I know where you are coming from and share your fear of the approaching colder months. Like you, I am looking at the Birkenstock Ontario shoe. It's unbelievably expensive but I'm consoling myself with the knowledge that Birkenstocks are repairable and last for years and years and years. The inner sole is replaceable and the Ontario is meant for serious walking and hiking...meant to take a beating.
This Saturday, my hubby and I will be taking the children up to Mystic Seaport in Connecticut. We explained to the kids that on the way up Mom and Dad have to stop at the Birkenstock store to get shoes for our various foot pains. They looked at us like we had ten heads but now understand that Mystic will have to wait until the feet are dealt with. Like you, so much of my available money is going toward my feet. I sure wish that insurance would cover these shoes...they are certainly a medical necessity for me. So what if I don't have enough money to buy underwear...at least my feet will be taken care of.
As to sandals indoors, I am planning on using my thick wool socks with my Birkenstock Oder sandals around the house. I wear these sandals every single day - haven't worn anything else in probably four months.
So for me, its ibuprofen, late night ice packs to reduce inflamation, wool socks in the winter and birkenstocks, birkenstocks, birkenstocks. I'm all set....let it snow.
Lisa