Like many of you, I have a long relationship with Birkenstock sandals. I coveted them through my early college days but could never afford a pair. Then one day I walked into a used clothing store near the university and sitting on the shelf were a pair of the classic two-strap Arizona sandals in my size. They were still $40 but I could swing that. That afternoon I walked to class feeling en vogue and with very comfortable feet.
Those sandals were more than worth the investment from my meager budget. They carried me for thousands of miles, traveled across Europe, and were on my feet for my first real post-college job.
I’ve had many pairs of Birkenstocks since, including Arizonas with and without a back strap. My wife’s side of the closet is so stocked with Birkenstocks you might say she is borderline obsessed.
My one criticism—a gripe I’ve heard from many others too—is that classic Birkenstocks’ leather straps and cork sole do not handle moisture well. I live in the desert so it rarely rains, but when it does, I always switch to a more water-friendly sandal. Same when I’m mowing the lawn or walking the…
