Birkenstocks

Why r/BuyItForLife recommends Birkenstocks

37 mentions from real owners

• #1Nov 8, 2025

  need new sandals. crocs of 6 years lost tread

  Second vote for Birks. You can get the soles replaced on them when they wear out, and they sell kits that you can use to re-seal the cork to help protect it from moisture (they also sell plastic Birkenstocks but in my experience they don’t last as long). 

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• #2Nov 8, 2025

  need new sandals. crocs of 6 years lost tread

  Birkenstocks.

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• #3Nov 6, 2025

  What’s a BIFL thing you bought and now swear by?

  Quality shoes like Danner, Redwing and Thorogood and Birkenstocks. Also double edge saftey razor in Stainless steel, Glock firearms, Ruger firearms, heavy leather belts made by the Amish. Solid wood furniture...

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• #4Nov 6, 2025

  Why is it so hard to find well-made clothes that aren't insanely priced?

  I’ve been buying LLBean and Johnson and Murphy since my early 20s. I still have shirts, multiple that are near brand new with hundreds of washes. Both places have deals and I’ve never paid more than 100 for a shirt or pants. And never more than 200 for a heavy winter jacket. Athletic shoes are another story but I’ve had my Birkenstocks, dress shoes and boots resoled multiple times.

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• #5Sep 5, 2025

  Brands That Used to Be BIFL — But Aren't Anymore?

  I don't know if Birkenstocks hold up as well as they used to, but they still do better than most for me. I get at least 5 years out of them, much longer if I have a few pairs to alternative and do the corkbed clean and reseal periodicially like you're supposed to.

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• #6Aug 11, 2025

  Prolonging the life of shoe soles

  Shoes are not exactly a bifl item. Especially shoes that do work. Find some that you like, and know that you’ll have to get new ones. Berkinstocks I’ve seen get resoled. Maybe rainbows. I’ve daily worn rainbows for 3-4 years before they need to be replaced. They might be able to be resoled too.

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• #7Aug 9, 2025

  Is this sort of wear normal for Birkenstocks after 9 months of daily use?

  My 7-year-old Birks have gotten wet in the rain my times, get worn a lot, and look significantly better than this. The only way this picture is legitimate is if the OP walks through a swamp daily, beats the crap out of their shoes, and has some sort of unique sweat chemistry that destroys leather.

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• #8Aug 9, 2025

  Is this sort of wear normal for Birkenstocks after 9 months of daily use?

  I don't think any cleaning is going to bring these back given the tears in the top layer and how extremely compressed the footbed looks (maybe OP is also somewhat overweight?). To avoid repeating this in the future (if it actually is because of sweaty feet) my bet would be to get two pairs and rotate between them so they have some chance at drying out. As for cleaning: my family has been wearing Birkenstocks for a ton as long as I can remember and I never heard of anyone cleaning the insoles like that. I don't think it should really be necessary? That said: have you tried using a suede eraser?

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• #9Aug 9, 2025

  Is this sort of wear normal for Birkenstocks after 9 months of daily use?

  No I’ve had mine for years

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• #10Aug 9, 2025

  What's the best BIFL item you own?

  My birkenstocks

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• #11Jul 10, 2025

  Are berkinstocks really bifl??

  Like others have said, shoes can’t be bifl, but the Birkenstocks are pretty good. I bought my first pair in 2020 they took me through college 4 years of college where I’d go weeks with solely wearing them. I’ve worn them on hikes, in showers (camping/gym) ,and every time I’ve gone to the beach (I’m 20minutes away and go almost twice a month). the grip on the bottom is pretty much completely smooth, but besides that they’re still holding up perfectly. I only bought a second pair this year of a lighter color just bc I wanted a pair that I wore with nice outfits (think summer in Italy vibes), but I have no doubt my first pair will last me another 4-5 years easy.

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• #12Jul 10, 2025

  What's everyone's go-to sneaker?

