Talk to me about Birkenstocks! - YouLookFab Forum

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Talk to me about Birkenstocks!

K.M.

Veteran

All of a sudden I'm extremely curious about Birkenstocks. Maybe because I recently read this three-year-old New Yorker piece. Maybe because of forum recs of Birkis as comfortable sandals. So I'm curious:

1. Are they as comfortable as they are billed? Most reviews online are
positive, but there are also people who just can't wear them.

2. Do they make your feet look like a cruise ship? Hard to tell from
online pics (all over the place). When I see people wearing the sandals
next to me, their feet don't look comically large at all. BUT I do have
long feet for my height.

3. Suggestions on how to style them? I'm interested both in sandals as well as in the closed-shoe model for when it gets cold.

(My interest was piqued by the New Yorker article's description of how the Birkenstock male execs wear their fur-lined Arizonas with socks in
winter... this intersects with the conversations on statement socks
elsewhere in the forum...)

PS. I was in my 20s in the 90s so I remember when Birkis became fashionable then--but still as crunchy-granola hippie-throwbacks with much fewer options and fashion cred than today. Maybe that's why it's taken me a while to warm up to today's trend.

Birkenstock London

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Birkenstock Pisa (Unisex)

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Birkenstock Lola

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Birkenstock Arizona Shearling

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Dressing

30 replies

Latest reply was from K.M.

Minnie

I use Birkenstocks as my house-shoes, but will not wear them outside my home.
They really help with my plantar fasciitis.
I use their narrow width (my feet are not narrow, they are regular width and low volume) for summer when I'm barefoot and their regular width for winter to accommodate cozy socks.
I prefer the soft footbed to the original.
If you are new to Birkenstock, there may be an adjustment period as they are different from normal shoes.
I wouldn't want to be without them these days

K.M.

Veteran

Minnie, thank you, this is all great information! And I was indeed wondering about the different types of footbeds--I see the regular, the soft, and a kork-something? But it does seem from your post that I probably should try some pairs in different widths at a store before committing.

Jane

Veteran

I love my birks, and they are super comfortable. I have a pair with a toe post, a closed pair and a pair with two straps. They do I think make my feet look big, like cruise ships is good description, but somehow they are very very acceptable and everyone wheres them a lot where I live, SE UK.

I would like to buy some striped socks to wear with them. I think it will make them look extra wholesome and again as you say, like I should be eating granola!

K.M.

Veteran

Jane, I love the idea of making the Birkis look wholesome!

I do see a lot of people wearing them where I live too (Midwest US), mostly the slip-on sandal models during the summer. This has helped accustom my eyes to them and to the proportion they create with chunkier feet.

Is the pair with the toe post comfortable? For me toe-post shoes can be really hit or miss in terms of comfort. And which closed pair do you have?

Jane

Veteran

Yes the toe post pair is comfortable, but I am always cautious about jamming my foot agains a bit of pavement or a stone or something, because that would make me yelp! I have a suede pair (the reference on the footbed is 240); I've not worn them as much as I thought I would, mainly because the suede bit drops down and so they aren't as easy to slide my feet into as my uggs. I kind of bought them as summer uggs.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

When they fit and are suited to the shape of your feet = SUBLIME.

When they don’t fit - like on me - awful discomfort.

You might like to read my recent post on Birkies. Sorry. On my phone. Can’t privide link.

Anonymous

We've talked about Birks many, many times here on the forum, and the subject always gets a variety of emotional responses. I'm a long-time lover, and wear them casually. I try to have one new or newish looking pair at any given time to wear in public (the others are worn in the yard or around the house) and wear them with anything from my workout gear and a sweater (like today) , to shorts, a dress or rolled up khakis. They definitely do not work on every foot, and you have to sit down in a good shoe shop with time to spare and compare fits between Birks, Mephisto, etc etc. Right now, my "best pair" are Arizonas in black patent with a subtle glitter under a clear topcoat (sounds like nailpolish - lol). And no, they don't make my feet look like cruise ships - and I wear a 39 in Birks.

JAileen

Veteran

I’m in a spinners and weavers guild. The members often wear Birkenstocks with socks, but only handknit socks. It is a kind of snobbery, I guess. I have quite a few pairs of handknit socks, but if it’s cool enough for socks, I’d just as soon wear clogs (with socks).

Joy

Veteran

I wore Birkenstocks in the '60's, a Euro look. If you try them, wear them long enough to be sure that the footbed is perfect for your feet or they will end up being uncomfortable in a way that affects your back and whole body. I also had to get used to pushing the sandal with my toes with each step in order to walk and keep it on. Lots of foot excercise and probably good for the circulation in the legs, but hard to adjust to the first time. If you wear flip-flops, it is probably easier. Also Birkenstocks are usually heavy. Something to consider. A nude-for-you color will help keep them from looking overly large.

Christina F.

