Birkenstocks' Plastic Cousins: Arizona And Eva Sandals

what are the plastic birkenstocks called

Birkenstocks are a popular German shoe brand known for their sandals with contoured cork footbeds. While the classic Birkenstocks are made with layers of suede and jute, the company also offers an alternative range made of plastic, called the Birkenstock Arizona EVAs. These sandals are made from ethylene-vinyl acetate, a waterproof and lightweight material that provides arch support and relief for back pain. The plastic straps are adjustable and the shoes are available in a wide range of colours.

Characteristics Values
Name Birkenstock Arizona EVA Sandals
Material Ethylene-vinyl acetate (plastic)
Features Deep heel cup, roomy toe box, raised toe bar, plastic straps, synthetic soles
Price Half the price of the original Arizona sandals
Weight Ultra-lightweight
Waterproof Yes
Style Gender-neutral two-strap design
Colors Wide range of colors
Sizing Size down

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Birkenstock Arizona EVA sandals are made from plastic

The Birkenstock Arizona EVA sandals are a plastic version of the classic Arizona sandal. They are made from ethylene-vinyl acetate, a synthetic material that is lightweight, flexible, and waterproof. The EVA sandals are designed with comfort in mind, featuring a deep heel cup, a roomy toe box, and a raised toe bar. The plastic straps are adjustable, ensuring a secure fit.

Birkenstock has a long history of creating shoes that support and contour the foot. The company was founded in 1774 by Johann Adam Birkenstock, and the original purpose was to provide shoes with contoured soles that conformed to the shape of the wearer's feet. Over time, Birkenstock became known for its sandals, which featured distinctive cork footbeds made with layers of suede and jute.

The Arizona sandal, introduced in 1973, became Birkenstock's most popular style. With its two-strap design and wide range of sizes, it has become an iconic shoe. The Arizona EVA sandals are a modern variation, offering the same classic design but in a more lightweight and summer-ready material. The EVA sandals are also available in a range of colours, making them a versatile choice for various outfits and occasions.

While the EVA sandals are made from plastic, they still offer comparable arch support to the classic Arizona sandals. The contoured design has been approved by podiatrists, providing relief for those with back pain. The EVA sandals are also more affordable, costing roughly half the price of the original Arizona sandals.

The Birkenstock Arizona EVA sandals combine style and comfort, making them a popular choice for travellers and outdoor enthusiasts. They are lightweight and waterproof, making them ideal for hiking, biking, and exploring new cities. The adjustable straps ensure a secure fit, while the contoured footbed provides support and comfort for extended periods of walking.

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They are waterproof, lightweight, and half the price of the original Arizona sandal

The Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVAs are the plastic version of the classic Arizona sandal. They are made from waterproof plastic, or ethylene-vinyl acetate, and cost roughly half the price of the original Arizona sandal. The Arizona EVAs are lightweight and comfortable, with a deep heel cup, a roomy toe box, and a raised toe bar. The plastic straps are adjustable, and the contoured design offers podiatrist-approved arch support.

The Arizona EVAs are available in a wide range of sizes and colours, and can be paired with various clothing items such as jeans, dresses, sweaters, and yoga pants. They are excellent for travelling and outdoor activities such as hiking and biking. While some people may find the Arizona EVAs comfortable right out of the box, others may experience discomfort during the break-in period.

The Arizona EVAs are a great alternative to the original Arizona sandal, offering similar features and comfort at a more affordable price. They are perfect for those seeking a waterproof, lightweight, and stylish sandal for various occasions.

The Arizona EVAs showcase Birkenstock's commitment to innovation and comfort, providing consumers with a versatile and durable option that complements their classic Arizona sandal. The EVAs are a testament to Birkenstock's ability to adapt to modern trends and consumer needs while maintaining their high standards of quality and design.

Overall, the Arizona EVAs are a fantastic choice for anyone seeking a practical, fashionable, and affordable sandal, offering the same level of comfort and style that Birkenstock is known for.

