12-Month Birkenstock Boston Review (My Honest Opinion)

12 month year in review of the Birkenstock Boston! This is probably my best review of a single item ever!
** This video is sponsored by squarespace. for 10% off your first purchase, go to squarespace.com/drewjoiner and use offer code drewjoiner at checkout. **
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Chapters:
00:00 Intro
0:17 Cons
3:15 Pros
7:11 Squarespace
7:51 Sizing + Buying Tips
9:31 Bonus Tip
11:22 pvv
Measurements:
Height: 6' 4"
Waist: 34"
Inseam: 35.5"
Sleeves: 27.5"
Shoe Size: US 11 (EU 45/44)
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Music Credit:

[@jackspringer6925]

so glad you mentioned the rain aspect, i've been wearing mine daily for about three years now living in washington. they are my go-to rain shoe. the oiled leather dries up within minutes

[@Rylanhere]

Welcome to the rainy evergreen state 😂

[@MihirGVaze]

What if train is heavy? The cork bottom doesn't get wet?

[@1openborder]

Wet socks

[@RB0345]

@@MihirGVaze not if you use cork sealer fairly regularly

[@loqu]

Waiting on mine to arrive and this has been my biggest worry it’s nice to know it’s not an issue. I’ll get some cork sealer now.

[@mbrackmann8]

I have the leather and suede versions. The suede are WAY more comfortable but the leather hold up better over time. Make sure to use cork sealer to keep them going longer. You can also get them resoled at basically any shoe repair store. Been eying the new corduroy ones that just dropped recently.

[@-jamin-8135]

Love my Clogs so much! I’ve had mine for 3 years and the Bostons have been my go to shoe through and through. Just got them resoled actually and I would highly recommend.

[@mtmchale26]

Been trying to get my girlfriend into Bostons. Just sent her this, as it’s such a perfect guide for getting a pair. As always, great content, Drew!

[@paodotloh]

So true with the wear in factor. Imo it was a painful process when I first got them because I’m used to wearing shoes with a little bit of bounce. I got ankle pain the first week but after the second week it started to get more comfortable

[@Joe-xl4ub]

Great Boston review--just what I needed in my search!

[@ttyler07]

my favorite youtuber! i love watching your vids man, watching this before i decide to buy the arizonas or the bostons lol. i hope everyone has a great day!

[@habl00pep]

Top tip is you have to treat with a cork sealer and conditioner with Birkenstock plus cleaning the footbed from time to time. Birkenstock used to do kits but you don’t necessarily need to use their products

[@22Picks]

I’ve never heard a more buttery, comforting voice…EVER! 😂 You need to do voice over work! Great information as well! I just ordered the Boston Habana oiled leather with regular footbed. Thanks for the very informative video!

[@Andrew-uh4wf]

What I do before I buy any item of clothing online or at a store is I get pictures of how I want to style it and put them next to eachother in the notes app so that I can sorta visualize it. I also like to make sure the item of clothing im getting can be styled with more than one outfit. If I’m thrifting I don’t usually do this because most of the times it’s cheap but i also have a list of things I’m looking for in thrift stores. Love the video and I love the Birkenstocks!!

[@hkwyong]

5 years with my taupe suede bostons, they’re my go to for running errands and any time I need comfort above all

[@Ciaoies]

Totally agree with you on everything! I have the oiled leather in tobacco and they're definitely worth the investment. They are so effortlessly cute!

[@Ciaoies]

@@mauriciosaIas do itttttttt!

[@3C7S]

I have the black amalfi leather ones and the brown ones. I have put the amalfis through so much and they’re still looking beautiful. Easy to clean too, love them

[@hope4wildflowers]

Awesome review! I'm deciding btw the bostons in black oiled leather, exquisite leather, or smooth leather super grip and it's a hard choice - but you make excellent points in favor of the oiled leather in terms of withstanding the PNW rain and getting a really nice patina.