  My leather shoes and boots are all at 10+ years and in great condition, but I’ve never been able to get more than a few years out of sneakers when worn regularly. I usually rotate between a pair of classic Vans and a pair of Killshots for everyday casual wear. Hokas are probably the next shot for work shoes - curious to see how they hold up against Birkenstocks (chef). I have some Saucony trail runners that have held up really well under a lot of abuse for the last two years and have some mileage left - curious to see how long they last me. Unless I’m buying shoes for work, I refuse to pay full retail price in the US for shoes. I highly recommend everyone checks out r/frugalmalefashion. Some stud over there has been posting a shoe sale roundup every Sunday for years. It has pretty much become my single source for all shoe purchases and it’s saved me a ton of money on shoes I actually want. You just have to be patient and diligent in checking.

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• #13Jul 8, 2025

  Hiking sandals that aren’t disposable?

  a resole at my local shop for both birkenstocks and chacos was 80$ each. i elected to resole the birks (because leather) but just got a new pair of chacos. they did last me 7 years and i wear them daily in the summer and do a lot of walking at work

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• #14Jul 8, 2025

  What's are home office purchases you've made that have more than paid for themselves?

  Kind of a weird one, but I bought Birkenstocks 😂 I don’t wear shoes all day, and also wanted I could throw on quick to spend a few minutes outside. For the standing desk suggestions, I had thrifted a “balance board” before starting this job which now has a good daily use!

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• #15Jul 7, 2025

  Stuff you will continue buying for life

  Birkenstocks, Blundstones, Darn Tough socks, Icebreaker undies

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• #16Jul 6, 2025

  Walking Shoes Recommendation?

  Already own birkenstocks for sandals and clogs but a lot of people are mentioning new balance

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• #17Jul 6, 2025

  Walking Shoes Recommendation?

  Birkenstocks for everyday sandals, or Bedrock sandals if you want a pair of hiking sandals that can double-time as casual sandals Basic canvas sneakers (e.g. Converse) for quick and casual errands, or leather sneakers if you want something a bit smarter. I personally like Converse slip-ons (they look like laceless versions of the All-Stars) An inexpensive pair of Goodyear welted boots (e.g. Thursday Captain) for everything else. Just go Asian-style and wear socks or go barefoot indoors instead of dedicated "lounge shoes."

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• #18Jun 13, 2025

  Current BIFL sandal recommendations?

  Plus they can be re-soled and re-corked when they wear down. I had a pair of Birks that lasted me 20 years, new soles twice and new cork and sole once. I stopped wearing them when they went out of style but they are coming back.

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• #19Jun 13, 2025

  Current BIFL sandal recommendations?

  I wear my birks everyday. Going strong for 2+ yesrs.  I wear my decathlon sandals everyday from march to october. Really solid. Been four years. 

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• #20Jun 13, 2025

  Current BIFL sandal recommendations?

  Birks are still solid as long as you get the real leather ones. My wife has had hers for 5 years or so and they still look great and are worn very often.

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• #21Jun 13, 2025

  Buy It For Life "Stylish" Summer Sandals?

  Honestly I swear by my Birkenstocks. Bought a pair 10 years ago, wear them nearly every day, and I have only needed to get them re-soled like twice. Yes, I am a lesbian, why are you asking?

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• #22Jun 8, 2025

  Looking for durable mens shoes

  Definitely Birkenstocks for sandals

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• #23Jun 8, 2025

  Women’s sandals, berkenstock style in Larger sizes?

  Why not actual Birkenstocks? The women’s go up to a 12.5 and the men’s are identical for a lot of styles IIRC.

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• #24Jun 8, 2025

  Looking for durable mens shoes

  For daily wear a sneaker is just going to wear out. I walk a lot on city sidewalks, and the most durable daily driver soles I've found are Adidas Continental rubber soles and Brooks. But even those getting 5-6 months of 12,000+ steps is about as much useful life as you're gonna get. If you want them to last longer, you'll have to buy multiple pairs and rotate. I'm not a fan of Birkenstocks personally (on looks alone, I have no idea how they feel), but AIUI a good cobbler can resole and restore them.

