Founder & Creative Director of Men's Style Pro, Sabir has…
They’re Not Just For The Crunchy-Types Anymore
Besides CROCS, I can’t think of a more polarizing piece of “chill” footwear that the Birkenstock sandal. Easily touted as the preferred footwear of the upper Northeastern, liberal college attending, pot-smoking, Phish loving elite, Birkenstocks definitely have a crunchy history.
Recently, the brand has become a favorite of street stylers, fashion magazine editors due to collaborations with major designers like the drape-GOD Rick Owens and fashion house Proenza Schouler. With this added credibility, it’s become fashionable and culturally relevant to let your toes see the sun in a pair of Birkenstocks.
Now, the real question is — can a guy that swore off these sandals all of his adult life get on board? The answer is…
![Men's Style Pro wearing Birkenstock Sandals](https://i0.wp.com/mensstylepro.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/6I8A3635.jpg?resize=670%2C1004)
![Birkenstock Shop](https://i0.wp.com/mensstylepro.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Birkenstock-Shop.jpg?resize=334%2C100)
![](https://i0.wp.com/assets.rewardstyle.com/production/5b4006359d2ed189ca8a33a16096f6d372f6f566/images/search/350.gif?w=1170&ssl=1)
Yes. But, it took some surprise convincing to bring me around to the Birkenstock side. A close friend, Paige Wilson of @theMilfFiles works in retail and while visiting her store we happened to be standing next to a Birkenstock display. Of course I talked about my aversion to the sandals, but, I did say if I was was to ever wear a pair, I’d rock the Black Arizona EVAs.
Surprise, surprise, Paige sent me a pair for my birthday last month (thanks homie). Like anyone, I threw them on immediately because I love new sh*t too. Almost instantly I understood the attraction to the Arizona version of these sandals.
- They’re oddly comfortable. After about a day, I kind of forgot that I needed to break them in. The footbed molds quickly
- The EVAs are damn near waterproof and can be wiped down easily after each wear
- They’re studier than expected. My foot isn’t all of the place and the straps are secure
- For a spring/summer sandal they are way more chic than a pair of athletic slides
- With many color/design options, they can be paired casually or with a summer suit
MSP x Birkenstock Arizona EVA Rating
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 3.5 out of 5.Based upon all the factors above and my 30+ day wear test, I’m can say I’m a convert and this won’t be my only pair of Birkenstocks sandals. If you’re looking for a gateway style, the Arizona EVA should be your first choice. They’re easy to wear, no fuss and can be your go to beach/pool shoe. Get ready for a gnarly strap tan though
![Birkenstock EVA Arizona Sandals](https://i0.wp.com/mensstylepro.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/6I8A3688.jpg?resize=1067%2C1600)
![Birkenstock EVA Arizona Sandals](https://i0.wp.com/mensstylepro.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/6I8A3626.jpg?resize=1067%2C1600)
![Birkenstock EVA Arizona Sandals](https://i0.wp.com/mensstylepro.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/6I8A3650.jpg?resize=1067%2C1600)
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Founder & Creative Director of Men's Style Pro, Sabir has a deep passion for menswear and all things manly. Selected as one of the "5 Best Dressed Men In America" by Esquire Magazine in 2010 & as #GQFall 2013 Best Dressed Man. As of 2014, Sabir serves as a freelance brand ambassador & executive stylist for GQ Magazine & GQ Report. Outside of that partnership, Sabir serves as an independent brand consultant as well. Reach me directly at SABIR@MENSSTYLEPRO.COM