Birkenstock Women's Arizona Soft Footbed Sandals - Comfortable Open-Back Cork Sandals for Walking, Travel & Everyday Wear

UPDATE:It appears that these are the same style of Birkenstocks that are sold at Zappo's(black writing on sole), and I can't imagine they would be selling knock offs. I do not understand why these would be lesser quality than the ones bought on Birkenstock's actual website, but that may be the case.I believe these are counterfeit, sold by “shoe brands USA.” Especially given the name of the store, I expected these to be shipped from U.S. but they were shipped (quickly) from the UK.(Birkenstock’s website says shoes shipped into US from other countries means fake.)1) Something seemed off and I realized that the stock photos show yellow writing on the sole and these have black. That was the first red flag.2) They also do not have a number imbedded on the inside of the end of the strap.3) Some of the glue is visible where the upper connects to the base which is uncharacteristic of Birkenstock craftsmanship.4) There is a small dented scuff in the inner heel (pictured) which also seems off.5) And then after reading another review here of the same shoes from the same seller, I realized the outer strap is also already coming away from the shoe bed on their shoes.If these are truly counterfeit as I suspect, they are unbelievably close to the real thing. I almost can’t believe it. The box and packaging are a perfect match. They are high quality leather and smell like rich leather. The shape of the shoe and the design on the bottom is perfect. None of the flaws would bother me except that they signify counterfeit which means they won’t carry the longevity and quality of the real thing that I paid good money for. I bought these discounted from $125 to $99 but obviously if they are fake and won’t last nearly as long then it was not worth the small discount. I will be buying only from the official Birkenstock website. Buyer beware.I was very happily surprised when my order arrived 2 days after I’d placed my order! The seller’s info here on Amazon said it would be 2 weeks. I’m not sure why I got my order so quickly, but I’m very pleased that I did. They fit as expected, but I did notice that the right shoe had to have been worn numerous times before as the footbed was noticeably compressed, as Birkenstocks do, but I’m wondering how much this will effect the right shoe’s cork to properly conform to my feet. I’m not happy about this, as the feel of each shoe is discernibly different. Time will tell if there’ll be a long term detrimental effect, altho I don’t anticipate much of one, if any.I have never owned Birkenstocks, but heard lots of good things about them. Overall, I was not disappointed with purchase. The platform isn't as cushioned as my Rockports, but they are comfortable nonetheless and form fitting to the shape of your foot. I have found them to feel even better as they are more broken in.People will either love or hate the appearance. The wide leather straps and buckles are simple and not fancy, but they are sturdy. They are also unmistakenly Birkenstock. There's a reason why these sandals haven't changed much in appearance over the years... they work!A suggestion... If your foot is between two sizes, opt for the slightly larger sandal. You do not want your foot to be right at the limit because the raised lip along the edge is meant to hold your toes back. I'd say a half size bigger than normal is good.This is my go-to Birkenstock style. Not the prettiest by a long shot, but they are the most well-fitting, supportive, and comfortable style Birkenstock sells. I love the back-strap because it gives me security and balance as I go about my business.I have these in brown, black and white, and they are a staple. My first ones have been in my wardrobe for more than a decade and I just keep adding to the stash as new colors come available. Again, not the prettiest shoes in town, but I don't care when they make me feel this good!Love how it makes my feet feel at the end of a day, The arch is where it's suppose to be, when u take them off like other shoes u feel your arch has crashed for the day. These keep them in the proper place , they get even more comfy over time. Solid workmanship! Great SandalI really do like these shoes but the strap is coming away from the side (first picture of inside the shoe). They’re so comfy and my go-to shoe. If I didn’t wear these all of the time I would exchange them but like I said they’re my go to shoe I’m just disappointed in the craftsmanship. I’ve been told my the seller (Shoe Brands USA) that they’re real but with the strap pulling away it leads me to believe otherwiseI was expecting it to take a long time to get used to the sandals, but I was able to wear them right away.Very well made shoes with excellent arch support. They do need broken in like most Birkenstock’s, but it is well worth the time. These are my new house shoes that I’m wearing to cope with planar fasciitis, and they do help manage the pain while I’m walking around the house.Gorgeous sandals ! So comfy , always order smaller , I am a ladies size 7 normally , wide fit , but in Birkenstock’s a 5.5 euro 39 regular fit , lovely sandal & leather rather than a lot of other birkies which are now man made , highly recommendWell, I didn't realise they were womens when I ordered size 9.5. Fit as expected and comfy after a couple of wears.Bought for my flat footed son on the recommendation of his foot specialist. I like the solid quality of the 3mm thick leather straps which easily hold up to a lot of stress without stretching and becoming shabby and my son loves the support the soles give to his flat arches making them the most comfortable sandals he has ever worn. They also bring his feet and ankles more into alignment which reduces the stress on various joints all the way up his body. Birkenstock has made a convert for life.Husband doesn’t take them off. Super comfortable as Birks always are.Great value for money, super super comfy and perfect fit