I may end up with a collection of Birkenstock Madird's....that's how much I like this black patent version that I just bought!  Probably because it is black patent, this simple slide has a little bit of dressiness built in. I can see them with black capri's and a silk shirt on a casual night out.  And,hey, I'll be very comfortable the whole time.  The arch support and toe grip make these a treat for the feet.  I AM glad that read reviews carefully before ordering a size 38N.  In  non-Birkenstocks, I typically wear a 8.5 to 9, medium, so I'd have thought a 38N would be too short and too narrow for me.  But, the fit is perfect.  I recommend these sandals whole-heartedly for Birkenstock fit, support (and durability, too, I hope), with some atypical, for Birkenstock, feminity and sex-appeal.