https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help---birkenstock-sandals-for-upcoming-trip Style Advice for Fashion Lovers en-US Sun, 03 May 2026 08:47:41 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 q https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/search.php https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help---birkenstock-sandals-for-upcoming-trip/page/2#post-1765982 Fri, 06 Jan 2017 14:29:02 +0000 LaPed 1765982@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hah, Astrid, we'll have to start a secret anti-Keen club. Many of my friends swear by them, but I've tried lots of different models and find each pair really uncomfortable and not as sturdy feeling as I'd like. For sport sandals, I've worn Chacos for many years, and before that I wore Tevas. I'm still looking for the perfect pair of non-sport sandals.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help---birkenstock-sandals-for-upcoming-trip/page/2#post-1765792 Thu, 05 Jan 2017 20:42:42 +0000 Astrid 1765792@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Helen! I'm sure they'll work out and knowing I have good shoes I can walk with the whole day will definitely be good for my peace of mind. Better to take no risks. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help---birkenstock-sandals-for-upcoming-trip/page/2#post-1765676 Thu, 05 Jan 2017 11:59:21 +0000 Helen11 1765676@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These look like a good match for all your needs. Fingers crossed! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help---birkenstock-sandals-for-upcoming-trip/page/2#post-1765674 Thu, 05 Jan 2017 11:51:43 +0000 Astrid 1765674@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>After ordering a few more sandals that didn't work out I have just placed an order for some Birkenstock Rio sandals. I originally wanted leather Birks and these are Birkoflor, but all the leather styles are just not my thing and these are a sure bet so I went for it. They are closest in style to my old ones and sure to be comfortable. I'm going to wear them at home the next few weeks to break them in. </p> <p>(This is actually the same style I used to wear as a child, but back then mine always had color and patterns.) </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help---birkenstock-sandals-for-upcoming-trip/page/2#post-1753865 Fri, 25 Nov 2016 13:11:43 +0000 Astrid 1753865@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks everyone! Got the Keens today, but unfortunately they don't fit right. And I thought the quality was pretty poor too. I hadn't tried the brand before, but I expected something a bit different from the description. They're going back, I'm not quite sure yet what to try next. Maybe I should just wear my sister's sandals. I don't think I'm going to pick the Birks from the first post after all, they're just too "robust" looking, I think. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help---birkenstock-sandals-for-upcoming-trip/page/2#post-1753851 Fri, 25 Nov 2016 12:00:36 +0000 harmonica 1753851@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hope the Keens will fit you. They look great! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help---birkenstock-sandals-for-upcoming-trip/page/2#post-1753661 Thu, 24 Nov 2016 11:53:50 +0000 Helen11 1753661@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the look of the Keen ones. Hope they work out! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help---birkenstock-sandals-for-upcoming-trip/page/2#post-1753443 Wed, 23 Nov 2016 21:45:36 +0000 Anonymous 1753443@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Those look great Astrid! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help---birkenstock-sandals-for-upcoming-trip/page/2#post-1753400 Wed, 23 Nov 2016 20:11:27 +0000 JAileen 1753400@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I hope the sandals work for you. When we went to Hawaii a couple years ago I wore either my Salomon hiking shoes or Tevas. The Tevas were great because they could get wet. They are also very adjustable and I found them to be very comfortable. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help---birkenstock-sandals-for-upcoming-trip/page/2#post-1753389 Wed, 23 Nov 2016 19:15:28 +0000 Sal 1753389@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I think those would be perfect Astrid, I hope they work out!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help---birkenstock-sandals-for-upcoming-trip/page/2#post-1753364 Wed, 23 Nov 2016 18:15:19 +0000 Sara L. 1753364@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I like the new sandals. &nbsp;I have a similar pair although mine are Merrell's (I think, I get all those gear brands mixed up). &nbsp;I bought them on sale at the end of summer and only wore them a couple times before it got too cold for sandals. &nbsp;They seem like they would be a versatile option for your trip. &nbsp;I hope they fit! