Birkenstocks for walking a lot?

[coneyislandoldspot]

I’m off on a hot holiday this summer but I’ll be walking a lot. 20,000 steps a day.

Are birkenstocks any good for walking around in all day? I want to be going to the beach, dipping in and out of the sea in the afternoons, but also exploring and walking around a lot.

I can’t really find any sandals that fit what I’m after. Birkenstocks look like they could be the answer, but I have quite wide feet and they’re quite sensitive, I get blisters easily.

I don’t think so. I had (and loved!) Birkenstocks for a good while but they need to be broken in and the lack of ankle support isn’t great.
I quite like Tevas for a bit of extra foot support, but (after a few surgeries) I’m firmly in the proper trainers (more like hiking shoes) for walks, and sandals for beach trips.

It’s looking like most of the walking will be flat, I’m away for ten days and I just feel like trainers and socks for the full ten days will start to feel so sweaty!

Yes! Mine have never needed to be broken in

I love Birks and walk a lot but they can rub whilst you break them in. lanacane or chub rub stick is great for this ! I’d recommend Milano or tulum models with a strap around the back of the ankle if you’re doing loads of walking.
Have you considered tevas ? Very comfy, they have a bit of arch support, don’t get as stinky as Birks and you can wear them in the sea !

The ones with ankle straps, yes. However if you've never worn them before, you need to wear them at home first! I never need to break mine in but I'm used to the feel now.

They’re definitely cheaper but I just don’t like the look! I’ve always loved Birkenstock style sandals but figured I need the actual brand for walking a lot

I’m looking at the Arizona style and think they could be a winner? I know I need to break them in so the plan is to get them now, to wear them in for three months before I go away.

Arizona ones are perfect for this just break in before and you’ll be fine!

I think im just a bit incredulous because I’ve never worn this style of shoe for a long time before 😂 I have wide feet but it seems like the normal ones are wide anyway?

They are very wide - I have normal width feet and have to have them on the tightest holes and they’re still a bit loose.
I would probably take Birks AND some Tevas if there is a lot of walking, if you can - Birks are great but I’m not sure they are 20,000 steps great. I hate trainers on holiday too so often have the same conundrum. I tend to do a lot of euro city breaks and never know what to wear.

Yeah im going on a similar style holiday but with an added row day outdoor event, which necessitates trainers. So im just thinking that that, plus another 7 days of walking is too much in the same pair and I’d like to get some air to my feet at times!

Look at Moshulu corkbed ... mine broke in easily and I can walk miles and miles in them. Ginger Ales I think they are. I do live in Tevas though

Absolutely not in my opinion. I don’t think any kind of slip on shoe is appropriate for a lot of walking, your posture just isn’t the same with slip ons, you walk differently to stop them flying off.

Will you really be doing lots of walking at the same time as going to the beach? Can you not have something comfortable for long distance and something else for when you’re on the beach?

Yes - I’m going to the south of France and days will be something like the morning in one town, exploring, lunch, then hopping on the train to another and ending with a late afternoon beach trip

I walk miles in mine and find them brilliant. The Arizona I think have the two straps across your foot? They are great! I also get on well with the flip flop type but would say the two straps are best.
i have wide feet and the regular width is perfect. Just mind the sizing when you order, for example I am a size 8 and some places like Office seem to sell a size 41 as an 8, but I need the 42. Just something to be aware of!
Have a lovely holiday!

I would take a pair of light sandals in a bag for the beach elements.

Yes they do! I just think they would be such a good option to have because it’s just so much time in trainers otherwise. Thank you!

I don’t mind these tevas but I think they’re also an acquired taste and I’m not quite sure I’m there yet!

Yes Birkenstocks are perfect for this from my experience. In the summer I wear them every day for everything including dog walks etc. never had issues breaking mine in.

I live in Birks in the summer and walk miles in them - never had an issue. Wear them in beforehand and they’ll be great!

Birkenstocks always give me blisters if I try to do this amount of walking in them. I love mine but they are firmly in popping to the shops or an afternoon sitting in a beer garden territory. Every time I try to wear them on a full day out I regret it.

I’ve walked miles in mine, never had to break a pair in - however I’ve been a Birkenstock wearer for decades. I know some people find them a bit hard and unforgiving underfoot but they suit my (wide) feet.

Definitely works for me, I’ve been wearing Birkenstocks for years, I have a few pairs of Madrid big buckle and have walked miles in hot weather. You can get them in a narrow footbed too if you find the normal footbed feels too wide

Love my Birkenstocks. Only sandals I've had for decades and walk miles in them without any issues! Have them in a variety of colours.
I also spend time in the South of France!

I have a pair of flip flops I’ll take anyway but my issue is nine days in a row in trainers is going to be absolutely killer