[@anthonymagana7743]

I have had the black suede clogs for over a year and a half now and have actually had no problems with the tongue going down. It stays up the whole time unless I throw something on top of them.

[@AALTERR]

Good video guy, I’ve been eye balling the Boston myself. They look super comfy! I think you miss a good opportunity to talk about taking your bostons to a cobbler for repairs. They can easily fix the heel and cork that broke. Shoe repair add another personal level of care. As well extending the Life of them. Would love to see a follow up if you consider doing this.

[@StellaWaldvogel]

Use cork sealer! I know Birkenstock says not to get their shoes wet, but we all get caught in rain, wet grass, etc. The cork particles can absorb the water and swell up, that can break down the latex it's mixed with. I think that's what's happened to the backs of yours. Just paint that sealer on every now and then, the cork should look kind of shiny. Replace the EVA soles before they wear down to the cork and you'll probably get another 20 years out of those shoes.

[@Commedescarlos]

The cork sealant they offer to put on these makes the biggest difference, virtually NO wear/deterioration on the cork on both of my pairs after about of year of wear. I think it would prevent the wear that happened on yours

[@choppasmokez9696]

Love ur channel bro

[@kurtisn5287]

Great video! Thanks as always for the detailed content. I had a question. I am headed to Japan soon and am currently on a style journey. I realized that I really enjoy Ivy League core and 90’s matrix long shiny trench coats. Do you have any recommendations for stores? Thrift + non thrift

[@setherrrrs___775]

I just bought a pair but I’ve been working in kitchens as a cook/chef for the past 12 years and I bought Birkenstock kitchen clogs like 7 years ago and they fell apart after 8 months so I ended up buying a pair of these and I absolutely loved them in the kitchen. They got wet constantly and held up so well.

[@domepholtavee9613]

Great an informative video! I plan to wear the Boston without socks do i have to take that into account for sizing? Typically i wear size 11 for slip ons or sandals where for sneakers I’m usually at an 11.5. I guess that firmly puts me at a size 44?

[@themadsamplist]

I love mine! Got the black suede ones. Mostly use them as inside shoes. I'm looking at the Napels now for outside shoes.

[@jdalit08]

The thyme suede colorway looks so good but the ones you have look fire too 😩

[@brunonjezic6208]

I love the knocking from the jeans on your pair. I hope you condition them when leather gets dry. They look great

[@henriquemagalhaes3062]

Got the Arizona model weeks ago and I'm loving them. Does the Boston model make sense? Thanks

[@Falurinn]

Big no sock Boston wearer here, people just don't realize how durable leather is and how well it regulates sweat and moisture. Do you brush them? Had mine for 4 years (same as yours) and brushing really brings out the characteristics of the leather over time.

[@xxbryan2]

you the reason I got mine of Mr porter on sale for like $89 leather clogs..and gotta say I love em..have yet to try them out raw style but I'll wait a bit more till they break in better

[@pandannep]

In regards to the cork wearing in the back - I bought a cork sealant to use for all my Birkenstocks and apply it once every few months or whenever I see it starting to thin (after cleaning off the surface of any dirt/grime) and it really helps with the longevity! I'd highly recommend it. Getting them resoled is also always an option as long as the uppers hold up, so honestly even though it's a bigger investment up front, they should last a long time if taken care of. 100% recommend the oiled leather over the suede version like you mentioned - it's easier to clean and can tolerate rain which is a huge bonus since I live in WA lol

[@barcostudio]

I got the oiled bostons in tobacco and I added saphir to them because I love conditioning my leathers. I ruined the shoes. They looked greasy, oily, and completely dark. UNTILLLLL i took a stiff bristle brush (that I got from the Birks site) and just went to town and BAM, they looked incredible again. Bostons are truly workhorses that will last 20-30 years. My oldest pair is about 7 years old right now and they still look brand new. Items like that NEVER go out of style even though some people might scoff at them, we’ll see them wearing them once they’re popular with the “cool kids” again.

