Birkenstock
Arizona Brown Sandals Women
These women's Birkenstock Arizona sandals in brown feature a Birko-Flor upper, a durable synthetic leather-like material, with two adjustable metal-buckle straps. They include an anatomically shaped cork-latex footbed lined with microfiber suede and a flexible EVA outsole with a non-skid pattern. Designed for casual everyday wear, this medium/narrow fit style (model 51703) is made in Germany; reviews note a break-in period is required and sizing may differ from other shoe brands.
- Color
- Brown
- Material
- Birko-Flor upper, cork-latex footbed, EVA sole
- Gender
- female
- Style
- casual, classic
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Shoes
Specifications
Birkenstock Arizona sandals in brown, featuring Birko-Flor upper, cork-latex footbed, and adjustable straps.
Birko-Flor upper, adjustable metal pin buckles, anatomically shaped cork-latex footbed, EVA sole.
- Color
- Brown · brown
- Material
- Birko-Flor upper, cork-latex footbed, EVA sole
- Secondary
- cork, eva
- Style
- casual, classic
- Occasion
- everyday, casual, vacation
- Gender
- female
- Age Group
- adult
- Condition
- new
- Category
- Apparel & Accessories > Shoes
Additional Attributes
- Birko-Flor upper, a durable and supple leather-like material
- Two adjustable straps with metal pin buckles
- Anatomically shaped cork-latex footbed covered in soft suede-looking microfibre
- Flexible and durable EVA outer sole with non-skid pattern
- Medium/narrow fit
- Made in Germany
- Model number: 51703
Product Insights
Birkenstock's Arizona sandals, a design icon since 1973, offer a contoured cork footbed that molds to the foot over 1-2 weeks for personalized comfort, but require gradual break-in to avoid blisters and are vulnerable to cork cracking from rain. The Birko-Flor synthetic upper needs no break-in, and the sandals are handmade in Germany through 17 production stages. They come in narrow width (EU 35-50); if straps feel tight, choose regular width rather than sizing up.
Verified claims
- Design legacy
- The Arizona debuted in 1973, worn by Steve Jobs and on the Oscars red carpet in a Valentino collaboration.
- Craftsmanship
- Each Arizona undergoes 17 production stages over two days, handmade in Germany at Birkenstock's own factory.
- Comfort
- Birko-Flor upper needs no break-in; cork footbed molds over 1-2 weeks.
- Material composition
- Birko-Flor is a trademarked PVC/PU synthetic that mimics natural leather grain.
- Molding
- The cork footbed molds to the wearer's foot over one to two weeks of short, regular wears, creating a personalized fit that becomes more supportive over time.
- Fit
- Break in the cork footbed gradually; full comfort after 1-2 weeks.
- Width identification
- Model number 51703 is the factory code for the narrow-width Arizona in Birko-Flor, and a solid footprint icon on the cork footbed confirms a narrow build; the product listing describes the fit as medium/narrow, so the solid footprint is the buyer's verification.
- Size range
- Narrow width available in EU sizes 35 to 50 for unisex sizing.
- Manufacturing ethics
- Produced in Germany with vertical integration; Arizona model has been made since 1973.
- Heritage
- Birkenstock Arizona, released in 1973, has been worn by Steve Jobs and featured by Dior.
- Arch support
- The anatomically shaped cork-latex footbed includes factory pre-shaped interior and exterior longitudinal arch supports and a raised transverse arch that stabilizes the metatarsal bones for a straighter stance.
- Upper care
- The Birko-Flor upper has a non-porous PVC top layer, so dirt and water spots can be wiped off with a damp cloth and mild soap; it does not need conditioning and will not water-stain if caught in the rain.
- Strap comfort
- The inner face of the Birko-Flor strap is a compressed fleece layer that feels soft against the skin and eliminates the strap-rubbing discomfort common with leather or plasticized straps.
