Re: Birkenstocks & Tatami's
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Posted by Lisa Chakan on August 28, 1998 at 23:01:47:
Hi, there. Like you, Birkenstocks have been very helpful to me. I learned that the Tatami line of Birkenstock shoes have a higher arch than the traditional Arizona footbed. From what I understand, there are a number of Birk footbeds...the Classics (Arizona is a Classic footbed), the Footprint and the Tatami lines all have their own footbeds. If you like the Arizona, make sure that when you buy your next shoe, that you are buying one with the same footbed. The same for Tatami and Footprint. I was told by a Birkenstock rep that the lowest arched shoe line is the Papillio. When ordering a Birk shoe, contact a retailer who sells the complete line and is familliar with these different beds and shoes. I learned from such a retailer that even though the Tatami lin of shoes is known for its very high arch, Birkenstock International recently added a bunch of shoes to the line that don't have that high arch. Only talking to a knowledgeable retailer (in otherwords...not Nordstroms or the other shops where they carry one or two styles of Birks and don't know the difference) will put you into the right shoe. II buy from Pedorthic Services 800-birks4u. Such retailers will deliver your shoes to your home for $7.50 shipping and handling (I got mine next day Fed Ex for this price) and there's no tax. Best thing is that if you don't like 'em, you've got 60 days to return them.Tony Grady has a shop in Ontario and he frequents this place a bit with a wealth of info from the standpoint of an orthotics specialist. He also sells Birks...Arizona to be specific and is a proponent of Birk inserts. Again, he's a reputable Birk dealer and will refund your money if you're not satisfied.
I tried on a pair of Ontarios this week, thinking that they would be ideal but things didn't work out quite that way. Again....the footbed. I need a real high arch like the Birkenstock Fulda (in the Tatami line) and the Ontario not only didn't have the arch for me but didn't have the toe bar either. Ah, well....back to square one on closed shoes but I will not give up hope.
Warm regards and best wishes to you and your feet.
Lisa
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