[@aminemastour7901]

Have you applied anything to your Birkenstock to keep them in very good condition, especially the heel structure, as the video clearly shows that the heel cork starting to tear kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJmrZHylq5eLeJY

[@barcostudio]

@@aminemastour7901 the only thing i added was the saphir that i thought messed them up and a layer of the cork glue when i first got them. Other than that, i just don’t wear them in the rain.

[@bb5op585]

Do your feet sweat in them at all?

[@KevinEscobarCo]

@@bb5op585naw not at all. But i do have to wear lotion before i put them on otherwise my feet kind of slide around a tiny bit and the lotion helps me grip the shoe better.

[@michaadamkiewicz999]

I would say breaking birks in for me was longer than 3-4 wears, It took me like 2 weeks wearing them every day to start feeling comfy but now they are amazing and also european sizing is a bit messed up so look for the length of the insole or the US sizing.

[@kairoskonquest1164]

You’re SOOOO COOOOL!! I love ur vibes and I try to emulate aspects of your personality bc I think your dope! Keep up havin fun Drew! 🔥

[@slipperysnake3822]

Be original.

[@Mashedtaders]

I've been wearing these shoes for over 15 years. Make sure you apply shoe goo or some sort of adhesive to the back of your lowers to keep it intact. The leather uppers can deal with water but the water egress around the lowers can eventually cause damage (stepping in puddles). You can also get custom soles if you have a cobbler for when that time comes. Hands down the best pair of casual shoes I've ever owned.

[@user-mc2bq5sh1m]

@drewjoiner what jeans are you wearing in this video? They look like lightweight Japanese selvedge. Great video. Thanks

[@laurademarrais3248]

I’ve been wearing them since 1978, all styles work play summer and winter. I had a pair that had been on three continents.

[@chriszietz1236]

Had to get an old pair of my Boston’s re quirked and soled. Worth the trip to a cobbler. I went to one in downtown Denver.

[@OoPvPing]

I’ve had my bostons since October and have loved them and got a pair of arizonas about 2 weeks ago and now remembering the pain of having to break them in.

[@Ivadasmr]

I have 2 pairs of the suede Boston clogs and for some reason my black ones hold up for easy slip ons but my other pair don’t like shown in the beginning of the vid

[@KevinTspirit]

The wear in was hard, thought I'd made a mistake, by second week I was so happy.

[@sonofagun5000]

is the regular leather just as good as the oiled leather? the regular leather is all i have in my country.

[@yesikamondragon3513]

I just ordered the suede variant and after watching your video I ordered the oiled leather and canceling the suede tomorrow

[@ReggieChristian]

So I’m very interested in getting my first pair of Bostons but I’m a US Men’s 10.5. Should I have size up at US Men’s 11/EU 44? I plan on wearing socks.

[@joaoquental2933]

The thumbnail is really Old School Drew Joined, I definitely like it, it's very similar to the ones in videos you made a year or two ago. Great vid

[@DrewJoiner]

🤝❤️

[@gabekob]

Amazing content! I've just got myself this exact same oiled leather pair and loving it, hella comfortable. I've been also curious about the birks shearling ones. Are them good?

[@andreigolovik3047]

PROFESSIONAL RAWDOGGER

[@kadeh2072]

I will say with the sizing, I had bought a pair in the past in my true size, 43, but they were too big. Just recently sized down to a 42 and they fit perfectly. Just something to keep in mind if anyone is interested in a pair.

[@bangabruhh8291]

Same ! I order my usual 10.5 size I wear in about everything else and they were to big. Sized down yo the 42 9.5 and they fit like a glove.

[@simonpijnenburg4406]

is that your true size for sneakers or your brannock size?

