Are Birkenstock sandals a lot of hype?

Question

Walmart Faded Glory imitations are pretty nice at half the cost?
They seem to be almost identical to me. I don't know about you but $100 is a lot to pay for the real McCoy.

Answer 1

I had a pair of real Birkenstocks I got for 75% off (discontinued style or something) in high school. They lasted 3 years, and were VERY comfortable, almost molded to my feet. I haven't tried the Faded Glory sandals, but I've never had another pair of sandals last that long.

However, if you get the cheap ones, you can afford more shoes, which is always good. I say go for the Faded Glory sandals if you don't care as much about how long they last.

Answer 2

Well I prefer the brand name Birkenstocks. The Faded Glory to me are an imitation pair of the Birkenstocks, but the Faded Glory are cheaply made, and they fall apart easily. I know that $100 is a lot of money to pay for a pair of sandals; however, they will last you a lifetime. I have a pair of BIrkenstock Sandals myself, which I paid $110 for, but you are also paying for the quality, which is not cheap. I lone my BIrks, and they are very comfy. My opinion is I rather pay more money for a pair of sandals, which can last me at least 2 years (my Birks are 4 yeas old, and they are still in great shape) rather then paying for the store brand, which can only last me the summer.

Answer 3

Discontinued Birkenstocks

Answer 4

If it is leather lined with built in arch support, over cork & rubber sole, LIGHT WEIGHT, they fit you and are comfortable then buy the Faded Glory to knock around in.

Not all Birkenstocks meet that description -- you have to try them on to see. I find some uncomfortable and some of their clogs are actually HEAVY. I have quite a few Birkies but I keep my shoes for many years. My oldest pair which I wear all the time is over 12 yrs old and I paid $69.00 for it (on special). The rubber part can be resoled too. I'm not very hard on shoes and have a tendency to keep them a very long time if I like them.

Another thing, getting cork soled Birkenstocks wet is not advised. Periodically you need to paint the exposed cork with a sealer. Getting the cork soled shoes wet will ruin the shoe by eventually causing the soles to crack. So if you have spent less and get caught in the rain with your Walmart shoes, you wouldn't feel so badly.

Answer 5

In my opinion paying ridiculous prices just for a NAME is pathetic. Everyone that I have ever known who thought this way ended up proving themselves to be empty, shallow, simple-minded, LOSERS, including the ones who can actually afford to pay $897 for a pair of dress shoes (with family $$ of course). I typically find a style and comfort level that works for me and wear the heck out of it! It would not matter to me if the ultimate comfort shoe was $10 or $1,000 dollars. Comfort and decent appearance means more to me than name brands. As a matter of fact I feel better about buying a comfortable and reasonably attractive shoe that cost less than $20. I laugh at the pitiful idiots keeping Donna, Tommy, Calvin (and their peers in the fashion industry) richer than God by paying $125 for a plain cotton button-up shirt that could be purchased at Target for $8 and is the same quality! In other words I'm not a "label whore" and find people who are to be shallow, pathetic and very BORING. Try taking a peek at the book “The Millionaire Next Door”. Real life SELF-MADE millionaires were interviewed and researched. You will see that TRUE wealth is not showy. TRUE wealth often wears shoes until there have visible holes, drives used American Cars etc. Ghetto-Fabulous money involves paying $350 for a pair of shoes when the person doesn’t even have his/her own place, own car, etc and is basically living FAR beyond their means. Do you want to join the ranks of such pathetic stupidity? Get the Faded Glory. If anyone (and I doubt they will will even know the difference) mark that person off your list of individuals to be respected, liked or even acknowledged/talked with.

Answer 6

The Birkenstocks are very comfortable they mold to your feet. The only problem with them is that the soles wear off very easily.

I have been buying the Walmart sandals. They are a really great price and pretty comfortable. I would pick them over Birkenstocks.

Answer 7

They are very comfortable and made to last. I think they are the ugliest things every created. But from what I've heard, they are worth their cost.

Answer 8

Yeah, it's just a label. I know someone who was a buyer for Wal-Mart, they copy the shoes almost exactly.

Answer 9

It's a favorite of vagitarians everywhere

Answer 10

You're just paying for the name.