Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed - Women's Review

One of the most timeless sandal styles on the market, the Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed comes in sizes 4-12.5 and is available in regular and wide widths. The oiled nubuck leather upper is available in a range of neutral blacks and browns, which gives them a laid-back, refined look easily paired with summer wear or with socks for three-season comfort.

Comfort

The Arizonas have been around for over 50 years, and their comfort has given them a fan base for generations. I have worn and loved multiple pairs of Birkenstock Arizona sandals since high school, and they remain my go-to choice for casual outings. These veteran sandals receive top laurels for their legendary comfort, featuring a contoured footbed, orthopedic arch support, and a soft foam layer that makes every step feel like a custom-fit foundation.

In this current test, I tried the latest version with the soft footbed, and I am impressed by how comfortable and supportive they were when I first slipped them on. They still have the tradition “Birkenstock-break-in” period, but with the added layer of cushioning in this version of the Arizona, it was less noticeable. The suede lining feels soft on the bottoms of my feet. What has kept my feet happy in the Arizona throughout the decades, from high school to my twenties, now my thirties, is the delicious sensation of my feet grounding into a footbed that molds to my feet over time. I find that it usually takes 1-2 weeks to really start feeling the customized fit, and then the fit improves with time.

In addition to the classic footbed, this newest rendition of the Arizona features an extra layer of cushion in the footbed, which felt soft and natural the first time I wore them for my evening walk. Jump forward to a week of walking the pup, hitting up the coffee shop, and the miles that add up to errands living in the country, I noticed no achy feet or sore calves - just the delicious feeling of a body that feels comfortable and grounded at the end of the walk. I tend to wear my Arizonas ragged because it takes a lot of steps to get that amazing fit, and it is hard to let go of a shoe that feels that good for full days of city travel or long days on my feet at work. I will even hike gentle trails with them. I love the personalized fit and feel the support of custom-molded insoles!

Traction

The Arizona's rubber outsole offers excellent traction on various surfaces you may encounter during your urban commutes. The lightweight EVA construction provides a flexible and shock-absorbing grip on most dry surfaces. I have walked for miles on old European cobblestones and explored the backcountry bush around huts in New Zealand, relying on the Arizona grip for stability on gravel, grass, and even slick marble museum steps.

I wore them on smooth tiles and gravel hiking trails without experiencing any slipping. As a slide, I would be impressed if someone had the surefootedness to wear them scrambling granite climbs or boulder hopping on rugged hiking trails. The deep heel cup helps me plant my foot solidly on inclines or slightly uneven surfaces like rocky pathways, so the structured footbed helps my gait make the most of the grippy sole. While they're not designed for rugged terrain or slick conditions, the tread pattern holds up well for casual strolls, errands, and urban adventures. If you're after sandals that balance comfort with reliable footing on typical surfaces, the Arizona delivers a steady step.

Unlike many foam slides, which I feel become a true “slide-on-inside” when my sweaty feet slide around in them, my feet stay anchored in the Arizonas. I wore them on 100-plus degrees in the Utah Red Rock country heat, and even when my feet got sweaty, the suede liner was soft and prevented my feet from slipping inside the shoe.

Stability

Birkenstock is famous for its structured footbed that provides customized stability by molding to your foot over time. A structured footbed provides orthopedic support by helping you maintain foot alignment, distributing weight evenly, and absorbing shock.

Birkenstock designed an iconic structured footbed that features a deep heel cup, which supports the back of the arch and keeps the foot centered and stabilized. Interior and exterior longitudinal arch supports mirror the foot's shape on both sides of the foot bed, supporting the tarsal bones during steps. Arch support in the center of the footbed falls under the metatarsal bone, which gave my foot a solid and supported grounding both standing and walking. This part of the footbed supported my high arches and prevented my foot from feeling fatigued even after miles of walking. The final feature of the classic Birk footbed is a toe grip, raised toe profile grooves that help my toes spread out organically and roll in their natural walking motions.

