Blog
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Are Birkenstocks worth it?
You’ve all heard of them; you may even own a pair or two already; but the main question everyone focuses on; “Are Birkenstocks worth it?”
Originating in 1774, the iconic German shoe manufacturer was brought to the US in 1966, Birkenstock sandals became heavily associated with hippies and ‘Flower Children’ in the 1970’s. Introduced to high fashion in the early 90’s by supermodels and actors; the demand for the iconic core sandal has increased significantly.
Con: Sizing
We understand the sizing of Birkenstocks can be daunting for a new customer, our staff have extensive knowledge and years’ experience in fitting footwear to ensure for the best fit. On our website and social media, you will find Birkenstock Shopping Guides & Size guides for extra help, with a trouble-free return experience if the wrong size was purchased. Note, the Birkenstocks are available in a regular and narrow width, the regular has an outlined foot illustration on the innersole whereas the narrow fit has a filled foot illustration.
Pro: They are unbelievably comfortable!
Birkenstock use premium quality cork to provide orthopaedic contours of the feet, for maximum comfort. Cork is a natural, lightweight and shock absorbent material that derives from the cork oak trees, which is completely renewable. Firstly, the cork footbed can be quite tough at first; wearing them around the house is a great and easy to way to allow the cork to mould and shape with every step.
For those who find the initial ‘wearing in’ stage of Birkenstocks, here at Grundy’s Shoes we offer various styles with a Soft Footbed. The Soft Footbed is padded with an anatomically pre-formed foam insert, this is made up of tiny air bubbles that contribute to a softer and unique wearing experience.
Pro: They are long lasting!
The natural materials of Birkenstocks allow a hot and cold insulating effect to promote a healthy foot climate for overall foot health and long-lasting footwear. These materials allow for all day wear as the natural cork footbed will not deteriorate with age; for older pairs of Birkenstocks that need some TLC, you are able to get them resoled at Birkenstock approved repairers.
Con: Pricing $
Birkenstocks pricing varies due to the materials used, from EVA rubber, synthetic leather, Vegan, Suede, Oiled and Smooth leathers; the pricing of Birkenstocks can vary from $91, all the way to $320. For the following reasons, we can assure you they are popular and priced for the right reasons!
Pro: Fashionable & Comfortable for work & home!
Here, at Grundy’s Shoes we stock a range of Birkenstocks in both core and seasonal collections, including work approved footwear for various industries such as healthcare, hospitality, and fashion. We stock core styles that are available to shop all year round, with the option to shop our limited-edition seasonal styles that are often brighter colours and unique designs for Birkenstock lovers!
Ensuring an optimum level of comfort and support, healthcare workers often go for Boston, London & Linz as they are our closed toe styles and allow for protection in a medical environment and meet the requirements of most healthcare dress codes. Our Super Birki & Profi Birki styles are made from Polyurethane which allows for a waterproof upper and a non-abrasive and slip resistant outsole, perfect for Professional use.
For those wearing their Birkenstocks around the house and running errands, we stock various colours and materials to suit your personal style. The Zermatt, Amsterdam (restock coming soon!) and Shearling Suede ranges are perfect for around the house; allowing your feet to be comfortable, supported whilst the soft uppers are gentle and breathable on the skin. The classic Arizona ‘two strap’ sandal style, is often paired with denim for a minimalist and timeless look for both men and women.
Please note: Stock and styles vary between each Grundy’s Shoe stores. There has been a worldwide shortage of Birkenstocks since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have Birkenstock deliveries at all times of the year. Sign up to our Newsletter and keep an eye out on our social media for all restock updates.
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Cult Classic Shoes - Grundy's Staff Staples
Here at Grundy’s, we have our key brands and styles we offer our customers, the finest comfort and lifestyle footwear from a range of worldwide brands. Our famous Australian brands including ECCO, EOS & FRANKiE4, along with world renowned European brands such as Birkenstock, Pikolinos & Ara with many more.
From slippers to waterproof Winter boots, we stock styles to suit all foot shapes, sizes, conditions, and personal trends. Whether you have a wide foot, one foot bigger than the other or perhaps never find the right colour – we have you covered.
