Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Sandals Recovery and Walking Shoes Review
An in-depth review of stable, durable sandals with footbeds that contour to your feet
January 16th, 2026
Home → Gear Reviews → Footwear
Our verdict
The Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed sandals are comfortable, durable, supportive slides that aren’t just a popular style choice, but also a great all-day recovery shoe option. We especially recommend these recovery or walking sandals for anyone dealing with plantar fasciitis, as their cork/latex midsole forms to your feet over time, providing practically tailor-made support and comfort.
As someone who spent decades as a competitive runner and coached high school and collegiate runners for about five years, I’ve learned a lot about the importance of comfortable, supportive footwear for recovery. When I was diagnosed with severe plantar fasciitis in both my feet in 2019, I extensively researched everything I needed to do to get better, including what shoes to wear. In both my research and my experience, I’ve found no better footwear for plantar fasciitis than the Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed sandals.
men's
Women's
Similarly, while recovering from hip replacement surgery this year, the Birkenstock Arizonas were the first shoes I walked in. I could slip them on (no need to worry about heel cups and laces), and I trusted their support. (Check with your doctor or medical professional before purchasing any item specifically to help with a physical injury or condition.)
I almost exclusively wore the Arizonas for about nine months in 2019/2020 while recovering from plantar fasciitis, and have continued wearing them periodically since. I’ve put countless miles in them over the last seven years, and they’re still in good shape (though the outsole is wearing down). I’ve worn them on walks around my home in Colorado, and my previous homes in Indiana and California. They’ve traveled with me on countless road trips and international trips. Other Treeline testers have also worn them for decades, and they are beloved for their durability, comfort, and foot support.
Originally introduced in 1973, little has changed with the Arizonas in the past 50 years. From the food co-op to the red carpet, Arizonas are loved by generations.
The standout feature of this sandal is its cork and latex midsole that forms to your unique foot shape. This provides the specific support you need–ideal for recovering from plantar fasciitis and helping prevent it. It also has a durable suede leather upper. With care, these shoes should last you for many years. You’ll likely notice the most wear in the EVA outsole over time, which may lose traction with wear.
The Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed sandals aren’t the most cushioned recovery shoes out there. They excel in support and durability, not plush cushioning. If you’re looking for a more cushioned recovery slide, we recommend the OOFOS OOahh slides. While the leather versions are not vegan, a synthetic leather version suitable for vegans is available.
However, if you’re looking for a recovery or walking sandal that provides excellent support during long days on your feet–and especially if you like the Birkenstock style–these are a fantastic option. Their durability and long-term comfort make them well worth the price.
We write mission-driven gear reviews. To find the best gear, we combine expert reviews, everyday user opinions, and rigorous independent trail testing—never native ads or sponsored posts. We are 100% reader-supported and may make a small commission from some qualifying affiliate links. Learn more.
Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Sandals Specifications
Price: $155
Weight (per shoe): 7 oz (women’s 7-7.5)
Heel-to-toe drop (mm): 0 mm
Cushion level: Moderate
Upper materials: Suede
Midsole materials: Cork, latex, leather
Outsole material: EVA
Available sizes and widths: 6-17.5 (men’s), 4-12.5 (women’s), wide and narrow
Suitable for vegans: Synthetic vegan options are available
Comparison table
| RECOVERY SHOE | MSRP* | TYPE | TOE COVERAGE | UPPER | MIDSOLE | OUTSOLE | WEIGHT (OZ) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birkenstock Arizona Soft footbed Men's Women's |
$110 | Slide | Open toe | Birko-Flor® Nubuck | Natural Leather | EVA | 7 oz |
| Birkenstock Arizona EVA Men's Women's |
$50 | Slide | Open toe | One piece molded EVA | One piece molded EVA | One piece molded EVA | 8 oz |
| OOFOS OOahh Slide Unisex |
$60 | Slide | Open toe | Proprietary OOfoam | Proprietary OOfoam | Proprietary OOfoam | 4.6 oz |
| Chacos CushZ Sandals Men's Women's |
$80 | Sandal | Open toe | Polyester jacquard webbing | FloatMax high-rebound recycled EVA | EVA | 6.4 oz |
| HOKA All Gender Ora Recovery 3 Slide Unisex |
$60 | Slide | Open toe | Soft EVA upper | EVA | EVA | 6.6 oz |
Best for
Daily wear as recovery, walking, or casual-wear sandal
Anyone with plantar fasciitis (or trying to prevent it)
Ideal for roads, sidewalks, and indoor terrain, but can handle non-technical trail terrain
What we liked
Cork footbed that contours to your feet
Supportive and comfortable for all-day wear
Durable materials and construction means they can last for years, making them a great value
Easily styled as casual wear
Soles can be repaired if the uppers are still in good shape
What could be better
Not highly cushioned
EVA outsole wears down smooth and limits traction over time
More expensive than other recovery shoes (though should last longer and can be resoled)
How we tested
Our testers wore the Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed sandals in a women’s regular size 7-7.5, 8-8.5, and 9-9.5. One tester has worn them for about seven years, another for about 15 years, and another for 30 years, making it difficult to say how many miles we’ve logged in them, but it’s a lot.