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The plastic straps have less give than leather straps

The Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVAs are made from waterproof plastic. They are similar in design to the original Arizonas but are half the price. The plastic straps have less give than the leather straps, but they are still adjustable. The synthetic soles don't mould to the feet as deeply as cork, but their contoured design offers comparable, podiatrist-approved arch support.

The EVA sandals are ultra-lightweight, stylish, comfortable, and versatile, making them excellent for travelling. They are available in the same wide range of sizes as the classic Arizonas, but the EVAs have their own constantly evolving rainbow palette of colours. The EVAs are also waterproof, but they are not approved for use as floatation devices.

The original Birkenstock sandal, released in 1963, was an athletic sandal with a flexible footbed. It was called the "Original Birkenstock Footbed Sandal" and was later renamed "Madrid" in 1979. The shoe was constructed so that the wearer would have to grip their toes to keep the sandals on, which resulted in toned calf muscles—a feature particularly useful for athletes.

The Arizona sandal, introduced in 1973, is Birkenstock's most popular sandal. It was followed in 1976 by the company's first cork clog, the "Boston", and in 1983 by a range of thong sandals, including the "Gizeh".

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The synthetic soles don't mould to the feet as deeply as cork

The original Birkenstock sandal, released in 1963, was called the "Original Birkenstock Footbed Sandal", later renamed "Madrid". Since then, Birkenstock has expanded its range of materials to include leather, EVA (a synthetic material), wool felt, Birko Flor (a vegan alternative to leather), and cork.

The cork footbed is a distinctive and iconic design feature of Birkenstock sandals and clogs. The cork footbed is made with layers of suede and jute, moulding to the shape of the wearer's foot. This moulding offers personalised comfort and support. Cork is also a natural material that provides insulation, keeping feet warm in cold weather and cool in hot weather.

Synthetic soles, on the other hand, do not mould to the feet as deeply as cork. While the insole of a synthetic shoe may mould to the foot, the sole remains rigid and does not take shape. As a result, the shoe may feel comfortable at the beginning of the day, but after being on one's feet all day, the non-forming rigidity of the synthetic sole can make the feet feel tired.

Synthetic soles do have their advantages, however. Synthetic materials are easy to care for and are generally safe, as Birkenstock products are subjected to production checks and regular tests by independent institutes. Synthetic soles are also lightweight and flexible, making them extremely hard-wearing.

Ultimately, the choice between a synthetic or cork sole depends on the specific needs and intended use of the wearer. Cork soles are ideal for casual and fashion footwear, while synthetic soles may be preferable for those seeking a lightweight, low-maintenance option.

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EVA soles are highly scuff-resistant and durable

EVA soles are made from a lightweight, foam-like polymer called ethylene-vinyl acetate. This material is renowned for its excellent cushioning and shock-absorbing properties, making it ideal for running shoes, athletic shoes, and hiking boots. EVA soles are significantly lighter than traditional materials like rubber, reducing the overall weight of the shoe and minimizing fatigue during long days of wear or strenuous physical activities.

While EVA soles are lightweight and flexible, they are less durable than rubber soles and more prone to cracking and wear. Rubber soles surpass EVA in resistance to wear and tear, making them more durable and longer-lasting. Rubber soles also provide better grip and slip resistance, making them a superior choice for outdoor and wet conditions.

However, EVA soles have good energy return characteristics, allowing them to bounce back to their original shape after being compressed. This provides a responsive and energetic feel during activities like long-distance running. The softness and flexibility of EVA soles enable them to conform to the foot's shape, ensuring a comfortable and customized fit.

The versatility of EVA soles makes them popular across different shoe categories, from athletic footwear to casual and work shoes. Manufacturers can customize EVA's density, hardness, and color, making it adaptable for various shoe types, including casual sandals and high-performance recovery shoes.

Frequently asked questions

The plastic Birkenstocks are called the Arizona EVAs.

Arizona EVAs are made from waterproof plastic, or ethylene-vinyl acetate, to be exact.

Arizona EVAs are ultra-lightweight, stylish, comfy, and versatile. They are also podiatrist-approved for arch support and back pain relief.

Arizona EVAs can be purchased from Urban Outfitters, Free People, Macy's, and Nordstrom, among other places.

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