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• #25Jun 7, 2025

  What is your most unintentional BIFL item?

  I've been wearing the same LLBean goose down parka and flannel lined waterproof mittens since 2011. I've been wearing the same pair of Birkenstocks sandals regularly since 2012. And I'm still driving the same car I did in 2009: A Chevy Aveo hatchback. The only thing that it's ever needed that wasn't normal wear-and-tear (tires, brake pads, etc) was a new air conditioning compressor or something like that. Other than that, it has been a workhorse and continues to chug along nicely.

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• #26Jun 6, 2025

  Best wide shoes for heavy folks (8+ hours standing)

  These aren't all cushiony but good for wide feet and proper toe spread! Topos or Altra (Altra is better looking but their foam wears out fast and they're zero drop so you may prefer Topro which has some puffy soled models), Superfeet inserts (go some place and be fitted), Lems primals, Redback boots with superfeet (way better than Blunnies now) or Birkenstocks (not cushiony but they do have some softsole models). You might find with a better fitting shoe you don't need as much cushion. Hope you find something good!

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• #27Jun 6, 2025

  Best wide shoes for heavy folks (8+ hours standing)

  Birkenstocks makes wide, comfortable shoes with soft cork insoles

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• #28May 10, 2025

  Top BIFL Household Items for Starting Over

  I am a sustainability educator and finding things that last are a bit part of that. I’ve done quite a bit of research on possible options. Some of these I have (*) while others have been HIGHLY recommended to me. I would still check out the brand as some people who have had their (insert brand name item that they got 15 years ago here) have said that quality has diminished in recent years and won’t last as long. Also if anyone has had bad experiences with any of these, please let me know! Kitchen: *Dualit kettle *Vitamix Stainless steel blender-this is so expensive we got it as a group wedding present but dang it’s nice for smoothies, sauces, even hot soup *OXO stainless steel bottle brush with replaceable heads *Metal cup for hot/cold liquids-Thermos, Kleen Kanteen, HydroFlask, Stanley, etc. *Metal tea strainer spoon for loose leaf *Silicone baking mat *Stainless steel, copper, or ceramic cookware - I have a baking sheet from 360 cookware and one pan from Caraway *Stainless steel mixing bowls *Metal or ceramic measuring spoons and cups -My spoons are shaped like geese and I got them for $10 at a thrift store *Wooden toaster tongs- CHANGED MY LIFE and my slightly burnt fingers *Stasher bags *Fiskar scissors *OXO metal strainer for pasta •Metal coffee makers -French press, percolator, Bialetti Moka Pot, Breville espresso machine, •Silicone or metal ice cube tray •Duralax glasses •Crockpot •Older PYREX glass food containers •Villeroy and boch plates, bowls, etc. •Dualit toaster •Pizza stone •Cast iron pan •Le creuset •Self sharpening knife block-“A dull knife is a dangerous knife” or learn how/where to sharpen -Victorinox, Cutco, Wustoff because warranties •Hardwood cutting board •Zojirushi rice maker •Kitchen aid stand Bathroom: *Wild deodorant case and refills (discount code: SUSTAINABLESIRENIAN) *Leaf safety razor *Sisal soap saver bag •Turkish or waffle weave towels- dry quicker take up less space, wears slower Office/School *Cross refillable pen *Rocket planner (they also have reusable sticky notes which is cool but I haven’t tried them) Laundry: *Dryer balls *Bags for more delicate stuff *Tip-unless it is nasty, cold water is fine, saves money, saves water, and doesn’t wear out your clothes as much *Basic Sewing kit and learn how to do basic patching or visible mending •Miele machines Clothes: *Darn tough socks •Older Levi jeans •Doc martens •Chacos •Rainbow sandals •Birkenstocks •Blundstone Outside things/wear: *Blunt umbrella *Xtra Tuff boots •Duluth Trading Co •Older things from LLBean •Older Carhartt •Gear from Osprey - “All mighty warranty” •Gear from Patagonia -“Ironclad guarantee” also they have “Worn wear” which is used gear that were great or they refurbished it •Canada goose coats and parkas •CamelBak •Maglite •Western Mountaineering Sleeping Bags •Red wing boots •White duck canvas tarp •Yeti coolers •SmartWool Misc. *Lupine Pet Collars and leashes •Goughnuts dog toys •Zippo lighters •Briggs and Riley luggage •Swiss army knife •Leatherman tool •Otterbox phone cases •Big Green Egg Grill •GoRuck •Henry the vacuum •Coop’s, Casper, Purple, or Buckwheat pillows •BOTE paddle board •Le Cord •Williams and Sonoma •Tweezerman •Craftsman tools •Saddleback leather co •fjallraven backpacks •Eley garden hose •Felco shears •Vermont Glove •Hori Hori garden knife I hope this helps

