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There are many sandal brands on the market today, each with its own unique style and benefits.
Dr. Martens sandals and Birkenstock are two of the most popular sandal brands on the market. Both brands have their supporters and detractors, but which is the better choice?
Both Dr. Martens and Birkenstock sandals are made to be comfortable for hours on end. They both have a footbed that is contoured to the natural shape of your foot, which helps distribute your weight evenly.
The major difference between them is that the cork and latex footbed in Birkenstocks absorbs shock better, which is great for people with joint pain or who are on their feet all day long, which makes Birkenstocks better than Dr. Martens.
In this article, we’ll compare and contrast these two brands of sandals using different parameters and see which one comes out on top.
Let’s look at the first impressions of these two sandals
First Glance
We’ll be applying this comparison in this section. Your first look, first feel, or first experience with either of these sandals should give you an insight into how well the shoes are made, their overall quality, and their style.
I’ve had an experience with sandals from both Dr. Martens and Birkenstock and here is my first impression of them.
Dr. Martens Sandals Review
You can never judge a book by its cover; in this case, you can never judge a sandal by its first impression.
After I received my new Dr. Martens Women’s Voss Hydro sandals in the mail, I was eager to try them on and head out for the day.
But first impressions aren’t always what they seem. The straps were so tight that it was difficult to get my feet into the shoes, let alone walk around in them all day. After unsuccessfully trying to stretch them out myself, I had to take them back to the store for a refund.
It wasn’t until later that I found a pair of Dr. Martens sandals that actually fit me properly after reading some online reviews. (The Dr. Martens Gryphon Gladiator.)
The Voss Hydro sandals are not meant for people with wide feet and how you should order one size up from your usual size if you have wider feet like me.
The Gryphon Gladiator has a sturdy sole and straps that keep your feet in place, while the open design allows your feet to breathe.
I’ve now had my Dr. Martens Gryphon Gladiator sandals for about two months and have worn them almost every day since I bought them.
They’re definitely my go-to shoes for summer activities like barbecues, beach trips, or just walking around town.
Overall, Dr. Martens are high-quality sandals, but attention should be paid to their reviews online before purchasing them.
I would highly recommend purchasing a pair if you’re looking for something comfortable and stylish that will last all season long!
Birkenstocks Sandals Review
When I first saw Birkenstocks Arizona sandals, I was not sure what to think. They looked a little strange and uncomfortable.
Birkenstocks Arizona sandals are perfect for summer weather because they are lightweight and airy.
They also provide excellent support for your feet, which is important when walking long distances or standing all day.
The first time I put them on, I was amazed at how well they fit and how good they felt on my feet.
They are perfect for hot weather because they allow your feet to breathe. I love the way they look, too. They are stylish and can be worn with just about anything.
The footbed is anatomically shaped to fit the natural shape of your feet. This makes them more comfortable than other sandals because they conform to your feet instead of squeezing them in, as some brands do.
Another feature is the strap system. The straps go across the top and bottom of your feet, giving you more support than traditional flip-flops or thongs.
This prevents your feet from moving around as much, which can cause blisters or soreness after wearing them for a while.
I never thought I would like Birkenstocks, but now that I have tried them, I am a fan of life. If you haven’t tried Birkenstocks yet, you should do so.
Dr. Martens vs Birkenstocks: Let’s compare
| Features | Dr. Martens | Birkenstocks |
| Materials | Leather, Cork, Bamboo, Jute, Durable rubber sole | Leather, Cork, Bamboo, Jute, EVA molded sole |
| Styles | Voss, Gryphon, Blaire, Clarissa | Arizona, Madrid, Boston |
| Comfort and breaking in | Takes 5 weeks | Comfortable right out of the box |
| Sizing | Runs small | True to size |
| Pricing | $99 – $253 | Starts from $15. |
| Durability | 5-20 years with proper care | Lasts up to an eternity with proper care |
Dr. Martens vs Birkenstocks: Materials
Dr Martens
There are a variety of materials used in Dr. Martens sandals, each with its own benefits and drawbacks.
The most common material is leather, which is durable but also prone to water damage and scratches.
Some people prefer synthetic materials such as polyurethane, which are more resistant to water and scratches but may not be as breathable or comfortable as leather.
There are also several natural materials that are used in Dr. Martens sandals, such as cork, bamboo, or jute in the footbed.
These materials are environmentally friendly and often have antimicrobial properties, but they can also be less durable than other options.
Birkenstock
The Birkenstock company is known for its sandals, which are made from a variety of materials. The most popular material used in Birkenstocks is leather.
It is strong, making it perfect for shoes. Leather can also be dyed any color, so it can be matched with any outfit.
Another common material used in Birkenstocks is cork. Cork comes from the bark of cork oak trees and it is very lightweight and flexible. It also absorbs moisture, so it helps to keep feet cool in summer weather.
They also use some synthetic materials in their Birko trademarked series of man-made leather.
Like Dr. Martens, they also use Bamboo, Jute, and a host of other materials in their construction. But they include an EVA sole into their composition which makes them less desirable in terms of material.
