Review of Birki's Skorpios Sandal

I had some Birkenstock knock-off sandals, and wore them for seven years until they were falling apart. I could never bring myself to throw them out, because no matter which other sandals I purchased, I kept coming back to my comfortable, slip-on, cork-footbed sandals. My roommate also loved them for quick trips outside, and when he moved away this month, I let him take the old, battered pair and decided to invest in some "real" Birkenstocks.

I was a little uncertain about the price, but then thought about the fact that I spent forty dollars last year on a cheap pair of sandals that are very uncomfortable and have already worn out, despite the fact that I haven't worn them often. One hundred dollars, more or less, is worth it if the Skorpios last as long as my old pair ... and I see no reason why they shouldn't. Birkenstock quality is famous.

I like the look of the Birki's Skorpios better than the traditional Birkenstock design -- the narrower, separated straps give it a more appealing look. I wasn't sure at first if "Birki's" was the same as "Birkenstocks". The company website reads "Birki Schuh...was founded in 1993 in Germany by Stephan Birkenstock, who remains General Manager of the young family brand today..." I'm still not sure if the two companies are linked, but the quality and branding seem to be the same.

I was hesitant to order them online, but I located a sizing chart, figured out that my 10 1/2 "D" footsize translates to a 43, and ordered the sandals. I've been wearing them for only a few days now, but they're already as comfortable as the knock-off pair I wore for years. In fact, they're MORE comfortable, since the my old sandals were slightly too small for my feet.

I'm impressed by the sturdy, burnished leather straps and heavy buckles -- the materials are of very high quality.

My only complaint -- and it's a minor one -- is that the shoes were wrapped in only one small peice of tissue, and the left sandal arrived with a pretty major scratch on the leather caused, I think, by one of the buckles. Obviously, if I wear these sandals as long as my last pair, they'll aquire more than a few scuffs and scratches, but it was still kind of disappointing to have then scratched right out of the box. Even after I applied shoe polish to the scratch, it's still visible.

I mention this only because it can be a consequence of buying shoes online. In a shoe store I would've selected a pair without the scratch, or negotiated a discount. Since I ordered online, it's far too much hassle to send the sandals back and order another pair. If the possibility of receiving a slightly imperfect shoe bothers you, I'd recommened shopping locally.

All in all, I'm very satisifed with this purchase. These are great sandals! I have no intention, by the way, of ever wearing them with socks.

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Product Description:
You love your Birki's. Is it the look, or the comfort? Is it the wonderfully contoured footbed, the shock-absorbing corked midsole, or the stylish leather upper? Yes, you're right. It's everything--even right down to the double adjustable-buckle straps.

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