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

[Mizmazzle]

Hey Birk fans. I have a pair of Bostons that I wear around the house daily and sometimes to run errands etc. We’re heading to Vietnam this summer and thinking I need a proper sandal to walk around in all day. Thinking either the Arizona or the Milano. Leaning towards the Milano due to the heel strap.

[T4920]

@Mizmazzle my Birk slides (Kyoto model I think) have taken me on many a hike and bike ride in Thailand, so versatile!

[Mizmazzle]

@T4920 does that super wide top strap keep them on your foot super securely?

[T4920]

Once broken in, yeah, especially when tightened up a little! The bastards tore up my feet to begin with though, should've seen my face when I noticed the beautiful yellow suede was stained with blood that has soaked through from the inside after my first long walk in them!

In hindsight, if you're buying a new pair particularly for this trip, a heel strap would probably benefit as you said. Couldn't see myself hiking in Sa Pa rice fields in the Kyotos...

[Oaktavia]

@Mizmazzle I have had multiple pairs of Arizonas and one pair of Milanos. I never wore my Arizonas much because they always felt like they were about to slide off. Ended up giving those away. The back heel strap of the Milanos really helps with that and I ended up wearing those quite a bit and still do, even though they are covered in paint and patina. I usually stick with socks and Bostons in colder months and Milanos in the summer.

[JerkStore]

I have a pair of The Real McCoy's Support Clog birkenstock knock-off and cannot recommend it enough. I enjoy them so much more to my old Arizonas. The leather footbed becomes super comfortable after a few wears. My Birks never softened up after months of wear.

[Mizmazzle]

@T4920 I’ll also be bringing some
Light hikers of some sort for the trekking portion of our trip. But for daily walking and exploring I’m thinking the Milanos could be great.

Thanks @Oaktavia thinking the Milanos will be a solid choice. Def love my Bostons. But the sticky hot climes of SE Asian

[Mizmazzle]

I love mink oil. Dry ass Oiled Habana Bostons. Nice and rich now.

[Oaktavia]

@Mizmazzle there must be something in the air. I just conditioned my Bostons the other day. They look so much better!

[Mizmazzle]

@Oaktavia yeah man. I find that oiled habana leather doesn’t have much of an “oiled” finish to it at all. Always kinda dusty looking haha. Of course, Colorado is dry as hell this time of year. What did you use to condition yours?

[Oaktavia]

@Mizmazzle Yeah I agree, looks more dusty than anything and I'm not even in a desert. I used the remaining Saphir Renovateur I had in my jar, just enough left to cover the clogs.

[GraemeE]

I branched out and picked up a suede pair for the first time.
Anyone have any opinions for or against using any type of waterproofing treatments?
I go Birks in public fairly often rain or shine

[Danimal506]

@GraemeE Love my suede Bostons! I don’t wear them in heavy rain. But as far as wear they hold up great!

@Oaktavia What do you use to condition your Bostons?

[Oaktavia]

@Danimal506 I used the last little bit of a jar of Saphir Renovator. I will probably just use mink oil next time though.

[Mizmazzle]

I’m about to pull the trigger on these Milanos. Trying to decide between this Amalfi black or the Insignia Blue.
Black is classic. That blue is sick looking I think

[Oaktavia]

@Mizmazzle blue for sure, I have those bookmarked for a future purchase lol

[Mizmazzle]

@Oaktavia I bet that blue would change all type of cool tones. Being a oiled leather like the Habana…I wonder if it will actually lighten up as it kinda dries out…

[Oaktavia]

@Mizmazzle I sure hope it does.

[GraemeE]

@SKT said in BIRKENSTOCK-Last for decades, hidden… but shown here on IH.:

Can neither confirm nor deny whether yours influenced my decision

[SKT]

@GraemeE ha…you're gonna love em but I don’t know whether you should put any protectant on…mine have been pretty babied. I don’t suppose it could hurt if they’re going to get wet a lot. Nice pick up!