I have plantar fasciitis - heel spurs.  I wear inserts in most of my shoes but Birkenstocks can be worn without inserts.  I have 8 pairs of Birks and wear them daily alternating them as recommended by Birkenstock.  I do not have pain in my feet now.  This is a great shoe for a Southern winter - no snow.  My first pair of Boston Clogs lasted 15 years and I replaced them because the soles were slick.  Buy and use the cork saver and Birks will last almost forever.  If they had 6 stars, I would have rated these shoes that high.