****** - Verified Buyer
4.5
I’ve been wearing Birkenstocks for 20+ years. Initially I wore them because I liked them. But when I developed plantar fasciitis, I wore them because I had to have something with a firm arch support. So now, Birkenstocks are the only shoes I wear. Recently I bought these boots, hoping to have some warmer shoes for winter. If that is your hope, don’t bother. My feet are absolutely freezing in these boots, even with wool socks. The toe area has no warmth at all. Furthermore, it feels as if the arch is wrong. I read this in other reviews and figured I’d try them myself since I have worn Birkenstocks for so long. At first, I thought it was because they were new, and the inner fur lining must be pushing my foot out of position, so I’d keep wearing them until they stretched a bit. But now, my feet fit inside fine, the lining has gotten used to my toes, but the arch still feels out of place. After a couple hours wearing these boots, my feet HURT. I’m really disappointed because I was so excited to get a pair of warm Birkenstock’s for winter. But these are going back. There is something wrong with them! I believe they are authentic Birkenstocks, but something is up with the footbed. And they are arse cold!Some of the reviews said that it was hard to get the boot on. I didn't find that to be an issue, but they are loose around the ankle (they don't give support to the ankle) and the shoe strings are hard to keep tied. They keep loosening, furthering the loose ankle issue. I like the foot bed, they feel like my other Birkenstocks. The aren't as fashionable as I thought they'd be; they have about 1/4 inch of cork that sticks out in front of the toe of the boot. Comfortable and nice enough looking that I can wear them to work.It's just a bit small. Luckily natural materials will stretch. I have many pairs of Birkenstalk sandals and clogs regular width that fit great. These not so much. Good not great.I have an average foot. Never had trouble with shoes not fitting over my instep. My daughter has a narrower foot and a high instep. She could not get these shoes on past her toes. I struggled really hard, wearing only nylons, and finally got them on, it bruised up the top of my foot from the pressure of trying to get them on. However, once on they felt very loose on my foot. They were also extremely warm. I am still trying to decide if I want to keep them; they may soften up and be easier to put on once they are broken in. The color and design are very beautiful for fall/winter.This boot is very comfortable and keeps the feet warm. The only thing wrong with this boot is that it was hard to get on because I have a high arch. Love the look and feel of this great little boot.This shoe was too small for my remarkably hard to fit feet. It came in beautiful, new condition in a timely manner. However, I am VERY disappointed that I had to pay a return fee of $5.99. I have never had to do that with any other product that I have ordered on Amazon so far.I'm so glad to finally have Birks for winter boots. These shoes help ease my back pain & my feet stay so comfortable. They have been my summer shoes for many years. I'm so tickled to have some warm, comfortable shoes!If you have a high arch/instep, this is not the boot for you. Really liked the boot, but the narrow angle prevented me from even getting my foot into it. Back it goes.
