Mitch here!
I wore a pair of Birkenstock sandals every day for nearly a decade of my life. They were my primary mode of transportation. I wore them in the snow. I wore them while playing sports. I wore them to graduation. I even wore them while commuting to my first job (and immediately changed into a pair of work shoes I kept under my desk upon arriving). But something happened–I got old and forgot myself, I suppose–and my feet have gone un-Birked for far too long.
That is until now.
Birks are back bay-bay, and they’re back in a big way. (Sorry.) Thanks to every blogger on the internet–including the namesake of this website–I’ve been made aware that Birkenstocks are cool and have always been cool. And while I’m not sure who makes these decisions, I jumped right back on the bandwagon. I made Kelly buy me two pairs: one to put near the front door and one to put near the backdoor.
I plan to wear these sandals until they freeze to my feet. It’s my own little form of protest against the impending Chicago winter. No matter the season, no matter the weather–if I’m flip-flopping around, I’m probably having a pretty good time.
And now I’m going to review both pairs of Birks below for your convenience.
Splurge: Birkenstock Arizona Suede Leather Sandal
Buying Birks is stressful because both the size and the color change drastically as you break them in. I opted for a Taupe Suede and I sized them down for comfort and aesthetics. Oversized sandals can look a little silly, and Birkenstocks normally run one size large.
Birkenstock has an incredible array of varieties of their two-strap sandal. Honestly, they sell so many versions and colors that it’s sort of infuriating. My main goal was to find a pair that would look like natural leather after a few wears and were stiff enough to let me put them on without using my hands.
This suede pair worked perfectly. There was some break-in time, but nothing too bad. (Maybe two or three days?)
I love these sandals, but they’re expensive. $145 for sandals made of cork that deteriorates over time is a lot to ask. Now, I’m willing to admit that most people probably don’t wear their sandals as often as I do, but still! Whatever, though. I own like four pairs of shoes and my Birks are my favorite so they’re worth it to me.
This pair is available on Nordstrom, Zappos and Amazon, btw.
Save: Birkenstock Essentials Waterproof Slide Sandal
This rubber Birkenstock sandal is the best-selling sandal on Amazon right now and for good reason. Despite their price (only $45!), they’re every bit as comfortable and durable as their more expensive counterparts. As a matter of fact, I’d even say that out of the box they made my feet feel better compared to the leather variety since they didn’t need to be broken in. Not sure if it helps but I had to look down just now to see which pair I was even wearing. It’s wild!
They call this color “Khaki,” but I’d say it’s more of a forest green. I’d considered getting the white ones, but I was afraid of them looking like shower shoes. They look great on Kelly, though.
Similar to the previous pair, I’d recommend sizing down as even a slightly oversized sandal can look clunky. I’m typically an 11.5-12 but wear a 10.5 with Birkenstocks. They’re available on Amazon, Zappos and Nordstrom, and if you find your size, I’d recommend acting quickly as they sell out quickly.
Also, I forgot to take a photo of these. Ah, well. Here’s hoping the boss doesn’t notice.
In conclusion…
I know this post is coming at exactly the wrong time in the blog Birk-buying bonanza since the summer is nearly behind us and the godawful winter is at our very doorstep. But again, I wear my Birkenstock sandals year-round, and if you’re like me and have been out of the game for a bit, I’d say it’s Birk time once again.
Well this post was fun. Sort of!
Mitch. OUT!
The best is to go to the Birkenstock store in Wilmette (IL) on Lake – its just off the highway. Talk about selection – they usually have a sale section too. I have the Birkenstock inserts to put into my sneakers and boots so no matter what shoe you wear it feels like you’re still wearing a Birkenstock shoe :)
I 100% agree with you Kelly! It’s crazy what a difference those little sandals make, right? My feet were hurting one morning and my husband called it – ‘What shoes are you wearing?’
It was the Birks! I cannot believe what a difference these made, THANKKKKK YOUUUUUU for the re-introduction of these glorious sandals! ❤️
Would you believe Mitch got auto-correctrd to Kelly? Lol sorry MITCH!
I too live in Birkenstocks, have for a couple of decades. Re: cork – I assume you’re familiar with Cork Renew (Kelly’s, specifically, lol). It gets you significantly longer lived cork, and therefore more time in your Birks, if applied regularly. Just thought I would mention it … .
Great post. I just purchased Birks mule with the fur lining for my husband. Totally loves them. It’s a great shoe. Gets too cold add wool socks.
Ahh. Birkenstocks. There are no better shoes! I still have my original taupe suede Arizonas from the late 90s, and they’re still wearable, although beat up. I have a new grey suede pair that are gorgeous. I never have cared if they were cool to others. They’ve always been cool to me. I love the look of them and nothing is more comfortable so I wore them regardless. I wear the Boston in winter here in St. Louis. It’s great I’m on trend right now though. Ha ha
I have flat feet so my podiatrist suggested Birkenstocks to me a few years ago and they are the only sandals I can wear in the summer with great support! I love that they come in a wide variety and it’s kind of cool that folks are discovering this ugly cute sandal.