Birkenstock is not new to the footwear game. In fact, they’ve been around since 1896 when Konrad Birkenstock had the idea to make the first flexible insole footbed in Germany. They’ve become a thing ever since and people have worn the Arizona style in particular all over the world. This review is for you if you’re still kind of over the fence about buying your first pair, or perhaps, you’ve just ditched your old pair and are unsure whether to still invest in them. Whichever case, this article is tailored to help you draw your own conclusion.
For reference, I wear a UK size 8.
Let’s get into it.
The Arizona comes in different styles, colours, and straps but having looked at so many reviews online, I decided to opt for the Two-Strap style. Not only are they more popular, but they’re more stylish in my opinion.
They also come in different leather types, including suede and oiled leather. However, I went for the natural leather in a dark mocha colour.
Additionally, their footbed edges protect your toes and foot enabling an evenly distributed body weight across your entire foot.
3. Their versatility; I’m able to team them with shorts, chinos, jeans and even smart pants and still look smashing.
The 4th is their country of origin; Germany is known for making high-quality products and the Birkenstock brand is no exception.
The only negative thing I worry about is their break-in period; they are never truly comfortable walking in. And it’s not just this pair but every type I have owned.
I’ve read that a three to four-week period of regular use (depending on your foot width) usually breaks them in. However, this hasn’t been my experience. Summer is always an exciting time to rock these bad boys. However, my feet hurt and sometimes develop blisters each time I wear them, especially for walking long distances.
I’ve also read that wearing them with thick socks helps to widen their footbeds and shortens the break-in period, however this hasn’t worked for me either. 🤷🏽♂️
Regardless though, I still like and prefer them as my go-to summer sandals.
For reference, I wear a UK size 8.
Let’s get into it.
The Arizona comes in different styles, colours, and straps but having looked at so many reviews online, I decided to opt for the Two-Strap style. Not only are they more popular, but they’re more stylish in my opinion.
They also come in different leather types, including suede and oiled leather. However, I went for the natural leather in a dark mocha colour.
I personally like them for 4 reasons:
1. Their timelessness; they are classic, iconic and have been around for ages.
2. Their construction; especially their soles and footbeds; is very stylish and uniquely made with Cork latex, Jute fabric, and soft Suede Leather finishing. The shaped Heel-cup supports and stabilises your feet upon hitting the ground while the Toe-grip supports the gripping motion of your toes as you move around in them.
Additionally, their footbed edges protect your toes and foot enabling an evenly distributed body weight across your entire foot.
3. Their versatility; I’m able to team them with shorts, chinos, jeans and even smart pants and still look smashing.
The 4th is their country of origin; Germany is known for making high-quality products and the Birkenstock brand is no exception.
The only negative thing I worry about is their break-in period; they are never truly comfortable walking in. And it’s not just this pair but every type I have owned.
I’ve read that a three to four-week period of regular use (depending on your foot width) usually breaks them in. However, this hasn’t been my experience. Summer is always an exciting time to rock these bad boys. However, my feet hurt and sometimes develop blisters each time I wear them, especially for walking long distances.
I’ve also read that wearing them with thick socks helps to widen their footbeds and shortens the break-in period, however this hasn’t worked for me either. 🤷🏽♂️
Regardless though, I still like and prefer them as my go-to summer sandals.
Price, shipping and delivery
At the time of buying, the mocha colour cost me £75. I also paid an extra £5.50 for the shipping making a total of £80.50.
The delivery period took about nine working days for me. However, their website currently states 2 to 5 working days. So I'm guessing 10 working days is probably the max.
The delivery period took about nine working days for me. However, their website currently states 2 to 5 working days. So I'm guessing 10 working days is probably the max.
Where to buy authentic Birkenstock Arizona
Their official website or physical stores remain one of the best places to buy a pair. These links should help:
The natural leather has softened significantly. The once-stiff straps now shape themselves around my feet without effort. There’s a noticeable patina, darker in some areas, smoother in others, which gives them a more lived-in, characterful look.
