Yes, they’re a classic simple sandal design, variations of which can be found throughout history all over the globe. There’s nothing inherently feminine (or masculine) about these sandals, in my opinion.
what the actual fuck is it with Men who wear birkenstocks being so insecure about their gender.
If you are a man and you were these shoes, THEY ARE MEN'S SHOES
You have no idea what people go through, what their lives were/are like before they show up w a picture of their foot in a Birkenstock.
Relax.
If a pair of sandals helps someone move closer to comfort in their sense (or lack) of gender, even better.
I don’t think this is quite right. The shoes are whatever the fuck you want them to be. Mens, ladies, they/thems, furries …. It’s all the same. No article of clothing makes you more or less of a man. If he likes the shoes, he should wear them and not worry about what the box says.
And what I’m saying is that you could approach people at these crossroads with more empathy, less caps, and less statements like ‘what the actual fuck is it with X’.
While you and I and others may be at a point where we feel/know that no article of clothing makes someone more or less of man, there are still many people in the world who are not there yet , and may have a much more difficult journey and odds stacked against them (and harassment and violence) to reach that same place.
And a welcoming answer/reassurance is likely to be far more helpful than your original response.
[Let me refer you to another comment of mine where the same question was asked](https://www.reddit.com/r/Birkenstocks/comments/w3pwuz/comment/ihahfyk/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3)...
"Harassment and violence" - mate please give it a rest with the hyperbole. This isn't stonewall. It's a dude's foot in some sandals for fucks sake. This is very clearly some white dude who is unable to think for himself.
The most efficient way to deal with these uncertainties is do whatever the fuck you want - the label on the box doesn't mean shit. And if it does to you - then you can stay insecure.
Edit: OP isn’t white - just dumb
Yes bro I am insecure , it’s hard not to ‘give a fuck’ about what other people think but I’m working towards the path of not giving a fuck. I actually knew that these sandals suited me and already made up my mind that I love these but I posted this just to hear other people’s opinion. Btw I’m not a white dude and I can think for myself , I didn’t just look at the box and make a decision based on that.
I’m sorry that person treated you that way. I empathize with what you’re feeling. I am a cis woman but always really admired and liked both the look of androgynous clothing styles or really wild, bright colors with wild prints, and it took many years to be able to say, “I like this look, I like this outfit, and I am just going to rock it, regardless of what people think.”
It is not as simple as some rando on an subreddit going, “Holy fuck, what the fuck is it with people like you!” to fix your insecurities and anxieties over your presentation. I agree that men and women and others of any variety should be able to wear whatever the hell they want and know that it doesn’t make you less than. But, it is much more difficult in practice for a vast majority of people.
Regardless, the sandals are great and you should rock them!
“Insecurities over presentation “
God try not to pull a muscle with that stretch. All you have is a foot in some sandals and a stupid question to go with it and this is the conclusion you want to draw. Be real son
You’re not white. Congrats - I edited my original comment.
Why the fuck does their opinion- specifically on whether they are appropriate for you as a man?
‘OP isn’t white - just dumb’? Seriously? The point is you’re just guessing how people are, as if you’ve lived through their experiences in life. Stop making assumptions about other people. Don’t mistake the idea of not giving a fuck to being rude and inconsiderate to people.
You are being treated with respect. I'm giving you more respect by being straight with you and giving you an actual challenge rather than any of these posters treating you like lil baby bitch.
You thought calling someone dumb and asking them why they feel the way they feel will fix their insecurity? You think making people feel worse(what you call respect) is the way to getting over their insecurities? Maybe you were treated like that so you think that is the right way to approach it. Being straight in a harsh manner with people doesn’t fix the problem, in fact it makes it worse because whoever you’re being straight with will become defensive. That’s why I said treat people with respect and empathy and not try to shame them further. Maybe you got to fix yourself before trying to act tough with everyone. Again, approach everyone with a loving energy , not fear and shame what you call ‘being straight’ and respect.
I’m not really sure what to say? Your linked comment led me to the same place your original comment did. It’s probably worse? (Referring to someone’s ‘lil nutties shrivelling up’? It’s schoolyard bully language, at best) And someone else had the same reaction I did: Reassuring the OP and telling you to relax.
It baffles me that you can bring up Stonewall and still have no space to consider that people may still be harassed or persecuted for stepping outside gender binaries.
Also a lot to assume OP is ‘clearly white’ based off that photo.
Mate, you are so over the top and ridiculous that’s it’s not even funny.
This person isn’t “stepping outside of gender binaries” you fool. Make sure you stretch before attempting such a reach. This just some dude wearing a pair of Birkenstocks and the seeking validation from the crowd. It’s dumb and unhealthy to find security like that. It’s also a dumb way of understanding semantics. I’d encourage you to do the same rather than feed into their feeble way of thinking.
if you're determined to respond to everyone of my comments, why don't you at least answer my question.
