Customer Reviews Birkenstock Boston Soft Footbed - Oiled Leather (Unisex)

I’ve purchased three Boston Soft Footbed Clogs in the span of three months. All size 40 medium width. One suede, Almalfi leather, and the one I received today was oiled leather. The first two are identical in fit and comfort, from the way the upper was cut to the width of the footbed. The oiled leather has a wider footbed AND more importantly, the upper was cut shorter. Because of these two differences, the shoes don’t feel as secure on my feet since the strap doesn’t come back far enough AND everything is just wider. Unfortunately my husband, in an effort to be helpful, immediately threw all the boxes away...and so I’m stuck trying to figure out how to make them work for me. I just don’t understand how this pair is so very different than the other two, when they are the same style and size. Extremely disappointed.

Looks nothing like the oiled leather in the product description to the point that I thought I received suede instead. Box says waxy leather so I have no idea if it’s what I ordered or not. Also arrived with a dented toe box and a glue stain on the front. Not the quality I would expect for $140.

These are excellent shoes! I’ve been diagnosed with plantar fasciitis and my doc says the only way to get rid of it is to wear good shoes with good arch support. I thought I wore good shoes because I’ve been buying good quality (and expensive) work boots and running shoes. I wear work boots daily and they’ve been so comfortable, but they apparently lack the arch support. I’ve recently converted to the Birkenstocks Arizona and Boston and my heel pain has almost totally gone away! Like 90% gone! In just a couple of days I noticed a huge difference—pain I experienced in the mornings have almost totally disappeared. And during the day, I don’t feel any pain whatsoever. The regular insoles Birkenstocks are known for are comfortable, but the soft footbed is a huge bonus. I really like the way these feel when I walk around—it almost feels like it rocks you forward with each step. My kids don’t think they’re the most stylish, but when you’re old, you just gotta own your style and rock it! When it is cold out, I love these with a nice pair of slim jeans. The color and finish on these are real nice. It’s called oiled leather, but it has more of a velvety (not quite suede) texture. On occasion, they get wet from water drops and it dramatically changes the color to a very dark grey, but when the water dries it goes back to its normal color.

Six days out of seven, I am wearing Birkenstocks: Boston clogs, London shoes or Arizona sandals. The Boston clogs get the most wear because they are useful in all conditions. I wear them in the summer with no socks, in the fall with medium socks, and in the winter with thick socks. During a fast outdoor walk, thick socks lock the Bostons securely to my feet. I first got a 43 regular width Boston with the traditional firm footbed. They are a tad wide with bare feet but perfect with thick socks. I got a second pair in a 43 regular width with the soft footbed which provides a more snug fit...perfect for bare feet. Both the regular and soft footbeds provide good arch support. The soft version feels good the first week but the regular footbed needs a few weeks to soften and conform to your feet. The "iron" color is a blend of charcoal gray and dark brown that can look black, gray, or brown in different light. The oiled leather scuffs easily but it takes just a minute to rub in a dab of leather lotion and then they look great...with the weathered look of a broken in saddle. If you work in a flexible setting, such as a hospital or college, they (and the London shoes) are perfect for long hours on your feet.

Two Summers ago, I went to a local "Birkenstock" store, was fitted, and purchased two pairs of sandals and have loved them. I was interested in the Birkenstock clogs, but honestly thought they were ugly as sin. Fast forward to this Winter, when looking for a "clog" shoe to wear in between boot and sandal season, I bit the bullet and ordered the grey Boston. Instead of going by Zappos "suggested" size, I ordered the size I was fitted in, even calling "Birkenstock" and making sure the size I wore in the sandals would be the correct size for the clogs. Other than the sandals, these are probably the most comfortable shoes I own and they are not ugly as sin, but cute with skinny jeans and a casual top, which is my preferred wardrobe style. I will probably buy another color later, building a Birkenstock wardrobe, but right now am super happy wearing these on a daily basis.

