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| Love these shoes! The Alabama's have the same cork foot bed as the classic sandals and the same thick leather uppers, so if you've had those before you know the deal. The rubber on the bottom is different than the sandals, actually they seem more durable. For those of you who have never owned a Birk sandal before, the break in process is 1-2 weeks. Don't let the initial feel turn you off, they form to your feet gradually, more-so than any other shoe I've ever owned. As long as they fit ok then just wear them, and they will morph to the shape of your feet. Speaking of sizing, either order a size down from your recommended size on the chart, or order your recommended size in a narrow. For example, I am a 9.5 US mens, a 41 regular or a 42 narrow fits me perfectly. The build quality of these shoes is quite amazing and they hold up well. The price may seem steep, but consider that you will have them for probably 10+ years, and even then all aspects of the shoe can be repaired for a fraction of the price. In other words, they're worth it. |
| Anonymous at Zappos.com on 03/01/2008 |
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| Great shoe if you love the sandal. I always wanted a closed toe shoe that had the base of a Birk sandal, and that is what this is. I weigh 230 pounds and have a very flat and wide foot. My perfect fit shoe is an Asics GT-2140 11 EEEE (the only shoe I run in). The 44 shoe fit me perfectly. If you love your Birk sandals with the great arch and metatarsal support, but don't wear the sandals because: 1. It is cold outside 2. Sandals look hippie with jeans, then these are the shoes for you. To recap: I have real flat feet. I loved my Birk sandals for the arch support, but wanted shoes. If you meet these conditions, you will love these shoes. I did. One week after I got the brown shoes I ordered the black ones. The price is a lot, but worth it to me. |
| Thomas at Zappos.com on 12/17/2009 |
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| Great casual shoe - I wanted a casual but decent pair of shoes for the office and for travel. I walk 20 minutes to/from my office each day and the shoes need to be dressy but also comfortable for walking. Tennis/running shoes would be OK for the trip, but are not suitable for the office, and I don't want to mess with two pairs of shoes. I had worn out a pair of Birks many years ago and was happy to try another pair. A big plus in these shoes is the cork footbed. But if you are new to this type of shoe recognize that it takes several weeks of "break in" before the shoes are fully comfortable. Once you are past that the shoes are great. Note that unless you have REALLY WIDE feet, you should order the narrow (regular width). |
| Anonymous at Zappos.com on 04/15/2008 |
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| Birkenstock Alabama - I ordered the Birkenstock Alabama shoes because I like how they look. It took me 3 weeks to break them in. I work 12 hours 3 and 4 days a week and my feet were killing me. Once I got them broken in, they are so comfortable. I love how they look, feel, and fit. I wear a size 8, but I ordered a size 38. They are nice and roomy. These are very expensive, but if your feet are killing you, you would end up spending that money and more to get your feet feeling good again at a doctor’s office. These shoes will last for years and I will not wear anything else at work. Thanks Zappos for good customer service. |
| Sheila S at Zappos.com on 08/18/2008 |
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| I have wanted this shoe for months. Dreamed of it, longed for it! When I finally ordered it, I was so excited. It fit perfectly, all the Birkenstock comfort I love in a closed-toe, closed-back style.\r\n\r\nHowever, there is one problem. I have big feet for a lady, I wear a size 42. This shoe looked extremely cute in the smaller sizes, but on my large feet it looked big and clunky, even though it was really comfortable. I will be returning these, as I needed a work shoe that would look good with semi-casual pants, and these just looked too awkward to be good for work. Sadness! |
| Erika A at Zappos.com on 10/09/2009 |
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| Let me give you the low down on Birkenstocks if you never wore them. When they are new the arch is very high and may be uncomfortable for up to a month, but after the cork compresses to fit your foot you will not find a more comfortable shoe or sandal anywhere! Period. Once you own Birkenstocks you will just get them resoled and resoled. This is the first pair of Alabamas and they are great. Now I can wear my Birkenstocks all year round. If you can handle the hippie styling you cannot go wrong. Just commit to them and let them break in. Enjoy! |
| Edward B at Zappos.com on 10/28/2009 |
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| The construction of the shoe makes it fit a bit too high on my outer ankles. In fact, the right shoe cut my right outer ankle when I wore the shoes to the supermarket. The solution was primitive but effective. I took a pair of shears and gradually cut away slivers of the ankle portion of each shoe until they no longer rubbed. Otherwise, the shoes are typically great Birkenstock workmanship and Zappos, of course, delivered them overnight like lightning and in flawless condition. I never buy shoes anywhere except Zappos any more. |
| Paul J at Zappos.com on 08/29/2008 |
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| This shoe runs a little large (even in the narrow size). I always purchase 38 narrow Birk sandals, but I got this shoe in a 39 narrow. I think I could have used the 38, but I wanted to allow room for socks. I like the metal lacing eyelets on the side which lets me snug up the heel a little. I have problems with aching tendons in my toes when I wear shoes without adequate space in the toe box. My feet are pain free in these Birks. Great with jeans. |
| Sharon W. at Zappos.com on 09/11/2009 |
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| usually I wear a 40 in Birks, but for the Alabama, I am a 39 - The 40 was swimmingly large. I LOVE this shoe, and can't wait for warmer weather to wear all the time - Since there is no depth to the sole, it's too cold for the wintertime. I have a wide forefront and a wide toebox is crucial for me not to have pain - and few shoes fit the bill. |
| Anonymous at Zappos.com on 01/20/2010 |
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| Most comfy shoe made!!! I've owned many Birks over the years... this one is one of my new favorites. Absolutely perfect Birkenstock comfort in a nice shoe that can be worn to work, school, pretty much anything short of formal. Perfect with jeans or slacks, the Alabama gives you more chances to enjoy Birky comfort when a clog or sandal is not appropriate. You will love them! Order your usual Birk/Euro size. |
| Dr. T at Zappos.com on 10/14/2008 |
