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Home / Blog / Product Reviews

Birkenstocks Review After 1.5 Years: They’re Overrated

Published on July 21, 2023 by Ryan Hallstrom · Product Reviews, Shoes May contain affiliate links (what's this?)

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.

Table of Contents

  • Quick Take
  • About Birkenstock
  • Review of the Birkenstock Lugano
    • Breaking In
    • Fit and Comfort
    • Styling
  • Questions About Birkenstock
    • How Do You Break in Birkenstocks?
    • Are Birkenstocks Worth It?
    • Are Birkenstocks Comfortable?
    • Can You Wear Socks With Birkenstocks?
  • My Recommendation
Birkenstocks review
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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.

Birkenstock Luganos tear 2
I would expect them to be long-lasting, but unfortunately, Birkenstocks ripping seems to be a common issue.

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.

Birkenstock Lugano buckle

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.

Birkenstock Lugano

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.

Birkenstock Lugano with socks side view

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.

Birkenstock card

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.

Birkenstock Lugano with socks

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.

Wearing Birkenstock Lugano with socks
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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!

Product Reviews, Shoes Birkenstock, Birkenstocks, leather sandals, sandals

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About Ryan Hallstrom

TMM's Senior Editor, Ryan Hallstrom is from Horseheads, NY, the only town in America named in honor of military packhorses. When he’s not writing about menswear, Ryan enjoys reading, whittling, running, and perfecting his penmanship.

Background: In 2021, Ryan graduated from Brigham Young University where he majored in American Studies and Russian. Before completing his schooling, he had a wide range of job titles including finish carpenter, usher, elevator operator (yes, that’s a real job), landscaper, tour guide, and more.

In January 2022, Ryan began working full-time as The Modest Man’s Senior Editor. In this role, he not only edits all articles prior to publication but also is a frequent contributor to the blog. He enjoys crafting in-depth product reviews (often testing items in extreme environments), helpful self-improvement articles, and detailed clothing guides.

His interest in men’s style stems from the examples of men in his family:

“Growing up, a lot of the men I looked up to dressed well. My dad is always clean-shaven and makes sure that he looks presentable before heading out the door, and my grandfather, who owned and operated a dairy farm, usually wore work pants with a sharp crease and a button-up work shirt.”

However, it wasn’t until the end of high school that Ryan began to care about how he looked. Gradually, over the next few years, he started to dress better and learn about style. “Finding clothes that fit helped me to become more confident. I find that when I try to dress well, I feel better.”

Expertise: Ryan has loved writing since an early age, and in college began contributing to and editing for university publications. After college, he began freelance writing and editing. He’s written from blogs and magazines such as Real Men Real Style, Life in the Finger Lakes, and Gentleman Within.

An avid traveler who spends plenty of time outdoors, Ryan appreciates clothes, footwear and accessories that can take a beating. His reviews often include long-term, thorough testing in extreme weather conditions.

Ryan has also spent more time in a suit and tie than most guys, so he's well qualified to write about classic menswear, business casual and formalwear.

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    Got questions? Want to share your opinion? Comment below!

  1. Ely Babb says

    July 19, 2023 at 2:53 pm

    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.

    Reply
    • editor says

      July 21, 2023 at 10:19 am

      I’m sorry to hear that! We just updated this review as the mentioned pair did not hold up well longer than a year.

      Reply
  2. Hilde Brown says

    July 30, 2022 at 2:18 pm

    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 .

    Reply
  3. Tanya says

    May 31, 2022 at 12:42 am

    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.

    Reply
  4. Missy says

    May 30, 2022 at 4:48 pm

    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!

    Reply
    • Brock says

      May 30, 2022 at 4:52 pm

      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).

      Reply
  5. Jim Lux says

    March 10, 2022 at 3:51 pm

    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!

    Reply

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