Has anyone tried BOTH Danskos and Birkenstocks?

Marie_LPN, RN, LPN, RN · Dec 29, 2005

This isn't an easy question to answer, since everyone's feet are different.

The Danskos were better, since the Birkenstocks created blisters on my arches

Indy, LPN, LVN · Dec 29, 2005

I don't do well with change, so that's why I'm asking. Birkenstocks sound like they'd have been wonderful if they were the first things I bought, since I used to only wear flat shoes. I'm leery of going back to a flat style since having spent the last six months in danskos.

markjrn · Dec 29, 2005

I know, another shoe thread. I love my danskos, with that kind of love you reserve for things that always work and never let ya down. My coworker has some birkenstocks that I feel this compulsion to try just 'cause they look good. Yes, I know better than to spend $120 on shoes just for that reason. My DH is appalled that this even crosses my mind.
So, I looked up their site. Footbed has some similarities and one big difference: Danskos sit you up on the toe a bit, with a rocker bottom, and Birkenstocks seem to have a very flat bottom and a deep heel cup.
Has anyone tried both that can tell me how they compare on the feet, for 12 hour shifts?
-Indy

Both me and the DW say that Birkenstocks are better. Actually, she tried on another pair of Danskos on the 26th, and said that they just can't compare to the Birkenstocks. I agree.

But to each their own.

suzanne4, RN · Dec 29, 2005

It depends on what you feel comfortable with. I have used Super Birkies for years, and it is all that I use. You can purchase new innersoles for them, when the cork wears out. I love the different colors and probably have more than 15 pairs of them. Would not consider anything else. Started wearing them in the OR, and would never change.

But again, you need to see what will work for your foot.

I also suggest that you have at least two pairs of shoes to rotate between, it will help save the shoe, as well as your feet.

CardioTrans, BSN, RN · Dec 29, 2005

I have both. I used to swear by Birkenstocks. I still only wear them when Im off. I wear Dansko at work all the time. The rocker bottom works well for me. Each person is different, just my experience. The Birkenstocks do not hold up well during 12 hr shifts in a busy ICU. My knees would swell. If Im not on my feet all day, then they are great.

I thought I wouldnt like the Dansko because of them being hard. Thought that I would pay for it with my knees, but my knees have never hurt or swelled when I wear them. Birkenstocks have to be broken in. If you do buy them, take you an extra pair of shoes to work with you to change. Because of the high arch in them, about 3 hrs into your shift your feet will hurt until they are broken in.

After wearing Birks and Dansko, I cant wear anything else now. I have retired my Nikes to the back of my closet.

Catedi · Dec 30, 2005

Now here is a subject that I know well! I used to work at a store in the Hippy/Artists section of cleveland, that sold them. Dansko are a less expensive line of Birkenstocks. They have something like 7 or 8 product lines. Birki's, Birkenstock, Footprints, Alpro, Betula, etc... I have at least Ten pairs of Birkenstocks! Well worth every penny! Some of mine, with the orriginal style sole, are 20 years old! (the orriginal, flat style sole is replacable for about $10 a shoe) Swear to my higher power, the leather is nearly indestructable, and my 20 year old pairs look not a day over 6 months! No joke) Absolutly, hands down, the best! The footbed works as an orthotic. It will mold to your feet. They also make most of thier popular styles in and Orthopedic version, which has a softer footbed for those who don't want to break them in. For nurses, I recommend the Alpro line. Here are two websites for them. The first is an american site. They have a 90 day buyback, no questions asked, garrentee, for those who are shy about spending so much on a shoe, without knowing how it will feel. WWW.Footprints.com This other one is a German Site. I'm pretty sure it's Birkenstocks actual company site. Very reputable, and the best price you will find anywhere, with free world shipping too. Just set the country currancy to USA, and prices will come up in us dollars. Just a reminder. the sizes are Euro sizes. I am a 8 1/2, so my Euro is a 39, Except for their Footprints line, which runs small, so I'm a 40. Try them and you will never want anything else. I cant wait to start clinicals, just for an excuse to buy anouther pair! I have my eye on the Alpro C110. Too Cute! Enjoy! Hope that helps. One moe thing, I've had knee surgery on both knees, and one acl replacment, and I have no trouble with being on my feet all day. Use the 90 day buyback site to check them out, you wont be disapointed. WWW.gobuyeurope.com

moosicle · Dec 30, 2005

I used to work in a shoe store that specialized in shoes for people with foot pain/problems.

According to the podiatrists we worked with, Dansko's are good for people with heel pain or plantar fasciitis. They are also good for preventing heel pain or discomfort.

Birkenstock are good for people with large arches; they have great arch support.

I personally favor Dansko when it comes to comfort (except the first week or so).

Ruby Vee, BSN · Dec 30, 2005

both me and the dw say that birkenstocks are better. actually, she tried on another pair of danskos on the 26th, and said that they just can't compare to the birkenstocks. i agree.
but to each their own.

and for me, the danskos are infinitely better. i think it depends a lot on your individual foot.

ruby

CyndieRN2007 · Dec 30, 2005

I have bought some birkenstocks from Ebay for much less than 120 dollars, brand new. So, if you are thinking about the switch, I would go there.

ZZTopRN, BSN, RN · Dec 30, 2005

I have Danskos. I really love them, but since they do not feet your feet snugly, (not supposed to) I can't run in and have to be careful on stairs. I was running down the hall one day and fell. The looseness and flexibility for movement are great, but you can fall with them.

Indy, LPN, LVN · Dec 30, 2005

Well I've never fallen when running in my danskos (thanks to telemetry monitors I do some running... ) but I can't step sideways in them predictably. Sometimes a sidestep will get me a turned ankle. That doesn't usually hurt but I'm 37 and thinking that if I do it enough it might hurt eventually. The other thing the danskos with the strap on the back do, is the strap catches the lip of the chairs at the nurse station and picks them up a little, sometimes the chairs turn over when I get up. I'm not buying those strappy things again.

I didn't have heel pain per se, just my whole feet hurt before getting danskos, up to about the third day in them. Now I'm a little sore after 12 hours but a shower, or a couple minutes rubbing them, and they are fine.

Maybe I'll get some just to have an alternate, I like the alpro mary jane style thing... it's way cute.