Veteran

Living in NYC, I have gotten VERY used to the look of Birkenstocks and other chunky sandals, as many have embraced them as a practical option for the sidewalks here. They are a fashion shoe. I have ones that can be dressed up a tiny bit.

The ones with the toe divider (Gizeh) have to be gotten used to. One I adjusted, I was used to them even when pulling them out again after the winter. I liked that look and the Mayari the best, so I persevered. My feet are too low-volume for the classic Arizonas (I got a similar look from some other shoes instead).

I do NOT wear them with socks, and I don't see that look much around here, so I'll leave that for others to weigh in on.

Birkenstock Gizeh Birko-Flor

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Birkenstock Mayari

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by Christina F.

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Joha

Another Birkenstocks as Houseshoe wearer here. And I think this is the case for 30 years now. (OMG I'm getting old) Anyways. I've got regular to slightly wider feet and I were the narrow fit. I've been using the white ones as casual Allrounder summer shoes for three years now and I love them. The white goes well with almost all of my summer clothes so it's just a no brainer to put them on and go about my day. I ordered four pairs on sale just last week (including fancy ones with croc effect etc) and it was really strange. All were narrow fit and same size BUT every single one came out slightly different. One were just too large, some to narrow and others uncomfortable because the bulk in the middle hit at an inconvenient spot. If this is just slightly off I usually keep the shoes nonetheless since the leather straps get wider and softer and the footbed is usually adapting a bit as well but this time it's been really off...

K.M.

Veteran

Jane, I have the same nervousness about my foot being exposed on all sides when I'm out and about. I thought the thick sole with the slight raised edge provided enough of a "barrier," but maybe not...

Angie, I'll look it up! I had searched the forum but not the blog for Birkenstocks... And yes, reading reviews in shoe retailers, I see exactly what you describe: for some people they are a godsend, and for others they are torture... Just wonder if one can figure that out without having to buy and wear them outside beyond the point of return...

lisa p., your black/glitter/topcoat pair sounds fabulous! I will also search the forum for the old convos. I had done a quick search before posting but maybe didn't go back enough to find it all...

JAileen, your comment made me smile--I wish I could weave or spin and make my own socks... If I could, I'd also totally be a snob and wear only my handmade work!

Joy, what you describe sounds similar to what I read in the New Yorker article, where they say the Birkenstocks make your feet "work" to keep them in place and that's why they are healthy for the feet. I am used to flip-flops, but only very specific ones: Havaianas, as nothing else is comfortable. And yes, one does have to "work" to keep them on, and after decades of wearing them it feels natural. I wonder how similar this is to the Birki foot work.

I also did read that you are supposed to break them in till the footbed conforms to your feet (or vice-versa?!?).

Christina F., I have low-volume feet too, so it sounds like I would have to go for one of the models with ankle straps and/or toe posts.

K.M.

Veteran

Joha, that's interesting about the difference between pairs. I would have thought that the footbed is very standardized, not only due to it being the trademark of the company, but also because as a health/orthopedic shoe I'd imagine it's pretty important that it all be made under exact specifications.

Your comment makes me wonder if the recent popularity has backfired--with so many models, footbed types, materials, and also the need for higher production, perhaps the assembly process is suffering?...

K.M.

Veteran

PS. Angie, just read your post (missed it during my summer travels...) And reading your description of the ideal foot for the classic Birkenstocks I see that my feet do not fit the bill--quite the opposite. Perhaps the Papillio line that some fabbers have posted about recently might work, and especially something with straps.

Astrid

Veteran

I love them and always had a pair since I was a child. In my teens just for wearing at home, but now I also wear them outside again as summer sandals. They just work for me wide feet (I have the normal wide width, not the narrow ones). There are also some available with a soft footbed, mostly outside Germany I think, those don’t work for me either. If you buy a pair, take care to get the right size - a lot of people size down too much. In Birkenstock you need room for your toes so they can properly grip when you walk. Oh and you definitely need to break them in. I like them best after at least two summers...

(I added a foot selfie below of me wearing my current Birks which I still had on my phone. Snapped in New Zealand, so that’s a Flat White down there... I so want to go back!)

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The Cat

Veteran

I find myself nodding to much of what Minnie said. But in addition to wearing them as house shoes, I also wear them many other places and for a variety of occasions, except the more formal. I have two pairs, both are double-strap cork sole slide sandals. One is rosebeige patent, and the other is silver--both are perfect for my casual elegant style.

I wear Birkenstock STYLE sandals (not the originals), which are now available many places at affordable prices. Here is a link to some look-alikes: https://www.sheknows.com/beaut.....mmer-trend

Aquamarine

Veteran

I love birkenstocks (Arizona and Boston) but mostly wear them as house shoes because I have low volume feet and can’t really stride in them, even the narrows. They are heaven for my back. However, this year I tried the Mayari model and they work for me in the regular width. I can’t even feel the toe strap, they are so comfortable. I’ll probably get another color next year.

