Did you wear Birkenstocks back in the day?
And were they the “Arizona” style?
So, you’ve thrown them out long ago and sort of, privately, wished they would come back because …… ah, yes …..they were SO comfortable! Am I right?
Your wishes have come true.
May I present, the
Bright Begonia Birkenstock from J.Crew
How about the metallic gold? Nice, no?
For an in-depth history and story all about Birkenstocks, take a look at
Sole Cycle by Rebecca Mead in The New Yorker
It’s a fascinating look at the long history of this German company, beginning in 1774 and takes us on a visit to the present factory where we learn that over twenty million pairs of Birkenstocks were sold last year alone. Yes, indeed, there is a trend to comfortable, wearable shoes…
So let’s talk some more about comfortable sandals. While I love love love the skinny-almost-nothing- bright-color sandals and flip-flops they are, sadly, not for me anymore. I can wear them (and do) but not for any extended period of time and certainly not for city sight-seeing. Remember the two posts I did on these great flip-flops from The Derrin Collection, HERE and HERE?
I can’t tell you the miles I have walked in those shoes: all over Paris several times; assorted beaches; London; New York. But now I need something with more support and, believe me, I have researched this subject!
Those J.Crew Birkenstock’s are fine, but I’ve found others that are great too. I bought these
Mephisto “Helen” sandals this winter for our trip to Florida and have been very, very happy with them.
You can find them HERE
Another good-for-comfort brand is Naot.
I like this very basic sandal, with velcro adjustable straps. I tried it on and may go back to buy it…
Have you heard of a new company and brand, FitFlop?
I haven’t tried on any of these, but they look fabulous! They have “dual density midsoles” and added arch support. Lots of fun styles available.
Here is a selection I’ve made for you…of good looking AND comfortable summer shoes.
No, they don’t come cheap! You do pay for comfort, as I have found. The fun $40.00 shoes at DSW are fine…if you can wear them; but as we age, and as we realize there is more to walking than just fashion, we have to be willing to pay for that comfort.
#1. #2. #3. #4. #5. #6.
We would all LOVE to hear your comments and experiences. Please, feel free to leave a comment and hopefully others will respond. Do you have any particular brands that you can recommend? Any experiences you want to share?
And, for all of you receiving this via email subscription, I hope you like the new delivery format. I wanted to make the emails more colorful and branded, and meaningful and hopefully with the new MailChimp system this has happened.
I still like my birkenstocks and have just got a new pair for this summer.
Some of these look great- thanks for sharing these!
Hi Libby,
Yes, I do indeed remember Birkenstock sandals and back in the day had a pair. They are very comfortable and while they aren’t the most stylish shoe, they are the ones that you can wear all day without your feet hurting. The colors and different styles are nice too. : )
I love Birks, also Naot, Mephistos and Lola Sabbia wedge sandals. Also espadrilles are summer favorites. Still able to wear Havianas for the beach and bath. Never tried the Fit Flops, will look at reviews.
I was in Nordstrom’s the other day picking up a stuffed bunny for a new grandchild, and did a abrupt halt as I raced by the shoe department, to see these new sandals on display!
Ellen: Did you try them on??? Love to know what you thought!