Birkenstock shoes are the absolute best I have ever worn. I have had issues with my feet for years and more recently my knees. These shoes hold my feet with perfect balance and brace, no pinching, no ankles turning and they look wonderful, too. The soles DO NOT wear out. I have had some Birkenstocks for years and the soles do not wear out on sides or other spots as have any other brand of shoes I have owned such as Easy Spirit, Clarks, Naturalizer, Life Stride, just to name a few.