<p>So, I want a really comfortable pair of sandals/flip flops. I live in AZ, so I would wear them often. I'm also going to Tokyo for a study abroad trip, and will be doing ALOT of walking. So again, comfort + sandal = happiness.</p>
<p>How are Birkenstock shoes? I've never worn them, but I've seen them and have heard great things about them being comfortable and fashionable and this and that...</p>
<p>But where can I get them? And just how much do they cost?</p>
<p>Thx</p>
<p>Reef flips flops are my favorite, and the only kind that doesn't make my feet hurt. A little pricey, but last a couple years. They make girls and guy's ones, and you can find them at mall stores like Pac Sun or flip flop places.</p>
<p>Never been a fan of Birkebstocks. They have quite the hippy connotation here...</p>
<p>Rainbow sandals are really popular on my campus</p>
<p>Most flip flops you'll find at athletic stores will have good foot support, but I second the reefs suggestion. Make sure you break them in before the trip (don't want to start out with blisters!)</p>
<p>Birkenstocks are nice, with good arch support and comfortable straps. However, they are the hippy rage. I wear mine every once in awhile, but only when I need something that looks decent and is comfortable.
I'd go with Reef or Rainbow flip flops. They're leather so they mold well to your feet (get the real leather). I have Rainbows and love them and wear them just about everyday and while I have minor discomfort (no a whole lot of cushioning/arch support, because it is a flip flop) they're by far the comfiest flip flop around. But like the last poster suggested, wear them around for short periods of time for awhile. You definently cannot get them one day, and wear them while walking around for eight hours the very next day. You'll get blisters both on your toe next to you big one (from the strap between your toes) and one the side of your foot (from the leather strap). It takes a couple of wearings before they start to break in, and once you get to that point you're fine.</p>
<p>I've had Birkenstock sandals since 2005. The major positives about this make of sandal is, in my opinion, quality/durability of material and sole comfort. I got them as a gift so I don't know the exact price; however, I know they cost upwards of $95 (depends on the style). Of course Birkenstocks are often considered a status symbol of the wealthy sandal wearer so I don't recommend getting them for that reason. An expensive purchase like this needs to be made with sound judgement and understanding of one's options. I have a pair of rubber addidas flip flops and I can honestly say I wear them more than I wear my Birkenstocks. I usually use the Birkenstocks when dressing up (summertime only). I would recommend getting a cheap pair of flip flops before getting the Birks.</p>
<p>On another note, if you are planning on walking a lot in your fancy new footwear, I would suggest forgetting flip flops altogether. They provide little or no ankle support, and can cause numerous health issues. This style of shoe causes you to over pronate and you run the risk of straining/spraining your ankle. Go with a good pair of tennis shoes for walking. New Balance makes great walking shoes.</p>
<p>A bit pricey, but Keen makes a very comfortable sandal that will last and go anywhere. My D has worn them trekking in the Sierras and digging in Peru. They come in several styles and colors...</p>
<p><a href="http://www.keenfootwear.com/%5B/url%5D">http://www.keenfootwear.com/</a></p>
<p>I like Keen alot actually. My dad has a pair, and they're pretty comfortable. I frequently borrow them when I go out to the beach or w/e.</p>
<p>Yeah, the hippy thing doesn't really bother me. I kind of fall into that style range, so no worries there. I just want to get a nice, new, durable pair of sandals that can function as a comfortable walking shoe, or I guess now, a more formal look, and Birks seem to be able to do that. I currently have some cheapy mossimo sandals and adidas flip flops, so in the worst case, I'll just use those. I would wear them without a doubt, but I just don't think they'll be appropriate for massive walking in Tokyo, Kyoto, and Mt. Fuji area. I want something that is open air, but will stay on my feet.</p>
<p>Thanks for all your input though! Who knows what I'll do, haha.</p>
<p>crocs if your looking for comfort.</p>
<p>croc if you want to look like a jackass</p>
<p>I would just like to mention that, contrary to other posters, I wear my Birkenstocks almost every day. I have three pairs (two pairs of sandals, one of clogs), and they are absolutely my favorite shoes. Also, you might not be award that Sam's Club (at least, the one nearest me) sells a brand of shoes using the Birkenstock footbed (Betula, to be exact). These cost around $40 a pair, as opposed to $100 for the Birkenstock brand.</p>
<p>I've tried crocs...Pretty damn comfortable, not at all jack-assish</p>
<p>Ewwww...crocs just look funny. Who wants to wear shoes with holes all over them?</p>
<p>Birkenstocks are incredibly comfortable and good for lots of walking. Earth Shoes are also good, but a bit of an acquired...feel? I like them, but a lot of people don't. Usually a good idea to buy a less expensive pair and then wear them for a while to decide if they work for you.</p>
<p>And I really couldn't care less about what others think of what I put on my feet. If they're comfortable, what's the issue?</p>
<p>Then why do guys hate it when girls wear Uggs?</p>
<p>Yeah seriously.. and crocs are wayy uglier than uggs</p>
<p>anyway, i would suggest rainbows. i forget how long it took me to break mine in, probably a week or two. after they're broken in they are amazing, and they're not expensive i think they're $40 or so</p>
<p>You mean those boot things? I don't mind when girls wear those...I never knew guys didn't like it when girls wore Uggs.</p>
<p>Haha, wow...To me, shoes are shoes. If they're comfortable and they feel stylish for YOU, then who gives a damn? Crocs may look ridiculous, but I can guarantee I feel more comfortable walking in them then most other people I see walking around (i actually don't own a pair, but i borrow some from my friend). And, well, I think they're cool....</p>
<p>I bought some birks, btw. Really nice shoe...Love em.</p>
<p>I don't know...but apparently some of the guys in facebook groups hate them. (Uggs I mean).</p>
<p>I wear Naotz I got in Israel all over the place. They are similar to Betula in that they use a birkenstock sole.</p>
<p>uggs look great with jeans, but dont wear them with shorts or a skirt, big turnoff</p>