Customer Reviews Birkenstock Gizeh - Birko-Flor™ & Birkibuc™

I have wanted a pair of these for two years, but always put off buying them because I was worried about not being able to try them on and having them not fit. (Returning them once they have arrived in the Bahamas is rather difficult, having paid customs duty, etc.) Everyone writing reviews has such conflicting information about sizing too! Luckily, I met someone face-to-face who was wearing a pair and who has bought these shoes for years, and she said to order your correct size, so I did. I am normally a 7.5, so ordered a 38 -- and they fit perfectly! I have a very normal, average 7.5 foot. I must say that the cradling of the heel is delightful and the thong between the toe is really not an issue so far, although I have not walked a mile in these shoes. I also think the way your toes grip the front of the shoe is very good. The plastic piece between the toes is more rigid than Havaianas, for example, and I am used to wearing flip-flops, but after wearing those Havaianas for a week on vacation and walking for too many miles on rocks and hard tarmac roads, I seem to have damaged my heel, which further encouraged me to buy these shoes. Obviously I now need better support for my feet at 53! The silver color is fantastic and not so granola-hippie-unshaved armpits as I once thought of Birkenstock wearers. So, I say, go for it! Take your time to wear them in a bit by using them around the house and garden. The top buckling strap is very good and I have that cinched down quite tightly for a better fit for me. They are light as a feather, too. I really am very pleased with my purchase!

These run pretty large. I usually wear a women's size 9 and I ended up the the pair that were the equivalent of the size 8. Otherwise, very comfortable shoes, which get more comfortable the more you wear them!

I love these Birkenstocks. I have another pair in brown and although not the prettiest sandal out there, the silver makes it so and you can't beat the comfort!

I have recently purchased a few different Birkenstock styles: the mayari; the Ginza; the Cairo; and the Sparta. Re size: I believe this runs true to size. I am a US size 6½ in high heels (which is a 37 European size); in flat dress shoes I take a US size 7 (37½). I make do with a B width in most brands as that is what is available. in an ideal world, I am probably a 6¾ and between a B and C width. I tried the Ginza on in both size 36 and size 37 regular width. To my untrained Birkenstock mindset,the size 36 appeared to be the perfect fit. it was comfortable while standing and walking and the tips of my toes and the backs of my heels did not quite touch the rim. But, after reading all these reviews, I am convinced that I am a size 37 in both the Ginza and the Mayari (the Cairo and Sparta are in the mail) . The correct size 37 has more than the recommended space: mine has ¼" at the heel and at least ½" in front. To anyone on the fence between sizes, I analogize this Birkenstock fit to the fit of your favorite peep toe pumps - sometimes your toe is not going to fill out the peep toe opening precisely. It is still the right size, and one cannot go down a size just to fill in the peep toe opening. I went with the 37 because it was the recommended Birkenstock size for me. Having said this, I had problems with only the left toe post because my left foot was sliding forward and coming into contact with the post. This is how I solved it: 1) I I made sure my heel was set firmly back into the heel cup and tightened the buckle a notch. (to extend the high heel analogy - it is like inserting a tongue pad between the top of the toe box of a shoe and your foot or a metatarsal pad between the sole of your foot and the sole of your shoe to prevent toes from sliding forward into the toe box). 2. Next, upon observation, the left toe post was a little rough textured, so I took a Band-Aid (it is late here and I did not want to go out and buy moleskin as another reviewer suggested) , and I wrapped it around the toe piece. Problem solved. Re rating, I am still going to give Ginza five stars overall, because the sum of its attributes is greater than some of my issues. I also believe that some people's issues re toe post could be solved by proper sizing and that the roughness of one of my toe posts and not the other was a random fluke. Re width and arch: I do not have narrow feet - the ball of my foot is wider, so I took a regular width. Finally, I have a moderate arch which I define as an arch that enables me to wear a prefab silicone arch insert comfortably (it does not feel like a rock which I assume it would if I were flatfooted) Additional issue: Style wise, I wish that Birkenstock could make their fashion colored uppers in real leather. If scores of other shoe manufacturers can do it, it should be possible and worth the extra cost.

I had been wanting a pair for a while but every time I tried them on they looked huge! I ordered a size smaller than I usually wear and the Narrow width; they fit perfectly. It does take a few times to get used to the plastic post and the structured foot bed but they are very comfortable.

I need a sandal with a lot of arch support and these have it. Other reviewers have commented on their disappointment with the plastic thong but it hasn't been an issue for me. The sandal is very comfortable for me and stays on my foot nicely. I like the style too as it isn't as casual as a flip flop and gives me much better support.

The Gizeh is my favorite Birkenstock! I bought the orange which is a great neutral that goes with everything. I have the black in these too which I love also. Birkenstocks are so comfortable, and mold to your feet perfectly. I love Zappos, truly amazing customer service & fast delivery. Keep up the great work Zappos!

These shoes are so comfy, and really didn't take very long to break in. I wore them around the house for a couple days, then a couple short walks, and now they're fine. Never had blisters or pain.

