I really need to get this niggling thought off my chest.

Been feeling this way for quite a while and thought I’d let it all go here. I’ve been dying to say something about the controversial orthopedic shoe that has been permeating the footwear trend as of late.

I THINK BIRKENSTOCKS, FITFLOPS AND CROCS ARE DOWNRIGHT UGLY.

There, I said it. I feel much better now.

Disclaimer – I sincerely hope you keep an open mind, instead of being offended by what I’m about to say – especially if you’re a fan of these shoes. I know how sensitive or defensive some may be!

This would be akin to opening a can of worms so I apologize in advance should you be offended 🙁

Bear in mind that this is only my personal opinion and individual taste that you so happen to read. You probably have your opinion too – do share!

I want to know what you think. 

To quench my curiosity, I’ve even done a survey with a sample size of 100 people of random demographics.

Eww. Just, no.

Do they REALLY like its design or are they wearing it just for ergonomic purposes?

I know comfort definitely plays a huge part. But a vast majority of you answered that you really think it looks awesome! Here are the results from the data I’ve tabulated.

I’ve often asked myself, what exactly do I not like about it? 

There’s no answer. I just think they’re horrendous and not something I would choose to wear if I had the choice.

But I don’t. At least not anymore.

The soles of my feet have been killing me lately. I’ve tried everything from foot massages/reflexology and walking on pebbled paths to massaging my feet by myself. Nothing worked. I blame this on the ludicrously high heels I strut in.

So after months of contemplation, research and utmost reluctance, I decided to get a pair of Birkenstocks – only because I needed an orthopedic  shoe to aid my poor, aching feet. Groan. 

I didn’t want something that every Tom, Dick and Harry is wearing so I chose these babies instead.

Pretty colour combination. Somehow, it appears to look rather sweet.

The footbed is the original Birkenstock footbed – featuring a pronounced arch support, deep heel cup, and roomy toe box.

The footbed molds and shapes to your foot. Now it has my footprint embedded in it!

Pointlessly showing you the soles of my new Birkies.

They’re pink and pretty so I guess that is, in itself, a point made.

Trying to get used to seeing something I absolutely detest on my own feet.

The colour scheme made it easier for me to attempt liking it.

The upper material is a fully adjustable strap made of acrylic and polyamide felt fibers.

This material is a soft fabric with a smooth leather-like finish.

I swear, every single step felt like my feet were being massaged and kneaded.

Well worth my 300 bucks!

The sole material is called the EVA sole. It is flexible, lightweight, durable and shock absorbing.

 Oh, hey! Look. The buttons even matches my pastel pink toenails.

 Extra brownie points for it, I reckon! 

Maybe I like you after all.

For the inquisitive, mine are the White Patent Birko-Flor Gizeh.

It has been two weeks since I’ve worn them and I must say, quite sheepishly, these babies have begun to grow onto me. 

Magically, my feet no longer hurt. The arch support does wonders for your feet – I kid you not!

Whilst browsing, I also considered the FitFlops.

The ones I saw on display were just chunky and downright horrible, in my opinion. And I couldn’t see myself buying a pair of aesthetically-lacking footwear despite how comfortable they are.

But for the record, I’ve tried and tested them – FitFlops are comfortable too.

I’ve personally seen a few friends wearing rather visually-arresting FitFlops. They were attractive but why don’t I see them on display anymore? Have they been completely sold out? REVEAL YOURSELF!

Whilst in the store, these were the only ones, to me, that I think I would actually be caught wearing.

Not bad, right? Why don’ they have a variety for those who want both comfort and style?

Crocs, on the other hand, has been a thing in my family.

There are altogether approximately 15 pairs of Crocs in my household. I personally think they look like boats on my feet.

But the best thing about Crocs nowadays is how they’ve designed their newer models to NOT LOOK LIKE the typical undesirable-looking Crocs.

I’ve seen the ones that look like Converse, street-styled sneaker-like ones and rather rugged boots for the guys as well as cute flats to high-heeled ones for girls.

Good job to the R&D team! 

