Birkenstock Unisex Adult Gizeh Thong Sandals

First of all, the Gizeh's (mocha color) I ordered and recieved are authentic. I was leary to purchase these Birks online as I am aware that there are "knock offs" also being sold online from what I have read. So, I made sure to order them under a shipped and sold Amazon supplier that covered them with Amazon's easy and free return policy (just in case).Second, I have owned Birkenstocks throughout the years but it's been over 10 since I last purchased them. My shoe closet currently has a pair of Boston's that I bought over 10 years ago for work in the medical field and my Arizona's that I bought probably 20 years ago but they both have their footbed sizes worn off. I couldn't remember what size I wore in Birks and during these Covid times didn't feel it necessary to travel out just to get sized at a retailer's shop.My dilemma is that I tend to vary in shoe sizes depending on the brand. In Calvin Klein heels I am a 9.5, Nine West I'm a 10M, and any Vince Camuto shoe I'm a 42.Nike running shoes I typically range anywhere between sizes 9 and 10 depending on the material or stretch and with Vans I'm a solid 9.5.The issue here is that with open toe sandals you really do need to get your size right so your toes aren't hanging over the front lip or your heel over the back but flip flops for me have always been purchased in store and tried on first. Plus, the correct sizing is even more crucial with Birkenstocks in order to enjoy the benefits of their legendary footbeds so I went with size 40 knowing I could return if I needed.They arrived in a genuine Birkenstock blue box with their logo wrapped over top and side, success story and labels.Fist thing I looked for was that the deep heel cup, arch support and raised toe bar. The Gizeh has it all.So far so good. All the correct Birkenstock markings on the footbed were there and soles have their patenered hourglass pattern with "Birk" stamped in them. Their name is also stamped on the birko-floor straps themselves which, I can physically run my finger over and feel.After thoroughly checking I am comfortable saying that these are genuine Birkenstocks. At least the ones that I received are. If you are in question, I would suggest you google search what to look for when authenticating Birkenstocks.The color mocha is depicted accurately in the advertising. The upper stap is lined with a light fleece material that is very soft and comfortable on the tops and sides of my feet. I haven't felt any sign or discomfort of the strap "rubbing" on the tops or bridges of my feet at all.These sandals are indeed extremely light weight which is a standard for all Birkenstocks.The toe split (or whatever it's called) is a pretty heavy duty plastic but also very flexible. It seems sturdy and is securely anchored into the cork footbed.When I first put these shoes on right out of the box, my immediate concern was that the web area between by big toe and second toe where the "toe split" is anchored would be a major problem for me. I took a few steps in them and felt my feet slide forward slightly which obviously pushed the plastic toe piece into the web and really hurt! I was thinking they would definitely need to be returned and it really bummed me out!However, I questioned whether my feet should be sliding forward in these at all and realized I hadn't adjusted the straps yet. So, I tightened up the side buckles on the straps and ended up buckling them with a fairly snug fit. In fact, I have them on the second hole. Like I said, the strap was pretty snug but after a day and a half of wearing them, the strap has loosened just a bit but the footbed has already started to mold to my feet so that issue has been eliminated and I'm delighted!I think this adjustment is very important. After I adjusted, the plastic toe split barely touches the web between my toes so there's no pain whatsoever.Also, I've noticed that my toes themselves don't have to grip the soles like they do automatically in regular flip flops to stay on. I have definitely noticed over the years that my feet would cramp at night from wearing flip flops which I have just attributed to the toe gripping and figured it to be something I'd have to just live with during the flip flop months.I have a feeling that these Gizeh's will stop that issue.For me personally, these are so comfortable, lightweight and adorable I will likely be purchasing in another color. I give them an easy 5 stars.*Tips*1. Be sure to play around with buckle adjustment to help fit them correctly. The toe split shouldn't cause you pain if they are adjusted right and your toes should naturally sit or bend over the toe bar on the footbed.2. Birkenstock shoe boxes have an actual foot measurement on the inside of the upper box lid. If you get a pair and ordered the wrong size, I would encourage you to use the measuring tool to get your proper size and width for your replacement order before your return. It has the instructions listed next to the measurement tool and is easy.All in all, I lucked out when I ordered mine. I went with size 40 (9-9.5) and they fit perfectly!I hope you all enjoy these as much as I am and that this is helpful for some who may be buying their first pair of Birkenstocks.

I absolutely love this style. The cozy / soft underside of the strap has prevented blisters or rubbing when the sandals are new. My feet tend to blister really easily too, esp. in hot weather.The style is a narrower cut, even in the non-narrow option, so for those of us women with long narrow feet they are a great style, because the narrower foot bed and also the long narrow strap up the center, really shows off a long lean foot and may even inspire a little pedicure treat!I have been wearing this exact style and colour of Birkenstock sandal for nearly a decade. This pair is my third pair, which speaks to how long they last! In fact, you can see in one of my photos my five-year-old pair. Other than adding cork sealant (see MAINTENANCE below) I have not had any updates to soles or cork. They are still holding together beautifully and super comfy, but a are being relegated to garden and chicken-yard use now. :)I tend to wear a US size 12 and the 43 is perfect, remembering they do compress with wear, so your feet with "snuggle" down into the foot bed with time. That said, you do NOT want your toes to press out over the front ridge, or your heel the back as this will wear on the structure of the sandal.As far as Birkenstocks as a brand, I find they've maintained their quality over the years--hooray! And the price on this product was wonderful.MAINTENANCE:The one item you might want to have on hand is cork sealer to repaint on the sides of the cork footbed a time or two every season, this keeps the cork sealed and moist so it doesn't split and dry out. I have always used Kelly's Cork Renew and it's worked great, though there are lots of options out there. Just follow the instructions on the bottle, and be sure that that includes really letting the seal dry before taking them out for a walk, I'd recommend overnight (10-12 hours).

I love these sandals. They are so comfortable! I highly recommend.

Super comfortable! Good support and fits well.

I must be honest in that I have never found the original Birkenstock (Jesus) sandals super attractive...but people have always raved about their comfort. Even so - I couldn't bring myself to buy a pair because I just didn't think they were cute or feminine - and, the few times I had tried some on, I thought they were NOT comfortable and I had no idea what people were talking about. Well, fast forward to about two weeks ago when I was reading a travel blog post about travel capsule wardrobe items and the lady mentioned this style of sandal. She extolled their virtue of being incredibly comfortable, hardy, and feminine enough to wear with just about anything. She also explained how you need to wear your Birkenstock sandals for a few days so that the heat from your feet can mold and shape the foot bed exactly to your foot. Wait, what?! Light bulb!! After taking a long, hard look at sandals she posted, I thought the day had come to try, especially since they looked way cuter (to me) than the original sandals and - if they were versatile enough to go with shorts, skirts, dresses, and pants...then why not? I ordered them and they arrived quickly. The box they came in was crunched seven ways to hell (torn, missing pieces) but the sandals inside the remains of the poor box seemed unscathed. I especially liked the color, which was true to the online photo, and the buckle, which I adjusted to fit my foot. I have rather flat feet so at first, I found the foot bed to be hard and uncomfortable, but I persevered and kept them on...and then - before I knew it - they became incredibly comfortable...AND...they support my flat feet beautifully!! Now? I love everything about these sandals! I am a very (VERY) happy camper - and you will be, too! They are very well constructed and I imagine wearing these amazing shoes for a long, long time. :)