I have loved Birkenstock sandals since way before they were ever considered cool, thanks entirely to my mom. As memory serves, classic Birkenstock Arizonas were essentially the only sandal she ever wore throughout my childhood, often accompanied by socks when in the house. “I remember wearing them back in the ‘70s when they first became ‘cool,’ although I don’t know how cool they actually were,” she told me recently. “Then after having kids, I returned to them because they’re just so comfortable and easy. I had terrible feet before having bunion surgery, but my Birkenstocks were always a perfect fit.” It wasn’t long before my sisters and I were wanting pairs of our own and when we got them it finally clicked why these were the only sandals mom would wear.
The Birkenstock company has actually been around for 250 years, although the version we know and love can be traced back to the 1964 release of the Madrid sandal. It wasn’t until 1973 that the iconic Arizona sandal hit the market, scoring major points with the hippie scene who adored the comfortable construction and nature-inspired aesthetics. Cut to the 2010s and suddenly the “dorky” sandals were back en vogue, with sustainably-minded activists and fashion stylists alike, as well as numerous PureWow editors. I credit the incredibly comfortable-yet-supportive cork sole (that’s also podiatrist approved!) and the fact that they are built to last—my mom has worn her Arizona sandals for at least ten years at a time, and multiple editors also talked to me about how well their Birks have aged after time, conforming to their feet and getting softer and better with each wear.
So now we’re sharing our favorite picks with the masses. Read on for the best Birkenstock sandals for women, according to PureWow editors who’ve worn them for years.
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