I was first introduced to this awesome sandal by my sister, who gave me a pair she'd worn for about a year that she'd actually been given by a friend who'd worn them for a few years even before that! They both had gotten new pairs but neither one wanted to see this "old" pair go to waste because there was nothing structurally wrong with them.
I wore this pair nearly every day that was weather-permitting (in Utah), which was about 6 months of the year for about 7 more years. They FINALLY gave out! I wore them until the bottom sole was so worn through that one of the straps eventually came loose and a nice penny-size hole wore through right at the ball of my foot. Even the originally inch thick heel was getting close! Did I stop wearing them? Oh my, no. I merely tied the strap to another strap and did my best to ignore the ever-growing hole. I just purchased another pair to finally lay this vigilant pair to rest and can't wait!
Since I didn't have to do any of the breaking-in, I can only say that these were not just the most comfortable pair of sandals I've ever worn, but hands-down the most comfortable shoe that this shoe nut has ever had on her feet. My vast shoe collection became severely neglected once these hit my rack! I have incredibly high arches and never had any issues at all with the straps - as I mentioned though, I didn't do the breaking-in. The straps themselves will ease up and loosen over time though and also bear in mind that the insole is specifically designed to shape and mold around your foot, so your foot itself will eventually rest lower down in the shoe, which will also ease any strap pressure. This process, from what I have read in many reviews happens fairly quickly too. I'll be finding out for myself, however, within the week! Yay!
I'm INCREDIBLY excited to have these Birkenstocks again and have frequently recommended it to people who comment about them - which a LOT of people do. My review is to say thanks.
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