Quick Comparison
| Product | Best For | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Birkenstock Arizona | Best Overall | 4.7/5 |
| Birkenstock Gizeh EVA | Best Budget | 4.6/5 |
| Birkenstock Mayari | Best Premium | 4.7/5 |
| Birkenstock Madrid | Best for Narrow Feet | 4.5/5 |
| Birkenstock Yara | Best Compact | 4.6/5 |
I bought my first pair of Arizonas in 2017 thinking they were ugly. Nine years later, I own seven pairs and refuse to wear anything else for more than three hours at a time. After putting that many miles on so many styles, here are the five I think every woman should consider.
What Matters Most
The cork footbed is the soul of every Birkenstock and the part that justifies the price. It molds to your arch over a couple of weeks and then supports you in a way no foam sandal ever will. Strap material is the next decision. Leather lasts longer and gets better with age, while Birko-Flor is water-friendly and cheaper. Sole style matters too, and the soft footbed option is a game changer for anyone with sensitive feet.
My Top 5 Women’s Birkenstock Sandals
The Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed is my desert-island sandal and what I recommend to almost everyone first. The Birkenstock Gizeh Thong Sandal is my pick for warmer climates and dresses. The Birkenstock Mayari Toe Loop is the most elegant style I own and works for going out. The Birkenstock Boston Soft Footbed Clog is what I wear all winter with socks. And the Birkenstock Madrid Big Buckle is my pick for narrow feet that swim in the wider styles.
My Setup
I keep the Arizonas by the back door for daily errands, the Gizehs by the front door for summer, and the Boston clogs in my closet for fall and winter. The Madrid lives in my work bag because the single strap takes thirty seconds to slip on for meetings.
Common Mistakes
Do not wear new Birkenstocks for a full day right out of the box. You will get blisters and conclude they do not fit, when really you just needed two weeks of break-in. Also, do not get them soaking wet if the footbed is exposed cork. Use a sealant or pick the EVA models for pool days.
Final Recommendation
For your first pair I would absolutely choose the Arizona Soft Footbed. Add a Gizeh for summer and the Boston Clog for cold weather, and you will basically never need another sandal.
Frequently asked questions
Do Birkenstocks really need a break-in period?+
Yes, about two weeks for the cork footbed to mold to your foot. I tell everyone to wear them an hour the first day and add an hour daily until they feel custom.
Should I size up or down in Birkenstocks?+
Always size down to the European number directly above your normal US size if you are between sizes. Your toes should not hang off the front, and the heel cup should hold without sliding.