I bought a pair of Boston clogs about a 3 years ago and they serve me very well after having the footbed replaced. However, I wanted something new that opened my toes (summer can be...trying on my feet due to the leather upper trapping heat) so they could breathe and be free...er.

These Zurich sandals are sublime. I had never had a soft footbed and was delighted to find they explained what made them soft. Apparently there is a layer of latex underneath the leather, providing a cushioned feel similar to a typical tennis shoe. So if you're allergic to latex, you may want to skip the soft footbed here. As an aside, I had no idea that these shoes were to come with a soft footbed. Nowhere in the description could I discover this information. Fortunately I was pleasantly surprised to find the added comfort the soft footbed added. This would be my only complaint.

Having only had these about a week, it is hard to say how they will hold up over time (the soft footbed is the main concern, not the leather). I had the fortunate luck of spilling oil on them the first day whilst cooking, so I now have a spot or two or three on both shoes.

Lovely design, and Birkenstock always makes the most comfortable shoes possible. The shipping (from California) was immaculate as well.