Top positive review
4.0 out of 5 stars*Updated 3/2019* Order your normal size and take the sharp edge off the sole!
Reviewed in the United States on July 29, 2018
I have worn Birkenstock sandals for about 20 years now, usually getting a new pair every couple of years. My most recent pair of leather Birkenstocks were literally falling apart and hurt my feet to walk in, so it was definitely time to replace them. This being the beginning of summer I was looking to go with a more water friendly option since we had plans to go to the beach, camping, etc. I arrived at these EVA Birkenstock sandals, and I was little leary. Years ago I had a pair of rubber Birkis, they gave me blisters and smelled awful after a few weeks and needed to be scrubbed to get all the gunk out of the nooks and crannies of the footbed. These are entirely different, and have a smooth footbed which does not collect gunk. After the initial period of getting used to the softer, spongy footbed, I have decided that these are really great, a much better alternative to cheap flip flops that offer some foot support.
Two issues I want to address based off of reviews I read prior to purchasing:
I saw a lot of people claiming that they had to order a size smaller than what they wear in "Normal" Birkenstock Arizona sandals. I heeded this advice but ended up exchanging the sandals I initially received for my regular size. I wear size 44 in leather Arizonas, and I find the size 44 in these EVA sandals to be the same fit.
Secondly I saw some complaints that the footbed tore after a short period of time in front of the straps. I believe this is due to the front edge of the sole being very squared off. I was walking across my hardwood floor and caught the sandals on a joint between the boards, something I don't recall ever being an issue before. These sandals are much more flexible and I nearly folded the toe under the sandal, which I think if this happened a few times would result in the damage I saw. I used my belt sander to take the hard edge off and bevel it about 45 degrees. The same could be done with a nail file, foot file, concrete sidewalk, etc. Since doing this I have not had any more issues of this nature.
Update 3/19:
I've retired this pair and replaced it with another of the same design. I wore these nearly every day for about 8 months and I think I could probably keep going for a while but they are looking a bit worn. I'm impressed with these. I feel as though I certainly got my $40 worth of use out of them. When I got them in July 2018 I figured if they lasted to the end of summer I'd be satisfied. They definitely have done this and as I said continue to be serviceable, although most of the tread has worn away. I expected by this point that they would have torn and been out of commission but they have exceeded expectations. As a longtime Birkenstock wearer I have tried most of all their different lines. As mentioned I used a pair that I imagine were a precursor to these, that pair had a hard rubber one piece sole with a synthetic upper. I think it was the worst pair of Birkenstocks I'd ever had so I was skeptical when I saw these and thought it might be about the same. I've been pleasantly surprised with how wrong I was, these have proven more durable, easier to clean off (hosing them off pretty much gets everything, no nooks and crannies for gunk to build up), and far more comfortable. I expected at some point I'd have to wash them with bleach due to odors but I've never detected even a hint of foul smell. For $40, these are a goo introduction to those who aren't ready to shell out the big bucks for the leather versions, and they are also a great deal for people who like Birkenstocks but need something waterproof (they don't soak up water either!).
