Any strong pros or cons on Birkenstocks?

[yurbud]

I broke my foot, and the doctor gave me this sandal to wear that looks like a birkenstock made by a retard--the upper is stapled to a stiff, inflexible footbed.

I am surprised how comfortable this stiff crappy looking thing is though, so I'm thinking of getting a pair of birkenstocks.

Anybody have good or bad experiences with them or like them more than a good pair of tennis shoes or Tevas?

NOTE: I'm not looking for the pot growing hippy love child jokes, but know I'll get them anyway.

[supernova]

1. Is this for after your foot heals?

Yes, Birkenstocks are fine.

Ha. I live in the land of year-round Birkenstock wear. In winter, true believers just wear socks with 'em, perferrably tube socks.

[yurbud]

6. actually, doc said I could wear stiff soled shoe instead of his sandal

but the stiffest shoe I had hurt, so I was back to the goofy sandal.

[Squatch]

2. Love them...

You can get them much cheaper on a place like Ebay. My favorite are the Arizonas.

[LeftyMom]

3. Upside: they last for ages if you remember to do the cork sealer on the si

Downside: they fall apart fast if you forget to do the cork sealer on the sides.

They are crazy comfortable, the only open backed sandals I've ever liked at all.

[Squatch]

4. They can also stink after a while, which sucks cause

you can't wash them

[SOteric]

5. They are outrageously popular hereabouts,

and though I've tried them I can't say that I understand the appeal. Oh sure, they're comfortable, but it's fairly cold and rainy here in Seattle. Birkenstocks are not ideal for puddle-hopping.

[yurbud]

8. I'm from Portland, but in LA now, so puddles are as rare as sunny days

during the winter in the Northwest.

[LeftPeopleFinishFirst]

7. they cost an arm and a leg

:shrug:

[yurbud]

9. there's a shoe clearance place by here selling for $40