Women’s Birkenstock Gizeh sandals review | Comfortable hit or clunky fail?

Last Updated on October 8, 2023 by Eve Dawes

I put the Birkenstock Gizeh sandals to the test, did I sacrifice style in the hopes of comfort for no reason?

Women’s Birkenstock sandals or more specifically the Birkenstock Gizeh sandals were never on my radar or wish list. As I always thought Birkenstock sandals were the next ugliest brand next to Crocs. However, after lots of walking in the heat and humidity this Summer and endless blisters from my slides I caved in. The white leather Birkenstock Gizeh big buckle sandals were the best of the bunch style wise, so they’re the ones I ended up buying. There’s also the Birkenstock Gizeh EVA sandals if you’re looking for a more lightweight, waterproof pair. More about their differences later on. If I’m going to sacrifice style for comfort and function, they better hold up to their reputation. So did they? Here’s my honest thoughts in this women’s Birkenstocks sandals review. As well as some Birkenstock sale finds.

This post contains gifted items and affiliate links.

Since 1774, Birkenstock continues to attract customers with their long-lasting dedication to a comfortable and supportive shoe. First introduced into the US market in 1966, the company with the iconic jute footbed is safely handcrafted and manufactured in Germany, with the finest quality, sustainable, and natural materials.

Revolve

Birkenstock Gizeh big buckle sandals initial thoughts

My first thoughts on these women’s sandals or flip flops were that they weren’t as ugly as I thought they might be. I wouldn’t say these thongs are necessarily cute or stylish but they’re not ugly. I was also really impressed with the fit. The reviews say that this style runs true to size so I ordered a size 37 and they were spot on.

I can’t normally wear flip flops as my feet spill off the sides so one major bonus of these women’s Birkenstock sandals is that they have moulded edges which keep your feet in place! Its such a great design concept that I’ve never seen.

So at first glance and trying them on, I’m impressed but let’s see how comfortable they are when I actually start walking around in them.

Birkenstock Gizeh big buckle review one week later

The sole on Birkenstock sandals is what’s supposed to really set them apart. Each one of their classic footbeds is made with 4 layers. They’re all designed to create this brands superior comfort and construction.

With the Gizeh or any cork style of Birkenstocks, the cork layer is designed to be shock-absorbing, flexible and to relieve pressure on the foot. The other 3 layers are designed to improve the shoe’s flexibility, shape, and stability. I have to say I didn’t experience any pain on the soles of my feet while wearing these.

My 2 biggest issues the first week with them was that the leather rubbed in one place creating a friction blister. However, reviews do say that there is a breaking in period like there is with a lot of leather shoes.

Secondly, I don’t know if I just got a faulty pair, which I’m guessing I did as it only happened on one side but the buckle kept lifting up on one sandal rather than laying flat like it did on the other one.

I’m going to break them in more over the next month and update this along with a video review.

Women’s Birkenstock sandals review

I’ve been putting these women’s Birkenstock sandals to the test for the last couple of month’s to see if they’re really as comfortable as all of the hype. They’re not known for being the most stylish sandals but they are known for their comfort.

So are they worth it? Here’s everything you need to know about Birkenstock Women’s Gizeh Big Buckle Sandals unboxing, sizing, comfort and my honest thoughts.

Women’s Birkenstock sandals hit or miss?

Pros and cons of the Gizeh flip flops:

Pros

• They’re actually pretty cute as far as flip flops and Birkenstocks go.
• The moulded footbed keeps feet in place.
• Durable.
• Not a bad price point for the quality.

Cons

• I wouldn’t feel safe driving in them as the soles too thick.
• There is a breaking in period to soften the leather.

Personally, I didn’t find them as comfortable as I’d hoped and find my Steve Madden white slides more stylish and comfortable. Plus they’re easier to drive in and take up less space in my luggage. So these have been gathering dust but I know lots of people love them. Revolve offer free shipping and returns if you want to try them for yourself.

Birkenstock Gizeh sandals specs

Some more facts, details and specs on these women’s Birkenstock sandals:

• Pebbled leather upper with EVA sole
• Genuine suede lining and smooth leather footbed
• Adjustable buckle straps
• Anatomically shaped cork-latex footbed
• Made in Germany
• Come in wide and regular fit

Shop women’s Birkenstock sandals

These are the best prices I could find for both the Birkenstock Gizeh and Birkenstock Gizeh EVA sandals in lots of different colors from neutrals to pretty pastels and metallics. Including lots of Birkenstock sale finds and both big buckle and normal buckle styles.

If you shop from Italist, be sure to use code RF-220X-D9218D at checkout to be entered to win $500.

What’s the difference between Birkenstock Gizeh and Gizeh Eva flip flops

At first glance the Birkenstock Gizeh and Gizeh Eva flip flops look the same or at least really similar but there are a couple of key differences. Yes, they both have the same ergonomic contouring on the footbed and large buckle adjustable straps.

However, the Birkenstock Gizeh Essentials EVA flip flops are made from lightweight and flexible EVA versus the Birkenstock Gizeh sandals which are made from their signature leather and cork construction with metal details. This makes the Birkenstock Gizeh EVA about half the weight of the original style making them perfect for packing.

The EVA flip flops are also a lot more affordable (about half the price unless you find the other style in a Birkenstock sale). Which makes them ideal for the beach or pool when you don’t have to worry about getting them wet or damaging them, etc as the Gizeh EVA are waterproof. They also don’t have the breaking in period that the leather style has.

So if you’re looking for a lightweight, waterproof, washable, shock-proof pair that are more affordable the Gizeh EVA flip flops are your best bet. Whether that’s for the beach, pool, garden, gym showers or spa. If you’re looking for a more classic, smarter style the classic leather Gizeh sandals are a better bet.

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