[Closed] Are birkenstock sandals...

My fiance is trying to get me to wear some, i'm not convinced look far too much like Jesus sandles for my liking. I want these:
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Crocs-Santa-Cruz-Mens-Black/dp/B005502NQ4/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1309031949&sr=8-5

You're questioning Birkenstocks, yet think deck shoes are acceptable?

Hmmmmmmmmm. Interesting. Will you be accessorising them with a cashmere jumper over your shoulders and a pastel polo shirt? 😉

You are Alan Partridge and I claim my £5

[img] ?w=416&h=320[/img]

If you are nearing 40 years old you should know what you are comfortable wearing you big girl's blouse.

😉

oh dear soma they look a little bit special needs...

Binners, I'm lost for words for a witty comeback on that...get back to you soon...
EDIT: soma, the brown ones look alright actually

Ah, good old Nike Nazareths. 😀

If they are the basic 2 strap over the top of the foot model, it's fine, anything with a strap round the heel is a definite no no.

away like the look of the ones that have like a 'loafer' front half myself, but can't get my feet in in them.

Kev

My husband is fast approaching 40 and will not be allowed to wear flip flops or anything that resembles such footwear 😉

I also think men over the age of 50 who aren't mtbers ('cos they usually have a decent body) look bad in jeans.

Binners - you missed out action slacks.

They are entirely acceptable, even cool. I need a new pair after I trashed my old pair pedalling with SPDs.

birkenstocks are made for forty yr olds!!

Don't listen to them!

I am getting through my 3rd pair over the last 5 years or so. They are incredibly comfortable and I think they look fine both with shorts or rolled up jeans. For the record, I am 36.

I think I'll run any ideas past my 14 and 17 year old daughters before making a purchase, because they will have no choice in being seen out with me.

Binners, I'll think you'll find that deck shoes are de rigeur amongst the hip young things at the mo, darling

I'm gonna throw Crocs into the equation.

I'm closer to 40 than I am 30, plus I'm a dad - I don't care what's acceptable anymore.

yes, hideous, middle aged, middle class sandals

What if you ARE middle aged and middle class? Surely wearing young person's wannabe surfer flip flops is worse?

I've been wearing Birkenstocks for about 20 years now, and I have absolutely no intention of stopping now I'm 40, no matter what anyone says.

The worst thing with men in sandals is the state of some of the feet you see. It's not hard to cut your flippin' toenails and scub the hard skin off! FFS sort it out! IMO the Government should introduce a 'Sandal License' and police it harshly! 🙂

So bunnyhop, as a lady ( I presume), what would you suggest?

What if you ARE middle aged and middle class?

Spot on, molgrips, spot on.

I think its only fair to warn you about the...ahem... aroma that Birkenstocks tend to generate. I don't know why. I don't normally have mingy feet, but in those things? Think....

[img] [/img]

Mine generally have to live outdoors. They really are that bad!

Hideous things for middleaged people who have given up( or are german). Nearly as bad as crocs

Flip flops are fine so ling as they are cheap far eastern rubber ones in a dark single colour.

I'm now strongly leaning towards a pair like the ones on the right in this picture, 2 strap, no heel strap. I think they accurately represent where I am in my life.

[img] [/img]

Birkenstocks are fine, as long as you don't get the ones with the thong.

Crocs? I.e. plastic shoes? Er, no.

I think its only fair to warn you about the...ahem... aroma that Birkenstocks tend to generate. I don't know why. I don't normally have mingy feet, but in those things?

Really? It should be the exact opposite. Shoes make your feet sweat and pong, trainers are terrible for that. I once had some I had to chuck becasue they were HANGIN' BAAAAD. Never with any sandals though. My feet just don't smell.
That said I've always been a barefoot person. No shoes in the house most of the time and sandals if I can possibly get away with it everywhere else. 🙂

Binners Birks do get put outside of the door by me on a regular basis.....

I'm having second thoughts again, what about these?

http://www.marksandspencer.com/Freshfeet-Suede-Lace-Boat-Shoes/dp/B004DYZBPI?ie=UTF8&ref=sr_1_10&nodeId=531453031&sr=1-10&qid=1310558394&pf_rd_r=1ER91MWVAWB06ZKN5M3A&pf_rd_m=A2BO0OYVBKIQJM&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_i=531453031&pf_rd_p=215570647&pf_rd_s=related-items-3

The problem with flip flops is the frigging noise 🙁

I love the noise

Hideous things for middleaged people who have given up

Utter flippin drivel. I'm so glad I don't take fashion advice from you. 😛

Or maybe you should try it! OK, what SHOULD I be wearing then?

