Very Quick
"In case you can't tell, I have had several pairs before, a couple of these Arizona style, and a couple Boston style (closed toe in the front clog for winter), but my last pair was literally crumbling apart from the cork after years of hard wear."
"Reason for purchase: - My prior sandals were constantly causing blisters and were painfully uncomfortable after 2-3 hours of wear Pros: - Comfortable from the get-go (there's no breaking in process -- something I was wary of after trying on the original bed Birkenstocks) - You can see and feel the quality of the leather straps (the matte black is also a big plus) and the overall sandal (very durable) - Can be worn all day without discomfort - Fits well (I was worried they would be too wide) - Great support from two wide straps (they don't feel flimsy like flip-flops often do) - Stylish (I personally didn't like them before but ugly-chic is back -- these are definitely making a solid return in the fashion world) Cons: - I still get irritated skin and redness on bad days (I'm not sure if this is because my feet are extra-sensitive but it's still unpleasant) Final thoughts: Initially, I was unsure of whether or not these sandals would be worth the investment."
"So up to you how you want to play it -- I have a cousin that has had the same sandals for 16 years because he cares for it and just got it repaired by Birkenstock instead of buying over."
"They'll slip around on your foot a hair while you're walking, but if you find that it's more than a little bit, you may want to get a narrower pair."
"(I know I can get the old ones repaired, but I really wanted a pair of Arizonas as well--plus if I repaired the old shoes without having a new backup pair, whatever would I wear?"
"The first time I ordered these, I read the other reviews and they all said to size one or two sizes down and so I did but I think most people just didn't read the conversions right...."
"There is a little extra area around the toes (nothing major), but after reading the pamphlet that came with the shoes, that extra space is supposed to be there to ensure the shoe forms with your foot and you have as natural a gate as possible."
Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Leather Sandal (Click to Compare Deals)
Quick
"In case you can't tell, I have had several pairs before, a couple of these Arizona style, and a couple Boston style (closed toe in the front clog for winter), but my last pair was literally crumbling apart from the cork after years of hard wear... The buckled straps allow for adjustment so they fit snugly from the top even though the footbed seems large at first, and they really will conform to your own feet in no time... As long as you are not trying to turn them into something they are not, you will love them for what they are, these incredible footwear that molds to fit you and only you, and are more comfortable but similar to going barefoot."
"After a bit of contemplation, I ended up ordering a pair of original bed Birkenstocks from Amazon only to quickly return them because of poor fit (too wide) and rough bedding (I have sensitive feet)... Reason for purchase: - My prior sandals were constantly causing blisters and were painfully uncomfortable after 2-3 hours of wear Pros: - Comfortable from the get-go (there's no breaking in process -- something I was wary of after trying on the original bed Birkenstocks) - You can see and feel the quality of the leather straps (the matte black is also a big plus) and the overall sandal (very durable) - Can be worn all day without discomfort - Fits well (I was worried they would be too wide) - Great support from two wide straps (they don't feel flimsy like flip-flops often do) - Stylish (I personally didn't like them before but ugly-chic is back -- these are definitely making a solid return in the fashion world) Cons: - I still get irritated skin and redness on bad days (I'm not sure if this is because my feet are extra-sensitive but it's still unpleasant) Final thoughts: Initially, I was unsure of whether or not these sandals would be worth the investment... I know I won't be needing replacements anytime soon, but when I do I'll definitely be purchasing another pair."
"Generally speaking if Nike shoes fit you well at your TRUE size, get the narrow -- if you're like most people and a Nike shoe requires a larger size, then you probably should go with the "Normal" wide... FYI, with a little care, these can last quite a long time and Birkenstock will actually repair/refurbish your sandals for a reasonable cost (based on what needs to be done). So up to you how you want to play it -- I have a cousin that has had the same sandals for 16 years because he cares for it and just got it repaired by Birkenstock instead of buying over."
"If you've never owned a pair of Birkenstocks: they feel great as soon as you put them on and the cork begins to conform to your feet within a matter of days... They'll slip around on your foot a hair while you're walking, but if you find that it's more than a little bit, you may want to get a narrower pair... My only complaint about the Arizonas is that the straps over my right foot are a little too loose, and can't be made any tighter."
"* I bought my first pair of Birkenstock sandals about 4 years ago on sale at the mall... (I know I can get the old ones repaired, but I really wanted a pair of Arizonas as well--plus if I repaired the old shoes without having a new backup pair, whatever would I wear?... I didn't even pay attention to what my old sandal had said, whether the little foot icon was filled in (indicating narrow width) or just an outline (regular)."
"I was hesitant at first in buying these because, let's be honest, they are a bit pricey BUT I am so glad I purchased them...... These sandals have great arch support and the soft footbed makes it that much more comfortable... The first time I ordered these, I read the other reviews and they all said to size one or two sizes down and so I did but I think most people just didn't read the conversions right...."
"There is a little extra area around the toes (nothing major), but after reading the pamphlet that came with the shoes, that extra space is supposed to be there to ensure the shoe forms with your foot and you have as natural a gate as possible. Also, when ordering I didn't see anything that explained what the M/N callout (next to the size) meant...... I've just been wearing them around the house for now..."
