Birkenstock

Mayari Oiled Leather

Women's

I have been wearing Birkenstock shoes for decades, first in Europe, than in the US. The Mayari Oiled Leather (Tobacco Brown) I received today from Zappos came in a clear, generic plastic bag inside a Zappos polymailer. That was the first red flag, as Birkenstock shoes come in Birkenstock boxes, never buckled, and with proper paperwork and tags inside their boxes. They were also already fully buckled and set to the smallest width, which left ugly marks on the straps that would be seen at any other settings. Finally, and by far the most confusing bit, was the size. I have always worn the 38 and I just tried this shoe at a local store this week (just in a different color). The shoes I received state that they are the size 38, but they are tiny. At least a size shorter and narrower, with straps so small they were hurting my big toe on their largest setting. Needless to say, they're going back. I contacted customer service (via chat) to inquire about whether it's possible these shoes were fake. The first representative was not particularly interested in helping and kept trying to assure me that shoes sometimes get shipped in bag, and the disconnected chat when I wanted reassurance that I'm paying $130 for a pair of genuine Birkenstock sandals. The second customer service representative was helpful and I am giving Zappos a second chance. I'll report back when the second pair arrives.

I wear US size 7.5, Regular width footwear. I got my Birkenstocks to be size 37 Regular width which fits perfectly. Note: I did try 38, but it was way too large, which I had to exchange for a 37 Regular.

I got the black oiled leather in size 38 reg width which is my normal size in Birkenstocks even though I wear a size 8 shoe, my feet are narrow in the heel but I need for my toes to spread out and these fit perfectly. I was worried about the toe strap as I had surgery on my right big toe and it is 1/2" smaller than the left and I can no longer wear sandals with a strap between my toes, but because the leather is so soft and is curved just the right way, they do not hurt my toe. Very stylish for Birks and I'm excited to wear them!!!

This is my eighth pair of Birkenstock Mayari. If you get the right size (sometimes a challenge), I honestly do not see how they can not be comfortable for you right out of the box. The straps are adjustable, the toe-loop is soft, and there's plenty of room everywhere. About the size...according to Birkenstock, I should wear a 38 EU which they say is equal to my usual US size of 7-7.5. I got a 38 once, enjoyed wearing it well enough, but then subsequently ordered a 37 and found that it fit me much better. Seven pairs later, I'm sticking with this major sandal success!!