Birkenstock
Arizona Steel Grey Suede Sandals Men
The Birkenstock Arizona Steel Grey Suede Sandals are men's two-strap slide sandals featuring genuine suede uppers, adjustable metal pin buckles, and an anatomical cork-latex footbed covered in soft suede with a foam insert. Designed for everyday casual wear, they offer a regular/wide fit and a flexible EVA outsole, and are made in Germany (model 1031721). According to user feedback, the sandals require a break-in period of roughly 40 hours and, while immediately comfortable, the suede material is less durable than leather and may benefit from a protective treatment.
- Color
- Steel Grey
- Material
- Genuine suede upper, EVA outsole
- Gender
- male
- Style
- casual, classic
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Shoes
Color
Size
Specifications
Classic Birkenstock Arizona sandals in steel grey suede with adjustable straps and anatomical footbed.
Genuine suede upper, adjustable metal pin buckles, anatomical footbed with foam insert, EVA outsole.
- Color
- Steel Grey · gray
- Material
- Genuine suede upper, EVA outsole
- Secondary
- eva
- Style
- casual, classic
- Occasion
- everyday, casual, vacation, beach-day
- Gender
- male
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Shoes
Additional Attributes
- Genuine suede upper
- Two adjustable straps with metal pin buckles
- Anatomical footbed covered in soft suede
- Supple foam insert for plush feel
- Flexible and durable EVA outsole
- Regular/wide fit
- Made in Germany
Product Insights
Birkenstock's Arizona sandal in steel grey suede offers immediate comfort with a foam-eliminated break-in while preserving classic arch support and heel cup stability for flat feet and plantar fasciitis, earning APMA recognition. The cork-latex footbed with jute layers provides durable support, wicking moisture but requiring suede protection. Only available in regular/wide width, fit prioritizes correct width over length. The soft footbed retains heat, suiting cooler climates. Handcrafted in Germany since 1973, it carries cultural cachet as a best-selling icon worn by notable figures.
- Break-in
The foam insert eliminates the break-in period while maintaining classic arch support.
Why this is supported
The soft footbed eliminates the break-in period with its integrated latex foam cushion, as confirmed by Birkenstock:
The soft footbed has an integrated latex foam cushion. So it offers excellent comfort from day one.
birkenstock.comPrevention and OutdoorGearLab similarly report it
felt immediately comfortable right out of the box and required no breaking in process.
prevention.comand that the foam cushion makes the break-in period
almost unnoticeable.
outdoorgearlab.comDespite the extra cushioning, the footbed retains the classic orthotic support; Birkenstock Australia notes it
has the same contours and features as the Original Classic Footbed with a layer of latex foam under the suede liner for extra cushioning and comfort.
birkenstock.com.auThe foam consists of
millions of tiny air bubbles that make walking and standing easier.
birkenstock.comHowever, the added volume makes the footbed
feel slightly snug
ilovebirkenstocks.cominitially, though it is easier to break in than the classic version.
- Climate
Suede lining wicks moisture and foam adds mild insulation for cooler weather.
Why this is supported
The suede lining
absorbs moisture and ensures a good climate for your feet.
birkenstock.comMeanwhile, the foam layer
can retain heat compared with the Original Classic Footbed.
birkenstock.com.au- Durability
Two jute layers boost durability and flexibility of the footbed.
Why this is supported
An extra jute layer
increases the flexibility of the footbed and boosts the durability of the soft footbed significantly.
birkenstock.com- Approvals
Retains APMA Seal of Acceptance and podiatrist endorsement.
Why this is supported
The soft footbed retains the APMA Seal of Acceptance:
Birkenstock sandals have the APMA Seal of Acceptance for supporting foot health.
decentfoot.comIt is also recommended by podiatrists for conditions like plantar fasciitis:
Plantar fasciitis: both work far better than flat sandals. If your heel pain improves with firm pressure under the arch, choose Birkenstock.
michiganfootdoctors.com- Width
Only regular/wide width (men's D-EE); correct width is more important than length.
