Gizeh Braided Slide Sandal (Women)

I have quite a collection of Gizeh sandals I've built up over the years because it's my favorite style from Birkenstock and because they have so many amazing colors and patterns but I wear the black ones most often. I was due for a new pair because my previous pair in Black Licorice which is about 8 years old and have seen many countries is in bad shape and is beyond repair due to cracking cork on the inner side close to toes where the foot bends. I saw these ones and decided to upgrade to them instead of a new pair of plain ones because I love the braid detail. I read all of other reviews carefully and after some deliberation decided to take a chance. I'm not sure why these sandals have such bad reviews. I ordered my usual size 37 Regular fit (I'm 6.5 US with duck feet) and they fit the same as my other 7 pairs. They did feel firm which is normal until you break them in but I did not have any issues with the braided part being rough. I mean of course it's brand new genuine leather. It will soften up with use and wear and I was planning on conditioning it with leather conditioner if it turned out to be really unwearable but it wasn't. I've cautiously worn them inside the house first because I get blisters easily. Then went outside. Walked a lot the very first time. Got a bit of an ache due to such firm new foot bed but not blisters. This is all pretty normal. You're not supposed to walk 10 miles until they have molded to your feet. Quality is the same. Higher price due to genuine leather. The part between toes is the same. I'm very happy with my purchase and would recommend you give them a try because they might work out just fine. Thanks to the wonderful return policy Nordstrom offers this is not a risky purchase. I love them!