This is my first Birkenstock experience ever. I have a very high-arched foot and need good, comfortable shoes that will not hurt my feet. After reading and seeing endless reviews, I got my first pair straight from their USA website. Although these are not the Arizona style (these are the Sydney’s) I went ahead and decided to review these, since the Sydney’s are not available to review. First of all, the packaging and presentation was on point. The packaging was practical but had that European feel. You can tell the leather and craftsmanship are of high quality. The rose gold color is also different and compliments my skin tone very well. I didn’t expect to like the color so much since I wanted something more neutral but I fell in love with the color. The fit and ... MoreThis is my first Birkenstock experience ever. I have a very high-arched foot and need good, comfortable shoes that will not hurt my feet. After reading and seeing endless reviews, I got my first pair straight from their USA website. Although these are not the Arizona style (these are the Sydney’s) I went ahead and decided to review these, since the Sydney’s are not available to review. First of all, the packaging and presentation was on point. The packaging was practical but had that European feel. You can tell the leather and craftsmanship are of high quality. The rose gold color is also different and compliments my skin tone very well. I didn’t expect to like the color so much since I wanted something more neutral but I fell in love with the color. The fit and sizing was a bit hard to figure out since they have narrow and wide width options. I went with the 39 narrow and it was a good fit. As far as comfort goes, I was impressed. Yes, they were a bit hard at first but they quickly started to mold to my own footbed after a few uses. Yes, they are a bit hard, but somehow they don’t hurt my feet and I love how easy and practical they are, especially for a busy mom. I also love how it compliments so many outfits. Overall, I believe they are worth the hype and cost. I’m not sure about long-term use and comfort but so far, I am impressed and will continue to use.

Comfortable Sandal with support

These are go to sandals that provide great comfort and support. The leather soles are breathable and the cork provides some cushion. The shape of the sandal supports the foot and seems to help with a number of foot issues. The leather straps are also comfortable and breathable. The Birkenstock Arizona is a go to for our family for decades. Still an excellent sandal and great to use indoors in the winter when doing housework or cooking and standing for long periods. Have not found anything better and while we don't use these exclusively, they are used daily. Suggest following Birkenstock's instructions about wearing times initially and don't overdo that. Would highly recommend this sandal.

Makes way too much noise

I bought these because I wanted an affordable way to try out Birkenstocks but I also loved the monochrome black look of these more than the original.I ordered my normal size. I found it to be true to size but I did have to tighten the straps quite a bit. I consider myself to have average width feet and this is supposed to be the narrow width but I still found it quite wide. However, the sizing was not an issue for me because the straps are adjustable and I think if I were to go down a size, it would have been too small length wise for my foot.My major complaint about these shoes is that they just make too much noise. When your feet are dry, they'll occasionally make a farting noise. If your feet are wet, the shoes will squeak with literally every step you take. ... MoreI bought these because I wanted an affordable way to try out Birkenstocks but I also loved the monochrome black look of these more than the original.I ordered my normal size. I found it to be true to size but I did have to tighten the straps quite a bit. I consider myself to have average width feet and this is supposed to be the narrow width but I still found it quite wide. However, the sizing was not an issue for me because the straps are adjustable and I think if I were to go down a size, it would have been too small length wise for my foot.My major complaint about these shoes is that they just make too much noise. When your feet are dry, they'll occasionally make a farting noise. If your feet are wet, the shoes will squeak with literally every step you take. It made me quite self conscious and I don't think I'll be using these as much as I intended.In terms of comfort, I wasn't too impressed. Heard great things about Birkenstocks and maybe I just need to get used to the foot bed but I actually thought it hurt my feet, especially because I wasn't walking comfortably because I was trying to minimize the sound of the squeaking!Also I don't think they're that flattering when worn, the top of the sandals has an irregular shape.

Most comfortable shoes

I have bought several pairs of these shoes for my two daughters and l. We probably have, if not close to every different style of straps to the different materials that they make them in to several different colors. We absolutely love our Birkenstocks! They are the most comfortable sandles/shoes made (my opinion). We wear our older ones, just as much as we do the ones we’ve purchased most recent. They are all in great shape, the suede might hv lightened up a little from the sun, a llittle rough in some spots from sand or got wet, just normal wear and tear like anything else. They get a little more computable every time I put them on. Everyone I notice wearing a pair of Birkenstocks has made it clear they “definitely do not regret purchasing them and are the most ... MoreI have bought several pairs of these shoes for my two daughters and l. We probably have, if not close to every different style of straps to the different materials that they make them in to several different colors. We absolutely love our Birkenstocks! They are the most comfortable sandles/shoes made (my opinion). We wear our older ones, just as much as we do the ones we’ve purchased most recent. They are all in great shape, the suede might hv lightened up a little from the sun, a llittle rough in some spots from sand or got wet, just normal wear and tear like anything else. They get a little more computable every time I put them on. Everyone I notice wearing a pair of Birkenstocks has made it clear they “definitely do not regret purchasing them and are the most comfortable pair of shoes they hv ever owned”. They might be a little on the pricey side, but they are definitely worth what they cost (in my opinion) and others.