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help---birkenstock-sandals-for-upcoming-trip/page/2#post-1753354 Wed, 23 Nov 2016 17:37:08 +0000 Astrid 1753354@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I just ordered some sandals, completely different ones! I had another look at the sales of my favourite gear online stores and I came across these, one pair left in my size. I read the reviews on Amazon.com which said they would run wide, so I took a chance. They are more along the line of my old Birks lookwise and I think they'd look great with a dress or skirt too. And I really like the colors! I'll keep you up-to-date. Keeping my fingers crossed... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help---birkenstock-sandals-for-upcoming-trip/page/2#post-1753267 Wed, 23 Nov 2016 11:18:24 +0000 Astrid 1753267@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Diana! I've actually done that with the Ebay search, but all the ones floating around are either not real leather or have the wrong width. I think chances are slim to find a replacement this way. My Birks are now dry and unfortunately the smell is back. I'm not even sure what this is, I haven't smelled anything like it before. I think I'm going to buy the Birks from the first post. Still a bit undecided, but if I wait too long someone else might snap them up...</p> <p>Thanks Laurel! Keen isn't as common here, so what I've seen in stores and online is always still fairly expensive. I don't think I want to spend so much money on shoes I probably won't be wearing again afterwards.</p> <p>Thanks Adela. I did have a pair of Tevas around ten years ago but I never wore them much. Also bought for a holiday (Norway). I agree that some of the Tevas available right now are relatively pretty, in comparison with other trekking sandals. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help---birkenstock-sandals-for-upcoming-trip#post-1753115 Tue, 22 Nov 2016 20:13:36 +0000 Adela 1753115@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I love Teva sandals for summer trekking and walking, they are amazing, In fact my whole family wears them, and they have different styles nowadays... </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help---birkenstock-sandals-for-upcoming-trip#post-1753040 Tue, 22 Nov 2016 16:40:35 +0000 Laurel 1753040@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>The shoes I find indispensable for active vacations (hiking/biking/walking) are KEENS---the Newports are incredibly versatile---and they have a wide footbed/toebox. &nbsp;I don't think they are particularly attractive, but they are true workhorses---they are comfortable, you can wear them to hike or go to the beach and I wear them with skirts/pants/shorts. &nbsp;they are easy to slip on and off at the airport and on the airplane and very sturdy. &nbsp;</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help---birkenstock-sandals-for-upcoming-trip#post-1753034 Tue, 22 Nov 2016 16:28:39 +0000 Diana 1753034@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I would go for the Birks.&nbsp; I feel like if you need anything heavy-duty/waterproof you could just wear the trekking shoes so the sandals don't need to have that function. </p> <p>It may be too late now, but I would recommend saving a search on ebay for your old style of Birks.&nbsp; I have found lots of replacements for discontinued items that way.&nbsp; </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help---birkenstock-sandals-for-upcoming-trip#post-1752998 Tue, 22 Nov 2016 15:07:12 +0000 Astrid 1752998@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>These are my sister's sandals btw, I had her take a picture for me. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help---birkenstock-sandals-for-upcoming-trip#post-1752925 Tue, 22 Nov 2016 12:11:53 +0000 Astrid 1752925@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Tanya! I put rice into the footbed to help them dry out yesterday evening and I would say that definitely helped. They aren't yet dry though, I think that's still going to take some time. I kept them far away from a radiator. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help---birkenstock-sandals-for-upcoming-trip#post-1752561 Mon, 21 Nov 2016 13:26:51 +0000 Tanya 1752561@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I am late here but agree that the brown Birkies look like a good choice.&nbsp;&nbsp; I hope you manage to make your old sandals work though, as they are really lovely.&nbsp;&nbsp; Have you tried putting them in a closed ziploc with either those little silica desiccant packs or even rice?&nbsp; Both are supposed to be good at absorbing odors and moisture. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help---birkenstock-sandals-for-upcoming-trip#post-1752533 Mon, 21 Nov 2016 12:15:41 +0000 Astrid 1752533@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Shelly! Seems like I need to take care to pack for the heat too. I might go have a look for some cheap flip flops that are a bit more neutral looking than the ones I have, so that I can wear them outside too if necessary. And I'm definitely packing my prescription sunglasses! Everyone said I should pack a hat and a beanie seems to be recommended for hiking in New Zealand... I do have a nice wool beanie but that might be overkill? Not sure.After I had so much luck borrowing my dad's straw hat last summer after weeks of unsuccessfully looking for a summer hat I should probably have a look at home first if we have something I can use. Or I'll just buy something there. </p> <p>Elpgal, thanks! Agree that something sleeker would be nice, too bad they don't make my sandals anymore. In a last-ditch attempt to make mine wearable again (they are not broken, just unwearable because they developed an unholy smell after I got caught in a thunderstorm with them) I threw them into the washing machine. I figured I had nothing to lose when the alternative was binning them. The smell seems slightly better, so maybe they are salvagable (maybe with another wash and some wood glue afterwards). That would of course be the best solution to the sandal problem...</p> <p>Thanks Lucy. :)</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help---birkenstock-sandals-for-upcoming-trip#post-1752492 Mon, 21 Nov 2016 08:28:33 +0000 Lucy 1752492@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Yes, &nbsp;I agree with Kiwigal's assessment of 3 shoes plus flip-flops. Depending on where you are going in Australia, it could still be pretty hot - in Brisbane, we are still in sleeveless tops and shorts in March, and it's even hotter further north. But in NZ or Tassie or even Melbourne it will be much cooler, and some sneakers would be ideal.&nbsp;</p> <p>It's pretty exciting! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help---birkenstock-sandals-for-upcoming-trip#post-1752390 Mon, 21 Nov 2016 00:23:32 +0000 elpgal 1752390@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Definitely take the Birks. After a day of closed-toe shoes, I am itching to get out of them. The style you chose is classic although a sleeker style would be more versatile. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help---birkenstock-sandals-for-upcoming-trip#post-1752372 Sun, 20 Nov 2016 23:44:28 +0000 Shelly 1752372@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Hi, Astrid, sorry that I have just only seen your post.</p> <p>I live a few hours north of Sydney and the one thing I wanted to say is about the size of Australia. It can be snowing in Tasmania and you would fry in Cairns or Darwin. I have also suffered through sleet in NZ in December.&nbsp;</p> <p>About clothing - I would go for comfort over fashion every time. If those shoes work for you then take them. Definitely take flip flops as we wear them all the time. Everywhere. It is generally warm enough in a lot of places to continue to wear them in winter. I like the idea of the thin rain jacket as it will protect you from wind as well as rain. I don't own any wool but then again I don't hike.</p> <p>About jeans. I probably don't wear jeans from about now until March as it is too hot and humid unless I am guaranteed of somewhere with frigid air conditioning. But for NZ or hiking they would be an essential. I would take a light pair of 3/4 pants or whatever you normally wear. Also shorts as you can wear shorts just about anywhere here.&nbsp;</p> <p>A fold-up hat, sunglasses, swimsuit and beach cover up should just about do it.</p> <p>Have fun! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help---birkenstock-sandals-for-upcoming-trip#post-1752349 Sun, 20 Nov 2016 22:04:33 +0000 Sal 1752349@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Great pick Smittie!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help---birkenstock-sandals-for-upcoming-trip#post-1752346 Sun, 20 Nov 2016 21:55:10 +0000 Astrid 1752346@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Smittie, that sounds dangerous... I posted a pic of my shoes in the first post. I also have hiking boots but I think those would be overkill. I think you look great btw, perfectly fine. :)</p> <p>Sally, I think you're right, best to have less clothes but suitable shoes! Agree on the flip flops, definitely taking those. I need them for my peace of mind in those hostel showers. Sneakers (or equivalent) would be good for driving too when we're on the south island, both as driver/passenger. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help---birkenstock-sandals-for-upcoming-trip#post-1752344 Sun, 20 Nov 2016 21:34:56 +0000 Sal 1752344@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Astrid, shoes are tricky!!