Birkis like those above are a design classic.

if my missus told me what i could/couldn't wear i would tell her to bollox!! fortunately we are both adults and wear what we want to!

if my missus told me what i could/couldn't wear i would tell her to bollox!! fortunately we are both adults and wear what we want to!

Yup. Same here. 🙂

Sandals look ridiculous on any bloke, being in the Roman army was the last time they were acceptable.

PP - got your beige slacks to go with them? you know - the ones with the elasticated waist?

As I said - cheap far eastern rubber flip flops.

no heel strap. I think they accurately represent where I am in my life

a little loose round the back end? 😯

I'm waiting for someone to suggest those chuffing stupid plimsole things that seem to be de riguer at the moment, along with the elasticated hemmed trousers.

Chumps.

Birkenstocks are a bit Teutonic for my tastes, but they're better than those awful Croc things.. only surgeons should be seen in them.

Merrell sandals? They ming up a treat after 2 wears too.

EDITED for dreadful spelling faux pas

TJ you are thinking of deck shoes, to go with the beige slacks.

Deck shoes are fine worn in the right way 🙂

PP - got your beige slacks to go with them? you know - the ones with the elasticated waist?

So you have no answer then? Not even anything 'clever' to say? Gotcha! 🙂
For the record I don't possess any beige trousers of any kind. I spend 90% of my time in shorts.

As I said - cheap far eastern rubber flip flops.

Right, I've done it! Birkenstocks ordered as i meet (nearly) all the criteria:

birkenstocks are made for forty yr olds!!

tick

middle aged, middle class sandals

tick

cool

damned straight, daddio 8)

Carry on as you are...

Deck shoes are fine worn in the right way

And you like deck shoes? Slip ons for arthritic old farts?

Back atcha!

[img] [/img]

I rest my case m'lud.

EDIT
Note the tucked in, checked (Probably from M&S) shirt. Niiiiiiiiiice!

I have a pair of white brikos: hate me 🙂

Looks ace paired with my white panama and white sunnies.

ADH, so do I. 🙂 Need a decent tan to carry them off though! (Tick)

Another thought: Why would anyone take advice on sandals from someone living in Scotland? What do they know about good weather? 😉

brassneck - Merrel sandals are indeed the worst. They're great to wear, but after a week or so, I started getting discreet inquiries from wotsisface I'madinnerjacket about use in their chemical weapons programme 😀

Deck shoes are ok, if they've clearly been worn on deck ie You're a 'rah'. Ask Flashy, he puts his in sink full of salt water for a few months before wearing his.

Whatever you do, do not buy 'action' sandals... so, so, sooooo lame.

[url= http://www.google.co.uk/images?um=1&hl=en&safe=active&biw=1419&bih=724&site=images&tbm=isch&sa=1&q=deck+shoes&oq=deck+shoes&aq=f&aqi=g10&aql=undefined&gs_sm=e&gs_upl=162596l164564l0l10l10l0l0l0l0l375l1703l2-3.3l6 ]Deck shoes? Are you SERIOUS????? NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!!![/url]

What on earth are 'action' sandals? isn't that an oxymoron? Sounds like there may be dogging connotations?

Mmmmmmmmmm deck shoes

[img] [/img]

PP - oh dear oh dear - they are loafers not deck shoes.
*shakes head sadly*
I would never wear a check shirt but I always tuck a shirt in when wearing long trousers - but then I do have a waist 🙂
BTW - hardly a cloud in the sky here today. Its nearly 30 degrees in my flat and I am naked to avoid heatstroke

cheap rubber flip flops are horrid...... I'm into the expensive (for flip flops!) ones.. new pair navy and bright pink and have arch support...comfortable and smart enough for work!

The original question..... Birkenstocks are great and look good on men any age, as do flip flops.

I always tuck a shirt in when wearing long trousers

I think we can safely discount TJ's contributions to this thread. Even more than we already were 🙂

Trainers, work shoes, going out shoes, flip flops.

These are all the shoes a man possibly needs.

Hobby shoes are not listed as they are an accessory (golf, bike, etc)

Do you dress like Clarkson Molgrips? 🙄 - always tuck your shirt in

BTW - hardly a cloud in the sky here today. Its nearly 30 degrees in my flat and I am naked to avoid heatstroke

TJs on chatroulette!

I've got some panama jack leather flip flops... they're amazing.

Walk around Oxford or Cambridge and you'll see plenty of deck shoes... normally paired with a rugby shirt.

Action sandals are those ridiculous things... you know a fabric jesus creeper with a sporty trainer like sole... almost as hideous as crocs and every bit as unstylish. edit Binners... this is me, there're always dogging connotations.