Not a Birk Girl

These are thee most uncomfortable, even painful sandals I've ever tried on. My left foot has an old ankle injury, has a minimal arch and pronates. After years of not liking and not wanting Birkenstocks, they started to become an attractive option for me due to the supposed podiatric benefit. I liked this style for this summer with the white leather, white buckles and white tread. So I was excited to receive them and try them out. However, right when I put them on, I could not believe how stiff they were. And my left arch felt like I was walking with a rock under it. As a matter of fact, I could not even walk! I recognize you're supposed to break these types of shoes in, but I'm not one for torture. Just give me something comfy and wearable right away.

PRETTY/ungly Olive!

Well, the title tells the color story about the unusual olive color: kind of ugly, but yet somehow pretty cool. Maybe I was lucky in that there were no glue defects in my shoes. Have had these in about a month, so far no issues with shearling; am very careful not to wear around any kind of water. Would update, but the Nord site won't allow review updates. So, the reason for 3* is the overall fit. Got my normal Birk size 39. And while you expect the shearling to feel a bit snug at first, then settling in after wear...this shoe was short from heel to toe, and my toes are pretty short! They are wearable, but toes are at the end of the shoe. Another need-to-know is that the *Big Buckle styles are always not quite as comfortable as the traditional Birk ... MoreWell, the title tells the color story about the unusual olive color: kind of ugly, but yet somehow pretty cool. Maybe I was lucky in that there were no glue defects in my shoes. Have had these in about a month, so far no issues with shearling; am very careful not to wear around any kind of water. Would update, but the Nord site won't allow review updates. So, the reason for 3* is the overall fit. Got my normal Birk size 39. And while you expect the shearling to feel a bit snug at first, then settling in after wear...this shoe was short from heel to toe, and my toes are pretty short! They are wearable, but toes are at the end of the shoe. Another need-to-know is that the *Big Buckle styles are always not quite as comfortable as the traditional Birk Arizona's...specifically the width of the strap causes the upper strap to ride higher on the instep which could be especially problematic for some. I would recommend trying your usual Birk size, and the next size up if possible; just to make sure the length will work for you. They will pack down some eventually.

Review for the second time.

If you ask someone for a review whether you offer a credit or not it should at least be published. I’m not leaving a second review when the first was absolutely fine. Shady practice and very interesting to learn that most reviews aren’t posted unless you deem them to be acceptable.What did you like/dislike? I liked the shoe (everything), completely dislike anything to do with this company.For what would it be ideal, and for whom? Ideal for anyone - but not from this storeWas it true to size? How is the quality, colour, fit? Fit a little big so I ordered a second pair as I love them- as I had previously stated but this simply was not a good enough raving review to post.

Should have ordered my regular size

After reading several reviews, I went down a size. I am a 9 wide (40) and my toes seem to be a little on the shorter side. I have 2 pairs of the plastic Gizeh-style Birkenstocks and they do seem a tad large, so I figured I'd try the 39's. Unfortunately, they just barely fit. My short toes went right to the very end. Returning for the larger size.I've never owned a pair of leather Birkenstocks, but I'm excited to wear what I know will be good for my feet. I suffer terribly from Plantar Fasciitis. The plastic Birkenstocks have been the only thing that gave me relief. Since I can't wear socks with the Gizeh style I have, I need something I can wear around the house during the colder months to keep my Plantar Fasciitis in check. I can't wait to receive the larger size.

Terrible Description. Promptly Returned.

This listing did not state that these are all NARROW Birkenstocks. Obviously, the seller has no clue what the filled in foot logo means on a birkenstock. I've been buying Birks since I was 10 years old and couldve told this to you just by looking at them. The seller is ignorant to the product they have! Also, the "oiled" leather was so dark that out of the box, they appeared to be black. i assume they may have lightened up after a few months of wearing but the stock was obviously sitting there, unused, unwanted, for a VERY long time. Had the seller described the item better or had they not been narrow, I may have kept them just to avoid the inconvenience of returning them. Only thing that went well was shipping; it was timely.

frustrated

I have ordered two separate pairs, and returned, of the Arizona big buckle in the oiled cognac color in the last week. The first pair were two completely different colors. The left was an oiled bronze and the right was an almost butterscotch color. Almost like they forgot to oil it. The second pair, which I just picked up tonight, still had a mismatch color(again the left was darker than the right) to it as well as being blotchy. Neither pair looked like what is pictured on the website. I will now return this pair and have ordered another one from the Nordstrom website and will pick up tomorrow. I wish I lived closer to a store that carries Birkenstocks so I could choose in person. I own multiple pairs of Birks and have never had this issue before. It looks like ... MoreI have ordered two separate pairs, and returned, of the Arizona big buckle in the oiled cognac color in the last week. The first pair were two completely different colors. The left was an oiled bronze and the right was an almost butterscotch color. Almost like they forgot to oil it. The second pair, which I just picked up tonight, still had a mismatch color(again the left was darker than the right) to it as well as being blotchy. Neither pair looked like what is pictured on the website. I will now return this pair and have ordered another one from the Nordstrom website and will pick up tomorrow. I wish I lived closer to a store that carries Birkenstocks so I could choose in person. I own multiple pairs of Birks and have never had this issue before. It looks like Birkenstocks QC department actually needs a quality control department for themselves. I am very frustrated but I am hoping I get lucky this third time. However luck should not be a factor when spending $200 on a pair of shoes.