topic Question for Birkenstock wearers in Shoes

Question for Birkenstock wearers

novamc1 — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 19:56:23 GMT

Can some of you Birk fans please answer a few questions about the softbed version vs. the classic firm cork styles?

I'd appreciate some guidance as to whether the softbed Birks have the same degree of arch support as the classic harder ones.

I'd also like to know whether the softbed feels as comfortable to you as the classic ones.

Thanks in advance for any replies. I need good arch support and get it from the classic Birks. The softbeds are too expensive to purchase as an experiment that might fail me.

Re: Question for Birkenstock wearers

gidgetgh — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 20:18:12 GMT

To me, they look and feel just the same as the classic Birks, just a little softer. I like both of them.

Re: Question for Birkenstock wearers

gidgetgh — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 20:18:55 GMT

I think they're "built" exactly the same.

Re: Question for Birkenstock wearers

violann — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 20:39:09 GMT

I began wearing firm sole Birks many years ago on the advice of foot doctor. I was very heavy, and I was almost unable to walk.
For several years I wore nothing but Birks. I think I had about 50 pairs.
As soon as the soft footbed style camre out I tried a pair, and couldn't wear them at all.
For my foot, NO support. The arch bends and yields where it is in contact with my arch,
and because it is so supple I felt no support from it at all.
Having lost a substantial amount of weight I now only wear some styles of Birkenstocks in the summer, and only firm sole. I think you'd have to try the soft sole somewhere to find out how it would work for YOUR foot.

Re: Question for Birkenstock wearers

smoky22 — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 21:07:59 GMT

I don't feel like I get the same support from the softbeds. I have two pair and I only wear them in the house, as slippers, basically. I don't feel as secure in them, if that makes sense. The regular footbed conforms perfectly to MY foot and they almost feel like they're a part of my foot. The softbeds are nice, and cushy, but they feel like I'm wearing a shoe.

Re: Question for Birkenstock wearers

World Traveler — Tue, 14 Jul 2015 02:21:05 GMT

I own both the hard/original and soft Birkenstocks. Love them equally. The only difference for me was that the the original lining took longer to conform to my foot. I also have a pair of QVC Vionics and like them too.

Re: Question for Birkenstock wearers

beach-mom — Sun, 12 Jul 2015 23:46:51 GMT

I've been wearing Birkenstocks for over 20 years. I have no foot issues; I just started wearing them for comfort after being in heels all day. I have a pair on now and wore a different pair this morning. One of the best things about summer for me is living in my Birks!

When the soft footbed came out, I couldn't wait to try it. I love it! I get more arch support in the regular ones, but these are fantastic. I tell other people the difference is like wearing comfortable shoes then changing into bedroom slippers. They are like walking on a pillow! I love all of my Birkenstocks, and they are all comfortable. I also have Birkenstock platforms and wedges!

I wish QVC would get them back!

Re: Question for Birkenstock wearers

Kachina624 — Mon, 13 Jul 2015 00:22:19 GMT

I have flat feet and cannot wear the classic Birki. That arch support is like a big hard rock. I'm in pain when I try to walk in those shoes. The soft footbed is doable for me, I have one pair. I wouldn't buy another because I've discovered other brands that are more attractive and comfy. The soft bed probably doesn't have the same support as the classic...I don't know how you'd tell though.

Re: Question for Birkenstock wearers

SurferWife — Mon, 13 Jul 2015 00:27:35 GMT

I love the soft bed! They feel like I'm walking on air. The dynamic footbed is great, too (I think it is a cross between the hard & soft footbed). I fact, I have one pair of the dynamic footbed and I pretty much wear them every day!

Re: Question for Birkenstock wearers

novamc1 — Mon, 13 Jul 2015 00:48:23 GMT

Many thanks for the useful comments, ladies. Some of you like the softbed, some don't. I might give them a try.......sounds like I could get along with them,even if not falling in love with them. Have been curious, because it seems the softbed has come out in so many more styles than the the classic hard sole.

Any shoe without an arch is not going to be comfortable for me for very long. And, wow, those Vionic things are definitely not for me. I don't have pronation, or whatever the problem is called that Vionic is supposed to help, and I lasted about 10 minutes in that shoe.

Re: Question for Birkenstock wearers

deedledeedeedle — Mon, 13 Jul 2015 07:25:51 GMT

The softbed Birks feel already broken in when new, bendable if you will. The soft texture is amazing on the foot, like walking on pillows. The classic Birks are supportive and comfortable in a different way. Either footbed texture is superior to the Vionic bumpy surface. I feel QVC did a huge diservice to their customers when they dumped the Birkenstock line for the Vionic brand. I have Birks that are 30 years old. They get cleaned up every season and stored, looking good as new. In comparison, the Vionic was ready to be trashed after one season. They just looked and felt worn.

