Birkenstock Arizona Review | Comfort, Fit, Price & More!
|| Pictured: Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Sandal $140 ||
If you were to ask my young-twenty-year-old-self if I would ever own a pair of Birkenstocks, I probably would have said NO. Well, obviously my young-twenty-year-old-self had never had kids. I am so glad my friend convinced me that I needed a pair of these sandals because they have become my foot’s best friend.
Since the 90’s nostalgia period, Birkenstocks kind of hit a black hole and didn’t become popular again until around 2013 when they became popular among hipster subculture. Now, you will see the identifiable style being adopted by larger Designer brands like Isabel Marant and Valentino.
Comfort
Honestly, nothing beats this sandal. My husband laughs because I recently told him that it is more comfortable for me to walk around the house in these sandals than barefoot! I have had issues with my hips and knees from running and rock climbing, but these seem to make the aches and pains a little less (if not go away altogether.) [disclosure, I am not a medical professional and cannot give medical advice. If you are having hip & knee pain I advise you to seek professional help from your doctor.] The cork in the sole of the shoe has molded slightly to support my arch. This is something I have also always needed more of. I have a medium-to-high arch, so I have always needed to purchase third party insoles to help with the support. The Birkenstock Arizona sandal honestly gives me the support & comfort I need on a daily basis.
Fit/Sizing
I am a true 37.5 EU (7.5 US) and I purchased a 38 EU in these. My third toe is slightly longer [as pictured at bottom - I know, I’m a weirdo] and it hit the front molding on the 37. I knew this would bother me so I decided to size up. Otherwise, the shoe is perfect. I tightened the band across the toes to the third tightest because I felt like I could fit better into the 37 width-wise.
Price, $$
Pretty affordable. You wonder why people who buy Birkenstocks have multiple pairs. Well, they’re not cheap, but they’re not exorbitant. At Nordstrom, these are $140 (plus tax). Because they’re so comfortable and are helping the discomfort in my hips, I will probably invest in another pair
styling
Now that I own a pair I feel like this style is extremely versatile. I will utilize these in my posts so you can see how to style them. I plan to wear these with jeans, sweats and flowy dresses of all lengths. I am not much for maxi dresses, and I don’t think that would be the most suitable style for Birkenstocks. The black leather does, however, stain the tops of your feet. I’ve heard this does go away with time. It doesn't bother me, but just something to be aware of for those of you who maybe bothered by it.
Overall
Overall, I would absolutely purchase another pair of these sandals. Being a mom, I am consistently running errands or chasing my toddler down the street. I needed something that was easy to slip on, and frankly, I don’t really care how fashionable it is… But, with the Arizona sandal I am in luck because it’s actually fashionable now! They’re affordable and they last forever so yes, I’ll probably pick up another pair just to have one.
