A new shoe challenge!

iceicebaby

Another vote for Birkenstocks here. I got mine from TXMaxx. I'm normally a 6 to 7 depending on the type of shoe but I got a 6 in Birkenstocks as they are quite generous. They also do standard and wide fitting too.

bella*donna

Perhaps a silly question, but i've noticed there's a lot on ebay. Are these likely to be official ones? I'm happy to buy a 'proper' pair at the usual price, but if I can get more than one pair for the same amount i'll be very happy (but not at the cost of knackering my feet further).[/QUOTE]

Always go for the bigger size in Birkenstocks, so if you are half size, go up to the next full size.

Don't buy from e-bay. They are usually knock-off, or secondhand. Because Birkenstocks have a footbed that will adjust and wear to you, you don't want someone elses!

freakyogre

Thanks for all your replies. Looks like i'll have to try a pair first as i'm not sure which size would be best. I was hoping to just order a pair as if I do have the boot off when I go to the hospital (and I hope I do!) I won't really have anything suitable to wear afterwards.

missingink

freakyogre wrote: »

Thank you, i'll have a look on those sites.

I have had a quick look at their sizing guide and it seems to be 4-4.5 or 5-5.5, but just to be awkward, I am generally a 5, but they are sometimes a bit big so I would have thought 4.5 would be better, whereas 5.5 will be too big (silly inbetween sized feet!)

Are they generally 'normal' sizes compared to other shops? I know it's hard to say as all shop sizing is different, but if they're a lot bigger/smaller than other shoes it might give me a better idea of which size to go for.

If you look at the sizing guide, it gives you the measurement of each size so if you measure your foot, it gives you a more or less accurate indication of your size.

If you can find some to try on, that will give you a good idea of sizes, but it's not essential if you measure your foot & refer to the guide.

Some people say always go a size down or a size up in Birkenstocks, but I say measure your feet to find your size!:)

As for width, narrow seems to suit most people unless you have really wide feet. Gizeh(toepost) seems to suit most in the wide width as the footbed is generaly more narrow.

A good option to 'try before you buy' may be to order from QVC. A little more pricey, but at least you get the 30 day money back guarantee with them.

Hope this helps.:D

missingink

Violetta wrote: »

If you have a TJHughes near you try in there for Birkenstock's I tried some on in there the other day £19.99 I couldn't walk in them though the shaped footbed had a disagreement with my non existent arches.
I've used Javari who are part of Amazon to buy shoes online, I've found them good & delivery/returns are free. Hope you find something.

I have non existant arches too & Birkenstocks are the only shoes I can wear for a prolonged period of time.

Perhaps the ones you tried on were the 'Relax' range. I found them impossible to wear & if I hadn't gone on to try 'normal' Birkenstocks, I wouldn't have found how comfortable they really can be!:)

Violetta_2

missingink wrote: »

I have non existant arches too & Birkenstocks are the only shoes I can wear for a prolonged period of time.

Perhaps the ones you tried on were the 'Relax' range. I found them impossible to wear & if I hadn't gone on to try 'normal' Birkenstocks, I wouldn't have found how comfortable they really can be!:)

Look's like it was indeed the relax style, oh it was hell, I will try another pair if I see a different style , will try TKMAXX, thanks for the advice.

Starrystarrynight

I had an op to straighten all my toes on my right foot around 3 months ago, post surgery boot now discarded! I've been wearing mules called Cays by Scholl. They're adjustable (I've had pitted oedema so that was important for me), flat and I've found them very comfy. When I bought my first pair they were £35 from Scholl's website, but I ordered another pair over the weekend in their sale for £25.

I also have another pair of fully adjustable mules (the style name is Abelia) from a company called Gluv Footwear which are very comfy, too.

Hope your foot is much better soon :-)

missingink

Violetta wrote: »

Look's like it was indeed the relax style, oh it was hell, I will try another pair if I see a different style , will try TKMAXX, thanks for the advice.

Thought as much as soon as I read your post! Trust me, give them a VERY wide berth! Do your feet a favour & give another style a try!:D

Glad to be of service!:o

freakyogre

missingink wrote: »

If you look at the sizing guide, it gives you the measurement of each size so if you measure your foot, it gives you a more or less accurate indication of your size.

If you can find some to try on, that will give you a good idea of sizes, but it's not essential if you measure your foot & refer to the guide.

Some people say always go a size down or a size up in Birkenstocks, but I say measure your feet to find your size!:)

As for width, narrow seems to suit most people unless you have really wide feet. Gizeh(toepost) seems to suit most in the wide width as the footbed is generaly more narrow.

A good option to 'try before you buy' may be to order from QVC. A little more pricey, but at least you get the 30 day money back guarantee with them.

Hope this helps.:D

Thanks again. I've just got my tape measure out and according to that guide i'm around a 4 on my left foot and 3.5-4 on my right foot which I don't think is right (although I had to try and squash my toes down on the 'good' foot to try and get it accurate!) All my shoes apart from a couple of pairs are 5, so I can't see them suddenly being that much smaller. I won't risk ordering different sizes, i'd rather wait and try some on.

Starrystarrynight wrote: »

I had an op to straighten all my toes on my right foot around 3 months ago, post surgery boot now discarded! I've been wearing mules called Cays by Scholl. They're adjustable (I've had pitted oedema so that was important for me), flat and I've found them very comfy. When I bought my first pair they were £35 from Scholl's website, but I ordered another pair over the weekend in their sale for £25.

I also have another pair of fully adjustable mules (the style name is Abelia) from a company called Gluv Footwear which are very comfy, too.

Hope your foot is much better soon :-)

Thanks for your reply Glad to know there's more people who have had it done! I've had a few moments of regret since having it done as my toes currently look hideous, but i'm hoping they'll improve over time.

I've just had a look on both sites you mentioned and there's some nice pairs on both. I feel a shoe shopping spree coming when i'm back on my feet!

In the mean time i'm going to have to find an alternative pair of shoes just so I have something to wear as i'm running out of time (and shopping isn't easy at the moment as I have to rely on people for lifts and hate being a nuisance! )

Starrystarrynight

I'm still walking with a stick and had to ask work to get me a 'discus' type footrest, as the pitted oedema is terrible unless my foot is elevated. I'm hoping the weather stays good as mules are the only footwear I can get on and the consultant said it could take 9 months for the swelling to subside! I used to wear ballet style shoes and found my heels very painful in them for some reason, but the Cays seem to have sorted that problem.
Hope you manage to find something suitable :-)