How to make peace with my Birks? - YouLookFab Forum

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How to make peace with my Birks?

Astrid

Veteran

I'm feeling the need to make peace with my Birks. I'm just not sure how to do that. There still my only summer sandals. They are comfortable and I can walk the whole day in them in warm weather without straps digging in or other issues. But I just don't feel fab wearing them. They just feel so frumpy to me. I think they make my feet look very wide and I don't like that they are black, I always feel like they need more bookending than I'm able to do.

I do think that I'd break SYC for the perfect pair of sandals, but I'm not sure they'll come along. Any ideas how I could change the way I feel about the ones I have? Do I just have to get over it?

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Dressing

43 replies

Latest reply was from Astrid

Anonymous

Oh my gosh, I love them! I was imagining the fat strapped Birks (I do like those as well).

By the way I totally regret buying red sandals instead of black ones.

Missey

Veteran

I am personally a fan of Birks for being able to take an outfit down a notch(in a good way!)...their inherent casual vibe takes the fuss out of an outfit and gives it a more relaxed feel. I actually like your sandals and I think they look good with this outfit!

Anonymous

PS. I would probably add a funky black bracelet, but I think I need to copy this outfit. Too cute.

Diana

Veteran

Astrid, I quite like them actually, but I wonder if you'd be happier if they were a lighter color. A brown shade would probably be easier for you to bookend. I wear black sandals all the time, but I also wear a lot more black than you do and have dark hair.

I don't know much about dying leather, but maybe Claire or Rae or one of our other dying experts can chime in. I'm envisioning like a metallic bronze color maybe? Or cognac? I'm not sure how light you can go over a black base...

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks mtgirl! I'd love a pair of tan sandals to bookend my hair, but I haven't had any luck so far with my fussy feet. Agree about the black bracelet, but I don't have one. Last summer I often wore a summer scarf that had black in the pattern to make the outfit more cohesive.

Thanks Missey! You're right that they feel very casual. Maybe that's the problem, because my clothes are mostly casual too and I feel like I need shoes that dress my tees up instead of down.

Thanks Diana. And I agree, your suggestion might be easier to wear. These sandals are actually available in brown in the US I think (super expensive), it's too bad they only have black and white here. I've never dyed leather myself, so not sure if I would be brave enough to try it.

texstyle

(website)

Veteran

Astrid, do you have access to The Walking Company by chance? Have you already exhausted the Merrell, Ecco, Clarks and Abeo sandals? They carry most all of these brands and Dansko and a few others I think. I've been trying these brands recently but have not found "the ones" yet there have been several close ones. I will say the Teva wedge sandals are pretty darn comfortable for sandals with a slight heel. I also own Teva flat cork sandals and they are VERY comfortable to me but not so stylish. But I can wear these even on rough terrain all day. That said, I'd also like a replacement "every day comfort" sandal that is more or less non-heeled. And I'm being picky about color which makes it harder.

The other sandals I own are "cute" but not necessarily comfortable enough to walk all day.

I say all of the above because I agree that these Birkenstocks look comfortable but not necessarily "stylish" to me. Sort of like my Teva's that I'd like to replace.

Anonymous

Did someone call my name?

First of all, those are cute Birks, and I don't think they make your feet look wide (everything looks wide when viewed from above, lol). They would be super simple to dye, once you figured out the right shade.

If you aren't comfortable taking the risk yourself, you could take them to a cobbler to have them dyed. He/she might even be able to show you actual leather samples with different colors of dye applied. When I took a pair of sandals to be fixed, I was surprised to see boxes of Tarrago leather dye for sale in the shop (my preferred brand)!

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Texstyle! I agree, they don't look "stylish" to me either. We don't have The Walking Company, Abeo and Dansko. Merell and Teva are available at outdoor retailers, I haven't tried those yet. I've tried several Clarks sandals so far, but they seem to be incompatible with my feet, I think the brand just doesn't work for me. I've tried some Ecco sandals in the stores and they were all too narrow for me in my size or had too tight straps that weren't adjustable.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Claire! If I could choose I'd want them to be a color that's bookending my hair. I'm not sure I want to try it myself, but the idea of asking a cobbler is a good one! I might do that.