Check out the related posts I wrote about Crocs in 2010 here and here.

***

So that was it, my thoughts between Birkenstock, FitFlop and Crocs.

I own and have worn all of them and if you were to ask me to compare the most comfortable? I’d tell you that it really all depends on what you’re looking for or what kind of feeling/pressure you would like to feel at the soles of your feet. 

In brief comparison:

Birkenstocks are harder. The more you wear it, the more it moulds to your feet.

FitFlops feel like you’re walking on bouncy sponge.

Crocs are just rubbery and snug. And it does cure flat-feet.

The price range for these three brands is more or less similar. A little pricey (from RM250-RM500), but if you’re paying for more than just something you’d wear on your feet, I’d say you’re definitely getting your money’s worth.

A penny for your thoughts, perhaps?

Just the other day when I was supposed to meet a friend up at Ikano Power Center, I arrived unexpectedly earlier than the agreed time 😀

That's rarely the case for me but oh well, it gave me the extra time to go shopping!

So I walked around and ended up in Crocs. Saw some pretty cute flats; ya know those Ballerina-looking flat shoes which every girl seem to be wearing now?

I NEVER liked it initially cos I've always thought it made people look short and squat. UNTIL I saw my bestie Joyce wearing them and it looked pretty fine on her. So I thought "Ohhh, alrighttt. I'll prolly give it a try"

Mirror mirror on the wall,

Which is the prettiest Crocs of all?

A very nice salesperson approached me and showed me around when I asked for recommendations 🙂 Hmmm looks like there were some new stocks of easy slip-on flats that just came freshly in! These are called the 'Lady' women series

It costs RM129 per pair! There were plenty of colours to choose from, but I took these off the shelves first

Hmmm.. black? or pink?

I don't know, really 😀

Both seem pretty okay to me!

I've always wanted to try wearing 2 different coloured shoes and head out for the day.

But everyone would think I'm a complete psychopath! 😛 😛

Oh and randomly, check out this bright green coloured one! So radioactive omg

I had a huge surprise when I saw this!

Hmm.. will people ACTUALLY go out walking in this?

But when I saw it in real life, it's not that kua zhang!! At least people won't be blinded the moment they look at your feet hehe 😀

 

Was actually much calmer and easy on the eye 😀

Lemme show you the other colours :

There were Black, Oyster (white), Expresso (grey), Gold, Bubblegum (Pink) and Parrot Green

Was told that these 'Lady' series were made from fully molded Croslite material material. If ya don't know what Croslite is, these are the mighty stuff that provides ergonomic fit and makes it so comfy!

So many colours! But I'm actually still intent to choose between these 2 below 😀

Still in dilemma – the black or the pink? 😀

Whatever, I'll just walk out with 2 different colours!

Apart from those, I spotted something much much prettier that caught my eye! 😀 😀 😀 Whoopeedoo. This is why I love shopping! There's just so much nicer things everywhere around the shop and you'll be spoilt for choice

I absolutely LOVE the Lily LJ Plaid Women!

A great (and pretty) deviation from the typical Crocs 😀

Guess which one I chose in the end?

HINT : LOOK AT THIS BLOG'S PRIMARY COLOUR!! 😀 😀

I chose the RED one of course!

Along with a pair of Crocband as a birthday gift for Godmummy!

I know she reads my blog but I hope she doesn't read this before it lands in her hands 🙂

Dear Goddy, if you already saw this, SURPRISE! 😀

Pass to you on my next visit home okie?

Glad I walked into Crocs that very evening. Oh and guess what? My friend came 45 minutes late! Haha but it's alright, I had my own good fun while waiting for him anyways 😀 Just don't make me wait next time kay! Muahahaha (you know who you are)

Oh, and here's something I spotted in the shop that might be of use for the Citibank card holders out there!

Okay now gotta think of what to buy for mom and dad's birthday!! 😀 😀

Darn. Do their birthdays REALLY have to fall in the same month? RAWR! 😀

Anyways, I gotta run. Having lectures in the auditorium as we speak!

*points to my very first pair of flats*

Thank you Crocs!