Should I just replace my existing birks? (+ some Tatamis) - YouLookFab Forum

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Should I just replace my existing birks? (+ some Tatamis)

Astrid

Veteran

I'll be going home for two weeks soon and I need to pack some comfortable all day walking sandals. I didn't found any other sandals in the stores, so I'm thinking about simply replacing my too small Bali sandals and buy them one size up . You can see them below, I have them in black. I'm really not a fan of the black with my pale legs, but they are only available in black and white over here. I would like some brown leather ones, but these would be three times more expensive.

http://www.amazon.com/Birkenst.....stock+bali

I know that most people like the Gizeh, but I'm not sure if I will be comfortable with my toes.

Should I replace the black ones?

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21 replies

Latest reply was from Astrid

JennyAnne

(website)

Veteran

I'd advise against getting the black ones just because you sound very unexcited about it. You say it's not a great color for your legs. If you've looked all around and have no other options, I guess you might need to, but it's sad to spend money on shoes you don't love.

Deborah

Veteran

Astrid I actually love the black against pale skin:). These look good and functional. But you do need to be happy with your choice and I'm afraid I can't offer any alternatives.

Lynne

Veteran

Astrid, have you looked at Ecco? They have some lovely, comfy sandals that are fab for walking in pretty colours. I have a pale pink-ish pair that work well on my lily-white legs :).

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks JennyAnne. That's true, I'm not all that excited about these.

Here are some more options, but they are Tatami and therefore a lot more expensive:

http://www.amazon.de/Tatami-Ze.....38;sr=1-11
http://www.amazon.de/Tatami-Ze.....7%20Normal
http://www.amazon.de/Tatami-Fe.....7%20Normal

I guess I'm not that sure about Birks not being frumpy in general, but these are the only sandals that really work for me. I'm sick of trying on ones that don't fit.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Deborah! They are definitely functional, that's true. And cheap - only 45€!

Lynne, I've tried Ecco, but my feet are too wide for them. Same for all the fashionable Clarks sandals. And I only want flats, so that makes my search more difficult still.

cheryle (Dianthus)

(website)

Veteran

Timely post. I have been thinking about getting a pair of birks. I know some think they are frumpy (I used to be one of them) but I am seeing them as more of a classic retro staple now. We all need a pair of super comfy shoes for hot weather. I think you should find a pair you like in that comfy range. Have you tried the gizeh? I had ruled them out too because of the thong but perhaps it would not be an issue and you would prefer the look.

Inge

(website)

Sorry, I have to post and run, but just wanted to ask if you've ever tried Campers?

http://www.camper.com/en/eshop.....38;smax=42

ButterflyLady

(website)

Veteran

I think of Birks as classic retro, as dianthus says.

Inge's suggestion of Campers is a good one - I had a quick look and love these http://www.camper.com/en/eshop.....=21610-001 I'm getting the prices in British pounds and they aren't cheap, not sure if they are a better price for you?

ManidipaM

Veteran

I like them on you! I don't see an issue with 'pale legs' vs black shoes --- thought they were a classic!

Krista

Veteran

Have you considered Mephisto sandals?

I wore Birks until I had to get orthotics and the podiatrist suggested I switch to Mephisto sandals because the arch would be better for my foot. I bought my first pair 6 years ago and wore them for almost 4 weeks straight touring Europe. I've never looked back and currently have 4 pairs in varying degrees of newness in my closet. I get compliments on them all the time because I can wear them with shorts, jeans or a casual skirt.

I'm not sure if they are available where you are. They are also not very cheap - here in Canada I pay $150 for a pair. But they are worth every penny!

Here's a link to a pair similar to the ones you are wearing. It is not the same style that I currently wear, but hopefully it will help.

http://www.mephisto.com/en/pro.....dals/bunty

I've never posted a link into the forum before so I hope that works! Cheers!

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Dianthus. Maybe I should start thinking of them like that too. I've tried the slip on Gizeh in the store and I wasn't sure about them. But I had to try them with these thin socks on and that's difficult with a thong style, so it might have been that. I definitely think that they look more fashionable!

Thanks Inge. I've tried Campers, I even was in the Campers store. Sadly all the ones I liked didn't work out.

Thanks ButterflyLady. I actually tried these on in the store because I really liked them online, but they were too tight. Campers are expensive here too, but I wouldn't mind paying a bit more for the right pair of sandals.

Thanks Manidipa! They would be the cheapest and easiest solution anyway.

Thanks Krista. I was in the Mephisto store after Kirti tried some Mephisto sandals on and recommended them, but they didn't work out either. The ones I liked were too narrow again.

