Which Birks? - YouLookFab Forum

I have been hemming and hawing over buying another pair of Birkinstock sandals for several years. I am finally going to do it, but I have to decide which style.
I love the braided strap Gizah #1 the best style-wise, but the tobacco color isn't my first choice and I'm not sure if the thong is stable enough for me.
The oiled leather in cognac Arizona #2 is my favorite color, but I actually prefer suede for this style. This one also has the soft footbed, which I haven't tried. I do like the matching sole color and the finish on the buckles.
The Lugano #3 is very masculine, and I kind of like that. Same soft footbed but suede straps.
The Tulum #4 is that same mink color in suede (which I like). It has the stability of a back strap and a more feminine look.

I want one pair that can do it all- go to work, or walk around all day at a festival.
So, do I play it traditional with the Arizonas, go for the hard sole and boho vibe with the Giza's, play with gender roles with Lugano, or opt for the safe look and stability of the back strap of the Tulum???
Which one would you choose for me?

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2 years ago

kecisme

Active Member

I have a ton of, and love my Birkenstocks! The Gizeh is a favorite, BUT the thong part is hard plastic, and some people find it uncomfortable. When I bought my first pair, it literally took me a couple of months of wearing for a little bit each night before I was used to it. The first time I wore them, the area between my toes were very bruised. (I couldn't return 'em, [major sale item]; that's why I toughed it out.). Now, they're my favorite, most comfy, style! I find them easier to keep on my feet than the Arizonas when I've got to run a bit.

Stagiaire Fash

Veteran

Personally, I find the Arizonas & Tulums more masculine than the Luganos, simply because of the broad straps. But I think all of them intentionally turn a deaf ear to traditional definitions of femininity being dainty and therefore sexy. Idk if leg-lengthening is a priority for you, but I think the crossed straps on the Lugano & Tulum do it more than the others.

ETA I’d want the strap in back, but if you’ve had Birks before, you know whether you need it or not.

cjh

(website)

2. Arizona. Love that color.

RobinF

Ooh, my favorite is definitely the Luganos! I like that they are a little different than the usual and they look soft and comfy.

Ana

I love the Gizehs. The braid is a nice detail that I think could easily go from work to festival. But kicesme's comment is important--it sounds like they might require some breaking in. I really like the Luganos as the other option.

Anonymous

I’m into the Lugano lately - that will be my next pair - as it’s a little different , but if you have the foot for it , I’d go for the braided Gizeh . So cute ! I always feel you should have a “perfect” foot to wear a thong style because your entire foot is exposed ( ie no bunions , etc) so I’m knocked out of that category of shoe , unfortunately .

nemosmom

I like the Lugano - still Birk-like, just a bit more. I should note, I don't typically like things between my toes, and I don't like the slapping sound of a shoe against my heel - so take my feedback with a giant grain of salt!

JAileen

I like the Arizonas and Luganos. I’ve never seen the latter before. A nerdy look that I like is socks with Birkenstocks, especially hand knit ones. Can’t do that with Gizehs.

If the Tulum fits well it might be your best bet all around, could be the most flattering to the leg too.

The Lugano might be second choice if the Tulum doesn't work out

Next, the Arizona, so recognizable that it's almost invisible, haha, the one you've chosen is a pretty rustic version, so nice, but maybe not as versatile.

Gizeh would be last, too exposed to be as versatile.

April

No advice except to say high five since I too have recently succumbed to The Birks. Mine are the soft footbed in the narrow sizing (which is not narrow at all, it's just somewhat less unisex than their standard footbed.)

Echo

I think the Tulum would be the most versatile, both summer fair and work appropriate. I adore Birks and have had quite a few over the years, but I have learned that their suede styles work best for me (softer and less likely to rub or cause pain). Oiled leather Arizona's chew my feet up and I generally end up not wearing them. Gizeh's are fab if they fit your foot perfectly, otherwise, any toe thong needs breaking in. The Zurich strike me as masculine (not necessarily a bad thing, but it depends on the vibe you're after). So YMMV as far as Birks go, but the above would be my reasoning.

RoseandJoan

Another vote for the lugano Kris but will the suede be hardy enough for festivals?

CarolS

Although I haven't actually tried them on, I'm leaning toward Tulum for my next pair. As others have said, there is benefit to a back strap if you are looking for max versatility. I love my Arizonas but don't really wear them for extending walking. And I don't like to drive in a shoe that could fall off my foot so easily.

Keep us posted.

chewyspaghetti

Julie- the suede is very hardy on Birks.

That's good to know Kris, I have a pair of the Madrid Birkenstock in a taupe suede but the festivals in Scotland tend to need wellies rather than sandals.

If the suede is tough enough for your climate I would opt for suede for the comfort.

bj1111

gizeh. then tulum. i love the cross strap look.

the gizeh is very on trend with the focus on platform flipflops.

how are you with something between your toes for long walks.

Sal

I am an Arizona fan but I do also like the Lugano.

Aquamarine

I love my birks (Arizona and Mayori) but I’d prefer a heel strap for lots of walking. But I have a narrow, low-volume foot and don’t feel secure in lots of sandals.

I like the Gizehs and Luganos. I have the Siena Hex which is similar to Lugano.
If you're going to wear them with socks at all (like if you're camping at a festival), then definitely slide on, not Gizeh though.

Have you considered birks eva super comfy light lots of colors

bj1111- I have those. I use them as house slippers. Not what I'm looking for, but thanks!

rachylou

Arizona or Lugano would be my choice. I like slides. I don’t like thongs for a lot of walking; I find they hurt after awhile. For heavy heavy all day tourist walking, I’d go for the back strap though.

Jenni NZ

Disclaimer: I am not sure I would be seen dead in a pair of Birks. So not my thing, I like pretty, refined and dainty sandals. I like the Arizonas best of all these and then the braided strap ones.

Kate

Gizeh, if you can handle the thong. Gizehs are my go-to Birks, and I love the braided strap on the ones you chose. If you have a narrow foot, choose the the Narrow (A-B) width in the Gizeh, and go down 1/2 a size.

smittie

I like the gizeh’s. The braid is a nice touch. I would probably get the gizeh in your favourite colour.

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