If you're an in-between size, maybe this will help. I wear 7.5 size shoes, and I own many pairs of regular Birkenstock sandals that are 38 medium/wide (the outlined footprint on the cork). However, I buy size 39 Birkenstock hiking boots. For Crocs I purchase size 8. After searching a bit, I realized that there are no WIDE size 38 or 39 for these sandals, and one reviewer incorrectly said that these are not adjustable. I purchased size 38, and though these are called narrow, they are very comfortable for my wide feet. I did not need to adjust the buckles, but I could if desired. I'm very happy with my purchase!
I'm sure I am not the first to put this together, but these are almost like a perfect marriage of the 2 shoe companies who specialize in super- supreme comfort for feet, fashion be damned! (I think they look good, but whatever).
I have always been reluctant to spend the $100 + to have authentic Birkenstocks, and remember enjoying some knockoff brand sandals in the 90's. Well, these here let you try out Birkenstock engineering and comfort for a small percentage of the price. I have since then purchased some Birkenstock clogs, but this is my first day with them, so I will review those later.
These are very comfortable, and I think the black ones look enough like leather to fool most. But the comfort!!!! I went to the park with my wife and walked several miles over various terrain, and my feet felt great. Likewise, I have worn them to work on casual day, and they stand up to all day wear as well. I also took them to the pool with no worries!
Bottom line, if you've ever wanted to try a pair of Birkenstocks, this is an inexpensive way to experience the brilliance that has kept this company in business for over 2 centuries. They are also super light weight, and don't seem to harbor foot odor. (Not that I have any of that, of course).
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!).
Size 7.5 in America, bought a size 38N in the color gray (Metallic Anthracite) and it fits perfectly. Although, I will say I don't like how shiny the shoes are but it's just a personal preference. Other than the color, the shoe is perfect: waterproof, super light weight, and really comfy. It actually feels kind of like crocs, except the design is a lot more fashion forward haha
I'm writing a review as I replace mine from about two years ago. Yeah, these are great sandals! Like others have mentioned, think BirkenCrocs!
Just like traditional sandals, expect to break them in a bit. They do become a bit more supple and soft with time.
For the comments about the looks... You do see what you are buying, right? These are a rubbery foam-like sandal. But they are molded to look exactly like standard Arizonas.
Sizing, as others mentioned, do not order up, perhaps even a euro size down. I typically wear a 44 in Euros. Even my standard Arizonas are a 44, but the next pair I'm ordering will be a 43.
To the comments about the split at the toe and strap... Yeah, I've got that too. But it's because of the slight mis-sizing. The toe of the sandal would catch sometimes and fold over as you step. You come down, and split. But in the year and a half that it's been split, it never tore away.
These have not deteriorated in any other way, even when I left them on my balcony for a few months, the environmental buildup on them just scrubbed away.
The sole has lasted and had not worn down much. That was something I was concerned with at first, but they hold up!
They are so light weight, it's easy to forget you are wearing any footwear at all. And because they are sandals and not flip flops, your foot moves more naturally. The combination makes for a very comfortable experience!
Just don't wear them with socks, please!
Don't mind my dirty feet in the pictures.. Just got back from a pressure washing job while wearing these...
Feature Product
- Footbed features pronounced arch support, a deep heel cup, and a roomy toe box. The footbed conforms to the shape of your foot.
- EVA sole that is flexible, lightweight, durable, and shock-absorbing.
- Imported
Description
Birkenstock BIRK-040731-WHT-41MUS Birkenstock Madrid Leather Sandals Mens Style
A reasonable price on a birkie? yep. I did not think I would like the material making up the sandal but it is comfortable.
I liked my first pair so much that I bought 2 more pairs for me and one for my daughter. They have the support of Birkenstocks but are waterproof. I wear them everywhere.
Perfect fit. Do not 'size up'. :)
I had a couple pairs of these and wore the black ones so much that the sole was wearing through. They're so comfortable and I can wear them out doing gardening work and just rinse them off. I was so happy to be able to get them again - I got 3 pairs!
These were perfect for a muddy music festival weekend! Fit like every pair of Birkenstocks I've ever worn, and could be quickly rinsed off as often as necessary. The footbed even gave pleasantly as I walked, almost like the cork I'm used to. It remains to be seen how long they'll last, but at a fraction of the price of traditional Arizonas, I won't mind if they don't last as long. These have already proven themselves a good investment.
I'm a faithful Birkenstock wearer for the way they make my feet feel great. I got a pair of these new rubber Birkenstocks out of curiosity, but they have rapidly become my favorite pair because they have the same great Birkenstock support but are also soft and cushioning like Crocs. The sole keeps my feet warm, almost like standing on a heated floor, which allows me to wear them outdoors in the rain. If I get them muddy, they just rinse off and are as good as new.
Perhaps the greatest recommendation I can give is that last summer I wore them at the Minnesota State Fair. Usually I have to put on moleskin in order to avoid blisters walking all day, even with my leather Birkestocks. But this year wearing the rubber Birkenstocks I went all day with no moleskin and no blisters at all - a first for me!
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