Birkenstock
Style keywords
About the brand
Birkenstock is a German footwear brand with an extraordinary 250-year heritage, founded in 1774 by cobbler Johann Adam Birkenstock. The brand revolutionized the footwear industry in 1896 when Konrad Birkenstock developed the first orthopedic insole with a flexible, contoured cork footbed that mirrors the foot's natural shape. Known for its anatomically designed footbeds made from natural materials like cork, latex, and suede, Birkenstock prioritizes comfort, foot health, and durability above fleeting fashion trends. The brand gained iconic status during the 1960s American counterculture movement and has maintained its commitment to sustainability through eco-friendly manufacturing processes and renewable materials. Today, Birkenstock operates in over 90 countries, offering timeless designs that mold to individual feet over time, providing unmatched support and comfort while promoting proper posture and foot alignment.
What people are saying
Thingtesting
The Birkenstock Boston Canvas and Leather clogs are so comfortable and classic. They go with any outfit and you can wear them comfortably all day. You can wear them with or without socks and the quality is great. They'll last you a long time. Definitely worth the investment.
Oct, 2025
Thingtesting
I have had them now for over a year & they still are in great condition. The more I wear them, the comfier they get. I feel like everyone should own a pair of their boston slides for an easy go to shoe.
Oct, 2025
The Mom Edit
I've worn both the classic footbed and the softer “Soft Footbed” version of Birkenstocks, and my feet are happy in either. The Soft Footbed has an extra layer of shock-absorbing foam, which makes it feel more cushioned right out of the box. I know plenty of people who prefer this softer option for all-day comfort, but also lots of us who like the firmer footbed as well.
Sep, 2025
The White Mountain dupes of Birkenstock Mayari model. I loved these and will consider upgrading to actual Birkenstocks once these wear out.
Sep, 2024
Thingtesting
Birkenstock earns overwhelmingly positive reviews for comfort that improves as the contoured cork footbed molds to the feet, durable construction that can last years, and versatile styles from Arizona and Gizeh sandals to Boston clogs and EVA slides. Reviews also flag drawbacks: a painful break‑in for many, sizing quirks (narrow vs regular, runs wide), cork and soles that can crumble or wear, odor and issues when wet, and occasional blisters—plus some report recent quality inconsistencies.
Oct, 2025
YouTube
Birkenstocks can feel stiff or even uncomfortable at first especially for those not used to structured footeds. it takes a bit of patience. but once broken in the comfort is hard to beat.
Sep, 2025
If you need shoes that you can pop on the first day and go for miles, Birks are not for you. I'd recommend Chacos, which can be adjusted for an extremely customized fit. Chacos also require some break in, though not nearly as much as Birks, and are repairable. If you want a good “footbed” leather sandal and are willing to spend the time breaking in your pair, I think you will find Birks comfortable once they're properly molded to your feet!
Apr, 2025
The Plus Life
I don't love spending $100+ on a pair of sandals, especially given that the style I went with (in gold) isn't even real leather. To be honest, I didn't even realize they weren't leather until I was writing this review but I still feel like the $100+ price tag is more justified for the true leather styles.
Oct, 2025
REVIEWS.io
I have been a loyal Birkenstock customer for over 20 years and have purchased many shoes over the years, always being satisfied with the quality. This time, however, I have been deeply disappointed. On July 25, 2025, I purchased a pair of Birkenstock flip-flops at the Marrakesh (Marjane) store. After only one week and wearing them a maximum of three times, the toe post was already bent – in my opinion, clearly a manufacturing defect.
Aug, 2025
REVIEWS.io
Purchased a pair of their Bend Low sneakers in September 2024. I wear them sparingly and never when it's wet, and the decorative cork is disintegrating, the glue is horrible. Contacted customer service and they told me to go pay one of their recommended repair shops. I shouldn't have to go to a repair shop and spend even more than the original $160 price tag to fix a shoe less than a year old. AWFUL.
Aug, 2025
It's an earned comfort.....you should pay about $10 per bleeding blister....after that they're probably broken in enough.... this is why you see people wearing g them filthy and beat up....it will be years before I'm willing to go through that again.
