26 of 27 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
You can't go wrong, October 1, 2008
This review is from: Birkenstock Milano Slingback Sandal (Apparel)
I have owned many pairs of Birkenstock sandals and their variations (like the Betulas). There is a range of prices and quality available (more about durability than comfort, since all have been comfortable to wear). These are the only shoes or sandals I can wear without my specially made orthotics (in fact, you couldn't wear these with orthotics anyway, since they have a built-in arch). They are more comfortable than wearing shoes with my orthotics. I like these sandals for general wear, dress-down casual, and long walks. A few 'catches' to consider:
1. The sizes are European size, so if you are used to a different size system, it would be better to verify your shoe size in precise European size and use the sizing charts available from Amazon and the sales stores. Once you know your size, so long as your foot size doesn't change, you know what size to order.
2. Some of the cheaper versions come with soles that wear out faster than other models, so you often do get what you pay for. If you plan on using the sandals for indoor wear and driving, then the cheaper models' soles should wear just fine, but if you like taking long walks outdoors, the more expensive models last longer (and you can get the sandals 'rebuilt' through Birkenstock service centers).
3. One big choice you face is getting the sandals with backstraps or with three straps over the top (there are other styles, but this is the main variation on sandals). I have always found the back-strap models to be essential for rugged outdoor wear.
4. On certain wet surfaces, these sandals will slide (as will just about any shoe sole). So be careful on wet surfaces until you know how the sole is going to perform on a particular surface when it is wet.
To conclude, I think the entire Birkenstock and Birkenstock-licensed sandals, clogs and shoes are among the very best footwear ever devised short of getting custom-made shoes. And although they have the reputation as being a bit pricey, they are worth every penny. Also, they have added cheaper models that still give you the Birkenstock benefits (a footbed that once your feet adjust is like walking in cool loam).
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8 of 9 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
AMAZING...., July 13, 2008
This review is from: Birkenstock Milano Slingback Sandal (Apparel)
So WHAT IS the deal with some of you reviewers here at Amazon? I mean seriously, why do you leave a review on a product that only talks about it was too big and you had to return it? AND then you rate it only 3 stars??!!?!? If you cant speak to the quality or condition then don't leave a rating that make me question the item. Enough of my rant....
So I bought these sandals (no thanks to the 1st two reviews) and like the 1st pair of Berks I bought 4 years ago I absolutely love them. Very soft, already starting to "mold" to the shape of my foot, etc. I actually bought two pairs at the same time. This one w/ strap for when I'm doing alot of city walking or know there will be alot of stairs (like at a ballgame) and the other to replace my first pair that had simply worn out. Order a pair you wont be disappointed!!
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4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Great sandals, a true classic., April 3, 2011
I am very happy with these sandals, they are the third pair I have purchased over the years. The arch support is amazing, it's like having arch supports from a foot doctor. I have an awful time finding sandals that fit right, these are great, wide toe box and wider in general (they do make a narrow width, too). I had a bone graft in my ankle (years ago) and have found that for some reason the extra arch support prevents ankle pain for me. I wear something flat inside for awhile and the ankle pain starts coming back again. The price on Amazon could not be beat and the sandals arrived in perfect condition in a Birkenstock box. I will definitely purchase from amazon again.
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