Women's Gizeh Sandals

About this item

Synthetic Upper
Leather Insole
EVA sole
Natural Cork Footbed
Iconic Birkenstock Pattern Outsole

• Judy Smith

  I like the shoes, they were even better than expected.

• Angie C.

  First of all, the Gizeh's (mocha color) I ordered and recieved are authentic. I was leary to purchase these Birks online as I am aware that there are "knock offs" also being sold online from what I have read. So, I made sure to order them under a shipped and sold Amazon supplier that covered them with Amazon's easy and free return policy (just in case).Second, I have owned Birkenstocks throughout the years but it's been over 10 since I last purchased them. My shoe closet currently has a pair of Boston's that I bought over 10 years ago for work in the medical field and my Arizona's that I bought probably 20 years ago but they both have their footbed sizes worn off. I couldn't remember what size I wore in Birks and during these Covid times didn't feel it necessary to travel out just to get sized at a retailer's shop.My dilemma is that I tend to vary in shoe sizes depending on the brand. In Calvin Klein heels I am a 9.5, Nine West I'm a 10M, and any Vince Camuto shoe I'm a 42.Nike running shoes I typically range anywhere between sizes 9 and 10 depending on the material or stretch and with Vans I'm a solid 9.5.The issue here is that with open toe sandals you really do need to get your size right so your toes aren't hanging over the front lip or your heel over the back but flip flops for me have always been purchased in store and tried on first. Plus, the correct sizing is even more crucial with Birkenstocks in order to enjoy the benefits of their legendary footbeds so I went with size 40 knowing I could return if I needed.They arrived in a genuine Birkenstock blue box with their logo wrapped over top and side, success story and labels.Fist thing I looked for was that the deep heel cup, arch support and raised toe bar. The Gizeh has it all.So far so good. All the correct Birkenstock markings on the footbed were there and soles have their patenered hourglass pattern with "Birk" stamped in them. Their name is also stamped on the birko-floor straps themselves which, I can physically run my finger over and feel.After thoroughly checking I am comfortable saying that these are genuine Birkenstocks. At least the ones that I received are. If you are in question, I would suggest you google search what to look for when authenticating Birkenstocks.The color mocha is depicted accurately in the advertising. The upper stap is lined with a light fleece material that is very soft and comfortable on the tops and sides of my feet. I haven't felt any sign or discomfort of the strap "rubbing" on the tops or bridges of my feet at all.These sandals are indeed extremely light weight which is a standard for all Birkenstocks.The toe split (or whatever it's called) is a pretty heavy duty plastic but also very flexible. It seems sturdy and is securely anchored into the cork footbed.When I first put these shoes on right out of the box, my immediate concern was that the web area between by big toe and second toe where the "toe split" is anchored would be a major problem for me. I took a few steps in them and felt my feet slide forward slightly which obviously pushed the plastic toe piece into the web and really hurt! I was thinking they would definitely need to be returned and it really bummed me out!However, I questioned whether my feet should be sliding forward in these at all and realized I hadn't adjusted the straps yet. So, I tightened up the side buckles on the straps and ended up buckling them with a fairly snug fit. In fact, I have them on the second hole. Like I said, the strap was pretty snug but after a day and a half of wearing them, the strap has loosened just a bit but the footbed has already started to mold to my feet so that issue has been eliminated and I'm delighted!I think this adjustment is very important. After I adjusted, the plastic toe split barely touches the web between my toes so there's no pain whatsoever.Also, I've noticed that my toes themselves don't have to grip the soles like they do automatically in regular flip flops to stay on. I have definitely noticed over the years that my feet would cramp at night from wearing flip flops which I have just attributed to the toe gripping and figured it to be something I'd have to just live with during the flip flop months.I have a feeling that these Gizeh's will stop that issue.For me personally, these are so comfortable, lightweight and adorable I will likely be purchasing in another color. I give them an easy 5 stars.*Tips*1. Be sure to play around with buckle adjustment to help fit them correctly. The toe split shouldn't cause you pain if they are adjusted right and your toes should naturally sit or bend over the toe bar on the footbed.2. Birkenstock shoe boxes have an actual foot measurement on the inside of the upper box lid. If you get a pair and ordered the wrong size, I would encourage you to use the measuring tool to get your proper size and width for your replacement order before your return. It has the instructions listed next to the measurement tool and is easy.All in all, I lucked out when I ordered mine. I went with size 40 (9-9.5) and they fit perfectly!I hope you all enjoy these as much as I am and that this is helpful for some who may be buying their first pair of Birkenstocks.