Jun, 2024
My wife has worn them and sworn by them for years so I figured it was time for me to give the a shot... so I purchased a pair at the end of September 2023. Despite minimal wear (less than once per week -- you can tell, that grey stains so easy) the sole began to separate from the upper part of the shoe in 3 months. I thought, surely a $160 pair of shoes should last longer than 3 months...
Jan, 2024
Thingtesting
The Birkenstock Boston Canvas and Leather clogs are so comfortable and classic. They go with any outfit and you can wear them comfortably all day. You can wear them with or without socks and the quality is great. They'll last you a long time. Definitely worth the investment.
Oct, 2025
Thingtesting
I have had them now for over a year & they still are in great condition. The more I wear them, the comfier they get. I feel like everyone should own a pair of their boston slides for an easy go to shoe.
Oct, 2025
The Mom Edit
I've worn both the classic footbed and the softer “Soft Footbed” version of Birkenstocks, and my feet are happy in either. The Soft Footbed has an extra layer of shock-absorbing foam, which makes it feel more cushioned right out of the box. I know plenty of people who prefer this softer option for all-day comfort, but also lots of us who like the firmer footbed as well.
Sep, 2025
The White Mountain dupes of Birkenstock Mayari model. I loved these and will consider upgrading to actual Birkenstocks once these wear out.
Sep, 2024
Thingtesting
Birkenstock earns overwhelmingly positive reviews for comfort that improves as the contoured cork footbed molds to the feet, durable construction that can last years, and versatile styles from Arizona and Gizeh sandals to Boston clogs and EVA slides. Reviews also flag drawbacks: a painful break‑in for many, sizing quirks (narrow vs regular, runs wide), cork and soles that can crumble or wear, odor and issues when wet, and occasional blisters—plus some report recent quality inconsistencies.
Oct, 2025
YouTube
Birkenstocks can feel stiff or even uncomfortable at first especially for those not used to structured footeds. it takes a bit of patience. but once broken in the comfort is hard to beat.
Sep, 2025
If you need shoes that you can pop on the first day and go for miles, Birks are not for you. I'd recommend Chacos, which can be adjusted for an extremely customized fit. Chacos also require some break in, though not nearly as much as Birks, and are repairable. If you want a good “footbed” leather sandal and are willing to spend the time breaking in your pair, I think you will find Birks comfortable once they're properly molded to your feet!
Apr, 2025
The Plus Life
I don't love spending $100+ on a pair of sandals, especially given that the style I went with (in gold) isn't even real leather. To be honest, I didn't even realize they weren't leather until I was writing this review but I still feel like the $100+ price tag is more justified for the true leather styles.
Oct, 2025
REVIEWS.io
I have been a loyal Birkenstock customer for over 20 years and have purchased many shoes over the years, always being satisfied with the quality. This time, however, I have been deeply disappointed. On July 25, 2025, I purchased a pair of Birkenstock flip-flops at the Marrakesh (Marjane) store. After only one week and wearing them a maximum of three times, the toe post was already bent – in my opinion, clearly a manufacturing defect.
Aug, 2025
REVIEWS.io
Purchased a pair of their Bend Low sneakers in September 2024. I wear them sparingly and never when it's wet, and the decorative cork is disintegrating, the glue is horrible. Contacted customer service and they told me to go pay one of their recommended repair shops. I shouldn't have to go to a repair shop and spend even more than the original $160 price tag to fix a shoe less than a year old. AWFUL.
Aug, 2025
It's an earned comfort.....you should pay about $10 per bleeding blister....after that they're probably broken in enough.... this is why you see people wearing g them filthy and beat up....it will be years before I'm willing to go through that again.
Jun, 2024
My wife has worn them and sworn by them for years so I figured it was time for me to give the a shot... so I purchased a pair at the end of September 2023. Despite minimal wear (less than once per week -- you can tell, that grey stains so easy) the sole began to separate from the upper part of the shoe in 3 months. I thought, surely a $160 pair of shoes should last longer than 3 months...
Jan, 2024
