They're popular in my area, worn by many to accompany outfits that often include tie-dyed shirts. The style these people seem to prefer is the 2 strap sandal models worn with regular or brightly colored socks (women included).

Since Sixties-era hippy wannabees are a dying breed, I'd guess the company must make other styles that go with more conventional dress.

A fellow in my husband's office wears them with shorts and black dress socks.

Years ago I bought a pair for around the yard shoes. I got the worst blisters I have ever had from any shoes. I was bleeding on both feet at the arch area. I put them back into the box and gave them away. On my feet they were extremely uncomfortable and hard. One of my friends lives in hers it's all she wears. To her they are comfortable.
Definitely try them on and walk around a lot in the store.
I had the 2 strap slide on type.

Ditto to what Raven experienced. I found them extremely uncomfortable. Maybe my feet couldn't get used to the footbed of the sandal. I didn't try them with socks, tho -- so if you like that look, well, they might feel fine to you.

I have four pair and wear them constantly when the weather is warm. I always make a point if my daughter and I are going to NYC where we tend to walk about 8-10 miles around the city, to always wear my Birkies. I love them and the two strap brown leather pair is my fav. I also have a two strap one with a heal strap and two pair of three straps. I wear nothing else in warm weather but don't wear them with socks. (and I am a 60's era hippie)

>> A fellow in my husband's office wears them with shorts and black dress socks.

Oh, say it isn't so!

I only have 17 pair or so.... :)

I find them extremely comfortable, and own two and three strap models.

Every time I visit Germany I come back with two or more new pairs, that get absorbed in to my collection. ;) I have solid color ones, printed ones, multicolored ones.... you get the idea?

Germans wear them. All over the world.

Years ago, while in California (back when my girls were little) we (sister, her boys, and my girls) were walking in a campground. Marc pointed out people he said were German, and he was right on. Once we got close enough to her them talk, yup, German. He picked them out on the shoe styles. Not just Birkenstocks, but overall shoe styles.

Moni
PS, I buy them there, cause they are cheaper there.

I have three pair and love them. The two strap style comes in the largest range of colors...I have a light brown leather pair and am going to get a red pair.

I also have a white thong style that I love and some clogs with a strap. I wear those all winter long with socks.

Birkies require a break in period....sort of like getting used to contact lenses. Not only can they be stiff at first, your feet might need some time to adjust.

My feet complain after a while with some shoes.....not so with my birkies.

I loved them but no longer wear them as I wear through the sole in a month or less and they are expensive to re-sole.

I don't wear anything else. They are very hard and stiff when you get them. They do take a breaking in period. But once broke in they are wonderful. Don't even just get them out of the box, put them on and go off to town for a few hours. You will have blisters. I have worn them for 25 years.. Love my Birks!!!

My husband, by the way, can't wear them. His feet are as flat as a board and even with a break in period, these sandals are not for him.

Holly, I am surprised to hear that the soles have worn out so quickly. Has anyone else had that problem? Mine get 'ordinary ' use and last for years. I don't get them wet or go hiking with them but will use them hours on end for much of the week. Just my experience.

I have one pair and love them but they are not the "usual" ones. They are the thong style.
I love to wear them!
But I paid $7 brand new at a consignment shop.

They are my "dress up" flip flops.
I have three pairs of Croc flip flops that I usually wear.

Here is a link that might be useful: Birkenstock Gizeh

My husband, by the way, can't wear them. His feet are as flat as a board and even with a break in period, these sandals are not for him.

Holly, I am surprised to hear that the soles have worn out so quickly. Has anyone else had that problem? Mine get 'ordinary ' use and last for years. I don't get them wet or go hiking with them but will use them hours on end for much of the week. Just my experience.

Terri that is the style my DD and I were looking at. She went to a shop in her area and ended up with a 2 strap pair. The owner of the shop, told her they were best worn with socks. DD is a runner and wants something to put on after a run. I am still on the fence about getting them, I will wait and see how hers break in~~

I have looked at them for years, tried them on and BLAH they looked so ugly to me, but now I am at an age I want comfort. I think in the end I will get a pair and just go for it.

Never, I always thought they felt slimey, uncomfortable and were ugly not to mention expensive...

I think they are very attractive looking, and I have never gotten a blister from any of them. I have never worn any out although I wear them constantly. The only thing was I wore my fav blue three strap ones to the ocean and it messed with the color, fading them quite a bit. I refreshed them with blue dye, and they are a good as new. I'd give up almost anything in my closet but never my Birks. Love them ,but they are expensive...(and I am German, might explain)

Sandals I have and really like are Keen, and of course I love skechers. I have a very flat foot.
I do have a pair of the crocs thongs but I don't really like the between the toe thing much anymore.
I have a pair of P. W. Minor sandals that are very comfortable.