Let me qualify my review by explaining that I have worn the Birkenstock shoes since the 70s. The "clog" has been a favorite and I needed some smaller sizes, now, having lost weight - Yippee! So, I decided to start off with a simple black clog and maybe new insoles for my older clogs - all over 14 years old (I do have the Birk sandals too - with one wide strap over the toes that I adore).

Thus arrived in great time my new smaller black Birki Clog. Lo and behold no removable insole! That means no great footbed that accomodates indiviual feet. Still dedicated to this brand, I decided to give them a good ole heave ho and break them in; not!

No amount of wearing these comes anything close to even my first paid or Birkenstock clogs (made of the same material) with the removable insoles.

In my opinion, I would not buy this model ever again - it's simply not worth my foot and back health to risk it, ever again. I'm enjoying a smaller size, but that's about the limit. When I can get back to the Austin Birkenstock stores and stock up again, I will do that - and double-check on what I am buying because with the removable insoles new ones may be ordered and the Birkenstock clogs last forever, in my experience.