Birkenstock Gizeh Sandal Review
In some respects, it is a bit odd for me to kick-off my first shoe blog with a pair of Birkenstocks because they came into my collection quite late in the game....not for lack of wanting a pair, I assure you. After all, my shoe career began in Humboldt County where Birkenstocks are practically a mascot that locals proudly wear year round. Oh, I wanted a pair and tried several on, but none ever seemed to fit quite right. I had much to learn about feet and European comfort shoes.
It turns out one of my challenges is that I have what is called a “low-volume” foot (“S.” if you are reading this...I love you...even if you have to roll your eyes). We often think about our feet in terms of length and width, but the last time I checked we are three dimensional beings and our feet do have varying thicknesses or “volume”. To put it another way, some feet have very high insteps while others are the complete opposite and that is my feet...it might even be your feet.
No matter how tight I buckled those sandals I could still stick a finger under the straps. Also, because of my foot shape...yes I have bunions...my foot didn't follow the healthy foot shape of a Birkenstock sole.
Enter the Birkenstock Gizeh! I met this style deep into my shoe career and had come to appreciate the loose comfort fit of European shoes. I learned from the Birkenstock rep that it is ideal to be able to stick a finger under the strap of ones Birkenstocks to assure the intended fit.
The Gizeh style is a sturdy flip-flop design and that “thingy between the toes” helps keep my big toe in the proper place, so I finally have my own pair of Birkenstocks! I absolutely adore this style (even if some of you think they look like a Fred Flintstone meets George Jetson disaster...you know who you are) and you can't beat them in bronze metallic because they match everything!
I love these sooo much that I own two pair in the same color! Once I discovered how much I loved all that metatarsal support and how I loved wearing this style with all kinds of outfits, I knew I had to buy another pair to have on reserve in case Birkenstock ever dared to discontinue this style or color.
Thank you Birkenstock....for all the ways you support my sole!
I always shop and support my local shoe stores so I can have the best fit and personal service that keep my tootsies happy. You can do that too for optimum foot bliss. If your local shoe store doesn't carry Birkenstocks, you can often find them at Zappos, FootSmart, OnlineShoes, Altrec and other online retailers.
Fitting Notes:
European sizing. Most styles tend to run generous in length, width and depth...fitting a wide foot beautifully. Be careful not to buy a pair that your toes touch the end of...the firmness of the cork soles will win that argument. If you are between sizes, consider the larger size in models that have the extra layer of cushioning as it feels more like a half size increase. Buckle each strap with room to slip at least your pinky finger underneath. Birkenstocks are a great choice if you find that your forefoot aches...the pronounced metatarsal arch is likely to provide relief. Birkenstocks do require a bit of break-in, so I suggest wearing them often for short periods of time until the cork softens and molds to your foot for that perfect Birken-blissfull feeling.