[@kadeh2072]

I’ve got sneakers and boots in 43 that all fit just fine so I’d say so

[@LadyFishsHorizon]

Are your toes comfortable with Boston, do they move forward and hit the front edge. I only have Arizona and I am thinking of getting London for winter.

[@tentimetex]

As an alternative, try the Mephisto Zonder sandal. They still make sandals the way Birkenstock used to in the 80's before they went mainstream and outsourced everything to Asia and started using inferior quality materials. They're hand made in France with Full grain leathers, all natural materials sourced from Europe and very high quality.

[@aaronminkenberg8386]

most birkenstocks are actually still made in germany in the old way, except for the newer modells as far as i know

[@StellaWaldvogel]

@@aaronminkenberg8386 I just got the Birkenstock Zermatts in suede and they were made in Germany. Excellent quality. The ones you have to be careful of are the trendy ones, sneakers, etc.

[@brandonwolf4073]

You got a alternative link for those socks? @6:18 the current is out of stock.

[@carligirrl]

Any thoughts from anyone on the Nubuck Leather version, versus oiled leather? Does the nubuck hold up in the rain?

[@Wavestarter_TV]

I wear mine everyday also … I have a really worn pair and a fresh pair for fits but I love both

[@antonyfernandez9536]

I’ve got two pairs black in the leather think they are the exquisite ones can’t remember off the top of my head. But taupe in suede find they feel bit bigger on my feet. As for sizing I used the tool in the box said I was a 270 but found 42eu I would have been crippled with blisters on my heels so went 43eu. Only thing I find them odd walking in them as I’m normally a fast walker.

[@feliciabailey0411]

I find it so hilarious. I live in Central New Jersey and have never once seen this shoe until recently. It is wild to see what is trending in the world online and in my day-to-day life. I have been thinking about getting these myself because I feel like it's an upgraded version of my crocks (which I wear so often). But I can wear them at work too, in the office!

[@DiabIoLoco]

Twinn the rain demolished my suede leathers, i use them to skate now. Buying a oiled leather pair rnn

[@Matanghy]

Just brought a suede one, but I live in a city that rains are common. Should I exchange? 🥺

[@cado9902]

what can you say about the EVA versions of boston?

[@omokok1877]

Have you look at the London clogs?

[@deiphosant]

My dad's been wearing theses for YEARS. So funny to how "cool" they have become 🤣🤣

[@zackmack7145]

So I wear size 8 men's sneakers so do I buy the same size same size or do I need to go one down?

[@mohamedhaziq453]

What brand of penny shoe u wore in the video at 1:35 min

[@habl00pep]

Sizing up as well as conditioning may have stopped the cork issue

[@jasmimii]

rain was the main factor stopping me from buying a pair but now i’m going to go and order an oiled leather pair! so cute

[@MeowTow]

What socks do you use?

[@user-ix6dg8fu5n]

Nice jeans! Not made on a projectile loom! Selvedge stitching. Are they Raw denim? What brand? Good review also.

[@williamthach7]

Great review! One of the cons you mentioned with the suede Boston was that it’s hard/takes some time to put on. Would you say it takes more time/effort to come off as well? Or is it the same as the oiled leather?

[@DrewJoiner]

Probably about the same to take off

[@J.uunjiu]

glad you mentioned the patina Drew! I got a pair of the habana too, and seeing your pair with the scruffs and creases gets me excited to wear mine. Also how are the bold variants so far? How are they holding up?

[@DrewJoiner]

I only have the Habana’s now! When I review different products after the review I either return, gift, or sell the extra items because I don’t have space to keep all of these items!

[@J.uunjiu]

@@DrewJoiner dang, I would've LOVE to see how those look over the next 12 months. Esp since not a lot of people know about the premium variants! That patina and wear would've looked absolutely insaneee. In terms of leather thickness, do you recall any differences between the bold and Habanas? Or was it just pure quality and the luxury aspect of it?