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• #29Apr 9, 2025

  What is the longest lasting house slipper?

  I have indoor Birkenstocks as well; bought them when I had plantar fasciitis for the arch support and loved them ever since (I'm wearing them now). I have the fuzzy inside version so they're plenty warm with socks (I can't wear them w/o socks). I'm considering getting a pair of either Oofos or Crocs for summer though.

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• #30Apr 9, 2025

  Long time shoes for flat feet

  See if their GP or an Orthopäde would be willing to prescribe insoles (orthopädische Einlagen). Then take the Rezept to a Sanitätshaus to have them custom-made. If you're looking for brands... Winter is tricky, because shoes with "zero drop" work best and boots usually have a heel. For sneakers, New Balance (e.g. 574) are a little wider than normal and incredibly comfortable and lightweight. Birkenstocks quality has decreased in recent years and they're overpriced imo, but I highly recommend them nevertheless! I think all of their shoes have the typical Birkenstock insole which offers a lot of support. GREAT for sandals, since you can't wear your orthopedic insoles in those ;) Otherwise a lot of the "öko" brands are said to be wider than normal: Bär/Baer, Think!,... All the best!

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• #31Apr 9, 2025

  Items that made your life so much easier/saved time?

  Birkenstocks for daily wear. Electric kettle A good dressing table. Before this I never had a dressing table. And now o have all my make up, perfumes, jewellery and everything u need to get ready in one place with a mirror. And honestly, game changer. A stick on stand for my glasses in the bathroom near the sink. I don’t have a lot of space on the sink table so this is truly helpful. No more water splashes on my glasses

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• #32Apr 9, 2025

  What is the longest lasting house slipper?

  Absolutely love Glerups. Glerups for inside, Birkenstocks outside.

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• #33Feb 8, 2025

  Are there comfortable house sandals in this style that I don't have to replace every six months?

  Birkenstocks for sure. They make the best slippers and sandals.

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• #34Feb 5, 2025

  Black non slip work shoes for walking all day

  You obviously don’t work on your feet. I’ll basically pay any amount of money I have to in order to have happy feet after 9 hours of standing. You are soooo much better off paying a few hundred bucks for real shoes than a cheap pair of shoes where your feet are screaming every second you’re at work. Pass. Buy redwings, buy whites, buy Birkenstocks, buy Mephistos, buy something good, you’re going to be wearing them a lot, might as well be comfortable.

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• #35Feb 5, 2025

  Black non slip work shoes for walking all day

  Get Birkenstocks, super birki or profi birki. If you want something less ugly you’ll have so spend more. Mephisto shoes are the best I’ve found balancing comfort with good materials without getting absurdly expensive.

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• #36Jan 10, 2025

  I have Tourette’s Syndrome. Help me find a BIFL shoe or boot?

  Birkenstocks last forever and can have the soles replaced- well at least mine were great when I bought them thirty years ago but I wonder if the newer versions are not as high quality

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• #37Jan 6, 2025

  Request: mens' indoor/occasional quick outdoor slippers that are warm and good at wicking moisture (and aren't LL Bean Wicked Good)

  Birkenstocks Boston Wool. Mine have gotten a lot of damage after a few years, especially in the wool, but they’re infinitely repairable.

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