The edges of the straps have developed slight feathering, which is normal for natural leather after heavy use. They haven’t cracked, but they definitely look worn-in in a charming way rather than worn-out.
The suede footbed tells the full story.
The outsole has held up better than expected.
There’s some smoothing at the heel and ball area where pressure is highest, but no balding, no peeling and no structural issues. The tread pattern is still clearly visible.
It’s one of the reasons Birkenstocks tend to last for years, the soles don’t burn out quickly.
Two years in, they still feel structurally solid. The cork hasn’t crumbled. The straps haven’t loosened. The buckles are still secure. If anything, they look like a pair that’s just getting started.
They’ve definitely aged, but they’ve aged well, like a pair of boots or jeans that get better with time.
If you’re buying them hoping for a two-summer lifespan, you’ll easily get that and more.
Yes, if style, durability and timelessness matter to you.
- Birkenstock official website
- Store Locator
Choosing the right size of Birkenstock
Lengthwise? I’d say they’re true to size. The brand also offers narrow and regular width sizes for people with narrow feet and vice versa. If you’re a guy, I’d recommend the regular width. That's what I went for.
Now for what most people actually want to know – how do Birkenstock Arizona sandals hold up after two years of real, everyday summer wear?
I’ve worn mine consistently over the last two years, and here’s the honest breakdown.
Two years later: how they’ve aged
Now for what most people actually want to know – how do Birkenstock Arizona sandals hold up after two years of real, everyday summer wear?
I’ve worn mine consistently over the last two years, and here’s the honest breakdown.
How the Leather Has Aged
The natural leather has softened significantly. The once-stiff straps now shape themselves around my feet without effort. There’s a noticeable patina, darker in some areas, smoother in others, which gives them a more lived-in, characterful look.
The edges of the straps have developed slight feathering, which is normal for natural leather after heavy use. They haven’t cracked, but they definitely look worn-in in a charming way rather than worn-out.
Footbed wear & comfort
The suede footbed tells the full story.
There is heavy darkening across both sandals, especially at the heel and toe imprint. The suede has flattened where my foot presses the most, creating a perfectly moulded shape.
This doesn’t affect performance, in fact, the moulding is part of the Birkenstock experience, but visually, they look well-used. Not dirty, just aged.
However, the biggest thing to note is this: even after two years, they still aren’t “comfortable” for long-distance walking. They’re great for short errands, lounging, holidays and casual days, but anything beyond that and the lack of cushioning becomes noticeable.
This doesn’t affect performance, in fact, the moulding is part of the Birkenstock experience, but visually, they look well-used. Not dirty, just aged.
Sole durability
The outsole has held up better than expected.
There’s some smoothing at the heel and ball area where pressure is highest, but no balding, no peeling and no structural issues. The tread pattern is still clearly visible.
It’s one of the reasons Birkenstocks tend to last for years, the soles don’t burn out quickly.
Overall Longevity
Two years in, they still feel structurally solid. The cork hasn’t crumbled. The straps haven’t loosened. The buckles are still secure. If anything, they look like a pair that’s just getting started.
They’ve definitely aged, but they’ve aged well, like a pair of boots or jeans that get better with time.
If you’re buying them hoping for a two-summer lifespan, you’ll easily get that and more.
Are they still worth it? (2-year verdict)
Yes, if style, durability and timelessness matter to you.
They remain one of the most versatile sandals you can buy, they age beautifully, and the natural leather continues to soften the more you wear them.
But if you’re looking for pure comfort, especially for long-distance walking, then they’re not the ideal sandals. They never reach the level of cushioning some people expect.
For everyday summer wear?
Absolutely worth it.
For all-day adventure walking?
Probably not.
But if you’re looking for pure comfort, especially for long-distance walking, then they’re not the ideal sandals. They never reach the level of cushioning some people expect.
For everyday summer wear?
Absolutely worth it.
For all-day adventure walking?
Probably not.
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