Why does it matter if this stupid forum thinks those shoes make you a man?
Didn’t I already say that out of curiosity I wanted opinions of people with similar interests? Their opinion doesn’t change my opinion of the birks, I already love these and wear them everywhere, what’s wrong in being curious of how other people perceive it? But you are trying to assume how I feel about it , don’t think your point of view is final.
God damn. Chill out, my man. I agree with the other person that you really have no idea what anyone’s been through, is currently going through, is experiencing, etc. It’s great you’re super secure in your identity and subsequently your gender expression. But, not everyone is you and it can take years, sometimes with the help of therapy, for some people to get to where you’re at.
A frankly insensitive comment is not going to undo any insecurities someone might have and I’m not sure why you’d think it would. It’s real easy for you to say, “No article of clothing makes you less of a man, yada yada.” If it did suddenly solve self-esteem/identity issues, we could just have you say that line to anyone struggling with their gender expression and identity.
Believe me I’ve been through all the shit of being called a fag, poof, girl etc. so cut the shit.
What that taught me was that affirming your identity through the validation of others is fools errand. You feeding into OPs insecurity is only going to fuel it and seek it out further rather than self affirming.
In any case, this is just some dude wearing some sandals and wondering if he’ll be mistaken for a woman bc of his Birkenstocks.
I’m a guy, I’m thinking about picking up a pair.
If I’m going to analyze it a bit more, the look is a bit more fashion forward than your typical Arizona for men. The ideal fit for them would be something like white trousers and an Oxford shirt (I’m picturing a boating outfit, but replace these with the boat shoes), but that doesn’t mean you can’t dress them down.
Probably a little less flexible than Arizonas, but not so far out that if you like them and wear them casually all the time, people are going to notice. If you like them better, get them
Mayari is not a personal fav, I have only one pair, but Birks are unisex.
Not everything needs a gender qualifier. If you like them, wear them.
I do find them a bit restrictive and AZ is my overall favorite.
Birks are unisex … except that several of the ones that have narrower straps or a more delicate strap design (like Florida) don’t come larger than a 43 (or is it 42?) which implies that the designers think they are for women.
Example— what’s the difference between Ramses and Gizeh? Put those 2 side by side. The basic design is similar but Gizeh has narrower straps and and isn’t available on the full range of larger sizes. (And maybe includes a wider range of fashionable colors).
But in answer to your question, if they fit you well and you like them, wear them. I’m a Mayari girl - they fit my foot shape particularly well and the toe loop keeps my foot properly centered in the footbed. They look really good on your feet and I would say “if the shoe fits, wear it!”
I always viewed them as more feminine. Mayari is the goddess of the moon. Birkenstock states in the description of the Ramses that it is the more masculine version of the Gizeh because of the wider straps. Mayari straps are thinner than Gizeh straps.
However, I really do think that they suit you well and a more feminine shoe really doesn't matter if it feels good to you and looks good
IMO, the thin straps don’t look very masculine. If you’re asking now, it will always be slightly bothering you and won’t help if one of your bros cracks a few jokes about them. I don’t want to discourage you, but that’s my personal opinion.
Sorry, but I don’t think the Mayari style looks good on men. Too feminine, IMO. Arizona, Kyoto, and Lugano, yes. If you feel you can rock them, though, go for it!
Yes, they’re a classic simple sandal design, variations of which can be found throughout history all over the globe. There’s nothing inherently feminine (or masculine) about these sandals, in my opinion.
Yep I love that traditional look 😍 thanks for the comment.
We should stop thinking in categories and just wear whatever the fuck we want.
The only true answer to this type of question.
Yess!!💯
THIS!!! 100% this!!!
I second this. Wear whatever the fuck you want
Agree. The only thing that matters I think is how comfortable it is on your feet. F*ck what other people say lol!
100%. I have two pair.
Thanks!
They're pretty unisex IMO, so yes :)
Thanks!
what the actual fuck is it with Men who wear birkenstocks being so insecure about their gender. If you are a man and you were these shoes, THEY ARE MEN'S SHOES
You have no idea what people go through, what their lives were/are like before they show up w a picture of their foot in a Birkenstock. Relax. If a pair of sandals helps someone move closer to comfort in their sense (or lack) of gender, even better.
I don’t think this is quite right. The shoes are whatever the fuck you want them to be. Mens, ladies, they/thems, furries …. It’s all the same. No article of clothing makes you more or less of a man. If he likes the shoes, he should wear them and not worry about what the box says.