Product record
- Title
- Arizona Brown Sandals Women
- Brand
- Birkenstock
- Price
- 140 CAD
- Availability
- In stock
Buying Guide
1 comparison · 9 sourcesUses
Breaking them in for all-day everyday wear
These Arizona sandals are built around a cork-latex footbed with a deep heel mold and adjustable straps, so shoppers often reach for them as an everyday shoe for errands and long days on their feet. One wearer reports that a gradual break-in—first around the house, then short errands, then afternoons with less walking—led to wearing them all day while barely noticing the shoes; that reviewer cautions that jumping straight into miles of walking after one or two wears caused bleeding feet. The flexible EVA sole has a non-skid pattern for regular walking, and this model comes in a medium/narrow fit for smaller feet.[2,3,4]
Occasional rain wear, with mixed owner reports
Some owners say they have worn their Birkenstocks in the rain occasionally and the pairs held up fine, though that experience was with older, vintage pairs. One reviewer described their newer Arizona pair's cork cracking and pulling away from the leather and sole a day or two after being caught in a downpour. Occasional damp weather may be manageable, but heavy soaking is where reviewers have reported problems.[1]
Product comparison
Compared within this brand.
| Arizona Brown Sandals Women: Choose this if you want the classic two-strap Birkenstock with an adjustable fit — metal pin buckles on both straps — in a medium/narrow fit for smaller feet. It features a durable, supple Birko-Flor (leather-like) upper, an anatomically shaped cork-latex footbed with a soft suede-like lining, and a flexible, non-skid EVA outsole, and it is made in Germany. Plan for a gradual break-in (wearing them around the house, then on short errands before long days), and note one owner reported cork cracking after their new pair was caught in a downpour, so avoid heavy water exposure.[1,2,4] | Arizona Big Buckle Gold And Glossy Sandals Women: Choose this if you want a fashion-first slide whose glossy patent leather and oversized gold buckles reviewers say elevate everything from jeans-and-tee to dressier dinners and parties. Each of the two straps has an individually adjustable metal pin buckle, and the contoured cork-toned footbed is visible in product imagery. Be aware the stiff patent leather reportedly needs a break-in period, may disappoint if you expect Birkenstock's typical out-of-box softness, and fit reportedly varies — running narrow for some while the leather stretches and slips at the heel for others, making sizing tricky.[5,6,7] | Madrid Big Buckle Sandals Women: Choose this if you want a single-strap slide with a large gold-tone buckle and brown leather that one reviewer calls a stylish focal point for casual summer looks like brunch or shopping. The cork footbed breaks in to a personalized, supportive fit that Birkenstock fans praise as ultra-comfortable, but expect initial stiffness and a dedicated break-in period at home before long walks. Sizing reportedly runs large—reviewers advise sizing down and measuring carefully, though even the smallest size may be too big for some petite feet.[8,9] |
Image Analysis
2 images- 01
Product
Side-on studio view of a two-strap brown sandal with visible cork footbed, two metal buckles stamped with text, and a dark textured outsole.
- Overall orientationLateral side view of a single open-toe sandal shown in profile, toe to the right and heel to the left.
1 region
x 0.05 · y 0.45 · w 0.90 · h 0.40 (high) - Upper constructionTwo wide overlapping straps made from a smooth matte brown material that extend from the inner footbed across the instep to the outer side.
1 region
x 0.12 · y 0.49 · w 0.76 · h 0.35 (high) - BucklesTwo rectangular metal buckles with rounded corners in a warm metallic finish; each buckle sits on a strap near the outer side.
2 regions
x 0.40 · y 0.48 · w 0.12 · h 0.14 (high); x 0.68 · y 0.52 · w 0.12 · h 0.12 (high) - Buckle text“BIRKENSTOCK”
2 regions
x 0.40 · y 0.48 · w 0.12 · h 0.14 (high); x 0.68 · y 0.52 · w 0.12 · h 0.12 (high) - Footbed surfaceExposed contoured cork footbed with a visible suede-like tan lining on the top surface where the foot rests.
1 region
x 0.18 · y 0.57 · w 0.64 · h 0.18 (high) - Cork midsoleVisible cork midsole layer between the upper and the outsole, showing the cork texture along the whole sole profile.