Now that I'm talking about all the sandals that didn't work out I feel like I have abnormal feet....

DeclawedJaguar

Veteran

Astrid, I've stayed away from Gizeh thongs for years because of the same fear: my inter-toe area is very sensitive and I simply cannot wear flip-flops or thong-style sandals. That said, I finally tried Gizeh (on a big sale) and loved them! The thong does not put any pressure on my foot, as most of the support comes from the straps. I've been wearing them for the last two weeks and loooooove the comfort. Do try them without socks!

Diana

Veteran

Have you tried Naots? They are my go-to comfy summer sandals. I like the styles better than Birks. I'm afraid I can't recommend any specific styles, as all of mine are the narrow to medium width footbeds, but here is one that is listed as medium-to-wide:

http://www.zappos.com/naot-foo.....er#prdInfo

Naots are sorted into families, and all the shoes in a particular family are built on the same footbed, so chances are if you find one that works the others in that family will also work. The sizing is slightly odd, maybe because Israeli sizing is different than standard Euro? - you should follow their size chart and order by your US (not Euro) size. I am a 7.5 US and usually a 38 Euro, but in Naots I am always a 39 (which they claim is a US 8).

Freckles

Veteran

Astrid after being a Birks lover for years I have moved over to Naot's as my ortho surgeon wants me to also wear a non negative heel. At one of the specialty shoe stores the SA looked at my foot, had me try on about four pairs of shoes to see which last fit properly and then went through the store and showed me which ones to try. I so loved some of the Mephisto and Naots but she said right off the bat way too wide, you can only choose from these. Having the SA totally ignore gorgeous styles and show me which I had to choose from was a major bonus.
I ended up with very ugly shoes, which I am now changing my attitude to read euro influence, but the final four pairs she watched me walk and when I was dickering between cute and ugly took the cute away and said...non, your stride and gait are so much better in these...
Can you get a great SA somewhere near you in a store that carries multiple brands?

Edit: I really love the Birks that you are sporting in the pic. They have a casual boho/not sure of word but Astrid vibe to them. If you love how these feel and can walk comfortably in them go for it.

JR

Veteran

Oh dear. I think your sandals are really cute. And I wear black sandals with my lily-white legs all the time. :-O

I also think you look really cute in that photo. So there!

I take it you don't have access to Naturalizers over there? I do a lot of walking in mine.

Astrid

Veteran

Declawed Jaguar, thanks for chiming in about the Gizehs! I can't try them in the store without the socks, the SAs pay attention to that. But now I'm thinking about them again, if they worked well for you. I really like the style and I think Angie recommends the Gizeh too when it comes to Birks.

Thanks Diana. I've read about your Naots in another thread and already had a look online, but they are not available over here. I don't want to order overseas and then have to deal with high shipping costs and taxes, especially if I don't know what size works.

Thanks Freckles. I was in a specialty store some time ago and they were very helpful, but the styles they had that fit me were too gearish or frumpy in my opinion. Good to hear that you like the black ones. They are too small (bought on sale a few years ago, got the wrong size and didn't return), but I know that one size up fits perfectly and they are very comfortable.

Thanks JR! We don't have Naturalizers here, no.

Anonymous

Astrid, the other option are the Kairo Birks. They look like the Gizehs but have an ankle strap too.

Kiwichik

Veteran

Astrid I think black looks fine but if they are a size too small then you really should replace them. I like the first 2 pairs of tatamis you posted. You say they are a more expensive option however if they are more comfortable and stylish than your other options they may be worth paying a little extra.

rachylou

Veteran

Those are cute sandals. I'd love them in white actually. Just my personal quirk, but I feel there's something oxymoronic about black sandals.

GGB

Another vote for the Gizeh -- I have them in silver and brown and love them.

Astrid

Veteran

Thanks Ceit. The Birkenstock Kairos are only available in black in real leather (and I definitely want real leather). I think if I can only order them in black I would prefer my current ones...

Thanks Kiwichik. You're right, they need to be replaced. It's not uncomfortable per se, but I know how these are supposed to fit when they fit right. I haven't worn them much, so there wasn't a real need to replace them until now. I'll ask my sister if she wants them, her feet are one size smaller than mine. I'm not sure how the Tatamis fit, but I tink they are similar to the Birks. The comfort will be similar, I think. They cost twice as much as the Balis though.

Rachylou, I know what you mean! Unfortunately the white ones aren't even up for debate - the only people wearing them here are hospital personnel.

Thanks GGB. I'm just not sure about them. I think I'd prefer something with an ankle strap.