I had the Birkenstock London in Hunter Black for seven years in the 90's (i have been wearing Birkenstock shoes in many styles for 20 years).  I wore them everyday in the winter and they were absolutely the most comfortable and versatile shoe.  When the soles wore down, I gave them away instead of resoling them.  BIG mistake!  The Hunter Leather looks great year after year.  You can wear them with professional slacks for work, or more casual pants.  The smoothness and slight shine to the leather insures that they pass in any office work setting. Plus the cork is covered on this shoe making them look less casual.  I purchased the Hunter Black in size 36R and they were too small.  Thanks to Amazon's great customer service and exchange policy I got the 37R and they fit perfectly. Unbeatable price too!  I wish they had Hunter Brown in my size!

I wore high heeled shoes or flimsy, flat, unstructured (cute) cheap shoes on occasion for years to be socially acceptable. PAINFUL--and caused me lingering foot, knee, and back pain for days anyway even though I tried to not wear unhealthy shoes very often!  Good thing that Birkenstock shoes get cooler every year.  Only Birk's for me from now on!