Written By: Samantha Reed, Staff Writer
COMFORT: Exploring the trendiest, most comfortable, and stylish shoes perfect for you.
When it comes to the outfits we wear, the accessories on our feet play a huge role. Shoes are supposed to protect our feet when we walk from place to place, but over time, footwear has become much more, it has become a fashion trend and one of the many avenues of self-expression. Now, it has become more common for people to place less value on comfort; they care about which one better suits one’s outfit. Today, I will be reviewing two of the trendiest shoes at Riverside Poly that still provide the comfortable wear that many desire to help you pick the best shoe for your feet. Let’s step right into it!
Arch Support: As we know, everyone’s foot is shaped differently and everyone needs different things regarding their feet. When it comes to arch support, Birkenstocks takes the win. The footbed of the Birkenstocks is designed specifically to provide strong support, as it has a contoured shape that naturally aligns your foot. On the Ugg side, the support provided is very small to almost nonexistent. Since the soles of the shoe are soft and cushioned it lacks arch contour, which is problematic for those who need a structured support for their foot. Personally, when it comes to arch support, I prefer my Birkenstocks more than my Uggs because I have a flatter foot, and the sole gives me the support I need when walking around all day.
Cushioning/Softness: Everyone loves soft shoes, but that is not the case for Birkenstocks. Even though Birkenstocks provide strong support for your feet, they are not always the most comfortable, especially when you first buy these shoes. Since the footbed is cork-latex, they tend to be more stiff. On the other hand, Uggs are surpassed by none when it comes to cushion. Uggs are made with a sheepskin lining and a memory foam footbed which provide a soft, cushioned, and comfortable plush feeling you will not get in traditional Birkenstocks.
Weight: When it comes to weight, Birkenstocks are a lot heavier than Uggs due to their cork-latex footbed. Uggs are lighter than Birkenstocks due to the material they are made out of. The sheepskin and memory foam footbed are not only soft, but they are extremely lightweight materials, which makes the shoes feel airy, almost as if you are walking on clouds.
Durability: Birkenstocks are extremely durable because the material they are made out of is very strong, providing a supportive design, whereas Uggs were not designed to withstand years of extended use (they were originally designed to be an indoor-only shoe). The materials the Uggs are made out of are soft rather than strong and show wear and tear over time. I have had my Uggs platforms for about a year now, and I do not even wear them that often, but the bottom part of the shoe has started to deteriorate.
Adjustability/Fit: I have narrow long feet and wear between a women’s size 11 and 12 depending on the shoes. I have never had any problems finding the perfect size Birkenstocks. They offer various sizes and widths in each style and type of shoe, which almost guarantees you will find the perfect fit. Their shoes also have many ways you can adjust from making either more snug and fitted or loose. On the other side of things, it has sometimes been a challenge to find Uggs that were the perfect size. When it comes to women’s sizes in Uggs, I need a half size, but they do not sell half sizes, so I am forced to buy the men’s size equivalent to my women’s size since they are slightly bigger, but it is a predicament because men shoes are wider and I have narrow feet. I have never had Uggs that fit perfectly.
Style/Appearance: When it comes to style, it truly depends on your style and the style of the shoes you choose. I like my Uggs over my Birkenstocks when I choose to wear my nicer tops and blouses, but I like to wear my Birkenstocks when I wear a T-shirt and some jeans with a sweater. Sometimes it just depends on what I’m in the mood for that day.
I think both shoes are great and while the other shines in areas the other shoes do not, it is up to you, and what factors you prioritize for yourself. I can truly see now, why both shoes are trending around the world. Either way, whatever shoe you choose to buy, you will not be disappointed. I wish you the best of luck finding your next pair of shoes.