We first started wearing them for daily casual wear (e.g., running errands, going on walks) in Indiana, on a cross-country road trip moving to California, and while living in California. Since then, we’ve worn them periodically after long runs and hikes in Colorado.
We even wore them as part of our recovery from hip replacement surgery, as we appreciated the ease of slipping them on and trusted their support.
Most of our testing was done on paved paths or inside buildings and to public transportation, though we have worn them many times on non-technical trails (like multi-use trails or dirt paths) without any issue. The EVA outsole isn’t particularly grippy, so we didn’t typically wear them on super technical trails.
We've also tested them repeatedly on days where we're on our feet all day, such as outdoor summer concerts and outdoor festivals (PCT Days). Foot fatigue or pain was never an issue.
We’ve worn them in every season (pairing them with wool socks on dry-but-cold winter days). Since they’re sandals, we wouldn’t choose them on rainy days or in super muddy or wet conditions. And while we do pair them with wool socks on chilly days, we wouldn’t choose them in sub-freezing conditions. Otherwise, we wore them in all types of weather.
We also tested them side by side with other recovery shoes and walking shoes, allowing us to directly compare comfort, cushion, fit, support, durability, and more.
Performance in the Field
Fit and feel
Birkenstock arizona EVA sandal in black (top) and and Birkenstock Arizona soft footbed sandal (bottom)
The Birkenstock Arizona sandals come in EU sizing, with the US sizing translating to a whole-to-half size range (e.g., size 7 to 7.5). We found they fit true to size, though some customer reviews report they run larger than their usual size.
You can also choose between “regular/wide” or “medium/narrow” sizing. We wore the regular size, including our tester with narrow feet, and found the fit comfortable. The shoes are plenty wide to accommodate varying footshapes, since the purpose of the soft cork footbed is to contour to your unique footshape. The adjustable buckles let you fine-tune the fit, or adjust as your feet swell on hot summer days.
As a result of the contouring, these sandals fit better over time. The cork softens and feels more comfortable over time as well. The suede upper is soft, adding to the overall comfort.
Ride and responsiveness
These shoes are intended to provide comfort and stability, and are not designed to be responsive. They are not bouncy, like the super plush, high-stack OOFOS OOahh slides, but rather stable and secure. They’re meant for casual everyday walking and wear, so responsiveness isn’t a priority. However, they aren’t clunky, either. While not the lightest sandals we’ve tested, they’re still light enough to not feel particularly noticeable.
Cushioning
Testing the Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Sandal (left) side by side with the ROLL Recovery SUPERPLUSH Solace Slide (left).
The cork/latex midsole softens with wear, but is more firm than plush. Once they’ve contoured to your feet, they’ll provide all-day comfort and stability. And since they’re not super cushiony, the stack is relatively low. If you’re looking for a high-stack slide with lots of cushion, we recommend the OOFOS OOahh recovery slides. However, the midsole of the Arizonas is much more durable and should last you for many years.
Traction and grip
The outsole of the Arizonas is made of EVA. It’s textured for some grip, but overall the traction is not a strong point of this shoe. We recommend wearing them on mostly flat, non-technical surfaces.
Breathability and upper
The suede upper is soft and durable. Since these are sandals, breathability is not a concern and they are plenty comfortable in hot weather. We’ve had no durability or comfort issues with the upper's construction.
Since the upper is two straps with buckles, you can adjust them to accommodate the volume of your feet.
Stability and support
Because the midsole contours to your foot, the Birkenstock Arizonas offer excellent foot stability and just the right amount of arch support. We’ve walked hundreds, if not thousands of miles in these shoes and trust their stability and support–even in the days following total hip replacement surgery.
Weight
A women’s size 7-7.5 shoe weighs about 7 oz, making them about the same weight as a lightweight road running shoe. They aren’t as feather-light as super plush foam slides, but they are much more durable. In our decades of experience testing these shoes, we’ve never thought their weight noticeable.
Durability and longevity
Wear on the outsole of a 7-year-old Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed sandal.
The durability and longevity of Birkenstock Arizona sandals is one of their biggest selling points. These shoes are hardy and long lasting. My pair is going strong after year seven. Other testers have had two or three pairs over 15-30 years–truly impressive. With the $155 price tag, this is a great value if you know you’ll wear them for years.
The tread on the outsole is typically the first to wear down and likely the reason you’ll end up wanting to replace them. You can tell it's worn down when the textured bottom becomes smooth, causing you to lose traction.
Features
Drop measurement and impact
The Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed sandals are a zero-drop shoe, which means they’re the same height at the heel as they are at the toe. Those who prefer allowing their feet to land more naturally in zero-drop shoes will appreciate the Arizonas.
But zero-drop aficionados aren’t the only ones who find the Arizonas comfortable–one of our testers and another tester’s sister both prefer mid-drop shoes with high cushion while running, and both have been comfortably wearing the Arizonas for many years.