Why this is supported
The regular/wide fit corresponds to
regular/wide Women's width equivalent: C-D.Men's width equivalent: D-EE.
birkenstock.com. Birkenstock states that width fit should be prioritized over length, and this model is
exclusively offered in a regular/wide fit
Is this Arizona suede model available in a narrow width, or is it exclusively offered in the regular/wide fit?, so narrow feet may not secure properly.
- Sizing
Proper fit shows 1/4-inch cork rim, heel cup holds firmly, toes spread over toe bar.
Why this is supported
The cork lip test:
Leave approximately 1/4 inch of space in front of toes and behind heels.
solefeed.comThe heel cup design:
The very deep molding in the heel area supports the foot tissue and holds the heel bone firmly in its natural position.
birkenstock.comThe toe bar:
There are raised indentations at the front of the footbed near the toes. Thanks to the toe grip the toes remain loose and spread out in their natural position.
birkenstock.com- Professional endorsements
APMA Seal of Acceptance and podiatrist-recommended for plantar fasciitis and flat feet.
Why this is supported
The Arizona sandal has earned the
Birkenstock sandals have the APMA Seal of Acceptance for supporting foot health.
decentfoot.comand is specifically recommended by podiatrists for common foot conditions. For plantar fasciitis, they note that the sandals
work far better than flat sandals
michiganfootdoctors.com, and for flexible flat feet, the cork footbed is called
excellent for flexible flat feet
michiganfootdoctors.com.
- Fit adjustability
Regular/wide width and two adjustable straps align foot with orthotic footbed.
Why this is supported
The sandal is available in a
fit, and its two adjustable straps keep the foot positioned on the contoured footbed.
- Care
Pretreat suede with protector spray; clean with brush or eraser.
Why this is supported
The product Q&A details the necessary maintenance steps:
To maintain the suede upper, we recommend using a suede protector spray (e.g., Bickmore Gard-More or Nikwax Suede Proof) before wear and a suede brush or eraser for cleaning.
What specific cleaning and conditioning products do you recommend for the suede upper to prevent staining and maintain its color?- Heat retention
Soft footbed retains more heat than classic footbed.
Why this is supported
Birkenstock notes that the extra layer of foam causes the soft footbed to retain more heat than the original classic footbed:
The extra layer of foam means that the Soft Footbed can retain heat compared with the Original Classic Footbed.
birkenstock.com.au- Heritage
Handcrafted in Germany since 1973, it's the brand's best-selling sandal.
Why this is supported
The Arizona was developed as a two-strap style by Karl Birkenstock and debuted in 1973:
Karl Birkenstock developed the two-strap Arizona style from 1971-72, and it debuted in 1973.
wwd.comIt is handcrafted in Germany through
17 stages in the production process, including baking the footbed, lining the straps and punching the upper.
wwd.comand accounts for
one-third of all the Birkenstock sandals sold.
wwd.com- Cultural cachet
Worn by Steve Jobs and Frances McDormand, adding cultural cachet.
Why this is supported
Steve Jobs was a fan, with a pair on display in the brand's New York store:
Apple co-founder Steve Jobs was a fan of the Birkenstock Arizona, in tan suede.
wwd.comSimilarly,
Actress Frances McDormand famously wore a pair of custom Birkenstock x Valentino Arizona sandals to the Academy Awards in February 2019.
wwd.com- Footbed
125-year orthopedic footbed with latex foam cushion; APMA recognized.
Why this is supported
The footbed traces to Konrad Birkenstock's 1897 last:
Konrad develops the first fully three-dimensional last in 1897.
birkenstock-group.comThis version uses the Soft Footbed with
an integrated latex foam cushion.
birkenstock.comThe cork-latex core is wrapped in jute, increasing flexibility and durability. It has earned
the APMA Seal of Acceptance for supporting foot health.
decentfoot.comPodiatrists recommend the Arizona for its
contoured cork footbed with ~8mm of arch support — excellent for flexible flat feet
michiganfootdoctors.comand note that
Plantar fasciitis: both work far better than flat sandals.
michiganfootdoctors.com- Support and stability
Arch support and heel cup stabilize flat feet for all-day wear.
Why this is supported
The anatomical cork footbed provides targeted arch support.
The deep heel cup locks the foot in place for stability.
The very deep molding in the heel area supports the foot tissue and holds the heel bone firmly in its natural position.
birkenstock.comThe regular/wide fit accommodates broader feet comfortably.
