time barefoot or in barefoot friendly shoes, quite the opposite of the&nbsp;Birkenstock.&nbsp; &nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bye-bye-birkenstocks/page/2#post-1508823 Fri, 19 Jun 2015 23:50:05 +0000 Caro in Oz 1508823@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Agreeing with Greyscale Birks work incredibly well for me too.<br /> Glad you are getting things sorted, unhappy feet are the worst </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bye-bye-birkenstocks/page/2#post-1508785 Fri, 19 Jun 2015 22:30:12 +0000 Elizabeth P 1508785@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I also love my Birks and have no issues with them.&nbsp; I have three pairs on the go at the moment, and have "retired" (or should retire) three others.&nbsp; My favourite pair is 20 years old and look AWFUL! &nbsp; I also have three pairs of Mephistos... which I find slightly better for me but only a bit.&nbsp; But my DH, who I gave a pair to for our "leather" anniversary, wore them for a while then was advised to stop by a foot person.&nbsp; Was told they were "terrible" for his feet.&nbsp; Which I didn't get until now, given how much I love them.&nbsp; </p> <p>So I'm glad you have an answer for your PF, but sorry that your options are narrowing even more.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bye-bye-birkenstocks/page/2#post-1508782 Fri, 19 Jun 2015 22:24:03 +0000 dakotacheryl 1508782@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Birks are my holy grail of shoes. After a long day wearing work shoes, I put on my Birks and my feet just sigh with relief.&nbsp;</p> <p>I even go on hikes with them on, they're all I wear for house shoes. I never require a break in period for a new pair...I must have a Birk shaped foot LOL.</p> <p>So sorry for all of you with foot issues, that must be horrible. </p> <p>I do wear the "narrow" width ones</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bye-bye-birkenstocks/page/2#post-1508774 Fri, 19 Jun 2015 22:15:30 +0000 catgirl 1508774@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Birks are perfect for me because I have the feet of a cave person: short, fat, square and wide. But because of that I don't see how they could work for everyone! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bye-bye-birkenstocks/page/2#post-1508773 Fri, 19 Jun 2015 22:15:29 +0000 Lyn D. 1508773@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Interesting!<br />I think I have a similar problem: although I find my Birks comfortable<br />my knee pain seems worse when I wear them a lot </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bye-bye-birkenstocks#post-1508755 Fri, 19 Jun 2015 21:38:20 +0000 Style Fan 1508755@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have lots of problems with my feet.&nbsp; I will spare you the details.&nbsp; Birks use to be comfy but not anymore.&nbsp; I love Trippen but they are pricey.&nbsp; They have nice insoles that mold to your feet.&nbsp; Heaven.</p> <p>I have a pair of orthotics that go into my gym shoes. I can handle them for about an hour.</p> <p>I am sorry you are having these problems&nbsp; Painful feet really interfere with life.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bye-bye-birkenstocks#post-1508745 Fri, 19 Jun 2015 20:53:14 +0000 Anonymous 1508745@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Really interesting read grayscale. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bye-bye-birkenstocks#post-1508744 Fri, 19 Jun 2015 20:50:46 +0000 Anonymous 1508744@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p><b>KikiG</b>, I think you mean Alegria. I just ordered a pair of their classic clogs. I found a wide width version in black leather at Zappos.</p> <p>The orthotics my podiatrist made for me felt like walking on concrete. I did try to get used to them by building up to how many hours per day I wore them, but nothing helped. They kept saying I'd get used to them and that my back and leg pain would go away. It never did, and I stopped going to him. I'd like to visit a podiatrist here where I currently live, but don't know who to go to. I'll have to ask my primary care physician for a referral.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bye-bye-birkenstocks#post-1508743 Fri, 19 Jun 2015 20:39:06 +0000 Greyscale 1508743@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>To those who mentioned the lumps and spasms - this is where a podiatrist's opinion can be helpful. Because of my high arches, almost all my weight goes on the ball of my foot, rather than being spread along a surface. When I make footprints, there's no middle of the footprint, just the heel and ball. Birkenstocks have a slight "metatarsal support" bump that's designed to take some weight off the ball of the foot, along with the arch support. It's potentially useful for anyone with high arches (maybe others but I don't know). But, your foot is literally being reshaped by it, like Shannon's podiatrist said. My custom orthotics have a much more pronounced version of the metatarsal bump. When I got my orthotics I was advised to wear them for no more than an hour a day at first. It felt like having a golf ball under my foot. One day I ended up with foot cramps and spasms, unsurprisingly. But eventually my feet adjusted and they made *such* a difference. But for others with different foot concerns, the metatarsal bump might be exactly wrong, and there's no need to torture your feet with shoes that just aren't right for you. </p> Edit to summarize - I guess my point is that if the Birks line up with your own feet, those lumps can be helpful once you adjust to them. But if they line up wrong, they're bad for you!