</p> <p>I think you need three or four pairs:<br />- Hiking shoes<br />- casual comfortable sandals that are good for walking (maybe not off road)<br />- lightweight sneakers or equivalent&nbsp;<br />- jandals/flipflops</p> <p>I suspect you will spend most of the time in the sandals in NZ in February and Australia in March. &nbsp;Sneakers would work for the aeroplane trips and maybe down South. &nbsp;Flipflops take up no room. &nbsp;I would compromise on clothing - two pairs of hiking pants, one pair of shorts, one pair of jeans, one dress should suffice. &nbsp;I think a dress would be great on hotter days - days on buses, museums etc. &nbsp;If your hiking pants are tidy you may not need the jeans. &nbsp;</p> <p>In cities laundromats are readily available and not too expensive. &nbsp;You can use my laundry too :)</p> <p>I wore birkenstocks with socks in Europe. &nbsp;It was not my best look!! </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help---birkenstock-sandals-for-upcoming-trip#post-1752343 Sun, 20 Nov 2016 21:33:00 +0000 Anonymous 1752343@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>We did the Tongariro trail in running shoes :-).<br />(uh, it was definitely not a style high-point for me.)<br />I would recommend some grippier shoes than what we had . You can see all the loose gravel in pic #1, and I remember almost falling down in that section.</p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help---birkenstock-sandals-for-upcoming-trip#post-1752338 Sun, 20 Nov 2016 20:45:17 +0000 Astrid 1752338@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>Thanks Smittie and Rachylou!</p> <p>Rebekahphoto, that's good to know! Agree that the Birks aren't great for anything too wet - I would wear the hiking shoes when it's wet and on trails, I prefer too warm feet to wet ones anyway. As for the beach, I often used my Birks on beach holidays and just went barefoot if necessary. Although I do think that something like your pair of sneakers might be nice to have too...</p> <p>Thanks Sally. Not all that sure yet - I do want to do the Tongariro Crossing if possible and we thought about doing the Abel Tasman, but haven't decided or booked yet. No Milford or Routebourn Track, but I found a few day hike options that we might do. I have a little book with hiking tours too, I've slowly started looking through it. I'm not sure how much hiking we are going to do in Australia, probably not as much. I have to say that I don't like to wear my trekking shoes around town very much, I think I'd prefer other shoes for that. I'm not sure if sandals as the only other option is the right way to go. Maybe I should have closed shoes too? I really don't want to wear my sandals with socks. I could also pack my sister's trecking sandals and use the money to instead buy some lightweight mary janes/sneakers or something similar... But that would mean three pairs of shoes plus flip flops! Of course I could always just wear the the trekking shoes anyway if it's too cold/wet for the Birks. </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help---birkenstock-sandals-for-upcoming-trip#post-1752317 Sun, 20 Nov 2016 19:49:17 +0000 Sal 1752317@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>How many days will you be trekking (off road/hiking/bush walking)? &nbsp;How many of these days will be full day hikes?</p> <p>I think when travelling there is a reasonable amount of time sitting in buses, city walking, at hostels, visiting museums etc so your second pair of shoes needs to be what you want for these days. &nbsp;It sounds like it will be a casual itinerary so you won't need anything too dressy but there could be cafe meals or restaurant meals. &nbsp;We are different what we like to wear for city walking/casual - my favourites that I have owned were a pair of Dansko sandals in a tan brown - supportive sole, but smart enough to wear with a dress. &nbsp;I mourn their passing!!</p> <p>Hiking - Tongariro Crossing, Abel Tasman, Routeburn, Milford etc you will need hiking shoes. &nbsp;Flip flops will suit the beach/pools and your third pair needs to suit the other activities.</p> <p>I don't foresee them getting wet too often at that time of year unless you are hiking through streams or on the beach.</p> <p> </p> https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/topic/please-help---birkenstock-sandals-for-upcoming-trip#post-1752314 Sun, 20 Nov 2016 19:26:24 +0000 rebekahphoto 1752314@https://youlookfab.com/welookfab/ <p>I have those birks and took them on a long trip with a pair of waterproof sport sandals--(mine were tevas) and some sneakers. The birks were very comfortable and the back strap kept them secure.&nbsp; I liked having the trek sandals for anything that was beach/wet/trails that the birks didnt really work for--it great to be able to wear them right into the water and not worry. For me it was worth the extra space/weight in my pack.</p> <p>have a good trip! would love to see some photos</p>