• poeticcarrma

  I absolutely love this style. The cozy / soft underside of the strap has prevented blisters or rubbing when the sandals are new. My feet tend to blister really easily too, esp. in hot weather.The style is a narrower cut, even in the non-narrow option, so for those of us women with long narrow feet they are a great style, because the narrower foot bed and also the long narrow strap up the center, really shows off a long lean foot and may even inspire a little pedicure treat!I have been wearing this exact style and colour of Birkenstock sandal for nearly a decade. This pair is my third pair, which speaks to how long they last! In fact, you can see in one of my photos my five-year-old pair. Other than adding cork sealant (see MAINTENANCE below) I have not had any updates to soles or cork. They are still holding together beautifully and super comfy, but a are being relegated to garden and chicken-yard use now. :)I tend to wear a US size 12 and the 43 is perfect, remembering they do compress with wear, so your feet with "snuggle" down into the foot bed with time. That said, you do NOT want your toes to press out over the front ridge, or your heel the back as this will wear on the structure of the sandal.As far as Birkenstocks as a brand, I find they've maintained their quality over the years--hooray! And the price on this product was wonderful.MAINTENANCE:The one item you might want to have on hand is cork sealer to repaint on the sides of the cork footbed a time or two every season, this keeps the cork sealed and moist so it doesn't split and dry out. I have always used Kelly's Cork Renew and it's worked great, though there are lots of options out there. Just follow the instructions on the bottle, and be sure that that includes really letting the seal dry before taking them out for a walk, I'd recommend overnight (10-12 hours).

• jayvee

  Fits great. Feels great. Looks great.

• Shadow Hand

  First off, I love Birkenstock Gizeh sandals. They're the only things I wear during the hotter months. These (iride strong red) are my third pair and they fit just as every other pair I own- consistent and perfect for my feet.Now, for the fit, they have a moderately high arch support, which is helpful as my feet are nearly flat. The thong part doesn't irritate my toes or the top of my foot, though there is a short breaking-in period where things adjust. With time, the cork bottom does mold to the shape of your foot and if anything, they become more and more comfortable with every year. Also, they hold up to rather aggressive wear.Size-wise, they run large. I'm a size 7 in boots, size 6 1/2 in sandals. However, in Gizehs, I'm a 5-5 1/2 (size 36 in Euro). So yes, you'll want to size down.For those interested in this specific color (iride strong red), think Dorothy's ruby slippers. Yes, they sparkle, but they come off as appearing a darker red. The top part of the leather is definitely shiny but the bottom part (that comes into contact with the top of your foot) is regular leather texture like other Gizehs.All in all, I am very satisfied with these sandals, and I will keep coming back for other colors as long as they offer them.

• Julie G

  I think this is my 4th pair. I love these sandals. They are so comfy. I have high arches and issues with my ankles and Achilles. A lot of sandals aggravate that but not these!

• debimustard

  I have been wanting a sandal that I could travel in and feel comfortable in and I think these will be it! I went to a Birkenstock store and talked to a woman who has been wearing and selling them for 30 years and is a big believer. She told me that there are two styles of softness in the sole- the blue detail indicates that the sole is softer and the yellow detail is firmer and more traditional. She explained that while the softer sole initially is more comfortable, it doesn't last long. She noted that after you break in the harder sole, it molds to your feet more than the softer and is ultimately more comfortable! She said that they do need to be broken in and it takes the heat from your feet and the weight of your body to make them the amazing shoes everyone raves about. I am a 39/8.5 and I got a 38. I am a 39 in Dansko normally. Update: One year later I bought my second pair and I cannot say enough about these! They are so comfortable that I wear them every day- not kidding. I bought a new pair that I can wear with dresses! My feet never hurt and my sciatica is gone too!Pros:Sturdy, good for posture and correcting your step, durable, comfortable (in the future!) and cute!Cons:Takes time to break in, the piece between the toes is plastic and uncomfortable (I am hoping this will get better)

• Christopher P. Denherder

  Birkenstocks take about 2 good wears to break in, but after that, they're golden for years and years. I've had the knock-off's before, still do, but these are my favorites by far. They get worn 10 times as much as the knock-off ones and look 10 times better. I'm no mathematician, but that's got to be a good thing!

• Gayatri Johnson

  Fits perfect! Size chart is on point. Great quality!

• Singsing

  What’s not to love about a birkenstock. Introduced my aunt to the world of comfort with this pair and she loved it.