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I resisted the urge to buy a couple Birkenstocks for about two years. They're pretty pricey to get a sandal, and I just didn't understand how long the crunchy sandal look will be in vogue, especially in New york City where I stay.

Then I got an annoying, mysterious foot incidents, and my podiatrist said I couldn't wear any kind of super flat shoes—effectively ruling out each and every pair of sandals MY SPOUSE AND I owned—right as summer ended up being rounding the corner.

So I did it—I torn in two the trigger and bought a set of orgeous, supportive, white Birkenstocks. Our feet were happy. My wallet would conquer it. But I seemed to be obsessed.

At the time frame, I was gearing up for any big trekking trip in Peru with REI Travels; we'd be spending last week in Cusco, Peru, hiking Macchu Picchu after which it heading up to the actual high Andes mountains for any multi-day lodge-to-lodge trek. I needed to bring a couple sandals that would maintain my foot injury through flaring up (especially with the time I'd be spending hiking), and could serve since my ~chill~ sandals inside the lodges or while jogging around town...but I sure as hell wasn't gonna bring my shiny bright, brand-new Birkenstocks on carry on your workout hiking trip, complete together with llamas and alpacas in abundance. Le dilemma.

Luckily, somewhere over the internet, I stumbled across the waterproof version belonging to the classic Birkenstock Arizona sandals—and for not even half of the $100+ price of the leather as well as cork versions. (FYI, you are not supposed to get that classic Birks super wet as it can damage the buckskin and compromise the sealant, based on the brand. )

On this occasion, I didn't even make an effort to resist; I snagged a couple black Birkenstock Arizona Requirements (Buy It, $45, amazon. com), which are made of EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) a super light plastic polymer that may be flexible and feels almost like foam under feet.
And, TBH, I almost hate to convey it, but I could even love these babies in excess of the originals. Because they're made from EVA, they're totally water-proof, easy to clean, float in case you drop them in any body of water, and are also insanely comfortable. While they are not quite as supportive because classic cork Birkenstocks (which are known internet marketing great for your legs, thanks to their orthotic-like footbeds), they're much more comfortable, since the EVA gives you cushion-like give. It can evoke you're walking on small memory foam platforms.

I've since worn all of them for long walks around Texas City, to the seaside, on boats, around your property, and for walks in the woods—these things go everywhere you go and still look excellent. I bought a african american pair because I assumed We'd get them dirty, however after seeing how very easily they rinse off, I would need to buy a number of their bright colorways also. (Which, honestly, at only $45, who can resist?!) The brand currently offers 11 different colors with the waterproof sandal on Amazon, which include khaki green, bright light red, coral, metallic copper, and scuba blue. They also provide a creamsicle orange color that's, like, pure, summer joy in a shoe.
Reviewers agree that these sandals would be the freaking best; 75 percent with the 6, 814 reviewers on Amazon customers five stars, and they really are also ranked a #1 Greatest Seller on Amazon to get women's slide sandals. 1 reviewer, who has damaged leather Birks for "about 10 years now, usually enjoying a new pair every very few years" says that they thought we would give the EVA The us Essentials a shot, and finished up loving them: "I wore these just about any day for about 8 months and I do think I could probably keep acquiring a while, but they need a bit worn. Im impressed with these. Personally i think as though I without doubt got my $40 worth of use out of them. " The actual reviewer also mentions which "for $40, these are a good introduction to prospects who aren't ready to shell out the big bucks for the leather versions, and luckily they are a great deal for those who like Birkenstocks but need something waterproof. "

Should you be interested but not into your traditional double-strap style, also you can grab a pair with their Barbados Essentials slides (Buy The idea, $40, amazon. com), Gizeh Basics T-strap sandal (Buy It, $45, amazon. com), or possibly pair of the Birkenstock Honolulu Sandal (Buy The item, $40, amazon. com), some sort of supportive flip flop, inside the same EVA material.

All I can say is once you've tried a couple Birks (leather or EVA) you can't go back—you'll be so used.
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