Birkenstocks-are they really $100 worth of comfortable?

[Fitswimmer]

I'm thinking of getting a pair for my upcoming Florida visits in May and October, but I have to admit that I'm balking a little at the price. Are they really that comfortable to be worth that much $$??

 

[Auggietina]

They are VERY comfortable!

 

[Jrsy Boy]

My DW swears by them. She wears almost nothing else...on her feet (keep your mind out of the gutter). They're well made, they last long and, if they start to wear out, she gets them repaired rather than spending another $100.

 

[mvazul]

I don't think they are - not yet, anyway.

I bought a pair last year for my Disney trip. $110. I think once I get them worn in, I will love them. The first few times wearing them was like wearing sacks of rocks on y feet. Plus, my sister said if they get wet, they mold (she has several pair). So, I am careful where I wear them. I ended up buying Crocs to wear to Disney instead.

Michelle

 

[LegoMom3]

YES! Once the warm weather arrives and mud season is over here in NH, I wear nothing else on my feet. I wore them my last two trips to WDW and never had sore feet. The footbed molds to your foot so it's like a custom fit!

I would shop around for the best deal, too. I actually found mine on eBay, brand new, and paid less than $40 for them.


.

 

[Diva of Dragons]

They are quite comfy but they need breaking in! I was swearing by my Croc flip flops for a while. Then I discovered Fit Flops!!!! So comfortable and helps tone your leg muscles!!!

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

Boy Fitswimmer, first a change in politics and now you want a pair of Birkenstocks?!?! I wear them to work almost daily and love them. Once they're broken in, they wear great and there are fewer shoes that are better for comfort. Of course, there aren't very many women I know who find them flattering on the female foot, but what the hey...break the trend. IMO, they're thousand of times more flattering than those godawful Crocs everyone's so enamored with around here.

 

[Fitswimmer]

Boy Fitswimmer, first a change in politics and now you want a pair of Birkenstocks?!?! I wear them to work almost daily and love them. Once they're broken in, they wear great and there are fewer shoes that are better for comfort. Of course, there aren't very many women I know who find them flattering on the female foot, but what the hey...break the trend. IMO, they're thousand of times more flattering than those godawful Crocs everyone's so enamored with around here.

I actually bought a pair of knock-off ones last summer that I really liked, but I can't walk all day in them. I was wondering if the real thing would be better. I really don't like the idea of Crocs either....

Actually, my clothing choices probably pegged me as a lib even when I was voting Republican....Jeans, Tshirts, sandals..converse...

 

[WhatATreat]

I love Birks and own several pairs. They are quite comfy, but like others have said they do need a bit of breaking in before they mold to your foot.

Also, I don't pay anywhere near $100. My most expensive pair was $80 and I usually pay around $50. Just check around before you spend that much.

 

[Duckfan-in-Chicago]

My wife had problems with heel spurs for years until she got her first pair of Birkenstocks-podiatrist recommended-and hasn't had a problem in well over 5 years. For her I'd say they're more than worth it.

 

[CathrynRose]

I sure the heck hope so - cuz I just dished out $124 last night on Zappo's for a pair of the Arizona 'softfloor' version. I cant deal with THAT much break in time, and the soft ones have an extra layer of cushy stuff.

Ill let you know, I should have them tomorrow.

I went to Von Maur and tried on different sizes and styles and widths, first. I decided I couldnt deal with the rock-solid breaking in of the 'regular' foot beds.... so the soft ones felt REALLY nice. Really nice... and from what I understand, the hard cork is under it, so same thing...just less time to break in.

I sure hope so. Im gonna be 35 with feet that feel like an 85 y/o's.

ALSO - the Fit Flops... I might get those too, simply because they have the 'rocker' foot bed which is really good for distributing your walk, evenly.

 

[PamNC]

I am a Birkenstock faithful. BUT, I don't wear them for long days at the parks. I still swear by tennis shoes.

PamNC

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

I love Birks and own several pairs. They are quite comfy, but like others have said they do need a bit of breaking in before they mold to your foot.

Also, I don't pay anywhere near $100. My most expensive pair was $80 and I usually pay around $50. Just check around before you spend that much.

I'd love to find out where some of you are shopping for authentic Birkenstocks at those prices. I have yet to find a pair for under $110 around my place.

 

[java]

Wide foot girl here- think Fred Flintstone feet. That's what I got. I find that the men's are actually better for me- wider and fit better. But once I got the right "men's" size they were like little pillows on my feet. I love them. Maybe time to get a new pair.

Although I am also a huge KEEN fan. These are great and WATER PROOF if you get the right kind.- even the not water proof ones actually held up well in a few florida thunderstorms. I just got a new a pair of those(I find them kind of cute in the colors they have) But if I had to choose I think I would pick a keen over a birkenstock. imho

 

[Crankyshank]

I go to the outlet, Laugh O Grams. I actually bought a purple pair for $34 from Amazon last year. DH thinks they signify too much time spent with "my gays"

I swear by my birks. They really are comfortable.

 

[WhatATreat]

I'd love to find out where some of you are shopping for authentic Birkenstocks at those prices. I have yet to find a pair for under $110 around my place.

My last pair I got on clearance from Footsmart. I do a lot of research on the internet before I plunk down my cash. I think someone else mentioned eBay.

As for the waterproofing, there is some kind of sealer you can get to put on the cork part to make it waterproof.

 

[DawnCt1]

I don't think that they are any more comfortable than the knock offs. Famous Footwear has them for $69.

 

[CathrynRose]

Let me steal this thread from the OP....

Comfy enough for all day at WDW, day after day? One PP mentioned "No", I'd like to hear from others, as well?

 

[Laugh O. Grams]

Wide foot girl here- think Fred Flintstone feet. That's what I got. I find that the men's are actually better for me- wider and fit better. But once I got the right "men's" size they were like little pillows on my feet. I love them. Maybe time to get a new pair.

Although I am also a huge KEEN fan. These are great and WATER PROOF if you get the right kind.- even the not water proof ones actually held up well in a few florida thunderstorms. I just got a new a pair of those(I find them kind of cute in the colors they have) But if I had to choose I think I would pick a keen over a birkenstock. imho

My wife has a pair of Keens and that's what she wears around the parks. They're a bit more streamline and feminine than Birkenstocks in an ugly, clunky, big toe kind of way.

I go to the outlet, Laugh O Grams. I actually bought a purple pair for $34 from Amazon last year. DH thinks they signify too much time spent with "my gays"

I swear by my birks. They really are comfortable.

See maybe that's my problem, I do chocolate brown leather or tan suede. I haven't tried purple, but I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that I'm pretty sure my feet are allergic to purple.

 

[Lintasare]

Not a Birkenstock fan, they never fit right and the toe ridges gave me blisters. But I do love NAOTs. They are about the same price but the footbed has a layer of foam and on top a suede cover. They are still molded to your foot. And the great thing is that the footbeds are removeable and replacable. I have one pair that I have had for 3 years. I just keep replacing the footbed.