experience with synthetic leather (birkibuc, birkoflor) and suede birkenstock sandals?

[vexingv]

so i've been looking to get a pair of birkenstocks online and there's a discount code that expires today, so i won't be able to try them on/feel them in person.

i read the descriptions for birkibuc/birkoflor and they weren't very clear. (acrylic, polyamide, with felt backing. etc)

i'm looking for comfort and durability. though i imagine the suede ones are harder to care for but they also come with a "soft" footbed. also i've read about possible stretch with the natural leathers.

any opinions from those who have tried both or either of these types?

thanks

 

[jonessoda]

Naturals only. I repeat, naturals only. Your feet will thank you.

I've worn birks for a long time (since I was about five, I've always had at least one pair I wear constantly during mid-late spring, summer, and early fall), although I need to replace my current pair. I can tell you right now that the absolute best material is natural suede, followed by nubuck. The best style is the Arizona (two wide straps) or the Zurich (one very wide strap, like Arizonas they forgot to cut an extra hole in). Also, a low-dye set will benefit you greatly. I had a pair of navy suede Zurichs, and my feet were blue for the entire break-in period. And then when I wore them through the rain, even more blue dye leeched out. They kept dying my feet as long as I had them.

Oh, and don't wear them in Germany or Austria. Over there, they're associated with housewives, so it's about like wearing a dress and carring a vaccuum cleaner.

Oh, and you WILL have to break them in. Be prepared for blisters for a couple weeks.

 

[vexingv]

thanks for your input.
yeah i'm planning to go with arizona's in taupe suede w/ the softer footbed or stone (synthetic birkibuc). but i was leaning towards the suede even though its a bit more expensive.

do the straps on the suede stretch? how durable are they?

 

[jonessoda]

I haven't experienced stretching on anything except the synthetics. As to the durability, I've never had a strap break on me. The soles wear down before I get even the beginnings of a crack in the strap.

 

[Epic Fail]

what code are you talking about? how much is it after the discount?

 

[vexingv]

Originally posted by: yamadakun
what code are you talking about? how much is it after the discount?

20% off at shoebuy.com MDAYSALE
and -10% fatcash (thru fatwallet)
plus -10% on first order for registering/new members (before ordering)

my total w/ be $71.24 after all discounts.