Customer Reviews Birkenstock Arizona - Oiled Leather (Unisex)

Though they aren't exactly fashion forward, these classic Birkenstocks are some of the most comfortable footwear I've ever owned. There is really no substitute for the Birkenstock cork footbed, which contours to your feet and gets more comfortable the longer you own the shoes. As some others here have mentioned, the sizing is a little tough to figure out; they're European sizes, and fit a little looser than you might expect, particularly before they're broken in. Fortunately, the straps offer a wide range of adjustability. The oiled leather is attractive and develops a nice patina over time. It does require a bit of care, though; if you want to ignore your shoes, you might be happier with one of the other leather choices (and there are lots!) This particular pair of Arizonas is my second, and I have to say, I don't think the quality is quite what it used to be. My first pair lasted through almost ten years of heavy summer rotations, but these have developed cracks in the heel after just a couple of seasons. Birkenstock soles can be repaired, but the cost is almost as much as replacing the sandals.

My second pair after the first finally wore out after 7 years. My go-to comfort sandals and house 'slippers'.

Despite what other reviews said, I found these to run large, not true to size. I purchased a 42 (Brannock 9-9.5) and they a half to full size too large. I normally wear a 9. I returned them and bought a 41 (Brannock 8-8.5) and they fit on my feet well.

I received these shoes in typical Zappos time, but they did not arrive in a Zappos box (but rather a regular shoe box that was extremely beat up). The address on the outside indicated that it came from "Returns" (nothing about Zappos) and there was a small receipt almost falling out of the package. I'm not quite sure what to think. I've never received this kind of shipment from Zappos before. I hardly know what to think about keeping the actual shoes because the packaging seemed so questionable.

This leather sandal is stiff. Takes time to loosen up and relax for easy on and off of "old feet." But still love all my Birkenstocks. Great value and I wear my until they wear out!

Buying my first pair of Birkenstocks, I was a little confused about the sizing. I am normally a 6.5 but I had do buy the size 36 in this sandal, which I still felt was almost a bit too big. I wanted to exchange it for the narrow width because the normal width was too wide for me (I have never had to get narrow before). However, Zappos customer service was so awesome that they answered the phone quickly, sent me a return shipping label and sent me the narrow pair to arrive in 3 days, before I even sent back the other pair! The guy on the phone said it was okay to keep the first pair until I can try on the second and then send whichever one I don't like back. I'm not used to this great customer service for an online store! Can't wait until these sandals mold to my feet. Thanks Zappos!

I have worn these around the house with socks for about a week now. I tried wearing them without and they continue to hurt so I will continue the the socks until the leather softens up a bit. The base seems to help with my foot and ankle problems that I have from years of sprained ankles but until I can wear them longer than hour it will be hard to tell. These are my first pair of Birks. So I am not sure what to expect. So far...just average comfort...time will tell. The width of the shoe is nice for my bunion.

Due to what was available on Zappos, I decided to settle for the unisex Arizona style to replace my 10-plus year old pair of Birkenstocks, which I've loved. The larger buckles and straps on the Arizona style are incredibly uncomfortable as I walk and my foot flexes so I'm sending them back. My old ones are Granada (looked at styles on the side of the box to determine this) and I'll be looking for this same style again. The straps narrow to a smaller buckle and are much more comfortable, not to mention more attractive for a woman.

These shoes are just what I expected. They're a bit clunky and wide at the toe but they're Birlenstocks so that's what I anticipated. I haven't broken them in yet, so I can't speak to true comfort, but they have great support and I think will be a good shoe. One note, as per other reviewers, do round up on size if you're between. I tried the smaller size initially (because I was between a 38 and 39) and had to exchange them for a bigger size.

This is my third pair of Birkenstocks, but it is my first pair with leather rather than birko-flor. These have been much harder to break in, both in the sole and straps. The quality is good though, and once they have broken in I know they will last a long time. I love the classic look. A very versatile sandal. I am usually a size 7, but I am a 36 in Birkenstocks. I have wide feet, and the regular width works well for me. I have very flat feet, and the classic footbed offers a lot of support.

I was wary of dropping the money on these shoes but the lure of sandals with proper support caught my attention. Being pregnant has left my feet hurting and yearning for proper support. So far so good. once in awhile I'll experience heel pain. I'm sad that I do with these sandals. but hopefully it won't bother too long.