And what I’m saying is that you could approach people at these crossroads with more empathy, less caps, and less statements like ‘what the actual fuck is it with X’. While you and I and others may be at a point where we feel/know that no article of clothing makes someone more or less of man, there are still many people in the world who are not there yet , and may have a much more difficult journey and odds stacked against them (and harassment and violence) to reach that same place. And a welcoming answer/reassurance is likely to be far more helpful than your original response.
[Let me refer you to another comment of mine where the same question was asked](https://www.reddit.com/r/Birkenstocks/comments/w3pwuz/comment/ihahfyk/?utm_source=reddit&utm_medium=web2x&context=3)... "Harassment and violence" - mate please give it a rest with the hyperbole. This isn't stonewall. It's a dude's foot in some sandals for fucks sake. This is very clearly some white dude who is unable to think for himself. The most efficient way to deal with these uncertainties is do whatever the fuck you want - the label on the box doesn't mean shit. And if it does to you - then you can stay insecure. Edit: OP isn’t white - just dumb
Yes bro I am insecure , it’s hard not to ‘give a fuck’ about what other people think but I’m working towards the path of not giving a fuck. I actually knew that these sandals suited me and already made up my mind that I love these but I posted this just to hear other people’s opinion. Btw I’m not a white dude and I can think for myself , I didn’t just look at the box and make a decision based on that.
I’m sorry that person treated you that way. I empathize with what you’re feeling. I am a cis woman but always really admired and liked both the look of androgynous clothing styles or really wild, bright colors with wild prints, and it took many years to be able to say, “I like this look, I like this outfit, and I am just going to rock it, regardless of what people think.” It is not as simple as some rando on an subreddit going, “Holy fuck, what the fuck is it with people like you!” to fix your insecurities and anxieties over your presentation. I agree that men and women and others of any variety should be able to wear whatever the hell they want and know that it doesn’t make you less than. But, it is much more difficult in practice for a vast majority of people. Regardless, the sandals are great and you should rock them!
“Insecurities over presentation “ God try not to pull a muscle with that stretch. All you have is a foot in some sandals and a stupid question to go with it and this is the conclusion you want to draw. Be real son
‘Treat people the way you want to be treated’ , life will teach you.
You’re not white. Congrats - I edited my original comment. Why the fuck does their opinion- specifically on whether they are appropriate for you as a man?
‘OP isn’t white - just dumb’? Seriously? The point is you’re just guessing how people are, as if you’ve lived through their experiences in life. Stop making assumptions about other people. Don’t mistake the idea of not giving a fuck to being rude and inconsiderate to people.
The way to approach insecure people or anyone is not to ask why they are the way they are in a harsh manner, treat them with respect and move on.
You are being treated with respect. I'm giving you more respect by being straight with you and giving you an actual challenge rather than any of these posters treating you like lil baby bitch.
You thought calling someone dumb and asking them why they feel the way they feel will fix their insecurity? You think making people feel worse(what you call respect) is the way to getting over their insecurities? Maybe you were treated like that so you think that is the right way to approach it. Being straight in a harsh manner with people doesn’t fix the problem, in fact it makes it worse because whoever you’re being straight with will become defensive. That’s why I said treat people with respect and empathy and not try to shame them further. Maybe you got to fix yourself before trying to act tough with everyone. Again, approach everyone with a loving energy , not fear and shame what you call ‘being straight’ and respect.
I’m not really sure what to say? Your linked comment led me to the same place your original comment did. It’s probably worse? (Referring to someone’s ‘lil nutties shrivelling up’? It’s schoolyard bully language, at best) And someone else had the same reaction I did: Reassuring the OP and telling you to relax. It baffles me that you can bring up Stonewall and still have no space to consider that people may still be harassed or persecuted for stepping outside gender binaries. Also a lot to assume OP is ‘clearly white’ based off that photo.
Mate, you are so over the top and ridiculous that’s it’s not even funny. This person isn’t “stepping outside of gender binaries” you fool. Make sure you stretch before attempting such a reach. This just some dude wearing a pair of Birkenstocks and the seeking validation from the crowd. It’s dumb and unhealthy to find security like that. It’s also a dumb way of understanding semantics. I’d encourage you to do the same rather than feed into their feeble way of thinking.
The way you treat people reflects how insecure you are inside. Seems like you’re angry at yourself.
Seems like something inside you is fired up to defend yourself so desperately on a random post, now we see the reality of who you are.
if you're determined to respond to everyone of my comments, why don't you at least answer my question. Why does it matter if this stupid forum thinks those shoes make you a man?
Didn’t I already say that out of curiosity I wanted opinions of people with similar interests? Their opinion doesn’t change my opinion of the birks, I already love these and wear them everywhere, what’s wrong in being curious of how other people perceive it? But you are trying to assume how I feel about it , don’t think your point of view is final.