- Indoor/outdoor use
Works indoors and outdoors; protect suede for longevity.
Why this is supported
The suede upper and cork footbed make the sandal suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.
For outdoor wear, protecting the suede is advisable.
To maintain the suede upper, we recommend using a suede protector spray (e.g., Bickmore Gard-More or Nikwax Suede Proof) before wear and a suede brush or eraser for cleaning.
What specific cleaning and conditioning products do you recommend for the suede upper to prevent staining and maintain its color?Without protection, the suede can show wear quickly.
For longevity, leather. For immediate comfort, suede. Suede will look rough fast if you don't pretreat it.
u/awmaleg in r/BirkenstocksThe suede lining also wicks moisture, keeping feet dry during warm weather.
The suede lining absorbs moisture and ensures a good climate for your feet.
birkenstock.com- Long-term support
Cork-latex core with jute layer offers durable, self-molding arch support.
Why this is supported
A jute layer wrapped around the sides increases flexibility and durability:
The second layer of jute is placed around the sides of the footbed, which increases the flexibility of the footbed and boosts the durability of the soft footbed significantly.
birkenstock.comThe cork-latex core, a formulation refined since the 1897 anatomical last, gradually molds to the foot. Birkenstock's own Q&A confirms
the footbed likely contains a cork-latex core with an additional foam layer
Does the footbed of these Arizonas contain a cork layer, or has Birkenstock used an all-foam construction?, providing custom arch support over time.
- Strap fit
Two independent straps allow separate forefoot and instep tension.
Why this is supported
The Arizona's two-strap design enables individual tension adjustment for the forefoot and instep. A detailed fit analysis states:
The Arizona’s two independent straps allow separate adjustment of the forefoot and instep, so you can accommodate a high arch or a narrow heel without compromising security — unlike single-strap sandals that often slide or press unevenly.
Sizing accuracy and how the regular/wide fits — dual_strap_fit_tuning- Moisture management
Suede footbed lining wicks moisture for dry comfort.
Why this is supported
Official product description from Birkenstock states:
The suede lining absorbs moisture and ensures a good climate for your feet.
birkenstock.comThis indicates the lining actively manages moisture, reducing the sticky feeling during barefoot wear.
Image Analysis
2 images- 01
Product
Side-profile of a two-strap suede slide sandal showing textured grey suede upper, two adjustable silver buckles with visible branding, a cork footbed, and a black rubber outsole.
- Upper materialTwo-strap upper made of textured suede with a napped finish in a dark steel-grey tone.
1 region
x 0.22 · y 0.52 · w 0.60 · h 0.28 (high) - Strap constructionTwo overlapping wide straps cross the foot with cut openings between straps and the footbed; straps have squared ends.
1 region
x 0.40 · y 0.45 · w 0.44 · h 0.30 (high) - Adjustable bucklesTwo rectangular metal adjustable buckles in a matte silver finish mounted on the straps; metal pieces have small raised text.
2 regions
x 0.45 · y 0.44 · w 0.18 · h 0.17 (high); x 0.66 · y 0.53 · w 0.18 · h 0.14 (high) - Footbed materialExposed cork midsole running the length of the shoe with a natural speckled cork texture and brown tone.
1 region
x 0.08 · y 0.68 · w 0.84 · h 0.12 (high) - OutsoleBlack rubber outsole with a shallow wavy tread visible along the bottom edge.
1 region
x 0.05 · y 0.77 · w 0.90 · h 0.08 (high) - Visible branding on buckle (rear)“BIRKENSTOCK”
1 region
x 0.45 · y 0.44 · w 0.18 · h 0.06 (high) - Visible branding on buckle (front)“BIRKENSTOCK”
1 region
x 0.66 · y 0.53 · w 0.18 · h 0.06 (high) - Shoe orientationLateral side profile of a single sandal shown facing right.
1 region
x 0.05 · y 0.55 · w 0.90 · h 0.38 (high)
Other
Studio product shot on a uniform light grey background with soft shadow beneath the shoe; centered low in the frame and shown in side view.
- BackgroundEven light grey backdrop with no visible props or packaging.
