When I travel, I count on long days walking as much I can. For me, it’s the best way to see a city. Just looking back on my trip in April, I averaged between seven and fifteen miles a day. On cobblestone streets, thin soled shoes just don’t cut it. So, I always make sure I have incredibly comfortable options to get me through the day pain free. In the cooler months, I’ll resort to lug soled boots, but come summer, I prefer a sandal.
Birkenstocks may not be everyone’s favorite, but I love mine. They always go with me on summer trips. Last August, while traveling throughout Scandinavia and Amsterdam, some of the most stylish women were wearing them with dresses, skirts, cropped pants…basically everything.
I’ve avoided the 70’s hippie vibe they often project by choosing colors, patterns or textures that are interesting and chic. I have the Arizona slide in silver metallic, a leopard print, and a sheepskin lined suede. Newly on my radar are the brown stamped croc, top image, or the red satin above – part of the Birkenstock x Il Dolce Far Niente collaboration.
Tatiana C
Thank you for this post. I too have the silver metallic ones and wish I had them with me on our recent trip to Spain and Italy. I truly look forward to your posts and have ordered several things you’ve highlighted. I loved the Frame off white safari-sequel jacket. Unfortunately the one sent to me was very large and I had to return.
Karima
Thank you Tatiana. Too bad the Frame jacket was too big. It can be so frustrating waiting for an order to arrive only to find it doesn’t fit. If I really love something, I’ll order 2 sizes to be safe.
Wendy
Just bought the silver ones. LOVE! Will travel with them everywhere. I’m eyeing the croc ones now too….
Karima
Me too. They’re pretty versatile.
Kim
Always love your posts, Karima, and I’m such a huge fan of Birks. Several years ago, my husband and I were in Rome and I had brought along a pair of sneaker style walking shoes to manage the cobbled streets, but within hours, I was miserable. As we were walking past, Chanel, Dolce, Armani, there it was…Birkenstock. I was saved! I bought the cutest pair of black lizard Arizona’s that I wore for the rest of the trip. We were just in Dubai and I brought a pair grey-beige calf hair Arizona’s. Perfect.
Karima
That’s all it takes! One frustrating experience where travel plans take a back seat because walking is too miserable. I learned early on how uncomfortable shoes can ruin a trip. Now, when I pack, the shoes are always the starting point.