Customer Reviews Birkenstock Sonora Rugged

I am a longtime Birkenstock fan and eager to try new styles, was happy to find these sandals with back straps which would make walking more comfortable. I have a double wide and high arched foot and usually wear a 41 Euro size, these sandals ran a full size too big for me, so I exchanged them for a 40 and the fit is good, they still look 1/2 size too big, but it will work once I get them fully broken in. They are comfortable right out of the box, though with a little walking, the front strap rubs just a little. The sole is very comfortable, a lot more cushy than regular Birkenstocks, arch is supportive, the heel cup is less pronounced, but feels fine. Overall, I am satisfied and hope they will be able to be resoled when the time comes, but I highly doubt it.

Based on the reviews for this sandal, I ordered my regular birkenstock sandal size, 38, and also one size down. My regular size fits perfectly.

The sandal was bigger than another Birkenstock sandal I own that is also a size 37. I wondered if the sizing has changed recently? Quite apart from the size issue, the leather straps of this sandal were stiff and inflexible. The sandal didn't seem as well made as previous Birkenstocks I have bought. It was clear that I needed to return it.

The pair I got was running one size too big. I’m usually always a 39 regular in Birkenstocks but definitely going down to 38 for this one. Width was correct and these accommodate my high arch/high instep high volume feet.

The length on these were appropriate. However, the width was crazy big. I was able to adjust the buckles sufficiently to try wearing these around the bedroom, but they just look incredibly wide. Reminds me of wearing snowshoes! Otherwise, seems to be a high quality sandal. Unfortunately, these will be going back as I need something narrower.

I do love the style of these sandals! Like the other reviewers , I found these to be quite large, like a man’s footprint. Im going to reorder a size down. These will be perfect for me. The Milano is too chunky looking.

These run true to size. Do not listen to those who are reporting they run small! Despite my experience with Birkenstock I listened to other reviewers and purchased a size smaller than my usual just to have to return them for my actual Birkenstock size (39).

I wanted to love these, because they had a rubber out sole and a back strap . I returned them for one reason only, Birkenstock greatly reduced the arch support in these compared to other Birkenstock sandals I have, thus rendering them uncomfortably unsupportive. I was able to order my regular size but I did not need to order them in a wide as I do other Birkenstocks because these ran wide .

Really wanted to love these. Originally ordered a size smaller per recommendations on website -- shoes were too short. Returned and ordered my regular size -- shoes were correct length but oh so wide! Reluctantly returning ...

I love all of my Birkenstocks, but these sandals are much wider than the usual R width. Also, the back strap, when tightened to fit my foot left too much space at the heel portion of the sandals. Too bad because they are very nice.

Love the soles on these sandals. The rubbed oil finish is especially nice.

Definitely don't size up. I used the sizing of a pair of older birkenstocks that were a bit on the small side as my feet have flattened out and increased in size. Will have to return for a smaller size. The leather is sturdy feeling and can't wait for the smaller size to come and start wearing them.

Birkenstocks are my go to sandal. I wanted to try one with a back strap, so ordered this style. Great quality construction as usual, however the footbed is not as deep as my Floridas, really noticeable in the heel. The rough leather strap rubbed under my ankle bone. I returned them and will try again!

The Sonora Ct sandals run a little long in length from my usual Birkenstock sandals. Width was fine since I have a wide foot and high arch. The strap closest to the toes did rub my second toe, so I won't be able to wear this style. I will order one of the styles I usually wear. I have lots of Birkenstocks, so love the brand. Unfortunately, I am returning the Sonora shoes. I gave the comfort level 2 stars only because they rubbed my toe.

Really great sandals. How much you love them will depend on how they fit you. I wear a 9.5N, which puts me kind of in between Birk 40 and 41. The 41 fit best, although you can see they are a little too long for me. The ankle strap felt a little too odd for me to keep because I have been wearing Arizonas for years before switching to Sierras, but if you're a Milano fan, give these a try.

I love Berkinstocks. These fit great and would of kept them, but look more manly than feminine.

I ordered my usual 41 and they fit just right. I feel like I may have to break in the leather around my toes but I think it will be fine. I just got them today. Love the style. Gotta give them some time inside before I can make my final decision.

I’m a size 7.5 In Birkes, that’s a 38, unless it’s a unisex model. In that case the 38 is loose and too wide on my feet. I did try the 38, but loose and too wide is not safe in sandals. So I returned and ordered the 37. They are not too loose or sloppy, but the foot bed is a bit short, makes sense as a 37 is a size smaller than I would usually wear. I really like the look of these, the color is a ginger brown, very light. The sole is layered, but not too thick and is more flexible than the usual Birk shoe, so I’m choosing to keep them despite the slightly short footbed. Looking forward to a nice summer in my new Birk sandals??

I like these shoes a lot. Unfortunately, a back issue wouldn't let me bend down to buckle them.

I have tried these sandals in 3 different sizes now. I am usually a 40 regular or 41 narrow in Birks. The 41 narrow heel straps are way too long. The 40 regular heel straps are also too long. I would not be able to make either of these sizes work without cutting extra holes in the heel straps. The 39 regular footbed is slightly shorter than I would prefer, but the heel straps actually fit (only on the first hole haha). So just be aware that the heel straps on these are fickle. I will keep the 39 regular width ones. I love the way these break in. They are great for taking my dog on walks in the summer time. The sole is way more rugged than regular Birks and seems like it will last a long time.

Footbed too hard for me. I much prefer the softbed. That would make them the perfect sandal.

I want to love this shoe with its sturdy straps and fantastic grippy sole. Alas, the 37, the size I usually wear in Birks, is huge. I tried a 36. The length fits, but the arch isn't in the right place in the smaller size. So I ended up with a pair of Birkenstock Kumbas. The 37 in this style fits well, it's a tad narrower so looks nicer, but it doesn't have the tread on the sole that I wanted with the Sonora.

Very large in heel area. I was swimming in this size 39 and I consistently wear an 8 or 8.5 shoe.

Some Birkenstock styles come in narrow but not this one. I wear 8 1/2 medium. These were too long and so wide that even adjusting buckle, still too wide. Returned. Nice speedy return tho!

Arch support was not what I had hoped and I could not get these tightened to fit my foot. I think even downsizing wasn’t going to handle that problem