Anonymous

I totally know where you're coming from because I have the same hangup. But you know what? Birks are great in so many ways. I have more stylish sandal options that I can wear when the occasion necessitates a more fashionable approach. But if I wore them out and about every day, I'd have more foot problems than you can possibly imagine. When you're doing a lot of walking but still want an open-toe shoe, Birks are a very feasible option, even if they don't feel especially stylish. Frankly, I don't think many "comfort shoe" sandal options are much better, looks-wise. I have the Birkenstock Mayari style, which is a nice change from the traditional 3-strap.

I think yours are working well, especially since they are a bit different than the typical 3-strap option. I agree that you'd probably like brown better, but the black is perfectly fine.

I made peace with my Birks by reiterating that my comfort and foot health comes first, and being stylish doesn't have to be Priority No. 1 for EVERY occasion. (Don't hate me, ladies!) I compensate for my Birks by making sure my clothing looks nice and I appear otherwise groomed. I promise nobody would mistake me (or Astrid) for looking sloppy.

Astrid, when you wear shorts and tees with your Birks, maybe try accessorizing a bit? A simple, casual necklace or bracelet might go a long way to making you feel pulled together and fabulous. I like your idea of the head wrap -- sounds like an excellent way to stay cool, too.

I also think a tiny bit of detailing on your tees would work nicely. When I bought my Birks, there was a 20-something sales clerk wearing skinny jeans, a tee with dolman sleeves and the Birkenstock Gizeh sandals. And I still remember how incredible she looked: stylish, yet very natural and down-to-earth. It can be done, especially if your style persona points in that direction.

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

As far as Birks go- those are pretty cute ones. I actually think the color is more of an issue than the style. I do think it's important to have one pair of super comfy walking sandals, and if these are it- I'd not stop wearing them. Black sandals can be tough for us fair skinned lasses- it's just such a contrast. A light tan pair in this same style would look very different against your skin. I wonder if you could dye the leather a lighter color?

chewyspaghetti

Veteran

Oh- or gold/silver/pewter!

Thistle

Veteran

I really like the style of these!

And happy feet are very important

I echo what others have said. I think the issue may be more the color than the style. I am learning just how hard it is for those of us with lighter hair and skin to pull off black. The contrast is just so massive.

K. Period.

Veteran

I think they look great! I guess I'm the opposite of poison eye with Birks. I think they have a distinctive look (like Fluevogs) and if you are wearing them, you are wearing them. Sometimes your feet just need sandals that are supportive and can carry you through a lot of walking. If they can be even slightly attractive, then all the better. Yours are pretty Birks! I have had my Gizeh sandals for about ten years and I still love them. I don't wear them all the time, but I can't imagine not having them for intensive summer vacation walking days.

I do have a few other types of comfort sandals that I've worn, but I don't think they are much of an improvement in looks/support. The problem for me is that there is always a trade off. My Think sandals are lovely and very comfortable, but they don't have the same all-day support. Ditto Pikolinos. My Finn Comforts do, but honestly, if you think the Birks are ugly, Finn Comforts, wow.

ETA: Okay, so went and ogled Think shoes and saw these sandals. Kinda cute, no?

http://www.zappos.com/think-zilli-80327-black

rae

(website)

Veteran

Oh, but these are very dainty Birks, not what I was expecting from the read. I don't think they look frumpy at all. I do hear you about bookending, but you did that fine here with the thin stripes mirroring the thin straps. I think the comfort makes them a win.

Sarah A

Veteran

These are very dainty birks I agree with Rae. Like Claire if have used the Tarrago leather dye. It is really easy! I am off to take off my not great for walking shoes and put on my black birks now I think these will serve you well if you can come to terms with them or change the color if you and black dont find a way to get along...

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Stacey! I love your reasoning. I think you're right and sometimes it's alright if comfort does come first. I'm not shopping at the moment, but I can try to use some of my accessories in the future.

