21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Awesome Teutonic Footwear, May 23, 2011
I sold Birkenstocks in Seattle's U-district for seven years; the Birkenstock company still makes the same superlative footwear. Oftentimes eschewed by fashion-conscious hipsters, allow me to answer a few questions:
"Ewwww... They're so wiiiiide!"
(Not really a question, but a frequent comment) Yes, they are wide. Birkenstocks passively support the architecture of your feet from underneath, just as your bare foot would be supported walking on a complient surface like earth or sand. Conventional shoes support your foot by binding them, rendering them less mobile. Your foot is a dynamic structure that NEEDS to move, in order to function correctly.
"How come they fit so loooong?"
Birkenstocks are sized to fit the three arches of your feet: The medial arch (the largest arch typically referred to in the phrase "good arch support"), the metatarsal arch (the pocket between the ball of your foot and your pinkie toe), and the lateral arch ( a lesser known structure on the outside of your foot, in front of your heel). Because the Birkenstock flexes, at the cost of room at the ends of the footbed, a properly sized fit includes some extra room in front of the toes and behind the heel (in a normally-proportioned foot). This maintains correct support under your arches, providing a dynamic balance while you walk.
"They're so haaaaard!"
Yes, Birkenstocks are firm under the sole of your foot. The footbed molds to the individual shape of YOUR feet over time, providing an even support across the entirety of your foot. Conventional shoes accomodate the hard points on the soles of your feet with padding that squshes under pressure, but doesn't actually support the structures of your feet. Birkenstocks are WALKING shoes, and after a normal breaking-in period, you should be expect to comfortably walk MILES in them.
"They're so floppy!"
Birkenstocks exercise your feet, encouraging you to grip with your toes as you walk. At first, this may feel alien, but it provides circulatory benefits, when your calf muscles contract and assist in blood return from your lower extremities.
"They're really stiff!"
Yes, they are. Birkenstocks are made from thick suedes and full-grain hides (and synthetics for the animal lovers). Expect a break-in period during which socks may be required for comfort.
"So expensive!"
Birkenstocks are very durable and 100% repairable. With care, your Birkenstocks will last you for years.
Even though I bought these from Amazon.com (and I've worn DOZENS of pairs -all the same size), you really should avail yourself of the expertise of local shoe retailer to ensure a proper fit to YOUR feet. Once you know your size, internet / mail orders become a viable option.
Love your feet!
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