No grey birkies for me... ideas?

rachylou

So I had this idea that I wanted some grey birkies type sandals. Tried on a pair of the genuine kind, and that's not gonna happen. I do not have Birkenstock shaped feet. I guess that's why I have Mephistos.

I haven't done much looking yet, but anybody have any ideas? How would you do a google search for type of sandal? I can't think of a search term...

11 years ago

Shopping

24 replies

Latest reply was from rachylou

(website)

Veteran

Look under Comfort Shoes in a search engine under Sandals and you should strike gold.

11 years ago

(website)

Veteran

Did your faux leather overalls end up working out by the way??

11 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Mo - Oh, I have to do a post on the faux leather overalls. Yes, big yes! They totally worked out. And they look a lot better IRL. I had to do an exchange on them; just put the return in the mail. The small was a little skinny in the ankles... and I have skinny ankles.

And thank you for the search term!

11 years ago

Inge

(website)

Moderator

Or you could try something like "Birkenstock alternatives". I googled that and an older post from Barking Dog Shoes popped up:
http://www.barkingdogshoes.com.....th-co.html

Most of the shoes linked to are no longer available on the store sites, but if you do another google search for the brand and style names, you do get results.

Holding thumbs that you'll find your Birkies soon, Rachy.

11 years ago

Greyscale

Veteran

Naot has some classic birk styles and they're too narrow for my feet, so perhaps good? I have Mephistos and they are a tiny bit too narrow for me, but almost perfect.

11 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Inge, Greyscale - I will search on those too. Thanks for the good ideas!

11 years ago

Greyscale

Veteran

I'm having trouble finding the Naot look I remembered, though. Maybe I mixed it up with others.

I also noticed that brands like Steven Madden had Birkenstock knock-offs recently, so you could try that type of brand.

11 years ago

viva

Veteran

These aren't necessarily right but maybe these will lead you in a good direction. I basically did a search on "Birkenstock-like sandals" and ultimately ended up doing what Mo suggested.

Alegria:
http://www.dillards.com/produc.....8257_zi_bl

Naot:
http://www.comfortstreetshoes......75-13.html

Dansko:
http://www.comfortstreetshoes......sko-1567-1

11 years ago

catgirl

Veteran

I have seen these referred to generically as footbed sandals. I think of them as "cavegirl cool" myself.

11 years ago

rebekahphoto

Veteran

this is a 2 strap naot with some cool buckle details
https://www.thewalkingcompany......etal/17903

11 years ago

deb

Veteran

On zappos, they are listed under European in sandals. There are several brands.

11 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

*Footbed sandals* seemed to really narrow things down. Thx, Una!

Have to try *European* as well, deb. That's surprising.

I think I'll have to move off the general google search and go to specific fashion sites, like Polyvore, and try all the terms there...

11 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

Asos has some 'inspired by' ones but only in black and white, not in silver iirc. If you're not looking for super-durable and long lasting, someplace like Payless might be a place to try too.

11 years ago

dustt

Veteran

I tried grey mephisto and got these

http://www.shoebuy.com/mephist.....-none-_-no

also if it's just that the straps won't tighten down enough (they don't on me) on the birks - then you just need to take them to the cobbler and have him add another hole and trim the excess strap -

11 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Get black Birkies.

11 years ago

rae

(website)

Veteran

What about the pewter mephistos I tried a while back? I am tempted to order them back, but I decided pumps are more important.
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/me.....tiveSearch

Or these snakey ones?
http://shop.nordstrom.com/s/me.....tiveSearch

11 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

Snakey is cool

I should make life easier and go for black. That's a good suggestion, Angie. Thx!

Sadly it's not a strap thing. I have a narrow foot true, but the real problem is the shape. My little toes hit the upturned edge. They're more straight across. I can't wear Nike for the same reason.

11 years ago

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

Veteran

I found the Asos ones - they've got them in black, white and this shiny silver, although it might be more bling than you're looking for:
http://us.asos.com/ASOS-FAR-OU.....nMvUHJvZC8.

11 years ago

Caro

Active Member

Have you seen Birkenstock's little sister, Papillio? They are slightly more feminine and not as goofy looking, yet still made by Birks, so they are comfy and quality. As far as a Google search, I would try "mules" if that is specifically what you are looking for . Other great comfy shoe brands are Clarks (they have mules as well that are more classy than Birks but very comfy) and Fitflop, but it dépends what you are looking for.

11 years ago

Ingunn

(website)

Veteran

European? Weird. Good luck hunting!

11 years ago

Glory

Veteran

Birks come in narrow as well. Have you tried the SF (soft foot) narrow? that might work.

11 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Have you tried Birkies in a narrow width?

11 years ago

(website)

Veteran

Rachy, once in a while my little toe will catch on the lip of the footbed as well. I also can't wear Nike. Interesting.
(and I'm excited for the overall reveal!)

11 years ago

rachylou

Veteran

I didn't know Birkies came in narrow and Papillio is new to me... Ok. I have a conference that I can surf in...

p.s. That *is* interesting, Mo. I thought I was the only one!

11 years ago

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