After interviewing fellow staff members, all with extensive knowledge and training of footwear; we wanted to know their cult classics, and wardrobe must haves from the brands available at Grundy’s Shoes.
Lyn – FRANKiE4 NAT II SNEAKER
“I love the way they feel on my feet, they’re comfortable to wear all day and change up with all my outfits. I recommend them to everyone, especially healthcare workers on their feet all day.”
Chloe – BIRKENSTOCK ARIZONA
“I’m pretty lazy getting ready in the mornings, my Birks are easy to chuck on with anything and everything. I’m comfortable all day and I recommend them to every customer, regardless of their size or width. I think I have about 9 pairs…”
Vicki – ARCHE
“We have only had the brand Arche less than a year, but I am obsessed with all their colours and styles. The soles last forever and the comfort is next to none, I love that you can buy either neutral tones or bright pops of colour.” (Guess what… they’re on sale)
Lisa – CABELLO 341-27
“No matter what shoe size, foot shape or even odd shape toes; Cabello shoes will fit. I love that I can recommend them to everyone, they are a great work shoe that can fit orthotics; I believe they’re a great value for money”
Santina – ECCO 880123 MULTI VENT
“These are the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn; the highly padded insoles support my feet all day. I’m a beloved fan of ECCO’s and I own three different colours of the Multi-Vent.”
Evangeline – BIRKENSTOCK SHEARLING SUEDE
“My favourite shoes we sell would have to be the Boston or Arizona Shearling Suedes, they are unbelievably comfortable and soft; I wear mine around the house and can’t help myself to wear them running errands"
I’m sure from this article you can assume we’re all shoe addicts… which is completely true; but we’re here to support all other shoe addicts. With our staff extensive knowledge, training, and experience, we pride ourselves in the finest customer service available. Whether you’re shopping in-store or online, we’re here to help you find the finest footwear available.
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Top 5 Summer Styles for Women
For the upcoming silly season, we’re leading to warmer weather while the craziness of the holidays begins. It’s important we remain comfortable during these summer days, whether we’re at work, home or out socialising; looking stylish helps too. We have selected a few styles that we know will be a hit this Summer, you know the saying; “First in, best dressed”.
At Grundy’s Shoes, we have a wide range of European and Australian brands that focus on bringing the best quality and comfortable lifestyle shoes, using premium leather and craftsmanship; your feet will be supported with every step. Brands including, Arche, Birkenstock, ECCO, Gabor and more! We have shoes that cater to variety of foot conditions, styles, and sizes, visit us in-store or purchase online to have shoes delivered to your doorstep.
BIRKENSTOCK ARIZONA
First up, the popular Birkenstock, Arizona sandal; a two adjustable strap sandal that comes in a variety of materials and colours to suit all genders and styles. Birkenstocks have their trademarked synthetic leathers, including Birko-Flor and Birkibuc, we stock this material in popular colours including Mocca, Stone, Black and seasonal patterns. For a natural leather, our core favourites are smooth leather or the oiled leather that has a visible grain, each pair is different. The cork footbed provides orthopaedic contours for maximum comfort, as it is a natural, lightweight and shock absorbent material; once your feet settle into a pair of Birkenstocks, you will never look back.
The Arizona sandal is a fan favourite, it’s easy to slip on; adjust to each foot with being easy to match with your wardrobe. For an easy casual look, pair your Arizona’s with a pair of your favourite denim or linen; you can even dress a going out dress, skirt, or chinos with a pair of Arizona’s to give a laid back yet polished look. Here pictured, we have the Arizona Oiled Leather in Habana Brown, these are $184 whereas other materials start at $144.
EXPECTING RESTOCK OF VARIOUS STYLES AND SIZES
Ara, a family business that deliver new experiences of footwear, focusing on HighSoft constructions and Fusion4 adaptive uppers apart of their EnergyStep concept. We have our G fitting Valencia HighSoft Sandal, constructed of leather upper and lining that allows breathability whilst providing padded leather insoles for all day wear. The cross over sandal has been a popular design over the recent summer seasons, it allows for an easy transition of casual to dressy sandals for whatever type of day you have. The platform rubber sole gives you extra height and style to your outfit, the padded and durable flexible sole will allow for all day wear; they can easily be adjusted with the back strap Velcro fastener.