Less Quick
"Any knock offs may look like them from a distance, but the look isn't even the best part of a pair of real Birkenstocks, it's the construction and the fit of the footbed... In case you can't tell, I have had several pairs before, a couple of these Arizona style, and a couple Boston style (closed toe in the front clog for winter), but my last pair was literally crumbling apart from the cork after years of hard wear... I wear a size 8 women's in all regular shoes, and my Birkenstock size is always a set 38 regular width, which fits perfectly today or twenty years ago, whether in the Arizona with bare feet or the Boston with thick wool socks... They are designed so your foot has room to spread out and the toe ridge allows your toes to extend and grip the shoe, so don't try to fit them small or narrow either because you are not used to the look or feel... The buckled straps allow for adjustment so they fit snugly from the top even though the footbed seems large at first, and they really will conform to your own feet in no time... If you have never had Birkenstocks before and there is a store near you that sells them, you may want to go and size them in person just to be sure and just for your peace of mind before ordering... As long as you are not trying to turn them into something they are not, you will love them for what they are, these incredible footwear that molds to fit you and only you, and are more comfortable but similar to going barefoot."
"Out of necessity, I went into a physical store (Nordstrom) to try both the soft bed and the original on before deciding on whether or not I wanted to invest in my own Birkenstocks. After a bit of contemplation, I ended up ordering a pair of original bed Birkenstocks from Amazon only to quickly return them because of poor fit (too wide) and rough bedding (I have sensitive feet)... I've worn them for 5 months and counting and they are now my go-to sandals for everyday wear... Reason for purchase: - My prior sandals were constantly causing blisters and were painfully uncomfortable after 2-3 hours of wear Pros: - Comfortable from the get-go (there's no breaking in process -- something I was wary of after trying on the original bed Birkenstocks) - You can see and feel the quality of the leather straps (the matte black is also a big plus) and the overall sandal (very durable) - Can be worn all day without discomfort - Fits well (I was worried they would be too wide) - Great support from two wide straps (they don't feel flimsy like flip-flops often do) - Stylish (I personally didn't like them before but ugly-chic is back -- these are definitely making a solid return in the fashion world) Cons: - I still get irritated skin and redness on bad days (I'm not sure if this is because my feet are extra-sensitive but it's still unpleasant) Final thoughts: Initially, I was unsure of whether or not these sandals would be worth the investment... Now owning a pair myself, I can confidently say that my doubts have been proven wrong -- Birkenstocks are worth every penny. I no longer have to worry about blisters and can comfortably wear these sandals all day... I know I won't be needing replacements anytime soon, but when I do I'll definitely be purchasing another pair."
"That said you should know that I am and always have been ONE FULL SIZE LOWER THAN THEIR LISTED USA-EQUIVALENT SIZE (I am normally a size 8... This is how it has always been -- it's not because its fake, its because for some reason, Birkenstock was made for people with larger feet... Generally speaking if Nike shoes fit you well at your TRUE size, get the narrow -- if you're like most people and a Nike shoe requires a larger size, then you probably should go with the "Normal" wide... I would also find a local store to verify your size if you haven't purhcased Birkenstock sandals before... Any case, these are great and are comfortably replacing my last 10 year pair that I neglected and did not repair or take care of for its entire life. FYI, with a little care, these can last quite a long time and Birkenstock will actually repair/refurbish your sandals for a reasonable cost (based on what needs to be done). So up to you how you want to play it -- I have a cousin that has had the same sandals for 16 years because he cares for it and just got it repaired by Birkenstock instead of buying over."
"This is my third pair of Arizona soft-footbed sandals... it's not so much that they wear out as that, living in warm, humid Florida, I find they get funky and grimy over time, and need to be resurfaced or retired... If you've never owned a pair of Birkenstocks: they feel great as soon as you put them on and the cork begins to conform to your feet within a matter of days... The toe bar helps keep your toes in position, and the cup for your arch is comfortable even for someone almost completely flat-footed like me. They'll slip around on your foot a hair while you're walking, but if you find that it's more than a little bit, you may want to get a narrower pair... They're better suited to wearing barefoot, where the classic footbed may be for Oregonians and Germans who like to wear them with socks... My only complaint about the Arizonas is that the straps over my right foot are a little too loose, and can't be made any tighter."
"* I bought my first pair of Birkenstock sandals about 4 years ago on sale at the mall... Eventually I wore out the sole, and now I'm even wearing out part of the cork, so I decided to buy a new pair. (I know I can get the old ones repaired, but I really wanted a pair of Arizonas as well--plus if I repaired the old shoes without having a new backup pair, whatever would I wear?... I didn't even pay attention to what my old sandal had said, whether the little foot icon was filled in (indicating narrow width) or just an outline (regular). And now all the writing is worn out in them, so I can't tell either way... So I instead went for a 38N (which if I had read, is suitable for A-B widths, and most women's shoes are B width)... The synthetic Birkibuc material is comfortable and stylish, and the stone color goes with anything."
"* These are the best sandals I own and I will repurchase them once mine are all worn out. I was hesitant at first in buying these because, let's be honest, they are a bit pricey BUT I am so glad I purchased them.... I don't know how I went so long without knowing about Birkenstocks. These sandals have great arch support and the soft footbed makes it that much more comfortable. I have the brown leather straps and it fits great, you can adjust the straps so if you have wider feet like me, you can simply just loosen the straps a bit... I have heard from my friends who have these, that they have to break into them but I didn't really have to break them in at all... The first time I ordered these, I read the other reviews and they all said to size one or two sizes down and so I did but I think most people just didn't read the conversions right...."
"Given the sizing chart conversion, I would then be in between sizes. So, I read a bunch of the other reviews and since a lot of people commented these ran big I decided to order the 39 M EU (8-8... My toes, arch, heel all fit within the grooves/shaping of the shoe bed. There is a little extra area around the toes (nothing major), but after reading the pamphlet that came with the shoes, that extra space is supposed to be there to ensure the shoe forms with your foot and you have as natural a gate as possible. Also, when ordering I didn't see anything that explained what the M/N callout (next to the size) meant.... SO M=standard/average width foot and N=Narrow width foot I'll also add that the color in the picture vs what I actually received is not the same... I've just been wearing them around the house for now..."