&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bye-bye-birkenstocks#post-1508741 Fri, 19 Jun 2015 20:36:14 +0000 KikiG 1508741@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>There is a brand of shoes called Allegra, which is designed with removable foot beds so that people who need to can substitute orthotics.&nbsp; I had some sandals of theirs once, and my fussy feet liked them fine.&nbsp; They are rather like Birks, in style. You might want to look out for them.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bye-bye-birkenstocks#post-1508738 Fri, 19 Jun 2015 20:23:51 +0000 always trying 1508738@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>After trying other types of footbed sandals one really finds many of them lots better than the Birks.&nbsp; And most cost a lot less, and have lots of styles and colors.&nbsp; if one really wants that type of sandal then try on the many others. I love my White Mountain as they fit my feet much better, and are softer and not lumpy like the Birks.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bye-bye-birkenstocks#post-1508736 Fri, 19 Jun 2015 20:11:07 +0000 SW Ann 1508736@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The first time (and last) that I had birks on my feet, it caused my foot to go into such a spasm, it took 5 min before I could put my own shoes back on!&nbsp; I thought that was a bad sign, and have avoided them ever since.&nbsp; I also avoid anything with a "toe garage" or a "toe thong" (I don't think that's the right name) because that causes me all sorts of problems.&nbsp; I've found that spending time and money finding cute comfortable shoes and sandals is paramount to style for me.&nbsp; If I like at an item of clothing and think--what kind of shoes would look good with this? and it's something I don't already own, or want to own, I put it back!&nbsp; So, yes, my style is "shoe driven".&nbsp; After all, who can look stylish with a grimace on their face?! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bye-bye-birkenstocks#post-1508729 Fri, 19 Jun 2015 19:46:07 +0000 Anonymous 1508729@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I'll come back later to read the other posts, but wanted to chime in! I bought a pair of birks in the mid 1990's and they were always really uncomfortable in the arch area. I kept telling myself, "well maybe if I just walk differently, they'll be better" but never got used to them. Honestly without hyperbole, those birks were the least comfortable shoes I've ever worn!</p> <p>I feel so validated by your podiatrist!</p> <p>Eta: Oh I see a lot of people find them uncomfortable. It sort of makes sense: The footbed is so lumpy, how could it possibly work for even a minority of people? </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bye-bye-birkenstocks#post-1508728 Fri, 19 Jun 2015 19:35:10 +0000 elpgal 1508728@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Another person with Birk-shaped feet (which unfortunately do not fit into other shoes quite as well). I choose the soft-footbed styles. Interestingly, I find I fit better into the Birki style better than the Birkenstock or the Footprints (sister styles made by the same company, I think but not a 100% sure) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bye-bye-birkenstocks#post-1508718 Fri, 19 Jun 2015 19:08:19 +0000 Astrid 1508718@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Greyscale, their main factory is not that far away from Berlin. I've read online that the outlet has often 50% or more percent off, that's the only way I could afford them in any case. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bye-bye-birkenstocks#post-1508716 Fri, 19 Jun 2015 19:05:42 +0000 Greyscale 1508716@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Astrid, I am in love with Trippen shoes, and I dream of owning some. I'm jealous that you're near their outlet. I can definitely picture you in some of their less extreme styles. They've always seemed like a great example of the hand-crafted Euro look. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bye-bye-birkenstocks#post-1508714 Fri, 19 Jun 2015 19:01:53 +0000 Astrid 1508714@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Birks work pretty well for me, although I'm glad to get them off after some 10 hour days. </p> <p>I'm also wondering how to go forward with my shoe capsule, I definitely want to make quality and fit a priority. I'm thinking of checking out the Trippen outlet store here in Berlin sometime soon - Approprio reminded me of the brand in Diana's thread. I think some of the "tamer" styles could be great... They're rather expensive of course, but I like that they're sustainable and can be repaired easily.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bye-bye-birkenstocks#post-1508704 Fri, 19 Jun 2015 18:44:39 +0000 Transcona Shannon 1508704@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>It's comforting (ha ha ha....get the pun there???) to know there are others who have significant foot issues. I have the feeling the majority of my fashion budget will be going for footwear over the next year... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bye-bye-birkenstocks#post-1508694 Fri, 19 Jun 2015 18:23:13 +0000 Greyscale 1508694@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Ouch. I'm glad your podiatrist had some suggestions for changes. Mephistos are exactly the shape of my feet. Birkenstocks are pretty close for me also, but not quite as good. The hard footbed does make either of them a bad choice for me if I'm walking for miles.</p> <p>I bought a pair of comfy Brooks sneakers this week, hoping they'd be a good walking shoe, but they're designed to correct mild pronation in a way that seems opposite what I want. But it's so hard to tell when something is a good adjustment (like the huge bump in my custom orthotics to support my metatarsals - painful at first but useful) and when something will do more harm than good. I guess that's why podiatrists are important... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bye-bye-birkenstocks#post-1508691 Fri, 19 Jun 2015 18:18:08 +0000 Marlene 1508691@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh welcome to my world....the world of testing your custom orthotics into every single shoe you try on in a desperate attempt to find something both supportive AND cute. &nbsp;It sucks.</p> <p>I actually have 2 sets of custom orthotics...one is cushioned and I use it in my athletic and walking shoes. &nbsp;The other is THIN and can slip into many dressier shoes. &nbsp;So it does give me options and have been able to keep wearing some of my old favorite shoes. &nbsp;It was expensive to get 2 sets of orthotics but I really had to do it so that I wouldn't be super sad because of the shoe situation.</p> <p>As far as other options go....The Walking Company has a line of their own branded shoes and sandals that have nicely shaped insoles that may work for you. &nbsp;I have some of their sandals and some of their styles are not too medicinal. &nbsp;Earthies brand has a nice high instep that works for me when my feet are not in a fussy stage. &nbsp;And I have tried the VIonic slippers for around the house and they have been good as well. &nbsp;But the custom orthotics are my first choice for foot comfort. &nbsp;My PF and neuromas seem to settle down when I take care of my feet and I'm able to wear "regular" shoes for short stints. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bye-bye-birkenstocks#post-1508688 Fri, 19 Jun 2015 17:58:33 +0000 MsMary 1508688@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Oh, wow. That's crazy.</p> <p>I think my feet are perfectly Birks-shaped. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bye-bye-birkenstocks#post-1508665 Fri, 19 Jun 2015 17:22:26 +0000 abc 1508665@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Sorry to hear this. Hopefully the changes will help. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/bye-bye-birkenstocks#post-1508664 Fri, 19 Jun 2015 17:14:30 +0000 deb 1508664@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I cannot wear Birks either. They have always hurt my feet (even before I hurt my foot) I have been wear the Vionic Birk-like sandals all summer. I got them on QVC. I also have the cork thongs and these are actually my favorite.</p> </p> <p><a href="http://www.qvc.com/Vionic-w-Orthaheel-Thong-Sandals-w-Adj.-Strap---Rosemary.product.A241072.html?sc=A241072-Targeted&amp;cm_sp=VIEWPOSITION-_-65-_-A241072&amp;catentryImage=http://images.qvc.com/is/image/a/72/a241072.001?$uslarge" rel="nofollow"><a href="http://www.qvc.com/Vionic-w-Orthaheel-Thong-Sandals-w-Adj.-Strap---Rosemary.product.A241072.html?sc=" rel="nofollow">http://www.qvc.com/Vionic-w-Or.....2.html?sc=</a>...</a>$</p> <p></p> <a href="http://www.qvc.com/Vionic-w-Orthaheel-Triple-Strap-Slide-Sandals---Kira.product.A264892.html?sc=A264892-Targeted&amp;cm_sp=VIEWPOSITION-_-12-_-A264892&amp;catentryImage=http://images.qvc.com/is/image/a/92/a264892.001?$uslarge" rel="nofollow"><a href="http://www.qvc.com/Vionic-w-Orthaheel-Triple-Strap-Slide-Sandals---Kira.product.A264892.html?sc=A264" rel="nofollow">http://www.qvc.com/Vionic-w-Or.....ml?sc=A264</a>...</a>$ </p>