This style is available in a white leather and nude suede for whatever you prefer, white shoes can be quite powerful in an overall outfit, this can be easily matched with a white handbag and gold or silver jewellery.
If you like the idea of a sandal, you can mix and match for with different outfits for a variety of occasions, EOS new Spring/Summer collection have styles to cater for all. With a range of heels, espadrilles, and leather wedges; a top pick is the new Lazarus rope wedge. This style has an adjustable Velcro strap around the ankle and a band across the toes to keep your feet secure, with leather lining and arch support, your feet will be comfortable for your extended events.
Available in white and tan, each colour will compliment all skin tones whilst the woven rope has a softer effect of the overall design. Pair with your favourite tapered jeans or a maxi skirt for ultimate style this Summer!
HISPANITA 372 ADEL
For those who prefer a slip on over a sandal, we have the perfect new summer style for you. The Hispanita HV211372 Adel, available in camel or black; this could be easily paired with black straight pants for all your corporate needs or a pair of blue mum jeans to look chic on weekends. With a 2.5cm heel, it is just enough for your feet to be supported whilst still having a platform sole.
The woven style allows breathability and breaks up the overall look of the shoe, which can be easier to match with various accessories and clothes. The pointed toe is a classic, chic style slip on; this style would be perfect in the workplace to give the overall polished look, with ultimate comfort of being on your feet or at a desk all day.
EXPECTING HISPANITAS SS21 COLLECTION MID-END OF OCTOBER
Our core favourite, the ECCO Off-road sandal is now available in a fun bright colour; 51969 Hibiscus. The three Velcro strap sandal provides arch support and a dual density covered footbed, that inhibits bacterial growth. This function and the leather upper allow the feet to sweat for all day wear whilst keeping your shoes fresh and a longer period; the technology in ECCO footwear is some of the highest quality we stock as it is a fan favourite brand all year round. The Off-road sandal come in both men’s and women’s sizes with a variety of neutral tones, darker green and bright colours for whatever suits your personal style.
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What are the best shoes for walking?
Finding a pair of comfortable, high end quality walking shoes can be difficult. Depending on the level of activity amount of walking you’re doing, your feet need to be supported and secure.
We have a wide range of orthotic friendly shoes, comfortable every day wear and stylish colours here at Grundy’s shoes.
The women’s Ara Munchen’s are weather resistant with their Gore – Tex lining, with a synthetic upper and faux fur border, the wool blend lining will prevent abrasions from all day wear. The rubber soles provide flexibility with the way you walk and create traction on a variety of surfaces which would be suitable for light walking. These are orthotic friendly, they come in a variety of colours, with or without a zip.
A popular style for men, the Keen Targhee are designed with carefully selected leather to last, the leather and performance mesh are waterproof. With a removable EVA foot bed and dual density EVA mid sole will provide superior comfort and extra support. Cleansport NXT offers a process that controls the natural odour within footwear, this is activated when the sweat contacts with the material.
A fan favourite, Ecco’s Biom Fjuel (unisex) have leather perforations for breathability; making it easy to wear whilst wearing all throughout the day, even when exercising. The lace up closure provides an easy on-off wear and a secure personalised fit, the low to ground construction will provide a natural position for each foot for ultimate walking comfort. Biom Fjuel vary in cashmere, sangria pink and a variety of black shades.
With a variety of unisex options, Propet Travelfit are a suitable for gentle walking and travelling; easy to pack in a suitcase and to wear whilst exploring. The firm heel of these sneakers will help reduce foot fatigue as well as the padded collar supporting your feet. Made with high performance rubber and EVA midsole; provides comfort, flexibility and durability on a variety of surfaces. Suitable for orthotics and for the wet and dry climates, available in shades of grey and black.
If you are unsure of what shoes are best suited for you, visit us in-store for our expert fitters who are happy to help find you the perfect shoe. We also have other blog posts available on foot health, general shoe care and even what shoe best suits your profession!
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Black Shoes For Healthcare Workers
We know that it can be difficult to find suitable shoes when working in the healthcare profession, that are comfortable, safe, and also meeting the requirements of often needing to be all black.
We have a selection of orthotic friendly nurse shoes, theatre clogs, and general medical shoes, available at Grundy’s Shoes.