BIRKENSTOCK-Last for decades, hidden… but shown here on IH.

[endo]

I had some Bostons but in the end didn't like the covered toes. Much more prefer the Arizonas over them. For Italy in summer you want it relaxed. 

[Mizmazzle]

Went with the Bostons. I find them charming, in a sort of, bucktoothed, cross eyed, greasy haired, old spinster kind of way.

[Oaktavia]

Hey dudes,

I'm thinking about picking up a pair of Bostons. Do any of you have a favorite leather you recommend? They all look so great! Also, do the Bostons run TTS? Any advice is helpful and welcome.

[pechelman]

Don't have Bostons but the Arizona model in size 43 normal width fit me when I'm a 9D Wesco, 10 in Nike and vans, 9.5 in chuck 70s, and 10.5 in Adidas.

Forget which leather I went with but it's the more natural finish of them and in the soft foot bed. When I bought them ages ago I tried the narrow width and they were much too narrow for me even with narrow feet.

[Oaktavia]

@pechelman awesome response, thanks a ton for the info. I've narrowed it down to two but likely going with Mink Soft Footbed but also love the Habana. I think my size will be 43 or 44.

[pechelman]

You're welcome @Oaktavia

Now that you mention it, I think mine might have been that habana in oiled leather. Over the course of winter I gave them some much needed TLC, sanding out the foot beds which were crusty black and re sealed the cork and they're looking pretty good now though after a few wears they're back to having darkened foot beds again.

Also worth noting, I had to punch a new hole in the upper strap since I've got pretty low volume feet.

[Brandrea]

@Oaktavia I just picked up a pair in oiled Habana Bostons. That’s my favourite leather for Birks.

I find the Bostons run TTS. I’m a 44 regular in Arizona’s but I wear a 45 in the Bostons, as I use them with socks more like a shoe (if that makes sense).

I also like the soft footbed, great for my Morton’s neuroma.

[Oaktavia]

@Brandrea thank you for the information. I'm still on the fence on Habana or the more 70s looking Mink...if I end up picking up a pair it might be tomorrow.

[Mizmazzle]

I’ve got the Habana Oiled Boston’s and l love them. Wear then constantly around the house and have been rocking them on my honeymoon trip a ton. My feet are narrow so went with the narrow. They fit me great. My buddy who was in my wedding forgot brown shoes and he wore my Birks during the ceremony! guess that speaks to their versatility.

[68degreesorless]

@Oaktavia I just picked up the Arizona Oiled Leather Habana in Size: EU 45 / US 12-12.5 Width: Medium/Narrow. I am enjoying them. I originally ordered the Arizona Soft Footbed Taupe Size : EU 44 / US 11-11.5 Width : Regular/Wide. The Taupes were not long enough (toes brushed against edges of footbed). The lighter color suede also blended in with my (very pale) skin tone too much. And even though I loved the immediate softness of the suede, I got the feeling they might not last as long or do as well in the rain as something tougher. The regular/wide were also too loose, even though the footbed wasn't long enough. Luckily, the 45s in medium/narrow with the darker, stronger leather solved all of that. As someone who is willing to put in break-in time to have something provide long lasting comfort, I also opted for the traditional sole over the soft on my second go around. No complaints there. They were pretty much comfy from day one for around the house. I will of course wear them that way for a while before attempting a several mile stroll.

For reference, I believe I'm an 11-11.5 C Brannock (one foot is longer than the other). I wear 10.5D in Whites lace up, 10.0D in Wesco engineer, 10.5 in Lofgren engineer, and 11.5-12 in chucks/most sneaker brands.

[Oaktavia]

@68degreesorless thank you sir, I appreciate the help!

Edit: I went with the Boston Habana with the regular footbed. Sized up from 43 in my Minalos to 44 so I can wear them with thick socks if I need to. Thank you Boston lovers for your help. I'll post mine when they arrive.

[Oaktavia]

@Mizmazzle said in BIRKENSTOCK-Last for decades, hidden… but shown here on IH.:

I’ve got the Habana Oiled Boston’s and l love them. Wear then constantly around the house and have been rocking them on my honeymoon trip a ton. My feet are narrow so went with the narrow. They fit me great. My buddy who was in my wedding forgot brown shoes and he wore my Birks during the ceremony! guess that speaks to their versatility.

I just saw this somehow. Congrats again man! Bostons to a wedding that's hilarious. Maybe I'll try to pull that off next time I go to one.

[cityofdelusion]

I'm late to the party, but FWIW, I went one size up from my Birkenstock Arizonas for slightly more width for my toes and to additionally be able to wear them with socks if I wanted to. Worked out just fine.

[Oaktavia]

@cityofdelusion said in BIRKENSTOCK-Last for decades, hidden… but shown here on IH.:

I'm late to the party, but FWIW, I went one size up from my Birkenstock Arizonas for slightly more width for my toes and to additionally be able to wear them with socks if I wanted to. Worked out just fine.

Cool, that's what I did with my Milanos which are almost the same to compare. I think I might be able to pull off wearing them to work some days.

[Oaktavia]

So Birkenstock sent me a friggin' pair of pink leather sandals in the wrong style and size last week. Totally annoyed, but they expedited my correct pair and they arrived today. Sized up one to wear with socks and they are still wearable with or without them. Love the Oiled Habana, really happy I chose this leather. Stoked.

[Aetas]

Even if you’ll won’t like them @Oaktavia , they’ll be a long campanion.
But I am sure you will .

[Oaktavia]

@Aetas said in BIRKENSTOCK-Last for decades, hidden… but shown here on IH.:

But I am sure you will .

Bingo!

[dinobarnesberlin]

They look great

[Inorganic]

spot the birkenstocks....

[popvulture]

Was just wearing my Bostons today. So damn comfy.