Birkenstock

[SJX]

More than once I've seen Birkenstocks described as the most comfortable sandals in the world; do they live up to that? Any alternatives available?

Thank you.

 

[AlanC]

Yes, they are just as ugly as everyone says they are.

 

[bigbadbuff]

they are comfortable for people whose feet the soles 'fit'. I have very flat feet with little arch and I have a pair- I wear them occasionally but for me they're not very comfortable after a couple of hours.

 

[Mike]

More than once I've seen Birkenstocks described as the most comfortable sandals in the world; do they live up to that? Any alternatives available? Thank you.

Go find the most hippy person you can find. More than likely they'll be wearing a Phish shirt or an old Grateful Dead tour shirt. Guarentee they'll be wearing Birkenstock sandles, even if its cold outside, although then they may have swiched to the Birkenstock clogs. Ask them.

All joking aside, I think they are really ugly. They may be comfortable, I don't know. I'm not a fan. Just my 2 cents

 

[benchan]

I would not say they are necessary ugly.....some people can pull it off. Some colourful Birkenstocks' sandals are worn by teenage gals in the summer, and they look good with the right outfit.

For alternatives, I think sandals from swoosh and the three stripes etc are just as good. Some models have anatomical footbed jsut like the Birkenstocks.

 

[tiger02]

Injection-molded plastic sandals aren't just as good, unless you're talking about being waterproof. Â The cork footbed molds to your feet, after some admittedly uncomfortable break-in time. Â After that though, if you take care of them and get them resoled, they can last just as long as any shoes anyone on this board talks about. Proper wear? Â With linen in the summer, or with anything if you're still in college. I'm not the least hippy person you've never met, but I'm pretty damn close. edit--I haven't bought a pair in a few years, ie since the Deutschmark was still around. Then, ordering from Germany cut the price in half, even after shipping. Try hawea, they still send me Christmas cards 4 years later. Nice folks. Tom

 

[Renault78law]

I think Birks are great, comfortable shoes. I have flat feet, and found their shoes to be very supportive. And their resoling program is very good, but given the inherent nature of cork, I disagree that Birks can last a lifetime.

 

[philosophe]

I wear Naot sandals from Israel. They're built like the Birks but come in much better looking styles. The best place to buy them is the kibbutz but they're not too expensive in the US.

 

[sashae]

I'm wearing my Birkenstock Boston clogs right now... great for around the house, although I rarely wear them out. Incredibly comfortable, though.

-s

 

[TimelessRider]

Like a previous reply noted, if you have flat feet, Birenstocks may not be for you. I found Mephisto sandals considerably more comfortable for my flat feet.

 

[NormanF]

More than once I've seen Birkenstocks described as the most comfortable sandals in the world; do they live up to that? Any alternatives available? Thank you.

My Milano backstrap sandals are very comfortable. Once you slip into them, you'll wonder why you missed them. Naot makes similar sandals, some with removable cork and latex insoles like my Lappland. Ohhh... sheer bliss. For people who prefer style over function, comfort footwear gets ridiculed. But when you have to stand on your feet or walk all day, they make a difference.

 

[NormanF]

I think Birks are great, comfortable shoes. I have flat feet, and found their shoes to be very supportive. And their resoling program is very good, but given the inherent nature of cork, I disagree that Birks can last a lifetime.

You can get the cork outer edge sealed over with a leather trim. This will eliminate cork maintainance and drying out and keep them lasting longer. Then all you have to do is replace the liner and heel sections as they wear down.