- ShadowSoft diffuse shadow directly under the shoe consistent with studio lighting.
1 region
x 0.05 · y 0.80 · w 0.90 · h 0.10 (high) - Shot compositionShoe centered horizontally and positioned in the lower half of the image with substantial empty space above.
Colors
steel grey· suede upper#5D6265natural cork brown· cork footbed#656A6Dmatte black· outsolematte silver· buckles- Upper materialTwo-strap upper made of textured suede with a napped finish in a dark steel-grey tone.
- 02
Product
Top-down view of a pair of two-strap suede sandals with adjustable metal buckles, dark footbeds, and visible cork midsole edges.
- Overall viewPair of sandals shown from above, both left and right sandals visible, aligned parallel with toes toward the top of the image.
2 regions
x 0.12 · y 0.08 · w 0.36 · h 0.84 (high); x 0.52 · y 0.08 · w 0.36 · h 0.84 (high) - Upper materialThick suede upper with a napped texture forming two wide straps across each sandal.
2 regions
x 0.12 · y 0.12 · w 0.36 · h 0.32 (high); x 0.52 · y 0.12 · w 0.36 · h 0.32 (high) - Adjustable bucklesRectangular metal buckles on the outer side of each strap; metal has a slightly antiqued silver finish.
2 regions
x 0.18 · y 0.28 · w 0.15 · h 0.12 (high); x 0.67 · y 0.28 · w 0.15 · h 0.12 (high) - FootbedContoured dark footbeds with visible heel cup and toe area, darker than the suede straps.
2 regions
x 0.12 · y 0.32 · w 0.36 · h 0.56 (high); x 0.52 · y 0.32 · w 0.36 · h 0.56 (high) - Cork midsole edgeThin exposed cork layer visible along the outer bottom edge of each sandal, lighter tan color.
2 regions
x 0.18 · y 0.86 · w 0.30 · h 0.06 (high); x 0.52 · y 0.86 · w 0.30 · h 0.06 (high) - Insole stampingBlue printed insole stamping with vertical text and small icons on each footbed.
2 regions
x 0.17 · y 0.44 · w 0.18 · h 0.30 (high); x 0.65 · y 0.44 · w 0.14 · h 0.30 (high) - Insole text fragment“BIRKEN”Partial
1 region
x 0.63 · y 0.46 · w 0.12 · h 0.26 (medium)
Other
Studio top-down shot on a neutral light gray background with soft shadows beneath the sandals; image is well lit and centered.
- Shot compositionTop-down studio photograph with sandals centered and evenly spaced, slight shadow visible below each shoe.
- BackgroundUniform light gray background filling the frame.
Colors
steel grey suede· suede straps#55595Dcharcoal· footbed#2E3133antiqued silver· buckles#83858Anatural cork tan· cork midsole edge#A4A4A4bright blue· insole stamping- Overall viewPair of sandals shown from above, both left and right sandals visible, aligned parallel with toes toward the top of the image.
Documents & Data
Customer Reviews
1 total1 reviews · out of 5
Birk Arizona
Vraiment confo Soft bed est comme marcher sur du velour!!!
Reddit Insights
2 threads · r/BirkenstocksReddit users generally praise the comfort and durability of Birkenstock Arizona sandals, though suede is considered less durable than leather and requires maintenance, while the break-in period is real but worth it.
Most commenters recommend buying Arizona sandals, citing long-term comfort after break-in, though some note suede's lower durability compared to leather.
Themes
Use Cases
- Everyday casual wear
- House slippers
Watch Out For
Compared To
vs Leather Arizonas
Leather is more durable and holds shape better, while suede is more immediately comfortable but stretches and looks worn faster.
vs Fake/knockoff Birkenstocks
Real Birkenstocks are significantly more comfortable and durable than knockoffs.
Source Threads
Arizona break-in advice
They do require break-in, about 40 hours worth. Socks help. Start slowly, don't wear to the point of pain. Increase wear each day. The shoe will soften up and curl a bit as you break them in.
u/DangerousFortune1924View thread →
Suede vs leather durability insight
For longevity, leather. For immediate comfort, suede. Suede will look rough fast if you don’t pretreat it.
u/awmalegView thread →