Birkenstock Women's London Comfortable Leather Slip-On Shoes - Classic Casual & Work Flats for Women | Perfect for Office, Travel & Everyday Wear

I've had over a dozen pairs of Birkenstocks, with at least five of them being Londons. I have always had jobs where I was on my feet a lot, including bartending and teaching, so comfortable shoes are very important. (Teaching also explains why I have had so many Londons - sandals just don't look professional enough for most teaching positions.) I'm now starting to battle gout, so the need for comfortable shoes has just jumped exponentially. I've tried wearing athletic shoes and light hikers, but the Birkenstock cork sole quickly conforms to your feet in a way that no other material can and you quickly have a shoe that fits your foot like it was made for it.I've seen a lot of reviews that complained about how tight the London feels when it is brand new. This is normal because of the materials the shoe is made from. Both cork and leather will break in, providing the perfect amount of space in the shoe for your foot. If the shoe came with an already perfect fit, it would quickly feel too large as the material broke in. Remember, the Birkenstock's secret to comfort lies in the fact it will conform perfectly for your foot! Agreed, the break-in is uncomfortable, but quick. When I wear the shoe for years of blissful comfort, I barely remember the break-in.A note on Birkenstocks in general: I have had one pair of Birks that I didn't like. It was the Arizona, which does not have a heel or heel strap. When wearing a heal-less shoe, I had to curl my toes all the time to keep the shoes on my feet. This was the only time I've found a pair of Birks uncomfortable. I recommend you always get a pair with a heel of some kind.As far as durability, I wore Londons when I taught in a native village near the Arctic Circle in Alaska. I have found that as long as you keep the leather protected (I use a beeswax product) it does just fine in occasional wet conditions. I make sure they're sufficiently dried every night. They're not as durable as hiking boots, but who would expect them to be? When worn for teaching, I expect a pair to last a few years. I have had several pairs resoled (just the rubber part replaced) and worn them even further.If you're up for a few days of break-in, I think you'll find the London an amazingly comfortable, professional shoe. I bet my feet on it!