Are Birkenstocks Worth It? (Women vs Men)

“Are Birkenstocks worth it?” is the first thing we asked before buying our first pair. And now, after wearing them for over three years, we can confidently say yes. Birkenstocks are worth it if you want sandals that support your feet.

Here, we’ll cover comfort, both for men and women. So, stick to the end.

Key Takeaways

• Birkenstocks are worth buying because they mold to your feet and offer real arch support.

• They feel stiff at first, but get more comfortable with wear.

• The cork footbed can help reduce foot pain over time.

• Most pairs last for years and can be resoled when worn down.

• They are not waterproof and need to be kept dry.

• Podiatrists recommend them for structure, but suggest variety in footwear.

Are Birkenstocks Worth It? (Review)

Here’s the thing:

Birkenstocks are worth it for anyone who wants long-term comfort and value. They may feel stiff at first, but once broken in, they mold to your feet and become one of the most comfortable sandals you’ll own. The materials last for years, and they actually help with foot pain. If you walk a lot or stand for hours, they’re a smart buy.

These are all the reasons why Birkenstocks are worth buying:

They feel stiff at first, but get better with wear

When you first try on a pair of Birkenstocks, they don’t feel soft. The cork footbed is firm, and we like the arch support as well. Another plus point is the heel cup that holds your foot in place.

We started breaking them in slowly. Just a couple of hours indoors each day. By the end of the first week, they began to feel more natural. The fit started changing as the cork adjusted to our foot shape.

After two weeks, they became our go-to sandals. They weren’t cushiony, but they were comfortable in a way that lasted all day.

They hold up for years and can be repaired

We bought the Arizona model in 2020. We wore them during spring and summer for three full years. They handled walking, errands, and travel. Nothing broke or came loose.

After a couple of years, the sole started to thin out at the heel. The footbed and straps still held up fine. We had the soles replaced for $45 at a local repair shop and kept wearing them through another season.

They helped ease mild foot and heel pain

One of us had heel pain from plantar fasciitis. It flared up every summer, especially after wearing soft sandals. Birkenstocks changed that. After about ten days of regular wear, the pain was already less noticeable. By the end of the first month, it had mostly gone away.

Sure, Birkenstocks cost more than the average sandal. Most models fall between $100 and $140. But they also last much longer than most of the pairs we’ve owned before.

We wore ours around 120 days per year, across three years. That’s 360 wears. At $120, that’s just 33 cents per use. By comparison, most $30 sandals last one summer. Over time, they cost more and deliver less.

They’re not ideal for every person or every setting

Birkenstocks are supportive, but they are also firm. If you like soft, foam-based shoes, these might not feel right. They take time to adjust to, and some people give up too early.

They’re also not designed for water. If you need sandals for the beach or pool, these are not the best choice. The cork footbed can absorb water and break down if soaked.

And while they have a simple look, not everyone likes the style. That’s fine. We didn’t buy them to follow trends. We bought them to stop buying new sandals every summer. And that worked.

Are Birkenstocks Worth It for Women

Yes, Birkenstocks are worth it for women who want long-lasting sandals with real foot support. They mold to your feet over time, which reduces soreness. On top of that, they last much longer than regular sandals. Most women who wear them don’t go back to cheaper styles because the comfort and durability speak for themselves.

We tested models like Arizona and Madrid across three summers. They felt stiff at first, but within a week, they started to feel natural. The arch support made a noticeable difference during long days.

They also last. One pair replaced multiple sandals we would’ve otherwise bought.

Are Birkenstocks Worth it for Men

Yes, Birkenstocks are worth it for men who want reliable sandals with long-term durability. They’re firm at first but mold to your feet and feel better the more you wear them. Most men find them more comfortable than sneakers once broken in.

We wore Arizona and Milano models through summers. After a short break-in, they fit like custom footwear. These aren’t soft foam slides. They’re built for use, not looks. They lasted years and still worked after hundreds of wears.

Why Are Birkenstocks so Popular?

Birkenstocks are popular because they combine long-term comfort and proven durability. They’re not trendy. They’re trusted. Here’s why people keep buying them:

• The footbed molds to your feet

• They reduce arch and heel pain

• You can repair them

• They last for years, not months

• They feel better the longer you wear them

Awesome, right?

Are Birkenstocks Waterproof?

No, regular Birkenstocks are not waterproof. The cork footbed and suede or leather straps absorb water, which can damage the sandals over time. If you need a waterproof option, Birkenstock EVA models are fully water-safe.

We’ve tested classic Birkenstocks in light rain and damp conditions. Occasional splashes aren’t a problem, but soaking them or wearing them in heavy rain breaks them down. The cork softens and loses shape. Leather straps stretch or crack if not dried properly.

For wet conditions, EVA Birkenstocks are your best bet. They’re made from a single piece of water-friendly foam. But for real foot support, the cork models are better—just keep them dry.

What are the Downsides of Birkenstocks

Birkenstocks offer long-term comfort and structure, but they’re not for everyone. Some people may find the break-in period frustrating. Here are five common downsides of Birkenstocks:

What’s so special about Birkenstocks

What makes Birkenstocks special is not softness or fashion trends, but how they shape to your foot. People buy them once and keep wearing them because they work.

Here’s what sets Birkenstocks apart:

What do Podiatrists think of Birkenstocks

Podiatrists generally support Birkenstocks for their structure and support. They recommend them for people with flat feet and postural issues because of the deep heel cup and contoured footbed. But they also remind people that no single shoe works for everyone.

According to Dr. Dan Michaels, DPM, the deep heel cup can help control pronation and improve alignment. He also says the raised toe bar may ease discomfort from issues like hammer toes or flat feet. However, some podiatrists, including Dr. Hillary Brenner, suggest mixing footwear types. Wearing only supportive shoes all the time might weaken natural foot function.

Why do my feet hurt after wearing Birkenstocks

Your feet may hurt after wearing Birkenstocks because the footbed is firm and takes time to adjust to. The shoes need a break-in period as the cork molds to your foot shape. This initial stiffness can cause soreness, especially if you wear them for long periods too soon.

We’ve worn multiple pairs across years, and this adjustment period is real. The arch support can feel too high at first. The heel cup locks your foot in place differently than softer sandals.

Most people find that soreness fades after five to seven wears. Start slow. An hour or two at a time is enough. Once broken in, they become far more comfortable than foam sandals.

What is the controversy with Birkenstocks?

Birkenstock recently went to court to try to protect its sandals as works of art. However, the judges didn’t agree. A German court ruled that the sandals are not the same as a sculpture and don’t qualify for copyright.

What does that mean for you? In short, nothing changes when you buy or wear a pair. Birkenstock was hoping this ruling would stop other companies from making similar designs, arguing that its sandals have a unique shape. But the court said no.