https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 14 Apr 2026 10:31:38 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-birkenstocks-for-a-go-to-summer-shoe/page/2#post-2732585 Fri, 05 May 2017 07:25:28 +0000 Mrs. Sunshine 2732585@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: something to look forward to I guess? Ha! I do actually have some muscular issues in my right foot and calf but I get by ignoring it for now. </p> <p>Thanks ladies. It looks like I might actually invest in my sandals this year </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-birkenstocks-for-a-go-to-summer-shoe/page/2#post-2732580 Fri, 05 May 2017 07:04:06 +0000 looch 2732580@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Sunshine: I have a very difficult time spending more than $50 on shoes, I am very hard on them and they tend to look very worn no matter what I do, so I only invest a lot in boots and heels that can have the heel pads replaced and so on.</p> <p>Sandals generally can't be repaired in a cost effective way, but the only ones I spent close to $100 are my Mephisto sandals. They are about 6 years old and probably have another year left in them. Otherwise, I buy fashion sandals that have a flexible footbed with some cushioning. I find lots of choices at zappos/6pm. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-birkenstocks-for-a-go-to-summer-shoe/page/2#post-2732551 Thu, 04 May 2017 22:12:51 +0000 Anagram 2732551@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Sunshine: I have awful feet, so although I buy a mix of high-low, I am hard on my shoes and they don't last long. I think I spent about $500 on 3 pairs of winter shoes (like, orthopedic shoes that didn't look orthopedic) and I don't know if any will last me another year unless I sent them to a shoe place and spend more money having them fixed up a bit.</p> <p>But I have flat feet and ongoing foot pain issues, so I add that in to my podiatrist costs, and the $$ for my custom orthotic insoles and its all just tons of money.</p> <p>The good news for you is that you're young, and I didn't have foot issues till I was over 35, so you have a while haha. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-birkenstocks-for-a-go-to-summer-shoe/page/2#post-2732535 Thu, 04 May 2017 21:05:49 +0000 Mrs. Pickle 2732535@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Sunshine: it's pretty much always sandal season here so mine get a ton of use. My target sandals never last more than two years, but the Rainbow flip flops I've had for 10 years (which were $60) are still in great condition. I can't speak for the longevity of my saltwater sandals yet because I just got them. My DDs look brand new after she outgrows them and you know how rough kids are on shoes. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-birkenstocks-for-a-go-to-summer-shoe/page/2#post-2732490 Thu, 04 May 2017 18:23:33 +0000 youboots 2732490@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Sunshine: I have several pairs of higher end sandals- we have a short season here so I get years of use. I usually buy a pair of athletic shoes, a pair of boots (rubber, cowboy etc), a pair of sandals and a pair of ballet flats every year or two (so 2-4 pairs of shoes a year). I don't have tons and tons of shoes but I have high quality ones some I've reheeled 3x- I really started investing about 5-6 years ago. So while there is some sticker shock I'm so happy with what I have built over time. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-birkenstocks-for-a-go-to-summer-shoe/page/2#post-2732489 Thu, 04 May 2017 18:11:53 +0000 MsMini 2732489@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I second the recommendation for Saltwater sandals! Mine are going into their 3rd summer of almost daily use and still look amazing! I routinely wear them in splash parks etc and they are comfy even when wet! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-birkenstocks-for-a-go-to-summer-shoe/page/2#post-2732455 Thu, 04 May 2017 15:59:53 +0000 Mrs. Sketchbook 2732455@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@PawPrints: oh yes, the truly functional rubbery tevas are amazing, I actually have a pair that is like five years old that just keeps on keeping on. The pair I bought last summer is more of a fashion shoe and a birkenstock knock off so to speak, and it just isn't made as well as their other stuff. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-birkenstocks-for-a-go-to-summer-shoe/page/2#post-2732321 Thu, 04 May 2017 12:50:40 +0000 PawPrints 2732321@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Sunshine: My old Chacos lasted me like 5 years, then I switched to Tevas and they have been going strong for four years. I haven't had any of the issues with Tevas that Mrs Sketchbook mentioned, but maybe it's the particular shoes I have - they're amazing: <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Teva-Womens-Tirra-Athletic-Sandal/dp/B0055X2U3W" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Teva-Womens-Tirra-Athletic-Sandal/dp/B0055X2U3W</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-birkenstocks-for-a-go-to-summer-shoe#post-2732294 Thu, 04 May 2017 11:57:24 +0000 tinyperson 2732294@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Revel: thanks - I'm usually a 7 or 7.5, so I'll go 7. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-birkenstocks-for-a-go-to-summer-shoe#post-2732292 Thu, 04 May 2017 11:49:46 +0000 Revel 2732292@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@tinyperson: I'm a true size 8 in almost all shoes, and mine are a UK 6/US 8. I have heard they can run large. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-birkenstocks-for-a-go-to-summer-shoe#post-2732290 Thu, 04 May 2017 11:41:11 +0000 tinyperson 2732290@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Pickle: @Pancakes: @Revel: how is sizing on saltwaters? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-birkenstocks-for-a-go-to-summer-shoe#post-2732283 Thu, 04 May 2017 11:25:41 +0000 sauerkraut 2732283@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@anagram: I walked all over NYC in them pretty much every day - they have a sturdy sole and I find them really comfortable. They have a little bit of rise, and I'm used to walking just as much in higher (although still comfy) heels, but I think these are made to walk in. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-birkenstocks-for-a-go-to-summer-shoe#post-2732267 Thu, 04 May 2017 10:40:34 +0000 smocks 2732267@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I bought 2 pairs of these last year and I plan on them lasting YEARS. They are seriously the most comfortable sandal, they can easily be dressed up or down, my feet don't sweat in them, can walk anywhere and not have sore feet... but they're expensive. </p> <p><a href="https://www.amazon.com/FRYE-Womens-Carson-Seam-Sandal/dp/B00MU7F2MW/ref=sr_1_6?s=apparel&#038;ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1493912246&#038;sr=1-6&#038;nodeID=679337011&#038;psd=1&#038;keywords=frye+sandals" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/FRYE-Womens-Carson-Seam-Sandal/dp/B00MU7F2MW/ref=sr_1_6?s=apparel&#038;ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1493912246&#038;sr=1-6&#038;nodeID=679337011&#038;psd=1&#038;keywords=frye+sandals</a></p> <p>FWIW - I hated the Sam Edelman Gigi sandal - these are so much comfier and on sale were probably only $20-30 more expensive than the ones I got. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-birkenstocks-for-a-go-to-summer-shoe#post-2732262 Thu, 04 May 2017 10:31:45 +0000 Anagram 2732262@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@sauerkraut: those are cute. Could I walk 2-3 miles (in a day) in them? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-birkenstocks-for-a-go-to-summer-shoe#post-2732241 Thu, 04 May 2017 09:34:42 +0000 SweetiePie 2732241@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@alphagam84: I was JUST coming back to add Seychelles to the list because I went through my sandals last night and found them. They have a really cushy foot bed and don't look sporty at all. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-birkenstocks-for-a-go-to-summer-shoe#post-2732234 Thu, 04 May 2017 09:17:41 +0000 alphagam84 2732234@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I love my Seychelles brand sandals, I have multiple pairs and they hold up well! I normally but them on sale from Gilt.com </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-birkenstocks-for-a-go-to-summer-shoe#post-2732228 Thu, 04 May 2017 09:08:10 +0000 sauerkraut 2732228@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I have a pair of Dansko sandals similar to this (slightly different style/color), that have been going strong for 3 years:</p> <p><a href="https://www.thewalkingcompany.com/dansko-vera-red-nubuck/54989?gclid=Cj0KEQjwoqvIBRD6ls6og8qB77YBEiQAcqqHe9oz1PJ8J-0A5kAcPKJTBB-vv3AF6GtnLRbJadctG60aAmzE8P8HAQ" rel="nofollow">https://www.thewalkingcompany.com/dansko-vera-red-nubuck/54989?gclid=Cj0KEQjwoqvIBRD6ls6og8qB77YBEiQAcqqHe9oz1PJ8J-0A5kAcPKJTBB-vv3AF6GtnLRbJadctG60aAmzE8P8HAQ</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-birkenstocks-for-a-go-to-summer-shoe#post-2732221 Thu, 04 May 2017 08:59:49 +0000 Mrs. Sketchbook 2732221@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Pancakes: love that. Still may need something rubber for the pool and this is perfect. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-birkenstocks-for-a-go-to-summer-shoe#post-2732217 Thu, 04 May 2017 08:50:20 +0000 Pancakes 2732217@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Sketchbook: I love my Saltwaters, and I also got these Havaianas last year, and I think they look a little nicer than regular flip flops and they're also very comfortable. <a href="https://us.havaianas.com/women-sandals/luna.html?gclid=Cj0KEQjwoqvIBRD6ls6og8qB77YBEiQAcqqHeydh9bJHdWjy_KEemk_YZ9pzyqXZWSNkzjK3UMc3D9AaAqk18P8HAQ" rel="nofollow">https://us.havaianas.com/women-sandals/luna.html?gclid=Cj0KEQjwoqvIBRD6ls6og8qB77YBEiQAcqqHeydh9bJHdWjy_KEemk_YZ9pzyqXZWSNkzjK3UMc3D9AaAqk18P8HAQ</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-birkenstocks-for-a-go-to-summer-shoe#post-2732214 Thu, 04 May 2017 08:45:24 +0000 Mrs. Sketchbook 2732214@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Sunshine: up until last year I was 5 old Navy flip flop queen. Last year I got midrange sandals, and they immediately had issues. So I think this year I've decided to invest and see if it gets me through to the next decade! Im sort of like that...I'd rather do cheap or expensive but midrange always disappoints. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-birkenstocks-for-a-go-to-summer-shoe#post-2732213 Thu, 04 May 2017 08:43:21 +0000 Mrs. Sketchbook 2732213@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I bought the Birkenstocks! Maya style. Peer pressure.</p> <p>@lamariniere: ifeel like a jerk for allowing this to consume so much of my time but seriously it sucks when you buy sandals and intend to wear them 6-8 months out of the year and they break or snap or whatever. Up until last year I was all about 5 dollar old Navy flip flops but I just can't do it anymore! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-birkenstocks-for-a-go-to-summer-shoe#post-2732204 Thu, 04 May 2017 08:23:33 +0000 lamariniere 2732204@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Mrs. Sunshine: I think you get what you pay for. My Birks lasted 10 years and I could have continued to wear them but I was sick of them! My oldest Saltwaters are 3 years old and still going strong. The last time I bought cheap sandals they only lasted one season. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-birkenstocks-for-a-go-to-summer-shoe#post-2732203 Thu, 04 May 2017 08:22:43 +0000 josina 2732203@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Anagram: I have a pair of these from 5 years ago that I still wear, the bottoms have started to wear a bit, but still love them!<br /> @Mrs. Sunshine: I just bought my first pair of birks so they better last me a long time. ;) The merona's I have per above, at less than $20 lasted probably 3 years before they really started to wear. I wouldn't mind owning another pair, or 2 at that price! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-birkenstocks-for-a-go-to-summer-shoe#post-2732186 Thu, 04 May 2017 07:55:22 +0000 Mrs. Sunshine 2732186@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Those of you spending more than $50 on sandals, how long would you say a pair of sandals lasts you? Are they your go-to summer shoe? I had a bit of sticker shock looking at some of these but then I realized that the style of a lot of them could be dressed up or down for play with the kids and it would be equal to buying two or three separate pairs that would only last me a short while.... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-birkenstocks-for-a-go-to-summer-shoe#post-2732163 Thu, 04 May 2017 06:39:50 +0000 Revel 2732163@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Another vote for saltwater sandals! Mine are so comfortable and are dressy enough to wear to casual outtings and with dresses. I can walk miles in mine. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-birkenstocks-for-a-go-to-summer-shoe#post-2732152 Thu, 04 May 2017 02:43:52 +0000 lamariniere 2732152@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I just went down this rabbit hole last week! I had Birks for years, but wanted something new. I've had Saltwaters for the past few years, and still like them, but I wanted something that I could slip on and that were very comfortable like Birks.</p> <p>I want these, but I can't find them where I live.<br /> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Chaco-Womens-Cordova-Sandal-Caribou/dp/B011AOWBWO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1493883720&#038;sr=8-1&#038;keywords=chaco+cordova" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/Chaco-Womens-Cordova-Sandal-Caribou/dp/B011AOWBWO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&#038;qid=1493883720&#038;sr=8-1&#038;keywords=chaco+cordova</a></p> <p>So I settled on these, which are supposed to arrive today.<br /> <a href="https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DQUPYIY/ref=twister_B00DQUJQJ2" rel="nofollow">https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00DQUPYIY/ref=twister_B00DQUJQJ2</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-birkenstocks-for-a-go-to-summer-shoe#post-2732146 Wed, 03 May 2017 23:20:49 +0000 wheres_c 2732146@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I ended up buying these after a similar post.<br /> <a href="https://www.toryburch.com/patos-metallic-slide/36583.html" rel="nofollow">https://www.toryburch.com/patos-metallic-slide/36583.html</a><br /> I like these too:https://www.ugg.com/women-sandals/kari-metallic/1017908.html </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-birkenstocks-for-a-go-to-summer-shoe#post-2732128 Wed, 03 May 2017 22:29:26 +0000 Anagram 2732128@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@yoursilverlining: The gold ones are cute of those walking company sandals. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-birkenstocks-for-a-go-to-summer-shoe#post-2732127 Wed, 03 May 2017 22:27:53 +0000 Anagram 2732127@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>For &lt;2 mile walks, I love these Target sandals for the price. I bought some last summer and wore them just yesterday! I can wear them out to the playground, to the store, or to work when it's hot with a dress. No arch support, but they really stay on the foot because of the ankle strap.</p> <p><a href="http://www.target.com/p/women-s-esma-braided-sandals-merona-153-pewter-7-5/-/A-16582805" rel="nofollow">http://www.target.com/p/women-s-esma-braided-sandals-merona-153-pewter-7-5/-/A-16582805</a></p> <p>These are also cute. <a href="http://www.target.com/p/girls-mindy-braided-slide-sandal-cat-and-jack-153/-/A-51852794" rel="nofollow">http://www.target.com/p/girls-mindy-braided-slide-sandal-cat-and-jack-153/-/A-51852794</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/alternatives-to-birkenstocks-for-a-go-to-summer-shoe#post-2732123 Wed, 03 May 2017 22:08:02 +0000 SweetiePie 2732123@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Sam Edelman makes some really cute slides that are comfortable.<br /> Also, it sounds so bizarre but check out Dr Scholls. They actually have some cute stuff now that doesn't look anything like you're probably imagining right now. </p> <p>Lastly a fashion blogger I LOVE just posted about Born Sandles. Here she is wearing a pair.<br /> <a href="http://www.merricksart.com/2017/05/a-day-the-flower-fields.html" rel="nofollow">http://www.merricksart.com/2017/05/a-day-the-flower-fields.html</a> </p> [attach=3764/17/opereg.400x600.IMG_1184.JPG]