Dr. Martens vs Birkenstocks: Styles
Dr Martens
The Dr. Martens sandals are only available in 4 different styles which are closely related. They all feature wide adjustable straps, buckles, and durable soles. Namely;
- The Voss Sandals
- The Gryphon sandals
- The Blaire sandals
- The Clarissa sandals
Dr. Martens sandals are made with a style that is both unique and comfortable. The sandals have a rugged look that makes them perfect for outdoor activities, but they are also stylish enough to be worn in more formal settings.
Birkenstock
Birkenstocks are made with a unique style that allows them to be extremely comfortable. The footbed is contoured to the natural shape of your feet, which gives you plenty of support. They also have adjustable straps that help keep your feet in place.
Unlike Dr. Martens, They are available in many styles. Here are some of the most popular Birkenstock styles.
- Arizona
- Madrid
- Boston
The Arizona style is a classic Birkenstock style that comes in both a normal and narrow width. It has two straps across the foot and a buckle closure.
The Madrid style is also a classic Birkenstock style that comes in both normal and narrow widths. It has one strap across the foot with an adjustable buckle closure and features the iconic Birkenstock cork footbed.
The Boston style is like the Madrid style but has additional stitching on the top strap for extra support with a full upper cover.
For styles, Birkenstock is a clear winner.
Dr. Martens vs Birkenstocks: Comfort and breaking in
Dr. Martens
There’s something about Dr. Martens sandals that just makes you feel at ease. The level of comfort breaking into them is unmatched.
It’s tough to get the straps situated properly at first, but once you do, they’re like a second skin. And they make your feet look so good! I love how versatile they are. I can wear them with pretty much anything and still look stylish.
That said, it takes roughly 5 weeks to break into Dr. Martens sandals. It requires a lot of wearing around the house before they finally get used to your feet.
Birkenstock
The level of comfort that Birkenstock sandals provide is unmatched by any other brand of sandal that I have tried. The footbed conforms to your feet over time, which makes them even more comfortable each time you wear them.
Once you’ve found the level of comfort that works best for you, breaking into Birkenstocks is easy. Just start by slipping your foot in and wiggling your toes around until they’re comfortable.
Then, use your hands to pull the sandal up over your heel and ankle until it’s fully on. You may need to adjust it so that it fits snugly against your foot – just make sure not to tighten the straps too much, or they’ll be uncomfortable!
They don’t need any special routine to break into as they are comfortable right out of the box.
Birkenstocks are definitely worth breaking into – once you have a pair, you’ll never want to go back.
Dr. Martens vs Birkenstocks: Sizing
Dr Martens
It’s important to understand that not all Dr. Martens sandals come in the same sizes! They are not true to size.
Some styles are narrower or wider than others, so it’s crucial that you find out what size works best for your feet before making a purchase.
I usually wear a size 8 in women’s shoes, but I found that a size 7 in Dr. Martens sandals was much more comfortable for me – they fit my feet like a glove!
Birkenstock
Birkenstocks can be a little too large but overall they are true to size.
The main reason some people think Birkenstocks are too large is because of their design. The sandals have two straps that go across your foot and a buckle in the back.
This style makes your feet look bigger than they actually are because it creates more surface area on your foot to strap into the shoe.
When you walk in them, your feet spread out a bit which makes them even larger than before.
Birkenstock sandals are a better choice.
Dr. Martens vs Birkenstocks: Pricing
Dr Martens
They cost between $99 to $253. They are pricey but they are worth the price because of the high-quality material and construction of their sandals.
Birkenstock
Their prices start as low as $15. Birkenstock also has a limited version of sandals which cost $1022.
Dr. Martens are much more worth the price than Dr. Martens
Dr. Martens vs Birkenstocks: Durability
First, let’s take a look at Birkenstocks. These sandals are made with high-quality materials and are known for their durability.
They’re perfect for people who are looking for a shoe that can withstand lots of wear and tear.
That said, it’s important to note that Birkenstocks can last an eternity with proper care.
Now let’s consider Dr. Martens. These shoes are also made with high-quality materials, but they’re not as durable as Birkenstocks.
However, they’re still built to last and can handle quite a bit of wear and tear. Additionally, they come in many different styles to suit your needs.
That said, they last up to 20 years with proper care.
Final Verdict
After comparing and contrasting these two brands closely, I’m sure you have your favorite because of your personal preferences.
Looking at the facts presented above, I’ve decided that Birkenstock makes better sandals than their Dr. Martens counterpart. Here are my reasons:
- Birkenstocks have a contoured footbed that supports your feet while you walk, unlike sandals which can often be uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time.
- Doc Martens can be quite heavy and stiff when compared to Birkenstocks which are light and flexible.
- Doc Martens are also good sandals, but they’re not as good as Birkenstocks. They have less arch support and can be uncomfortable for people with wide feet or high arches.
- The soles on Doc Martens shoes are made from synthetic materials, which can be harsh on your feet over time
Overall, Birkenstock sandals provide more comfort and support than Doc Marten sandals do. If you want a pair of durable and comfortable sandals that will last for years, then Birkenstocks are the way to go.
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