I found a stark contrast between the structured footbed of the Arizona and more minimalist “barefoot” shoes, which emphasize foot strength and feeling the ground. My feet hurt in more minimalist footbeds, which people with a flatter foot profile might need to experiment with how a structured footbed suits their foot profile. If you have mid to high arches, then a structured footbed promotes healthy foot biomechanics and prevents foot fatigue. Contouring that molds to your unique foot shape promotes stability. I previously suffered plantar fasciitis wearing zero-drop shoes, but the arch support in the Arizonas reduces stress on my arches, heels, and ankles, in addition to preventing overpronation. Since the Arizona is available in regular and wide width profiles, it can be sized to unique foot profiles for promoting natural alignment and achieving customized fit.

Adjustability

With an active lifestyle, I appreciate things that keep it simple. The Arizona sandal features two wide straps with a metal buckle that are easy to adjust and forget about. Their broad support keeps my feet snug and gait natural.

I really only have to adjust the Arizonas once, and then they are set up to slip on and off. If I sprained my ankle or got stung by a jellyfish and my foot ballooned out, it would only take a minute to readjust. When walking, the broad straps give firm support and stability and never cut into the tops of my feet.

Versatility

The Arizonas have an iconic style that fit seamlessly into a variety of personal aesthetics. You can wear them with most of your summer outfits, and if you're a dirtbag or van-lifer, you can even pair them with socks while sitting by the campfire.

“Minimalist aesthetic, maximum vibes; simple straps, big style energy,” is how I sum up the many pairs of Arizonas I have worn out over the past decades. The understated simplicity of the Arizonas makes them a staple piece that is easy to mix and match in my outfit rotation. They hit the perfect balance between laid-back and stylish. Their iconic two-strap design pairs effortlessly with jeans, dresses, or even socks if I'm feeling bold. The range of neutral colors allows me to dress them up or down more than any other shoe I consider essential. Whether I'm dancing at summer festivals or strolling to the local library, these sandals bring timeless style and everyday comfort to any ensemble. Additionally, I love them for travel because they are easy to slide off and on when going through airport security.

As they are leather, the Arizonas don't do well with water, so I don't like wearing them to the beach or on rainy days. On a rainy day, I tend to select different shoes that handle puddles better. To preserve the life of my Arizonas, I avoid soaking them but also limit sun exposure by storing them indoors. The leather can dry out in the heat, so I wouldn't recommend leaving them outside to bake in the sun. I apply a leather conditioner every few months ( I often walk in moisture-sucking dry deserts) to preserve the suppleness of the upper straps.

Should You Buy the Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed?

If you are on the fence about the Arizonas, it may be helpful to consider the cost of custom insoles. As someone who has spent hundreds of dollars on custom insoles, I am grateful for Birkenstocks' molded orthopedic support. I recommend them to anyone looking for more support in their go-to sandal, especially if you spend a lot of time on your feet. “Like a supportive bra, you trust it and you don't notice its backstage support because it feels in sync with your skin,” comments one tester. Healthy feet may look like a moment of gratitude at the end of the day when you kick off your slides, curl your toes into a soft rug, and thank your shoes that your feet are free of aches and fatigue. Game-changer! Plus, they style well with almost anything. Whether you are slipping between sandals and ascent slippers at the local climbing crag or heading out for cocktails, the Arizona looks grounded, complementing your unique flair.

What Other Sandals Should You Consider?

The Arizona is an excellent pick for a casual sandal. I wore them for years, both with and without socks, and they pair well with almost my entire wardrobe. However, they are on the pricier side. If you're new to structured footbeds and want more arch support, we highly recommend the budget-friendly Cushionaire Lane Cork Footbed. While slightly less durable, they provide good support and look great with various summer outfits. If you need a travel shoe that's better suited for rugged terrain, the Bedrock Cairn Evo offers excellent grip for scrambling and navigating slot canyons, but they do lack arch support. On the other hand, the Ecco Yucatan provides shoe-like stability; however, they're best suited for narrow feet and have less arch support for longer walks.