These are great sandals, although I expected a finished leather effect. These were more suedeish, at least on opening. I am sure that they will cure fine.

Birkenstocks fit different from other shoes. A number of negative comments here are based on misunderstandings. Unlike with most other shoes, the feet are supposed to be active when walking in B. If your first pair fits properly they will seem too long because of the extra room in front to allow your toes to grip the ridge that falls at the knuckle. The straps also need to be kept loose. It's still true that you may experience some rubbing, but if it's painful then you probably have the straps too tight and you are preventing your arches from working properly. I think some commenters did not read the instructions that come with the shoes. If you have flat feet it will be painful to break in your B. That's because they force you to work muscles that are weak. I had terrible flat feet all my life - for a couple of years I wore shoes that were attached to each other with a steel bar, and I had to wear the ugliest shoes because they were the only ones that could fit my Rx. It took me many miles before my feet (and legs - you work your calves, too) felt comfortable in B, but wearing them gave me arches that I had never had and stopped the pain I used to get from standing. Also: B should not be worn in the rain, and in fact when you buy a pair you take on a monthly maintenance job of checking the finish along the exposed edge of the cork; you need to keep it sealed with this stuff that seems very much like regular white glue. Do buy it, unless you want to treat your shoes as disposable.

These are my "go to" shoe for the summer. They are comfy and look cute with shorts and sun dresses. I gave four stars because of one issue. For the first week I had them the straps turned my feet a blackish color. I did spray the underside of the strap with a leather water proof spray and that helped a bit. After about a week I had no more problems. Even with that issue, I would definitely buy these again!

My first pair of Birks. They felt pretty comfortable right away...hoping that they will feel even more comfortable as they get broken in. I ordered 36 Narrow. I normally wear Women's size 6, regular width. But, 36 Narrow fit perfectly. I think they will go well with shorts and casual pants and skirts. Will be my go-to for the summer. I got the oiled black, maybe will get brown suede as well.

Loved these black oiled Birkenstocks but the straps turned my feet black. I bought the Birko-flor instead.

Very stiff at first, but after a couple of days of wearing they smooth out nicely. The buckle area under the front buckle seems to dig into the foot at first, and the upper strap digs into the front of the foot, could benefit from a slight forward position. The black dye runs onto the foot. Time will tell on that issue. Would love to see Birkenstock make a Wide width! I have a very wide foot and these are just not quite as wide as I need and in time my foot forces the outer sides near the buckles to separate.

Love them all the time. A little loose but that is perhaps the make. I don't consider myself a narrow foot, but I am curious about the narrow in this style.

If you have long toes like me, the arch support might hit your foot in the wrong spot. I heard these take time to break in, but I'm skeptical. Darn long toes!

This is my first pair of Birkenstocks. I wasn't sure at first, but I love them now. They do have a break-in/adjustment period. Once you wear them awhile and let the shoe conform to your foot, they just get better and better. I love them for running to the store or taking the dog out or just around the house. They work fine with or without socks also, if your feet are cold (and you don't mind the strange looks). I am aware of the top strap on my right foot. This has gotten better as I wear them more. I would definitely consider another pair of Birkenstocks in the future.

This is my 3rd pr of Birkenstocks. I knew to order a 39 Reg and they fit just fine. I put them on, buckled to my own comfort & they are old friends. The image on my computer makes Biscay Bay look true blue but it is actually a turquoise blue. Very pretty but not exactly as I expected.

I could not get the straps to fit properly. I think the previous Birkenstock's I bought were a size 10.5-11, but that is apparently not available anymore. Also, I had mixed thoughts about the finish of the top leather (oiled leather).

I had Birkenstocks years ago and they fit fine but these were not wide enough for my foot. I loved them but sadly had to return because the side of my foot was not comfortably settled in the footbed and rubbed up against the side of the shoe.

Nice very comfortable shoe but Birkenstock style for me(My wife agreed) is not for me. Zappos was excellent with the exchange for a smaller size and the return.. Can't ever go wrong with buying from Zappos!!!

In Birkenstock world I tend to need a narrow, but because my feet are bony and low volume. Not many styles come in narrow so I went with this classic for the first time in many years of Birkenstock wearing. I swore them off after catching the front end and breaking my arm so severely...nevermind. These are tough to soften as the leather in the oiled is like belt material. Lanolin helps. I have caught the front already going up stairs and my feet are not totally adjusted to the toe hump. They are mine, too late to return, hoping for a happy ending.