This makes my 5th pair of Birkenstocks since high school (I graduated in 1995). Since that time I have been employed in healthcare and work many long hours. I have owned several pairs of shoes from tennis shoes to Crocs and have found that I get better comfort and arch support from Birkenstocks. I have a vey slender foot and high arches so finding a good shoe can sometimes be a challenge. I am still wearing my original pair today and they look the same.