Women's Birkenstock Sandals

I always take Birkenstocks on every summer trip. I have lots of different styles. The most important thing is how they fit YOUR foot. My daughters love the thong styles that go between your first two toes, but I can't wear them at all. If you haven't worn Birkenstocks before, remember that brand new ones feel stiff and terrible and need some breaking-in time in before a trip.

I wore Birkenstocks to Europe until mine disintegrated last summer. I loved them, but keep in mind that mine were well broken in long, long before I traveled in them. Even if you've had yours for awhile before you go, I'd make sure to take a few long walks in them just to be sure. The first time I walked in my brand new pair, my feet were shredded. Once broken in, though, they are great.

I've traveled with Birkenstocks and with Finn Comfort sandals where I walked all day in them. The Finn Comforts are slightly better for my feet, but both were excellent.

Pam

I know people swear by Birkenstocks, but they don't fit my feet at all (my toes hit that ridge at the tip) so whatever sandals you get, make sure that you try them on and then wear them before you go.

I've worn Ecco Yucatan sandals all day every day for several trips. I've also been happy with Mephisto sandals, but the Ecco Yucatan have an athletic sole so they are better on the cobblestones.

Like Laura in Virginia, I can't wear Birkenstock's. I tried many styles on while I was in Germany (my sister bought 4 pair!) but my little toe hits the ridge because my foot is too wide. I took Teva's to Europe and they worked great for me. I got them about 4 years ago, but they are very similar to the Meadow Luxe style.

Find what works for you, don't just focus on something that works for others. I don't know where Troy is, but as soon as it is warm enough where you live, wear the sandals you choose as much as possible including long walks.

If you have problems finding comfortable shoes, Nordstrom's has a policy that you can return shoes if you don't like them, even after you have worn them.

Have a great trip!

Laura, I love mine also, but I did get a small blister on one of my toes when I wore them several days in a row, luckily I also had gym shoes. And they were well broken in. Tho I only needed to wear the gym shoes 1 day and I was back to my Birkies. And you do need to try them on and walk a lot in the store, the sandals fit me great but I don't like the clogs. Go figure. I have the kind with 2 straps across the top of the foot.

Try on a pair of Skecher Shape-Ups. I absolutely adore these shoes. They have sandals as well as walking shoes. The sole is thick, and really, really cushy, perfect for walking on cobblestones and walking all day long. I often walk between 4-8 hours a day, and these shoes are a dream. Bought them in July and have worn them every day since. I had wanted some MBT shoes, due to some painful arthritis in my toe and foot, but the MBT are over 200 euro here. The Shape-ups were only 99 euro. I bet, if you try a pair on, you will be sold. Also, I have worn mine in rain and snow and they seem pretty water-proof, have never gotten wet feet at all. So, a perfect travel shoe.

I love my Birkenstock sandals and wear them all the time. Wore them all day, every day on our most recent 7 wk trip to Europe and they were great.

I found my Birkie Florida style difficult to walk in on cobblestones. I kept walking out of them (no straps). Ditto to everyone's remarks about wearing only broken in ones. My most comfortable pair is 18 years old and resoled.

I have softbed Birkenstocks and they are heaven; the 3 strap Florida. They have been to Europe 3 times and worked very well. My last trip I had a pair of Ecco shoes and the Birkies; it helps to alternate shoes every day or 2. Do break all shoes in before travelling.

There is no such think as a brand of shoes that is equally comfy for everyone.
Find a pair of shoes that seem comfy to you,, and break them in before you go.
I can't stand Birkenstocks,, not comfy to me,, but SIL and hubby swears by them.

I know this doesn't really address your question but I have to share. I bought 4 pairs of Birkenstocks in Germany last May - 2 for myself, 1 for my daughter and 1 for my son-in-law. None of us have dainty feet - US sizes 9 1/2, 10 and 16 respectively. I decided to put them in my day bag (along with quite a few other things)while traveling by train from Rothenburg to Munich. The conductor came by and asked for my passport. I always keep it in the inside pocket for easy access. Reached in - no passport. Wiggled my hand down through my bag - no passport. The conductor never offered to give me time find it and come back so I finally had to remove everything and found it in the very bottom of the bag. He just stared at it for a minute and handed it back - and left me with a seatful of shoes, nightgowns, RS Germany, etc. to stuff back in the bag. Couldn't get it all back in and had to violate by own biggest rule (don't buy anything you can't carry yourself) by letting one of my friends put a pair in her bag. My friends and I thought it was hilarious as did the nice young German man across from us. So, if they're comfortable for you wear them. Just don't BUY too many of them while you're away.

I travel exclusively in Birks during warm enough months- a ten mile day of sightseeing is no problem..... again- be sure to break them in first, and I go down a size as the bottom configures to my foot better

I love my Birkies, but I would not chance them for all the walking I do in Italy. I have a pair of Keen's Venice sandals in black. While they are not the best looking sandal (closed toe,) they are comfortalbe, good support and great as a change from my regular walking shoes.

I'm a big fan of Birkenstock sandals. For my month-long trip to Europe I took a pair with a heel strap. This avoided the potential to step out of the sandals on hills & also the clap-clap sound while walking.

certainly try them out. But also try Naot - they have dozens of styles of sandals and I absolutely love mine. They are the most comfortable sandals I've ever had. I made sure to buy a style that had a strap behind the ankle instead of slip-ons so that I can run for the trains and walk all day without that slap-slap of the shoe and foot parting and meeting again each step. They have cork footbeds that conform to your foot like Birkenstocks, but don't have the same toe ridge and I think they have better arch support.

My Mom lives in her Birkenstocks and because she has a high arch she can wear them well. But I take after my Dad who had flat feel. I don't have flat feet but I have a very low arch and they are very uncomfortable for me. I'll never forget a trip to San Francisco I took and wore them. Oh, the pain!!! If you have a normal arch then you will love them, but if you are like me and have a very low arch or flat feet, then look for another sandal.

I love Birkies but love my Mephistos even more!

Happy Travels!

I had to laugh when I read this. Wearing Birkenstocks in Italy? the fashionable shoe capital of Europe? Well, I guess we all do what we gotta do....