Birkenstock sandals - quality deteriorating! !

[razz]

I have been buying Birkenstock sandals of the same design for decades. I buy a pair in the spring, wear them as slippers indoors for a year, switch them to outdoor sandals the following year and wear them out by walking the dog. I have done this cycle for longer than I can remember - same style, rotate colour between navy and black to separate indoor vs outdoor Birks. This past spring, my size was sold out.

Tried to buy them earlier this month from my usual supplier who had received a new shipment of 500 pairs and they don't fit. I wore my old Birks yesterday to the store and the Birks chief salesperson admitted, the new ones don't fit, the sizing is wrong now and baggy around the arch compared to the used model. I tried one version that is two sizes smaller but even they are not that great. Other staff at the store have apparently have complained that the new Birks don't fit, don't feel right anymore. The price has been going a little each year including this year but the quality until now has remained steady and worth it. I will not buy another pair.

The staff and I tried different styles, sizes etc., but they agreed that the fit simply isn't happening and my feet are very predictable and easy to fit. Birks were easy to find a fit. What have they done?

Why can't companies realize that once it loses a good reputation it is very difficult to get back.

[pony mom]

I have an old pair of Birkenstock knock-offs from White Mountain. My neighbor loves them and asked if they are still available; I found the same ones but they're horrible. The leather feels like cardboard and the footbed isn't as contoured as my pair. A few weeks ago the thin rubbery sole started to peel off so I used Gorilla glue and now they're perfect.

[freshstart]

I found the perfect pair of Birks, a Mary Jane style that was narrower than all the usual styles so they fit me perfectly, I adore them and wear them year round. Went to get a spare pair and of course they are no longer making them. I found one pair in my size on eBay but they were pink and had the Eiffel Tower on them, no thanks! I wish they were consistent in their sizing. The narrow sizes vary a lot, I've found in the past.

[lhamo]

Oh -- this makes me sad/worried! I have a pair of Birks that have been my go to sandals for 3-4 years, but they are starting to wear out. I was planning to replace them with another pair (I think I paid around $80 for them, got them at a good discount), since over 4 years that is not a bad price. I also like how they help you tone your calves.

[freshstart]

if you do try them again, sierratradingpost.com has them at good prices

[ctg492]

Razz, I do the exact same thing with my Birkenstocks, wear inside then outside only I buy in the fall. I was amazed someone else did the same.

I am buying my fall pair soon, so I will see about sizing. The one thing I have never done is repaired them. Last fall I ordered the kit, watched the Youtube and looked easy, wastedr my money. This year I checked and the Birkenstock store repairs for about $40 less then a new pair. I am just not sure if I should do this.

But yes It seems every company has to mess with sizing for some reason.

[razz]

When I queried repair costs, it was the same as new. Apparently, Birks is phasing out the soft bed as well and the black in my favourite three strap Florida design.
Merrels so far have maintained quality so will look at their offerings.