I ordered these for my 73-year-old mother after she stated that she'd like to have a pair of Birkis, based on my raves about them. Like reviewer Lydia, she also has twisted toes from botched surgery, and pronounced bunions on very wide feet. She liked my Birkis but while I prefer no backstrap, Mom wanted it because she feels more secure with it. So we sat down and looked at various styles and she decided on these. I was nervous about ordering them because I've always ordered a size down for myself, but didn't know if I should do that for her since her poor feet are so gnarled with bunions which stick out pretty far. Anyway, I angsted over it and decided to just order them in her regular shoe size. And they are a perfect fit! There was a small problem with the buckles because on the toe straps the punch holes were too far in, almost to center of foot, and she couldn't get them buckled. Simple solution: a shoe repair shop punched extra holes for her and now she has hardly removed them. She reports they are the most comfortable shoes ever, thanks to the soft footbed (my recommendation) and wide design.

I'm telling you, Birki's and Birkenstock soft footbeds are the way to go for problem feet!