Rated 3 out of 5
Nice Look, Odd Feel on Sole
This is my first pair of Birkenstocks with the blue contoured insole. I like the overall look of the sneaker; I wanted something a bit casual to wear to the office but not the athletic tennis shoe style. I was hoping to have the comfort of the cork Birkenstock sandals--but I've been struggling with the blue insoles because they do not feel the same. There is the typical arch support on the inside edge of the foot, but then there is also a raised feel on the outer edge opposite of the arch support. It's quite weird. I have worn them for multiple weeks trying to get used to them and I guess they have gotten some better (either they have gotten broken in or my feet have gotten used to them). But they are not the same fit and feel as the cork sole sandals that so comfortably mold to my feet. These shoes are also heavy on the foot. And they feel very hard/firm--which I expect and am used to with the sandal but feels different in this shoe. It's just not at all what I expected for the price point of Birkenstock. I doubt I will buy another blue insole shoe from Birkenstock based on this experience. Anyways, I like the white & grey coloring that allows a very neutral styling; so far I have kept them relatively clean.
By KLinOH