Thanks Khris! You're right that the color is probably the biggest problem. I agree that black can be difficult, some lighter color or a metallic would be great. I'm going to go and read up on leather dye. Although I do think I'd prefer asking a cobbler.

Thanks Thistle! You're right about the happy feet...

Thanks K! Love the Think sandals you linked to. I know Think (we do have a Think Store here) and some of their styles are really great, it's too bad they're so expensive.

Thanks Rae! I did get the most dainty ones available, so it's true that it's not as bad as it could be. I think they work here with the tee, but some tops are more difficult.

Thanks Sarah! I think changing the color might help a lot.

Glory

Veteran

I feel birks are a style that you just embrace as is. They have a certain recognizable look and feel and are quite popular. Personally I would wear the heck out of these lovelies and when you are ready add a second daintier pair of sandals to the collection.

rebekahphoto

Veteran

Hi Astrid,
Birks are kind of in a class by themselves, I think yours are classic, almost like a saltwater sandal with support. But I know they are not everyone's cup of tea, and the granola-esque aspect can be hard to feel stylish in....I say yes to dye to change the color to something you like more

I agree with others that perhpas a lighter color would make you feel more fab?
I have super fussy feet, and comfort is the #1 priority. no more flat pancake shoes, no matter how cute they are!
I have these in silver and the Gizeh is pretty popular even among the non-birk wearers:
http://www.zappos.com/birkenst.....flor-trade

Naots are another similar to birks (leather footbed + arch support) that are comfortable and the lighter color is more of a leg lengthening summery feel, if you feel you need another shoe:

http://www.zappos.com/naot-foo.....rd-leather
http://www.zappos.com/naot-foo.....so-leather

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Glory! I think one problem is that Birks come from Germany and they've been deemed "unstylish" by most people for quite some time. I just don't see many stylish people wearing them out and about! Most people that do wear them don't bother with fashion or style at all and look accordingly... But they ARE nice sandals.

Thanks Rebekah! I do think that the Gizeh looks a bit more stylish (and I think it's the one most often worn by young people), but I can't do the strap between the toes. Naots aren't available here.

catgirl

Veteran

I think these are totally fine. Frankly I think with certain functional items the love comes after, not first. Like you love something because it works for you, rather than loving it and then trying to make it work. Most of my functional items are this way - I love them because they do what I want!

ironkurtin

Veteran

I love Birks. If you love them too, who cares what other people think?

You look adorable!

Irene

Veteran

I really, really, really like them for you and I don't think they make your feet look wide. However, I think black sandals are hard to pull off for most people and it is easy for them to look dowdy, especially if there is no heel or the straps are thick (which is not the case here, btw).

Do you think you could dye them/find the same pair in another color?

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Una! Wise words...

Thanks IK!

Thanks Irene! I will try to find out if I can dye them. There aren't available in a color other than black and white and the white ones are reserved for health-care professionals.

rachylou

Veteran

Ok. Well, I have to agree with you, Astrid. They're not "I feel pretty shoes." I think it's the thinness of the straps, and also the black strap colour as Irene says. I'd look for another pair of birks with different straps. My birks are actually Mephistos, which are crazy expensive - but I think Birkenstock may be too?

Astrid

Veteran

Mmh, I'm not sure what other Birks to look for, I can't wear the Gizeh styles and there are only those with the very wide straps besides. I've tried Mephistos, but they weren't as comfortable. Birks aren't as expensive here as overseas, but they aren't cheap either.

rachylou

Veteran

Hmm. Are the ankle straps a must for you?

Astrid

Veteran

Yes, I'd rather have them. Or I'd feel like I forgot to change out of my slippers.

elpgal

Veteran

Astrid, I am biased because I wear mostly Birks but I don't see a problem with what you are wearing. If you want to branch out into other Birk styles/colors, try the Birko-Flor models. They are less expensive and come in several colors. Check out Birkies and Papillo too, similar footbed and sometimes better colors.

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