Are Birkenstocks worth the hype? In this hands-on review, we’ll cover what you need to know about the iconic Birkenstock brand’s sandals.
Birkenstock is an extremely popular brand, but you may be wondering if their products are actually worth the price.
In this review, we’ll take a look at their Lugano sandal to help you decide if you should add a pair of Birkenstocks to your footwear collection.
Quick Take
Birkenstock makes stylish and popular sandals, but after wearing them for a year and a half, I sadly have to say that they don’t last.
Unfortunately, a common issue with Birkenstocks is the side of them tearing. For me, this happened after a year. For a friend of mine, it happened after 6 months.
Pros
- They’re stylish
- They offer half sizes
- The leather looks nice
Cons
- They don’t last long
- Breaking them in is painful
- For some people, the price is steep
Click here to check out the Birkenstock Lugano, or read on for the full review.
About Birkenstock
You’ve probably heard of Birkenstock (who hasn’t?), but you may not know that they’ve been making high-quality footwear for a very long time.
Their origins actually go back to the year 1774 in Germany. Check out the Birkenstock website for their full story.
Why are Birkenstocks so popular? In my opinion, it’s because they’re stylish and extremely sturdy sandals that look cool and rugged and last a long time.
Review of the Birkenstock Lugano
Here are my thoughts on the Birkenstock Lugano, a great-looking leather sandal that sports the classic Birkenstock cork footbed.
Breaking In
Birkenstocks are notorious for having a rough break-in process, and for good reason.
I’ve honestly never experienced so much discomfort from any other pair of footwear. But don’t let that scare you away. After you break them in, you’ll have a very comfortable sandal that conforms to your foot.
The break-in process is painful and will probably give you blisters, but it’s kind of a “no pain, no gain” situation. It’s worth the discomfort. Just wear them a little bit each day for a couple of weeks and they’ll be ready for comfortable, regular wear.
Also, a pro tip is to wear socks during the break-in process to ease to burden. As you’ll read later in this article, Birkenstocks look surprisingly good with socks.
Fit and Comfort
After you break in a pair of Birkenstocks, they’re super comfortable and supportive. Not in a “fluffy, walking on a cloud” kind of way, but in a sturdy way. The cork footbed will conform to your unique foot shape and the outsole, made with EVA, make for a sandal that provides ample support.
Overall, they nailed the combo of leather, cork and EVA to make a cool and comfortable sandal.
The Lugano offers half sizes which is a big plus. I would complain that they’re a little too long, but that’s how they’re supposed to be so your foot won’t feel constricted.
Overall, I find the Lugano to be a very comfortable sandal.
Styling
Like a lot of leather sandals, Birkenstocks have a rugged vibe which I think looks great. They’re high-quality sandals, but they don’t look fancy.
They’re perfect for spring or summer casual outfits. I usually slip them on before I go for a walk, and I love wearing them to the beach.
Birkenstocks With Socks?
Bear with me here. I have to say, these sandals look great with socks. I never thought I would speak or write those words, but it’s the truth. I’ve worn the Lugano’s with socks on milder fall and winter days.
It’s a super comfortable combination, and I love the way it looks. That being said, wearing socks with sandals is obviously super controversial and some people will hate it no matter what. Personally, I like the relaxed look and the comfort.
Wearing socks with sandals is one of those odd fashion choices that’s either a lame faux pas or super cool, depending on how and where you do it. It definitely violates menswear canon, but it can certainly be done. If you are going to wear socks with sandals, Birkenstocks are probably your best choice.
Questions About Birkenstock
Here are the answers to some questions you may have about Birkenstock.
How Do You Break in Birkenstocks?
You just have to wear them for a couple of weeks, there’s no way around it. The info card that came in the box said to bend the sandals, and for the first five or six times you wear them, limit wear to a few hours.
Are Birkenstocks Worth It?
No. Unfortunately, Birkenstocks are not what they used to be. They’re not built to last.
