The real test of good shoes is their everyday endurance over an extended period of time. I live on the mean streets of New York and The City is notorious for destroying shoes! We walk everywhere and curbs and steps and bike messengers and busses and grime and doggy dung all help promote the early death of many a pair of shoes. I''ll update this review as time goes (second brown sandal from the left) and I must say they are better in every way than the old leather version I used to wear during my university days. I say this not from the point of view of hiking a Vegan, but from the eye of a newfound window of extreme comfort. Let me explain. The boot Birkenstock Non-Leather Alternatives sandals are 50% lighter than the leather hiking version and they''re softer and silkier on your foot, too! Here''s why: Birko-Flor. Birko-Flor synthetic uppers boot are made of acrylic and hiking polyamid (a polymercontaining repeated amide groups, as found in nylon) felt fibers. Birko-Flor is an oil-derivative and its polymid fibers are tightly spun to create a soft fabric that rides against your foot while a smooth, leather-like, finish brags on the outside. This combination makes for a super-strong, sharp-looking and soft sandal!Birko-Flor boot will not stretch, it is waterproof (beware that since it "breathes" it will take awhile to entirely dry) and they''re cheaper than the leather versions without looking cheap.

Most sandals are made to last one, maybe two seasons at the most. Birkenstocks, on the other hand, are made to last a long time. Quality materials give Birkenstocks durability and long lasting good looks. The reparability of footwear extends the life of the shoes, making this investment even more sound. With proper care and maintenance you can make your hiking Birkenstocks last for years. Birkenstocks are an investment for your feet. Why do Birkenstocks look wide? They look wider than most shoes because the design follows the natural shape of the foot. Many hoe styles feature a narrow toe area, which not only compresses the toes, but throws the foot out of alignment. The shape boot of Birkenstocks guides the toes and feet into correct alignment so the weight is evenly distributed and good posture is possible. Will Birkenstocks make my feet spread? hiking shoes will not give your feet a new shape! Feet that have been squeezed into traditional shoes may resume their original boot natural shape, depending on the flexibility of your feet.

©2003 www.boots-hiking.com. All rights reserved.