I have not had a pair of Birkenstocks since high school. (A long time ago!) After having my second child, my arches fell and I developed severe sesamoiditis - pain in the 2 small bones located under the ball of each big toe. A podiatrist told me I could never wear sandals again. Surgery seemed risky, and cortisone shots sounded expensive and unreliable. I ordered these shoes, the next day they arrived. I put them on and immediately felt relief! Walked the streets of Burlington, VT without ANY pain! The only slight discomfort was getting used to the plastic thong. Thank you Birkenstock! This is the FIRST pair of sandals that I have been able to wear in over 6 years that have such excellent arch support, the pain is gone from sesamoiditis. THANK YOU!

Love these sandals. They are perfect for everyday running around but look much nicer (and are much more comfortable) than flip flops. Definitely recommend! I also loved that there was a narrow width.

Comfortable walking shoe, wore this on vacation in Washington DC. Walked many miles in this shoe. Footbed molds to your foot. Also stylish at the same time. Looked great with every outfit.

This is my third pair of Birkenstock sandals, and by far my most favorite. My first pair was the Tahiti, very comfortable but took so much time to break in. The second was the Adria. This was the worst! The leather did not soften at all. After over 6 months of use, it is still uncomfortable! Thirdly, the Gizeh is amazing! No break in time! This is the cutest among all as well. Kudos to Zappos for such amazing service! I didn't expect my shoe size to change in my twenties. I had to exchange my original purchase to a larger size. Zappos made the return and exchange so easy and efficiently!

Love these shoes. The trick is that if they hurt between your toes then they don't fit properly. You are not supposed to feel/notice it there. Once you are properly fitted, these shoes are fantastic. I wear them all the time. I have a narrow foot but the regular width is perfect for me. Thanks Zappos!

Amazing sandal! These are are amazingly comfortable and trendy for a Birkenstock. I was looking for a cute summer sandal with good arch support, and I got exactly what I was looking for. Great support and cushion, I love how the cork molds to your foot. Disclaimer - I got blisters the first day I wore them. They will be rigid at first - break them in before you return them! Have faith that they will conform to your feet and they will be the most comfortable sandal you have ever worn! Love!

I love the shape of the shoe, but the "jade" color is much more green than blue. Make sure you order the size on the lower end of your range: I am a 6.5 or 7 and ordered a 37 (6-6.5). This size fits perfectly.

These are the only shoes I wear in the summertime. I have them in literally every color that Zappos has offered for the last 5 years. They are versatile and can be paired nicely with dresses or skirts, yet also are very comfortable for longer walks. The color choices are great as well. For those that complained about the thong being too painful, make sure that you loosen the strap one or two notches, or maybe you need a wider footbed. It may take a little longer for the patent leather to wear in, so just think about that when you order. Although, I have to say that I love the saturation of color with the patent, so bright and happy. By far, the best shoe! I wish they had something this good looking for the wintertime.

I LOVE these sandals. First pair of Birkenstocks ever and I can't believe how comfortable they are. I walk everywhere I go and my feet are always comfortable and well supported in these shoes. Also they are super cute! I did have to go down a whole size in comparison to my normal shoe size.

I LOVE my Birkenstocks! I cannot sing their praises enough. I always thought they looked a little too hippy-ish, but I am a total convert. I bought my pair of Gizeh sandals about 4 years ago and I wear them all summer long. It did take a few wears to break them in, but once they mold to your foot they will be comfortable forever. I have the silver pair and they look very stylish with many outfits - a great color choice! The support of the Birkenstocks is great, too! Flimsy flip-flops provide no support for long summer walks at all, but the Birkenstocks do without a doubt. You better believe I'll have at least one pair of these sandals for the rest of my life!!

Normally wear an 8.5, ordered the size 9 equivalent. Just took two wearings to break them in. So comfy - I'm a fan!

I've owned Birks in the past, so I was confident that I would like these. As in other reviews, I found the toe piece to be a little bit of trouble. It is flat. Weird design. That said, I wore them for a few hours the first day, and after that they were fine.

I wear a 5.5 and initially ordered a 36. I had to send 'em back for a 35. They fit great. So I'd say that the sizes run a little big versus American sizing. So far as Birks go, these are incredibly good looking. But they are Bikrenstocks, so if crunchy is your look, they're for you. But if you're not so much into the granola scene, you may want to go find something a little less comfortable and more fashionable. They're wide, comfy, and as good-looking as Birks can be.

I absolutely love my Birkenstock Gizeh Birrko Flor sandals. These sandals rock! They are totally comfortable, super cute and great for summer shorts, dresses and jeans. I may buy another color just because.

I liked these Birks but really fell in live with the color at a store and came home to buy at Zappos. Its hard to tell from picture but the antique lace is slightly off white with a hint of pinky iridescence. Very pretty and feminine. As usual with Birks, they take a bit of breaking in before they feel like your foot's comfy home. I do think these take a bit of extra time because of the toe separator which can feel pretty inflexible at first. I have narrow feet and am a size 8 and these fit perfect.

When I first wore these sandals, my feet hurt really badly trying to break them in. After the next 2 times wearing them, I absolutely LOVE them now! They go with just about everything I wear and now I am ready to order more colors!

This is the 3rd pair of this style I have bought. This style of Birkenstocks is by far the most comfortable (and one of the cutest) pair of shoes I own! I would recommend these to anyone, they are well worth the money!