[Kitty]

Who here wears these kind of shoes? I've heard good things and bad things about them. I think they'd be good for summertime but I'm concerned about the "breaking in" part. Plus, I can't find any that are.......attractive. Anybody here have any advice for me?

[SallyC]

I can't help you, Kell, since I don't wear shoes, anymore.. On the rare occasion, when I go out, I wear slippas..

[Blessings2You]

My daughter and granddaughter practically swoon just saying the word "Birkies". I am apparently the only living human who has tried them on and couldn't even walk around in the store without saying "ow ow ow".

[braingonebad]

The first time I saw them I thought they were kinda ugly too. I guess they grow on you, cuz now I've seen a few I'd like to try.



I just wonder, isn't that inflexible sole a tripping hazzard? Maybe *normies* can wear them, I dunno about me.

[FinLady]

I have a few of these, and even broken in, can't wear them no more. Of all the sandels I've had (and I'm a sandle freak, lolol), these were the first casualties to my foot drop.

The breaking in period can be a bit painful. The best bet is to not do any major walking with them on too quickly, and wear them around the house for a few weeks.

[AfterMyNap]

Love, love, love them! I have several pairs, even a pair one size too big with the back strap so I can wear my AFO right in it. It's not fashion, it's function and life without my Birks is no life at all to me.

Have yourself fitted at a real shoe store. If your legs are accustomed to wearing heels, the slightly lower heel bed might make you take notice, but you'll fall in love pretty quickly. I have profound foot drop on one side and can manage them fine by taking my time.

Make sure to have them resoled BEFORE you "strike cork" or they'll be destroyed. When I walked full time, I got two full summers out of a pair of soles. My shoe guy charges $35 to do them (in winter). One pair, my favorites, are 7 years old and still look as good as a Birk can look.

I like the Florida, three straps keep them on my stupid feet better.

[Riverwild]

I live in Birks, Tevas, NB sneakers and Sorel Snow Lion boots.

In the winter, I wear Birks or Tevas with nice thick wool socks! As long as it's not wet and the snow is hard packed, I'd rather have them on than sneakers or boots, and I live in Maine!

[Blessings2You]

These are Rafters, but I have a couple pair of Tevas that look very similar. When I go to town, I put on black or navy thick socks, but if I'm home and don't care if I look cool or not, I wear white ones or whatever is comfy. As someone said, function over style. (Hope this isn't hijacking)

[Kitty]

Thanks, ya'll. I saw a pair on QVC that looked like they might work for me....but I'd heard so much about breaking them in that I was a little scared to try them. Maybe I better go to a store that I can actually try them on and walk around first. I have moderate foot drop on one side. As long as I walk slowly and concentrate I can get by pretty well. I just don't need anymore complications!

[Earl]

Originally Posted by AfterMyNap

Love, love, love them! I have several pairs, even a pair one size too big with the back strap so I can wear my AFO right in it. It's not fashion, it's function and life without my Birks is no life at all to me.

Have yourself fitted at a real shoe store. If your legs are accustomed to wearing heels, the slightly lower heel bed might make you take notice, but you'll fall in love pretty quickly. I have profound foot drop on one side and can manage them fine by taking my time.

Make sure to have them resoled BEFORE you "strike cork" or they'll be destroyed. When I walked full time, I got two full summers out of a pair of soles. My shoe guy charges $35 to do them (in winter). One pair, my favorites, are 7 years old and still look as good as a Birk can look.

I like the Florida, three straps keep them on my stupid feet better.

I'm not sure why I found this surprising. I didn't picture AMN as a Birkie.

I have relatives who live in Portland OR I have been wearing Birks since 1983. Before they were even fashionable. I have 3 pair currently, one taupe Arizona, one navy Arizona, and one Milano.

Regarding the care, they will take a little while to break in but once they are, you will never wear anything else. I even wore them to my wedding (my wife was not amused. Also, if you notice separating or cork wearing, go to WalMart and get some "Shoe-Goo", apply with a toothpic, and they are good as new.

I think I have gone twice in the past few years not wearing mine. I LOVE THEM, and your feet will too. Since most nerves end in the feet, they are excellent for making you feel good.