Are Birkenstocks Comfortable?
After you get past the initial break-in period, Birkenstocks are super comfortable! Commit to wearing them for a couple of weeks, and you’ll have yourself a comfortable pair of sandals that conforms to your foot shape.
Can You Wear Socks With Birkenstocks?
You can wear whatever you want! What’s important is that you’re comfortable and like the way you look.
Just like any other fashion choice, it’s subjective and not everyone is going to like it, but in my opinion, Birkenstocks look great when worn with socks.
My Recommendation
Birkenstock makes great-looking sandals that unfortunately don’t last long.
If you’re looking for a pair of high-quality leather sandals, look elsewhere!
Have you tried Birkenstocks? What has your experience with them been? Leave a comment below!
I have about ten pairs of Birkenstock, the oldest is about 30 years old, Arizona. Most of my Birds has been resoled several times and they are all made in Germany. I was horrified a couple of years ago that some Birks are made in China! I would never buy those because they don’t have the German made quality.and maybe that is what you have bought. Always check where the Birk is made. As said, all my Birks that are made in Germany last decades.
I have about seven pairs of Birks, and none have failed me, some eight years or older. I think your issues are not the norm. Also… a great way to break them in fast is to soak the footbed in water, then go out for a walk barefoot, not with socks. When the coating on the cork wears off, put on the cement that Birkenstock sells.
I own the Arizona Birks and they are outstandingly comfortable!
I headed off any possibility of the cork edges deteriorating or falling apart by putting Barge cement along the outer edges and works like a charm! These will last me for several years as I’m confident of that.
A little over a year ago I purchased the Mayari Oiled Leather sandals. I happily wore them until just two months back when the strap came out from under the inner sole. I would assume that since Birkenstock’s prices are so high, that would equate to a good, long lasting quality product. But I was wrong. After learning that Birkenstock does not offer ANY kind of warranty on their products, I was shocked. I also recently learnt that Birkenstock had stopped suppling products to Canadian retailers a while back and since then their customer service has went to shit! Previous to that, Birkenstock had a great warranty and the suppliers who had sold Birkenstock products in their stores said that whenever there was an issue, they would just ship the shoes out to get fixed at no cost to the consumer! So what was I to do? I ending up bringing them to a cobbler where I was further shocked to learn that the cobbler had already received not one, two, but three of the EXACT same pair of Mayari Oiled Leather sandals as mine, that day, with the same issue!!! Some hadn’t even been worn as much as I had worn mine! It’s a shame that such a reputable company has gone to shit. I unfortunately will no longer support them like most of my friends have already done.
I’m sorry to hear that! We just updated this review as the mentioned pair did not hold up well longer than a year.
I have been wearing the Arizona Birkenstock vinyl for a while but keep catching the toe and tripping . I have not hurt myself so far but now I’m afraid to wear them , maybe this kind of sandals are not appropriate for older people. I had the same problem with the cork sole .
The Eva is made from faulty plastic which splits on the inside toes and causes you to trip when you walk as the fold under you just after 5 months. The Birkenstock company workshop manager did not care. I have worn many different Birkenstocks for over 30 years and now my daughter but think it is time to go elsewhere.
So… I just bought my first pair of Arizona Birkenstock sandals. I made the investment because all the reviews I read said that they are the most comfortable sandals made, as well as sturdy and long lasting. Well, I wore them for a total of 3 days. They are the most uncomfortable things I’ve ever had on my feet! I will try again, and I will limit my wearing them to 2 hours the first day, building up by one hour each day, until I can wear them all day comfortably. If they ever get comfortable LOL!
Are you positive you got the right fit? Did you get the soft or hard sole? Are you used to flexible/soft running shoes? Because Birks are the opposite of those (but most people find them to be very comfy after break in).
I’ve had my pair of Arizona Birkenstocks for over 10 years. I wear them almost everywhere. My husband can’t stand it when I wear them with socks, even around the house!