I love these shoes! I have many pairs of Birkenstocks but this is my first soft foot bed. I didn’t feel they had the same support as regular footbed but it’s perfect in the Boston! I have a black pair of Bostons with regular footbed that took a year to become comfortable. These are comfortable from day one. I love the tobacco color that will darken with time. I took a picture to show how tobacco changes with wear and leather conditioning. I wear a 9 in women’s and ordered the 40 narrow. They are perfect barefoot. My black ones are 40 regular which work with thick socks.

Discoloring is normal. Came with scuffs on them? Fits true to size with no socks. Felt small and tight with socks on but I’m guessing you have to break them in a little. Not sure if I like the look of them yet.. Feels comfortable though ?

I love these clogs but I will say the colors vary for the Oiled Tobacco. I’m size 39 in sandals but in these I ended getting size 40. As you can see they are 2 different shades and still about 1-2 shades lighter than as pictured.

How can you go wrong with Birkenstocks?! These are comfy and “ugly cute”! Perfect winter slipons with warm socks, and a great spring inbetween weather choice. The color goes with everything.

This is my second pair of Birkenstock Boston shoes in about 15 years. These always wear well and are great to wear when traveling by plane through TSA, as I can wear stocks to keep from walking barefoot through security. I’m attaching how the Boston’s looked after unboxing (left) and how they look after using two applications of leather conditioner (Brick4 brand) letting each application dry for a couple of hours (right). I expected this would happen and wasn’t too bummed about it. It also takes about a week of wearing to break the shoes in. I suggest wearing lightweight socks during this process. Would I buy again? You bet!

My new favorite.

I love these shoes! They feel like a warm hug on my feet. Especially with socks. Very durable and comfy.

I love knowing exactly what I'm going to get as far as quality is concerned with Birkenstock. I ordered a 40 narrow and usually wear a 39 regular in Birkenstock sandles. The 40 narrow fits perfectly.

I am a big fan of the Birkenstock Arizona, and with working at home all year (and into next, most likely) I don't need more work shoes but did want better shoes to wear around the house in colder weather. The Boston was the perfect compromise. They are extremely comfortable with or without socks, and I suspect they will only get better with time, like my Arizonas. I did treat them with a proctectant spray just to help them stay looking new longer. I wear a 41 in the Arizona and the 41 in the Boston fit perfectly.

Perfect fit! I ordered a size larger than I normally do in Birks to accommodate some of my heavier winter socks.

First pair of Birkenstock’s and lived up to their acclaim. Took a few wears to break in and feel comfy. But great support, no issues with them falling off my feet (I was worried about that), and I think they look awesome. I wear a 10.5 in almost everything and need a wide for brands that are narrow, but my foot isn’t “wide” per the measuring thing at the store. I got these in 43 regular and they’re perfect. It’s like Birkenstock designs shoes based on the shape of actual human feet...so weird.

Sizing (39) was perfect as I wear a size 9. Love the soft gray color. Like wearing clouds all day! Soft footbed feels amazing and I didn’t have any aching feet after working all day.

great clog. fits good true to birkenstock sizes. wish there were more color option tho.

I am sending these back; the interior of the shoes are stiff and rub skin.

I love the color combo but I’d ordered the same pair, different color combo/same size, from Birkenstock directly. The ones from Birkenstock website fit like a dream, just not the color combo I wanted. So size up if you get these. I’m an RN in an ICU and wear them for work, very comfortable!

I love the way the leather looks--it's very nice (dark gray; oiled-look if they are not oiled, can't remember). They are a little boxy looking, but fine. They're comfortable, except they rubbed my toes a little at first; I wouldn't wear them without socks. Good support.

Fit great, I sized down an entire size to account for not wearing socks, it’s was the right move. They are insanely comfortable, as well. Now the bad.. I received a pair that is literally 2 different leathers.. my left one is lighter colored, soft and supple and the other is darker and smooth. How does this happen on a $172 (post tax) pair of footwear!?! 2 stars for that horrible quality control.

When walking on them my right foot felt fine. My left foot kept turning and walking on the side of the shoe. Not quite sure what that was all about. The upper leather was very crude and rough and was much narrower than normal.

fit, material and style great

I’ve been buying the Boston for more than 20 years. When Birkenstock started making the soft footbed it was a game changer. Unlike classic birks, No break in period. Love these shoes. Sizing is the same always.