Welcome to Retail Therapy by Prevention! In this series, our editors provide thoughtful, honest reviews of what we’ve been testing lately that we want you to know about—because we refuse to keep these game-changing finds all to ourselves. Whether you’re on a mission to find something specific or simply need a little retail therapy in the form of an impulse purchase, consider this your insider’s shopping guide to everything our team thinks is worth the buy.
As I’ve gotten older, wearing shoes indoors has become a must (slippers with arch support or recovery sandals are my kicks of choice). Especially after fracturing the ball of my foot last summer, wearing the right shoe is key to ensuring I don’t anger the injury. My fiancé is an avid Birkenstock fan and tried to convince me to get a pair for years. But it wasn’t until my podiatrist recommended them when padding around my house for extra support that I finally conceded. It was July 2023 when I first slipped on Birkenstock’s Arizona EVAs, and I’ve been wearing them ever since.
Pros
- Supportive footbed
- Podiatrist-recommended brand
- Waterproof
Cons
- Runs a bit large
| Sizes | W4-12, M6-13 |
|---|---|
| Widths | Regular, wide |
| Colors | 10 |
| Materials | Ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) |
The brand is known for its footbed, which came about in the 1930s, described as “anatomically shaped with special support elements,” per Birkenstock’s website. Such elements include a deep heel cup to cradle the area and provide some cushion under the bone, arch support running along the sides and middle of the footbed for extra stability and comfort, a raised toe bar to spur the natural gripping motion you take with each step, and a roomy toe box.
Many shoes designed by the brand feature a jute, cork, and latex footbed with a suede lining. I went for the EVA shoes, which are constructed solely out of EVA, but still offer the brand’s supportive footbed design.
Find out everything you need to know before buying a pair, below.
How I tested
I wore the Birkenstock Arizona EVA sandals nearly every day for a year. I mostly wore them inside and to do laundry in my building, up until a recent vacation. I ended up testing these on various terrains, including on a sandy beach, cobblestone streets, and even in shallow water to see how their water-friendly claims stack up (spoiler alert, really well!).
What I love about the Birkenstock Arizona EVA Sandals
First and foremost, these shoes tout Birkenstock’s famous supportive footbed, and that is what really drew me to them. They are incredibly comfortable, lightweight, and easy to pack too. But here’s a full run-down of the Birkenstock Arizona EVA sandal benefits:
- Feature Birkenstock’s signature, supportive footbed
- Two adjustable straps with buckle closure for a more bespoke fit
- Water-friendly
- Available in a slew of colors
- Available in regular/wide and medium/narrow widths
- Easy to slide on and off
What I don’t love about the Birkenstock Arizona EVA sandals
These ran a bit big on me and I ended up needing to go down a size. And, I found them a bit pricey for shoes made of EVA—but I now fully believe they are worth it. Finally, they do wear down after extensive wear (as is the case with any shoe), so I’ll be replacing these soon. But in the meantime, catch me wearing these poolside and beachside, and running errands in the neighborhood.
One last thing
I’ve logged thousands of hours in these shoes over the last year, and am already thinking of purchasing another pair. My fiancé lives in the leather and suede version of these (the classic Arizona’s), and I’m tempted to add them to my closet too. I’ve also been loving some other Birkenstock sandals like the Papillio by Birkenstock Milano Exquisite Chunky Sandal, the Theda Wedge Sandal, and the Milano Big Buckle Sandal. So far, I’m fully a Birkenstock convert now, and I don’t see that changing any time soon.
Emily Goldman is the deputy editor at Prevention. She’s spent her career editing and writing about health, wellness, beauty, fashion, and food for Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, Bridal Guide, Good Housekeeping, and more. She’s loved all things health and wellness since starting her bi-weekly podcast Pancreas Pals—a series all about the highs and lows of living life with type 1 diabetes. When not podcasting, she spends most of her time curled up with a good book or watching a period piece on BBC.