Always tuck my shirt in? Wtf?

You want me to look like this?

[img] [/img]

PP - oh dear oh dear - they are loafers not deck shoes.

No. WRONG. They DECK SHOES. Do you DARE to argue with the mighty GOOGLE??? Check that link I posted. Go on, I double dare you to risk proving yourself wrong!

First hit for 'deck shoes'

[img] [/img]

First hit for (mens) loafers:
[img] [/img]

Not only are you talking carp, you have your definitions WRONGGGGGGGG! 🙂

Dinnae care what google says - thats a loafer and your second link is dead.

I like "action" sandals too, but they have to be Teva. I never wear mine unless I'm abroad in a hot place though.....practical for exploring! Tevas also look good on men.....particularly with brown legs/feet.

Birkies are cool and always will be. The deck shoes that one sees the young people of London (and my Dad) sporting are a fad. Birkies look good, are super comfortable, durable and made in EU of natural materials. What are totally unacceptable, whatever your age, are those action sandals from Merrell, Keen, Teva etc.

Christallmighty that's some horrid footwear I just posted there. My apologies to all of you who mhave seen them, I'll pass this round when I'm finished:

[img] [/img]

Thank you Anna B, you've made my day. All doubt has now faded. 🙂

EDIT: Re. birkenstocks, NOT action sandals!

"action" sandals

Can you get tiny little ones for action men dolls?

Dinnae care what google says

So, after being proven wrong, TJ adopts this position

[img] [/img]

😀

EDIT

PMSL - He's even wearing LOAFERS in that pic! Classic! 😀

Are we seriously going to start argueing about the classification of shit shoes?

Some of you guys really need more hobbies!

Can't see if his shirt is tucked for positive identification purposes.

Are we seriously going to start argueing about the classification of shit shoes?

Damn straight I am. I'm winning and he knows it! 🙂

Okay, so AnnaB has just taken herself off of the list of people who are making a [s]worthy[/s] stylish contribution.

You will never catch one of those fit lasses that work in fashion retail wearing 'action' sandals. They are so hideous and pointless it is untrue.

Anyone got any mind bleach?

Salomon RX Moc's 8)

Anna B. You are indeed a woman of taste. I've just bought a pair of Tevas. They're ace. Unfortunately the 'brown legs/feet' combination isn't working as i have a 'delicate English Rose' complexion (lobster) and 'special' toes 😀

Why not McHamish ?

These are deck shoes
[img] [/img]

canvas, rubber sole for grip, rubber around the welt to stop wear / scuffing

Shimano SPD sandal anyone?

[img] [/img]

TJ - surely they're for the under 5's?

they need to be navy blue or black tho.

leather shoes can never be deck shoes

Pleeeeeassseee... binners STOP IT!

I've only just eaten and I'm struggling to hold it down!

I am getting through my 3rd pair over the last 5 years or so.

You think that wearing out 3 pairs in 5 years is a good thing? Sheesh.

TJ. You're wrong.

These are deck shoes

Identical in style to the ones I posted. But worse looking thanks to the gopping colours.

deck shoe(deck shoe)
[i]noun[/i]
a flat canvas or leather shoe with rubber soles.

Thanks for finally admitting I'm right. I accept your apology in advance. 🙂

The original question..... Birkenstocks are great and look good on men any age, as do flip flops.

Binners: just seen you're a convert too 🙂

Need a decent tan to carry them off though! (Tick)

Nice one PP.

Unfortunatly I have a typical cyclist's tan: crude oil colour forearms and legs, twinned with dazzlingly white feet, white hands and a white midriff. Borders between brown and white are instantaneous, due to the liberal overapplication of lycra.

Maybe the amazing zebra-man look detracts from the middle class fashion horror show?

I'm now strongly leaning towards a pair like the ones on the right in this picture

The ones in the middle are what I have on my feet right now. I use them in the house instead of slippers.

First hit for 'deck shoes'

I think you'll find they're moccasins.

Oh no PP - they ones you posted are not the same - leather, no rubber welt, not deck shoes.

Its subtle but important differnce.

These are leather and have rubber shoes, unfortunately they aren't flat...are they a kind of deck shoe, or do all three characteristics have to be met?

[img] http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQIDXh6ptBeZWY6o0--iu15so9i9bSdW1ORtNbRt5E2zTtmZzfZ [/img]

LOL I love STW shoe arguments! Deck shoes..... whatever they look like are probably classed as sporting accessory, and therefore only ok on a boat.

PPs right though, you MUST cut your toe nails if you're going to bare your toes. I don't even wanna think about long toe nails, let alone see them.