1 region
x 0.05 · y 0.58 · w 0.90 · h 0.12 (high) - OutsoleDark brown textured rubber outsole with a low-wedge profile and small wave-like tread visible along the bottom edge.
1 region
x 0.05 · y 0.70 · w 0.90 · h 0.12 (high)
Other
Studio product shot on a light neutral background with soft shadow under the shoe and even lighting.
- Background and stagingEven light gray studio background occupying the full frame with no props or packaging visible.
1 region
x 0.00 · y 0.00 · w 1.00 · h 1.00 (high) - ShadowSoft diffuse shadow directly beneath the sandal following the sole outline, indicating overhead studio lighting.
1 region
x 0.05 · y 0.75 · w 0.90 · h 0.10 (high) - Image framingSandal centered horizontally and occupying the lower half of the image with a large top margin of empty background.
1 region
x 0.05 · y 0.45 · w 0.90 · h 0.40 (high)
Colors
matte dark brown· upper straps#433433rose gold metallic· buckles#927D7Ctan suede· footbed lining#8D7B7Alight cork brown· cork midsole#8D7B7Adark chocolate brown· outsole#2A1E1B- Overall orientationLateral side view of a single open-toe sandal shown in profile, toe to the right and heel to the left.
- 02
Product
Top-down view of a pair of two-strap brown leather sandals with contoured tan suede footbeds and metal buckles; both sandals are shown full-length, soles facing down and straps across the instep.
- Overall layoutPair of sandals shown from above, left and right arranged side-by-side with toes at top of image and heels at bottom.
- Upper strapsEach sandal has two wide, smooth brown synthetic or leather straps that run horizontally across the forefoot and midfoot; straps are plain with three adjustment holes visible on the lower strap of each shoe.
4 regions
x 0.08 · y 0.18 · w 0.36 · h 0.18 (high); x 0.56 · y 0.18 · w 0.36 · h 0.18 (high); x 0.08 · y 0.44 · w 0.36 · h 0.18 (high); x 0.56 · y 0.44 · w 0.36 · h 0.18 (high) - BucklesRectangular metal buckles with rounded inner corners are mounted on the outer side of each sandal where the straps overlap; buckles have a slightly warm metallic finish and visible prongs.
4 regions
x 0.02 · y 0.30 · w 0.12 · h 0.16 (medium); x 0.86 · y 0.30 · w 0.12 · h 0.16 (medium); x 0.02 · y 0.56 · w 0.12 · h 0.16 (medium); x 0.86 · y 0.56 · w 0.12 · h 0.16 (medium) - FootbedsContoured tan suede footbeds with visible toe ridge and heel cup; surface shows slight tonal variation consistent with suede texture and wear at forefoot and heel areas.
2 regions
x 0.12 · y 0.06 · w 0.34 · h 0.88 (high); x 0.54 · y 0.06 · w 0.34 · h 0.88 (high) - Visible printed marks on footbedPartially visible bold printed text and a small foot-shaped icon on each footbed near the arch area.
2 regions
x 0.20 · y 0.40 · w 0.20 · h 0.18 (medium); x 0.60 · y 0.40 · w 0.20 · h 0.18 (medium) - Edge trimSlightly darker brown raised rim around the outer edge of each footbed separating the suede surface from the outer sole area.
- Strap edges and constructionStrap edges are straight and cut with a visible folded or painted finish; inner edges of straps slightly shadowed where they meet the footbed.
- Text on each footbed“BIRK”Partial
2 regions
x 0.58 · y 0.42 · w 0.18 · h 0.12 (medium); x 0.18 · y 0.42 · w 0.18 · h 0.12 (medium) - Supporting text on right footbed“MADE IN GERMANY”Partial
1 region
x 0.62 · y 0.44 · w 0.16 · h 0.10 (low)
Other
Flat lay product shot on a light neutral background with soft top lighting and subtle drop shadows; image is centered and fully in frame.
- Shot compositionTop-down flat-lay composition with both sandals centered vertically and aligned symmetrically.