Lacing system
While these sandals do not have laces, they do have buckles that allow you to adjust the fit to your foot volume.
Sustainability and ethics
Birkenstock, a German company, commits to more sustainable and environmentally friendly practices throughout their production process. They also mostly use natural materials in their shoes, like cork, resin from rubber trees, and jute. You can learn more about their sustainability efforts on their website.
In addition, Birkenstocks can be resoled, which is the best option, sustainability-wise and pocketbook-wise.
Color options
Birkenstock offers the Arizona in 12 mostly neutral color options. Other versions of the Arizona also come in a variety of colorways.
Can Birkenstocks be Resoled?
Yes, Birkenstock Arizonas can be resoled, usually at a fraction of the cost of a new pair. If the uppers are still in good shape, just Google "Birkenstock repair near me" and you'll find cobblers who specialize in Birkenstocks.
Similar products
Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA Sandals
Price: $50
Weight (per shoe): 4 oz
Cushion level: Minimal
Upper materials: EVA
Midsole materials: EVA
Outsole material: EVA
Suitable for vegans: Yes
If the $155 price tag of the Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed sandals is outside your budget, or if you want a lighter or more water-friendly option, the Arizona EVA sandals offer similar foot support for $50. We named them Best Affordable in our Best Recovery Shoes guide.
Since the midsole is EVA rather than cork, these shoes do not contour specifically to your feet like the Soft Footbed sandals do. They also aren’t quite as durable, though they have held up for us for about six years (admittedly with much less wear than the Arizona Soft Footbed sandals, though).
Birkenstock Arizona Essentials EVA Sandals
men's
Women's
Price: $60
Weight (per shoe): 4.6 oz
Cushion level: Maximum
Upper materials: Proprietary OOfoam
Midsole materials: Proprietary OOfoam
Outsole material: Proprietary OOfoam
The OOFOS OOahh Slides are high-stack, super plush recovery sandals, and the Best Overall winner in our Best Recovery Shoes guide. They’re extremely comfortable and are ideal for wearing after a workout to ease the impact on your joints and recover more quickly. While they offer some support for post-workout wear, they are not as supportive or as durable as the Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed sandals, and so we would not recommend them for all-day wear. Learn more in our in-depth review of the OOFOS OOahh Slides Recovery Shoes.
OOFOS OOahh Slides
Men's / Unisex
Women's
Chacos CushZ Sandals
Price: $80
Weight (per shoe): 6.4 oz
Cushion level: Moderate
Upper materials: Polyester jacquard webbing
Midsole materials: FloatMax high-rebound recycled EVA
Outsole material: EVA
Suitable for vegans: yes
If you’re looking for a versatile, all-day sandal with a similar style, the Chacos CushZ Slides are another option worth considering. While they do not have a footbed that contours to your foot, they do still offer adequate arch support for most folks. Like the Birkenstock Arizonas, they are more firm than plush, and they have a similar stylish look for casual wear.
Chacos CushZ Sandals
men's
Women's
Who should buy the Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Sandals
Buy if you’re looking for an everyday sandal that offers support contoured to your feet. This is a great option for walking, commuting short distances, recovery wear, and casual wear.
Skip if you want a recovery shoe with plush cushioning, or a walking shoe with more foot protection or better tread.
Where to buy
The Birkenstock Arizona Recovery Sandals are popular footwear, so you have options when it comes to retailers. Here are some of the pros of the retailers.
REI
Pros: 100% satisfaction policy for 1 year; 10% dividend for members.
Amazon
Pros: Free 2-day shipping with Amazon Prime membership
Zappos
Pros: 365-day free shipping on returns, fast delivery with free VIP program
Backcountry
Pros: Frequent sales for Expedition Perks members (free to join), fast shipping, Gearhead chat customer service is excellent
Advice on where to buy
In general for shoes and sandals, we recommend purchasing from a place with easy or free returns like REI or Zappos. Trying on shoes is an important way to get the sizing right. With both those retailers, if your funds allow, you can buy two sizes and easily return one. Additionally, check reviews to see whether other users recommend sizing up or down.
Why you should trust us / About the Author
Becca Downs ran D1 cross country and track for Indiana University—Purdue University of Indianapolis (IUPUI) and continued racing everything from elite miles to an ultramarathon in her post-collegiate years. She earned a USATF Level 1 certification and coached boys and girls high school cross country and track in Indianapolis for four years. Becca then joined the IUPUI women’s distance coaching staff as a volunteer assistant coach in 2020-2021.
She geeks out on trail running, track and field, and cries every time she watches a marathon (they’re just so beautiful!).
After notching a few small FKTs under her belt, she was diagnosed with hip arthritis and now channels her passion for running into coaching, crewing, writing, creating training plans for her friends, hiking, snowshoeing, and running as much as her hip allows. She earned her MFA in Creative Writing from the Mile-High MFA Program at Regis University. Becca is based in Denver, Colorado.
You can read more of Becca's work at her website or on her author page. You can follow her on Instagram at @beccad___.
