Birkenstock Arizona Unisex Sandals - Comfortable Cork Footbed Slides for Men & Women | Perfect for Casual Wear, Beach, and Outdoor Activities

I have worn Sydneys for years, but have often had to put up with weird patterns, colors etc. It was GREAT to be offered these shoes in a nice neutral blue !! In my opinion, they look much better than Arizonas, which are always offered in nice neutral colors but look and feel like they are completely swallowing my feet. Come on--it's a sandal! I have tried on Arizonas a few times when I couldn't find Sydneys but never bought them. OK, I have said nothing about fit. I never, ever buy uncomfortable shoes--comfort is first. I wear sandals year around (Florida) and switch between Birkenstock Sydneys and an Ecco sandal with a rubber sole. That seems to be perfect. When I switch to the Birkenstocks, my arches are very pleased and when I switch to the Ecco's my legs thank me (tile floors). Another thing about Sydney fit is that the strap closest to your ankle is really far back on the shoe, so if you have trouble keeping slides on as I do, this will probably work for you. I was afraid Sydneys were going to be discontinued. Thank you Birkenstock for continuing with them and for offering them in a more neutral color!I have not been at home very much to see if they work with my old feet. The insole in this shoe looks like craft felt that I might buy at Hobby Lobby. The straps fit my feet well, I use the 2nd hole from end of strap. The under side of the straps look like felt lining. The box says that Indole is leather. I thought the insole is the place where my foot sits in the shoe. It is also the part that looks like craft felt. I just realized the insole of this shoe has “Vegan” & a flower stamped in the heel cup, by the size 38 & made in Germany. I think by saying Vegan, no animal was used in this shoe! Maybe it is miss labeled. If so, where is the leather? The blue straps may be leather or vinyl. I can’t tell. If it’s all plant based, I guess that is the $99.00 cost of this shoe. I will review again after I wear the shoe inside my home. I’m really puzzled!This style is very close to the old Tahiti style that isn't available any more. Those were truly my favorites. These Sydneys were a little wider than I expected but the adjustable straps customize the fit. I love the Birk footbed. Most comfortable sandals ever!This is my 3rd pair of Birkenstocks - first pair in blue color. Came just as expected. I am size 8 and purchased size 38...fits perfectly, just as my others do. Love the color and I'm still breaking them in to my feet, but I love these sandals and will continue to be a wearer for many years to come!The product description for the Navy Birkenstock’s is inaccurate. The description states that the sandals have a leather upper. The upper is not made of leather they are the birken-flor material. The buckles are also plastic, I live in Arizona and plastic buckles are not the best choice for extreme heat. Also, all other Birkenstock’s I have bought come with metal buckles. If I wanted plastic buckles I would have ordered from the Birkenstock Betula line. I must admit the picture and the soft footbed are accurate. However, I usually go off the product description since pictures can be misleading. Obviously, in this case, it was the opposite, the picture was correct and the description was inaccurate.I like that the straps are not as wide as the Arizona, it gives it a slightly dressier look. I prefer real leather for both the upper and footbed-this model has neither.I love this Sydney style, it looks so much better than the Arizona. I now have to wear these instead of fashion sandals because these have the support I need. I've been wearing Birkenstock's for 20 years as a house "slipper" because of the support. Very comfortable for me.Love Birkenstocks and have worn them for years. Fit is as expected and will soon be molded to my own foot for customized comfort. Needed a navy blue in my collection and these fit the bill!!