BIRKENSTOCK-Last for decades, hidden… but shown here on IH.

[Aetas]

[TheKingHarvest]

Maybe you Birk freaks can help me out here.

I have been wearing my first pair of Bostons for ~5 years. It's about time for new ones. They don't feel too big but they are a struggle to keep on my feet, they always want to fly off while walking. I've become used to it, but ideally would want them to fit better. I've had several holes to the straps over the years. Should I size down, or is this the reality of the Bostons?

I am an 11.5 and am wearing 44s.

[Aetas]

Hi @TheKingHarvest ,

before downsizing, check which width you own first.
Birkenstock produce two versions.
The pictogram and description is confusing…  filled  black is the narrow one.

If you own Medium/Narrow already, downsizing to 10.5/43 don’t look like an option.

[mclaincausey]

Idly mentioned to my wife that it would be nice to have some slip on shoes for things like taking out the trash, sort of a summer version of how I use my Sorels around the house. Next thing you know:

My first Birks and I do like them, maybe even enough to wear them outside the house (sans socks, of course).

[Aetas]

@Chap:

Out for dinner in Vienna… still summer here styled  the @Alex way 

[Aetas]

[seawolf]

@mclaincausey:

Idly mentioned to my wife that it would be nice to have some slip on shoes for things like taking out the trash, sort of a summer version of how I use my Sorels around the house. Next thing you know:

My first Birks and I do like them, maybe even enough to wear them outside the house (sans socks, of course).

they'll only get better!

[Mizmazzle]

Hey everyone!! Happy new year!! I’m going to be traveling to Italy this summer. Super stoked. Going to be in the mountains, the beach, and waking all over the place. Trying to figure out a pair of shoes in between boots and flip flops. Thinking about some Birkenstock Clogs. Anyone have any input on how these would do walking around all day for long periods of time?

[Anesthetist]

I’ve put lots of miles on my Milans but after a couple miles the Boston makes my feet ache. If they arent too casual, the Bedrock Cairn sandal is both a flipflop and a hiking sandal. I have 2 pair and love them.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Mizmazzle]

Thanks @Anesthetist super helpful. I was thinking about boat shoes, but not sure if that’s a bit too preppy for my personal tastes. I’d like something easy to wear, can be used for walking, the beach, going into restaurants etc.

[steelworker]

@Mizmazzle:

Thanks @Anesthetist super helpful. I was thinking about boat shoes, but not sure if that’s a bit too preppy for my personal tastes. I’d like something easy to wear, can be used for walking, the beach, going into restaurants etc.

Rancourt makes good mocs @Mizmazzle they're prep as fuck but you can wear them anywhere and they're US made.

[endo]

During summer I'm regularly spending weeks in Birks, walking and hiking. No comfort problems at all, lasting and chic. These are mine.

[Mizmazzle]

@endo do you have any of the Boston clogs? Those are kind of what I’m thinking…not sure if a clog like that will be good for lots of walking…

@steelworker ive been checking out Rancourt too. They look super nice.

[endo]

I had some Bostons but in the end didn't like the covered toes. Much more prefer the Arizonas over them. For Italy in summer you want it relaxed. 

[Mizmazzle]

Went with the Bostons. I find them charming, in a sort of, bucktoothed, cross eyed, greasy haired, old spinster kind of way.

[Oaktavia]

Hey dudes,

I'm thinking about picking up a pair of Bostons. Do any of you have a favorite leather you recommend? They all look so great! Also, do the Bostons run TTS? Any advice is helpful and welcome.

[pechelman]

Don't have Bostons but the Arizona model in size 43 normal width fit me when I'm a 9D Wesco, 10 in Nike and vans, 9.5 in chuck 70s, and 10.5 in Adidas.

Forget which leather I went with but it's the more natural finish of them and in the soft foot bed. When I bought them ages ago I tried the narrow width and they were much too narrow for me even with narrow feet.

[Oaktavia]

@pechelman awesome response, thanks a ton for the info. I've narrowed it down to two but likely going with Mink Soft Footbed but also love the Habana. I think my size will be 43 or 44.

[pechelman]

You're welcome @Oaktavia

Now that you mention it, I think mine might have been that habana in oiled leather. Over the course of winter I gave them some much needed TLC, sanding out the foot beds which were crusty black and re sealed the cork and they're looking pretty good now though after a few wears they're back to having darkened foot beds again.

Also worth noting, I had to punch a new hole in the upper strap since I've got pretty low volume feet.

[Brandrea]

@Oaktavia I just picked up a pair in oiled Habana Bostons. That’s my favourite leather for Birks.

I find the Bostons run TTS. I’m a 44 regular in Arizona’s but I wear a 45 in the Bostons, as I use them with socks more like a shoe (if that makes sense).

I also like the soft footbed, great for my Morton’s neuroma.