There's a reason these bestselling Birkenstock sandals have been around for decades - I rarely take mine off

A lot of readers might think this is one review you absolutely don't need. Of course, you're already a Birkenstock fan. Your feet are consistently comfortable, because you barely wear anything other than the brand, whether it's the Arizona sandals, the Boston clogs or the shearling slippers.

I am one of these people, and I have all three styles, in various different colours. However, I held off for years and only became a Birky believer a couple of years ago, so if you, too, have never dipped a toe into the world of cork footbed sandals, then read on. Are they really the most comfortable sandals you can buy? Spoiler alert: yes, they are.

First up, a quick bit of history. A German brand, Birkenstock's story goes back as far as 1774, but things really took off in the 1970s. They invented the distinctive anatomically-shaped footbed and today they're sold across the world. A-list fans include the always stylish Katie Holmes, Jennifer Garner, Gwyneth Paltrow, Alexa Chung and Kylie Minogue.

The Arizona sandal is the slip-on, two-buckle strap style you'll no doubt recognise. It's unisex and was first made in 1973. In the years since, there have been countless iterations available in terms of colour, fabric and buckle size, but the classic design has remained the same. Perhaps peak popularity for the Arizona sandal was its inclusion at the end of the Barbie movie, when Margot Robbie's character swapped her heels for the comfortable flats - high praise indeed!

Shop the sandals

Comfort & support

If you're used to wearing slim sandals like flip-flops all the time, then sure, Birkenstock Arizona sandals will take some getting used to. At first, they might feel a bit chunky, but you cannot deny how comfortable they are, and it only gets better, as the footbed moulds to your foot the more you wear them.

I've had mine for a few years now, wearing them to walk thousands of steps both at home and on holidays to places like Greece and Italy. I've never found them to be anything other than incredibly comfortable, and I love the arch support they provide.

It actually feels funny when you take them off, as your feet quickly get used to the anatomically shaped footbed, so stepping onto the flat floor again is a bit of a change. The placement of the straps means they stay on well and you're not forcing your toes to work hard to keep them on.

The sole is grippy, not slippy. I've worn mine to the beach and in the garden, although you should avoid getting them too wet as this can weaken the cork footbed.

The simple design means there are minimal danger areas where you might risk getting a blister, and it's worth noting that the underside of the strap isn't patent leather, it's a felt-like fabric. The buckles are adjustable so you can get the perfect fit and you can choose from a regular or wide fit, too. I actually went for half a size smaller than I normally would (what can I say, they were on sale!) and they're perfect.

Style

Birkenstock Arizona sandals might have a bit of a reputation as 'ugly' footwear, but frankly, some of the best footwear does. Think about Tevas and Dr Scholl's!

I used to prefer slimmer, sleeker styles, but I'm a complete convert now, and I wear them with everything from leggings and jeans to my favourite summer dresses. They're just so easy, they're like the summer equivalent of my most comfortable trainers.

In chillier weather, you can also wear them with socks, but anyone hesitant about chunky Birkenstocks might see socks and sandals as a step too far!

Cleaning & care

As I say, I've had mine for several years now and I haven't really had to do much in terms of cleaning other than wipe away the odd mark. Perhaps this is a real plus point of the patent leather finish, as I imagine suede might need more maintenance.

The footbed underneath has probably seen better days, but you can't see that when I'm wearing them!

Verdict

I don't really have a bad word to say about Birkenstock Arizona sandals. I'm definitely in a Birky household too, as my husband bought some not long after me and loves them too!

They'll immediately become your new go-to, and the cost per wear makes them worth every penny.

Shop more Birkenstock styles

FAQs

Where are Birkenstocks made?

Birkenstock manufactures all of its footbeds in Germany. According to the website, over 95% of all products are manufactured at the company’s own production sites in Rhineland-Palatinate, North Rhine-Westphalia, Hesse, Saxony and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania

How to clean Birkenstocks?

The Birkenstock website advises taking the following steps:

• Remove coarse dirt with a brush or slightly damp cloth
• Open the straps and clean both inside and out with a damp brush
• Use an old toothbrush to work leather shampoo into the footbed
• Use a wet cloth and wash the sandals off with lukewarm water, ensuring the sandals do not become completely wet.
• Clean the sole with a damp brush or cloth
• Leave to dry for 24 hours at room temperature

There's a whole range of cleaning supplies on the site, ranging from a footbed care set to revive much-loved sandals to a suede care kit.