Sandal advice: Teva & Birkenstock

My wardrobe and shopping needs are pretty limited this spring, between working from home, events in the next few months canceled, but I've decided I want to add a pair of classic Tevas as well as a pair of Birkenstocks.

Many years ago I had the basic Tevas, and would use them for hiking and long walks. My feet were young then and much less caring of what I put on them. Some of the Tevas I'm looking at now are the Sanborn Universal (pic 1), and the midform universal (pic 2). Anyone have any experience with either, or a different Teva model they would recommend? I have average width feet with slightly high arches.

And for Birks, I know I'm late to the party, but I'm finally getting some. Can anyone explain how to choose a footbed? Do I want 'soft' or original? I was thinking of going with basic Arizonas. Anyone have any other recommendations?

Thanks for any suggestions!

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4 years ago

kellygirl

Veteran

I am still in the market for a sport sandal. I have the Arizona in silver with the soft footbed and they are comfortable. I tried on a bunch of Tevas prior to the shelter in place and did not remember them being so minimal--I had them decades ago too. They show a lot of foot. I had ordered the black/white Earths and they were the most uncomfortable sandal I've ever tried on so I was going to go back to Teva since the universals have that sort of flatform style I'm looking for without the hefty price tag. I'll probably wait until I can go to a brick and mortar store to try again. That's my 2 cents.

JAileen

I had basic Tevas years ago and they caused my plantar fasciitis. I think they were just a flat slab. I had to get rid of them. These look better. I have Teva Tirra and they are fine.

I also have B. Arizonas. I think mine are regular, not soft. They’re fine, too. Because of the shape of the footbed, I had to go up in size because my toes are long.

This year I bought Mephistos. It’s been cold here and I haven’t worn them yet. They are very similar to Birkenstocks, but softer.

https://shop.nordstrom.com/s/m.....-personali

salt-sea

Active Member

Thank you kellygirl for the info on the Arizona. Maybe I'll order the Birks online and wait on the Tevas until I can try them on in store.

And thank you JAileen - I think I'll order through Zappos so I can get two sizes to compare.

CarolS

I have Teva Tirras and find them to be pretty good -- although I probably should have sized up. Bought before my current foot health education!

My podiatrist doesn't like my Birk Arizonas because you have to grip with toes to hold them. I have the regular footbed in those, and have grown to love the feel of them. I wear for short stints only, now. I also have a Birk with a piece that goes between the toe (sorry, I forget the name and am too lazy to look it up right now!) They have the softer footbed.

I've considered looking at Merrel because I like my Merrel hikers, or Keen because I found a pair of Keen boots this winter that have turned out to work quite well for my feet.

Will be watching other's recommendations and experience with interest.

catherine

I wear the Teva Original Universal with great success and can walk miles in them. I have narrow feet. Birkenstock’s do not fit me at all. I have purchased at least three pairs and ended up giving them away. I like them on other people, though.

Thanks CarolS - maybe you have the Gizehs? I have a pair of Keen sandals I got for rainforest hiking a few years ago but while they are very comfortable I don't like the way they look and save them for when they are truly necessary. I'd like something a little more streamlined looking - which to my eye includes the Universal type Tevas.
Catherine - good to know - I'll temper my expectations!

NancyW

The Birkenstock 'Florida' is the best upper style for my foot - not sure why. I have had both regular and soft bed and don't have a strong preference. I think fitting is tricky and would wait until you can shop at a good b&m shop with Birki expertise. My size is 41N, but in other shoes I wear a 40.

Laura (rhubarbgirl)

(website)

The Tevas I have worn in the past are pretty flat - the footbed is giving enough that your foot makes an imprint to a certain extent, but it's definitely not a really supportive/high-arch sort of situation.

yes, salt-sea -- Gizeh. Love the look, but not for walking. Yeah, I hear you about trying to balance comfort with just TOO much utility in the look.

Style Fan

I love Birks. I have problems with my feet and Birks are one of the few sandals I can wear without pain. I have both the hard and soft footbed. I like both.

always trying

I have worn Texas forever. Always a good choice, but I have walking cradle sandals, ugly, but surpass any others for comfort.

annagybe

Teva I feel has degraded in quality. I’ve had more than one pair where the sections of the sole peeled apart.
I now prefer Chaco’s for hiking type sandals, and Birkenstock for the Urban stuff

DonnaF

The thing with Tevas and Birkenstocks and other shoes for that matter is that they come in whole sizes. If you are between sizes, they may not work. Birkies also have the variable of toe length since they have that bump just before the toes. I used to get a fit in only one style of Birkenstocks which I don’t think they make any more. My Tevas on the right are super casual flatforms; I think Anna had the same pair. I also have the pair in the left. I rarely wear either because it has to be in the 80s before I can wear bare sandals without risk since I have Raynauds in my toes.

Nordstrom

Teva Ysidro Wedge Sandal

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Teva 'Universal' Flatform Sandal (Women)

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Glory

I have a few pairs of birks and really enjoy them. Two years ago I bought a pair of merrils and they were a game changer - fantastic! I was able to wear them up to 10 hours. I still wear birks often- I have Madrid’s, Florida and Arizona. I had tevas many years ago but found them flat and uncomfortable. Good luck with your search.

The Cat

Just chiming in to say that I have never owned a pair of Tevas, but really like the more urban an neat look of the midford universal (your pic 2, salt-sea).

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