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 hiking 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 a Vegan, but from the eye of a newfound window of extreme comfort. Let me explain. The Birkenstock Non-Leather Alternatives sandals are 50% lighter than the leather shoe version and they''re softer and silkier on your foot, too! Here''s why: Birko-Flor. Birko-Flor synthetic uppers are made of acrylic and polyamid (a polymercontaining repeated amide groups, as found in nylon) felt fibers. Birko-Flor is an oil-derivative and its polymid fibers hiking 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 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 shoe versions without looking cheap.

I strongly suggest you drop down a size if you decide to get a pair of the Birki Professional Clogs -- they run really, hiking really, big. While that may be the shoe style of a clog, if you''re hiking like me, you won''t like the slipping and swimming your foot will do in these clogs if you order the same shoe size you wear as in, say, the Non-Leather Alternative hiking style. If you wear a 42, buy a 41. I promise you''ll shoe feel safer and more secure even though these Professional Clogs are designed to wear big.There''s no glue to be found, so that issue is not applicable to these clogs. The Birki''s Professional Clog will cost you around $72.00 on the street. Birkenstock House Clog The Birkenstock House Clog is warm and wonderful and it is made of Birko-Felt. The Birko-Felt uppers have the look and feel of cashmere or soft suede on your foot while being animal-friendly and animal-free. This felt-like House Clog is the perfect shoe for wearing around the home because of its pure comfort and smart design.You won''t need a sock on the coldest days since more than half of your foot is kept warm and succulent in the Birko-Felt orum.The House Clog is so warm, in fact, that you feet can start to sweat if you exercise in these good looking foot huggers.

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