- BackgroundSmooth light gray background filling the frame.
- Lighting and shadowSoft even lighting with faint shadows beneath the sandals indicating light above and slightly to the right.
- Image qualitySharp focus on sandals with clear texture detail on footbeds and straps; no visible damage or major compression artifacts.
Colors
dark brown· upper straps#5A3E2Atan suede· footbed surface#AB8C73warm rose-gold metallic· buckles#9D9D9D
Documents & Data
Reddit Insights
6 threads · r/HerOneBag, r/BirkenstocksReddit users love the custom-fit comfort of Birkenstock Arizona leather sandals after a break-in period, but caution about sizing difficulties and potential durability issues with newer models.
Positive long-term comfort, but break-in pain, sizing challenges, and some quality concerns temper the enthusiasm.
Themes
Use Cases
- All-day walking and casual wear
Watch Out For
Community Q&A
- Do Birkenstock Arizona leather sandals require a break-in period?
- Yes, they can be painful at first, but after consistent short wears, they become very comfortable.
- Should I choose leather or synthetic material?
- Leather is generally preferred for comfort, breathability, and durability, though it costs more.
- How should I size my Birkenstock Arizonas?
- Sizing can be tricky; it's best to try on in store. Consider regular width if narrow feels tight, and expect a break-in period.
- Are new Birkenstock Arizonas as durable as older ones?
- Some users report that 2024 models seem less durable, with cork cracking issues when wet.
- What maintenance do leather Birkenstocks require?
- Use nappa cream for aniline leather and apply cork sealant every few months.
Compared To
vs EVA Birkenstock Arizona
Leather Birkenstocks cause less rubbing and blisters compared to EVA.
vs Synthetic (Birkoflor) Birkenstock Arizona
Leather is more comfortable and worth the extra cost.
vs Vintage Birkenstock Arizona
Newer 2024 models may be less durable and more prone to cork cracking than vintage pairs.
vs Chacos sandals
Chacos require less break-in and are more customizable initially, but Birks offer a unique molded fit over time.
Source Threads
EVA vs leather Birkenstock comfort comparison
They rub and cause blisters for me, whereas my leather ones do not
u/TartComprehensive466View thread →
Sizing and break-in advice for Arizona Birkenstocks
Birkenstocks take breaking in. It’s normal for the leather versions to feel stiff right out of the box. Birks go up oddly in size, so you can’t rely on what you are in other brands. The difference between a 36 and a 37 is 10mm, which is why the 37s felt so much larger. You may need a regular width rather than a narrow. It look like your toes may be touching on the outer edges; if so, that isn’t the recommended fit.
u/GeographyBrownView thread →
Oiled leather recommended over synthetic
Get the oiled leather. Absolutely worth the difference in price. The soft footbed makes the footbed feel slightly more snug, to me.
u/helmfardView thread →
The break-in process for Birkenstock Arizonas
If you pop them on after wearing them once or twice around the house, and then proceed to walk miles, your feet WILL bleed (ask me how I know). If you wear them around the house for a bit, and then on short errands, and then for afternoons out where you’re not walking A LOT, you will eventually be able to wear them all day while barely noticing you have shoes on.
u/ammoliteView thread →
Durability concerns with newer Birkenstock Arizonas
I do want to mention the 2024 seems MUCH more susceptible to wear & breaking down compared with the vintage pairs I had. If you can find a hardly worn pair from like the 1990's, they might be stronger than buying brand new Arizonas from Birkenstocks.com today. I used to wear my vintage Birks' in the rain once in awhile and imthey held up fine, while I accidentally got caught in a downpour with the new Birks and the cork started cracking and pulling away from the leather & the sole a day or two later.
u/Background_Knee_404View thread →
Premium leather and durable outsole on Vintage Wood Roast Arizona
The Vintage Wood Roast colour series Birks (also sometimes known as the Grip models) not just come with the more durable rubber outsole, the leather is a premium aniline leather (where the surface is intentionally untreated).
u/flatleafparsleyView thread →