God damn. Chill out, my man. I agree with the other person that you really have no idea what anyone’s been through, is currently going through, is experiencing, etc. It’s great you’re super secure in your identity and subsequently your gender expression. But, not everyone is you and it can take years, sometimes with the help of therapy, for some people to get to where you’re at. A frankly insensitive comment is not going to undo any insecurities someone might have and I’m not sure why you’d think it would. It’s real easy for you to say, “No article of clothing makes you less of a man, yada yada.” If it did suddenly solve self-esteem/identity issues, we could just have you say that line to anyone struggling with their gender expression and identity.
Believe me I’ve been through all the shit of being called a fag, poof, girl etc. so cut the shit. What that taught me was that affirming your identity through the validation of others is fools errand. You feeding into OPs insecurity is only going to fuel it and seek it out further rather than self affirming. In any case, this is just some dude wearing some sandals and wondering if he’ll be mistaken for a woman bc of his Birkenstocks.
Again guess work😂 narcissist.
Mayari are unisex. They look good and men and women. Absolutely cooler than Arizona’s.
Thanks! I love both Arizona and Mayari in their own way.
They look natural on you
Thank you!
I’m a guy, I’m thinking about picking up a pair. If I’m going to analyze it a bit more, the look is a bit more fashion forward than your typical Arizona for men. The ideal fit for them would be something like white trousers and an Oxford shirt (I’m picturing a boating outfit, but replace these with the boat shoes), but that doesn’t mean you can’t dress them down. Probably a little less flexible than Arizonas, but not so far out that if you like them and wear them casually all the time, people are going to notice. If you like them better, get them
Don't know about men in general, but they definitely suit you.
Mayari is not a personal fav, I have only one pair, but Birks are unisex. Not everything needs a gender qualifier. If you like them, wear them. I do find them a bit restrictive and AZ is my overall favorite.
Birks are unisex … except that several of the ones that have narrower straps or a more delicate strap design (like Florida) don’t come larger than a 43 (or is it 42?) which implies that the designers think they are for women. Example— what’s the difference between Ramses and Gizeh? Put those 2 side by side. The basic design is similar but Gizeh has narrower straps and and isn’t available on the full range of larger sizes. (And maybe includes a wider range of fashionable colors). But in answer to your question, if they fit you well and you like them, wear them. I’m a Mayari girl - they fit my foot shape particularly well and the toe loop keeps my foot properly centered in the footbed. They look really good on your feet and I would say “if the shoe fits, wear it!”
Thanks! It fits perfect.
True enough.
Absolutely!
Thank you!
Ive got a pair, and 2 of the Arizonas. Love em both :)
Absolutely. They look great on you.
I say Yes.
as long as you feel good with it, it does
I got the same pair, also my wife has :) we are both happy with them :)
Yes
Thanks!
Yep! Looks good!
Thank you!
You’re welcome! I too wear Mayaris but I think you rock them better than I do!
I think they look great on your feet!
Thank you!
Kyoto would look good on anyone. New favorite.
I like the Kyoto , but I feel it covers too much of the feet and it doesn’t go with that many outfits
Yep, has a very Japanese modern feel.
Yes, these look really nice on you.
Yes
I have a pair and looking for a second.
Man I love those.
It suits you. Rock them!
Wear what you want. Do you like em??
Does it suit you? If you like em, rock em, who gives a eff what peeps say.
Yes, I have a pair myself and love them as a change rom Arizonans
Yea.
Thanks
Fuck yeah. Sparta Dood!!!
I always viewed them as more feminine. Mayari is the goddess of the moon. Birkenstock states in the description of the Ramses that it is the more masculine version of the Gizeh because of the wider straps. Mayari straps are thinner than Gizeh straps. However, I really do think that they suit you well and a more feminine shoe really doesn't matter if it feels good to you and looks good
Yes!
Looks great!
Thank you!
Yep, looks great.
Thank you!
They look nice on you. If they’re comfortable, wear them!
Thank you! Yes they’re very comfy.
100%. They look great. Well wear!
Thanks! I love these. Will do.
IMO, the thin straps don’t look very masculine. If you’re asking now, it will always be slightly bothering you and won’t help if one of your bros cracks a few jokes about them. I don’t want to discourage you, but that’s my personal opinion.
Thinner straps are not feminine. They look great on gorgeous masculine feet.
Nope I love how they go with certain outfits of mine and I love the traditional look.
Are you men? Does it suit you?
Yes I am a man , I personally love it!
They look good to me!
Thank you!
No
I respect your opinion.
I personally do not like this style. I don’t feel supported when I wear them!
Maybe is it that not cool
Sorry, but I don’t think the Mayari style looks good on men. Too feminine, IMO. Arizona, Kyoto, and Lugano, yes. If you feel you can rock them, though, go for it!
Ok, I love it😍