The Birkenstock look has definitely grown on me, especially with well-groomed feet.

K.M.

Veteran

Astrid, that's a really pretty model--which one is it? Also... good to know about the aging/break-in period. Two summers... Birkenstocks=fine aged wine

The Cat, I found that the Birkenstock-inspired sandals by other brands sometimes appeal to me aesthetically more than the originals--but I wonder if they are as comfortable and feet-healthy?

Aquamarine, maybe if I get a pair, I'll just wear it around the house for a while till I get used... and yes, the look has also grown on me: from "I'll never be caught wearing one" to "I really want one to wear out and about!")

Thea

i bought my first pair this summer in Germany as I needed something that could handle the cobblestones. I bought a pair of the ble mosaic Gizeh, with the toe post. Having them fitted at the Birkenstocks store was very helpful - she talked me into a 36, although I'm usually a 37 in euro sized shoes, and the footbed fit great. She set the buckles, but after a few days of constant wear I had to tighten them one notch.

It's very popular to wear socks with the thick strap Arizona style among high school girls in the Seattle area. My teen was horrified when I bought my Birks, lectured me against then, but after she tried them around town (we wear similar sizes) she went and bought silver Mayari.

Now I'm contemplating the closed style boot or sneakers for winter, as sandals+socks just aren't sufficient in our weather. (My house shoes are Haflinger boiled wool clogs with a cork sole.)

Birkenstock 'Gizeh' Birko-Flor Thong

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Birkenstock 'Mayari' Birko-Flor Sandal

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Anonymous

I wear birkenstock type sandals for walking, thong style ones, because i don't like the horizontal strap look on my own feet. For me they're very comfortable, but my feet have high arches and i wear sandals in general as much as possible. Ive walked 6 miles or so in them comfortably!

Astrid

Veteran

Those are the classic sandals, the Rio. Unfortunately I can’t wear any of the models with a strap between the toes and the slipper styles feel too much like house slippers to me (because I always had those as house shoes). I’ve had the Birkenstock Bali sandals before which I liked even better, but they stopped making them. I hope they bring them back sometime.

rachylou

Veteran

I have a pair of Mephistos (white with rhinestones). I love them. I can’t wear Birkenstocks because my toes are pretty much the same length... the toe of Birkenstocks angle too sharply for my feet.

Brickie

For some reason I *like* it when my feet don't look too small and dainty and I've seen a lot of people rocking Birkenstocks in a very cool way...I think I'm going to invest in a pair for next summer.

The Cat

Veteran

K.M., in response to your question to me, I'll say that there's only one way to find out this for yourself: TRY different brands and styles.

Style Fan

Veteran

I love my Birkenstocks. I usually have a few pairs in my wardrobe. I wear a size 39 (8 or 8.5) and I have never thought my feet look large in them. Currently, I have copper Arizona Birks with a soft footbed and bronze Gizeh Birks. I wanted to get another pair this summer but it never happened. I had my eye on a pair of copper and black metallic Arizona ones but my size was sold out everywhere.
I wear my Birks with shorts, jeans, cropped pants and wide-legged crops.

Birkenstock Gizeh Birko-Flor

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Birkenstock Unisex Arizona 2-Strap Cork Footbed Sandals

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Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

You mean “talk Birky to me”?

I have nothing constructive to say, am much too much of a granola to be able to wear them.

DonnaF

Veteran

I have low volume, archless feet and the only Birkenstocks that worked for me were the ones that had extra high arch support. There used to be a clog looking one and the other looked like the Arizona. Go figure; it seems counter-intuitive doesn't it? The more fashionable line never came close to working for me. My feet have changed for the worse so I don't even try Birkenstocks any more.

But yes, even within Birkenstocks there are multiple footbeds in addition to the two widths. Plus, there's the matter of the bump that is in the wrong place if one has long toes.

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

Here is the link:

https://youlookfab.com/2018/08.....n-classic/

Freckles

Veteran

I've been wearing Birkenstocks for years even though I have totally the wrong foot for them and love them. I do prefer the original foot bed to the soft but I just bought my first soft foot bed this spring so time will tell.
Although it's true the nubuck ones collapse so you can't just slide into them my feet are particularly fussy and don't like seams and any sort of hardness rubs them raw so I love it.
I wear Arizona style. Do prefer the Florida but they don't make them in narrow anymore and with a AA foot need the narrow.
I really wanted a metallic pair this spring but the leather rubbed a bit too much.
Truth: I ended up wearing them at our son's wedding even though it is a major fashion faux-pas. On my feet 8 a.m. to 5 a.m. and at one point my back just went NO so I went to the car and put them on. Bliss.
I'm not sure if it's the soft foot bed or they've changed the last but the arch doesn't seem as high anymore.

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