Re: Question for Birkenstock wearers

novamc1 — Mon, 13 Jul 2015 11:57:32 GMT

Kachina--

You mentioned flat feet. My sister has flat feet (the opposite is true for me) and, being an attorney, she has a hard time finding dressier shoes that look right for the occasion. At home, she goes barefoot most of the time, which would put a strain on the bones in my feet.

She has said she really likes the ECCO shoe brand. I don't know if you're familiar with it, but thought I'd pass this info along for those with lower or no arches at all.

Re: Question for Birkenstock wearers

feline groovy — Mon, 13 Jul 2015 23:19:11 GMT

I've been happily wearing Birks for years, but I think it would be depend on how high your arch is.

I have an extremely high arch, which is why I don't own any softbeds.

But you could try a resonably-priced pair (there are many online vendors), and just wear them around your home.

Eventually, you'll find out if they're give you enough arch support to warrant wearing them everyhere else.

Re: Question for Birkenstock wearers

ripka junkie — Mon, 13 Jul 2015 23:22:13 GMT

I have been wearing Birkenstock for about 20 year and agree the regular foot bed has much more arch support. I have a high instep and need the extra support.

Re: Question for Birkenstock wearers

jaxs mom — Tue, 14 Jul 2015 00:04:21 GMT

They have the same support IME

Re: Question for Birkenstock wearers

shoppinggirl59 — Tue, 14 Jul 2015 00:59:17 GMT

I agree about the Vionic shoes. Kept trying to wear them even slowly at first and they

Just gave me pain in my legs and feet. Walking store was surprised that I couldn't wear them them. I have high arches so the hunt continues for shoes to wear.

Shopping girl

Re: Question for Birkenstock wearers

feline groovy — Tue, 14 Jul 2015 03:45:44 GMT

@shoppinggirl59 wrote:
I agree about the Vionic shoes. Kept trying to wear them even slowly at first and they
Just gave me pain in my legs and feet. Walking store was surprised that I couldn't wear them them. I have high arches so the hunt continues for shoes to wear.

Shopping girl

Off the top of my head, and from my very high arches LOL:

*Birkenstock (& its various style lines)

*Betula

*Alegria

*Dansko

*Sanita

*New Balance (for walking & athletics)

*some Clarks

HTH

Re: Question for Birkenstock wearers

novamc1 — Tue, 14 Jul 2015 12:40:03 GMT

To you all who have replied to my question, I very much appreciate your reports about your experiences. I do not ever wear Birks outside my house and either use dressier flats or sporty shoes such as those available from Clarks (all of which must have some kind of arch support), but because most of my time is spent inside my house, the comfort factor of Birks is a big deal.

I can see that I should continue to love the classic Birks, but go ahead and try the softer footbed.

I do miss the interesting styles that used to be available from Betula, and frankly, I think most of the classic Birks are getting stale and don't seem to be getting updated to any extent. If comfort wasn't a factor for me, I probably wouldn't select them at all. But when you're hooked, you're hooked!

Re: Question for Birkenstock wearers

feline groovy — Wed, 15 Jul 2015 01:54:08 GMT

@novamc1 wrote:
To you all who have replied to my question, I very much appreciate your reports about your experiences. I do not ever wear Birks outside my house and either use dressier flats or sporty shoes such as those available from Clarks (all of which must have some kind of arch support), but because most of my time is spent inside my house, the comfort factor of Birks is a big deal.

I can see that I should continue to love the classic Birks, but go ahead and try the softer footbed.

I do miss the interesting styles that used to be available from Betula, and frankly, I think most of the classic Birks are getting stale and don't seem to be getting updated to any extent. If comfort wasn't a factor for me, I probably wouldn't select them at all. But when you're hooked, you're hooked!

You can still get those unique styles, designs, and colors online:

at Amazon, Ebay, and many other vendors.

Just use Google to search Betula (or Birkenstock, Papillio, Birkis, or Tatami) and your size.

i.e.: women papillio 40

Re: Question for Birkenstock wearers

The Bod — Thu, 16 Jul 2015 15:08:09 GMT

I LOVE BIRKENSTOCKS!!!! WHY AREN'T THEY ARE ON QVC ANYMORE?????? PLEASE BRING THEM BACK.

THEY ARE THE MOST COMFORTABLE SHOES ON THE MARKET???? WHY NOT HAVE LESS CLARK'S AND HAVE BIRKENSTOCKS.

THE BOD