[@DrewJoiner]

@@J.uunjiu Yes there is definitely a difference. The Bold's have a thicker upper and outsole. Almost too thick imo on the upper. Meaning that it's not that soft and will take more to break in.

[@J.uunjiu]

@@DrewJoiner Thanks for the info Drew! Will be looking to cop those in the near future!

[@elsasg3881]

I bought mine like 5 years ago (suede version)! And they are still doing great, I bought them when they were out of trend and most important… cheap!

[@kristenmae6761]

How much were they?

[@elsasg3881]

@@kristenmae6761 they were in sale I 60€ (55$)

[@nattybumpo]

Thoughts on the horween leather

[@thefrog9119]

I was lucky to get a pair of what Birkenstock called the Luxury version which is basically the addition of a golden tarnish buckle and a crepe outsole instead of EVA. Agreed with the true to size but after one year plus of wear and one hole gained on the strap, they are a little bit too loose. And one last thing... I never wore and never will wear them with socks ‼ Never ‼

[@machnoah]

what’s your opinion on arizonas?

[@ATIYA5]

4:28 this man edits in Japanese denim & briks w no socks. What a guy

[@brob6116]

Is that soft footbed version?

[@feliciabailey0411]

Also! I just found out Cork is anti-bacterial (hence the lack of smell).

[@marcozarate8]

i needed a boston birkenstock video, im was already getting some this week!

[@omokok1877]

Why do you wear those more than the bold variant

[@whotomkenna]

Went and bought a pair today after watching this haha

[@Insung...]

Birkenstock bostons vs arizonas??? I've had both for slightly over a yr and I'd rather arizonas would you lot agree??? Comfort: arizonas Price: arizonas Versatility: arizonas Compliments: bostons

[@dubssalamander]

ive been wanting these for a while, but yeah its the price thats holding me back

[@denafletty727]

Y'ALL! PLEASE USE A SUEDE Water & stain repellent! It makes your suede repel water & marks wipe clean!

[@jeremywrightphoto]

I had the same concern with the suede option staying up and being able to slip them on quickly. However, once they break in and mould to your foot, they stay up like the leather option. Just make sure you don't store them upside down or lay other shoes on top. Although - even if i squash them in a travel bag, one or two wears and they're back to staying up and holding their shape again 👌

[@G_F1]

Another tip for where to buy is... Buy locally! Most cities/towns have local shoe stores that might sell Birkenstock. Despite the recent streetwear/fashion zeitgeist, Birkenstock has been popular for varying demographics for a loooong time, so you might be surprised! Support local businesses :)

[@joosh_uwa]

these clogs are my most expensive pair of footwear and im glad they are

[@FIFII]

don't they smell if you wear then without socks??

[@senzubean4795]

do you have soft footbed or normal

[@Lauro417]

i’ve never once weared my birkenstock with socks 😂 in italy wearing clogs with socks it’s the ultimate sin

[@Kissyfur72]

I couldn't justify a full price pair but managed to grab an ex display pair at a good price, sadly, didn't read on sizing before and went for my regular Vans size of 42, think a 40 would do me tbh. Will def grab another pair should chance arrive of a bargain as thought the oiled habana nubuck looked the nuts

[@gtg488w]

What about the Boston shearling? Like you said the freaking price point is absurd to me, $170. Like not even the HOKA Clifton 8 costs that much and they are the best thing I’ve ever put on my feet

[@kroses13]

Wondering if anyone wear them oversized? Accidentally ordered the wrong size … unless someone is looking for a 44 Taupe SFB Suede. 😢😅

[@pt257]

I got mine during the Taupe Suede craze! They do look amazing, but I regret buying them because they are impossible to keep clean! All my Arizonas are oiled leather and they are much better for daily use.

[@guynkicks]

Need to hope on that wave

[@WiiAllTheWayHome]

I love my bostons! Hoping to buy the Londons soon. #pvv

[@internetfunnymanrob]

you should oil the leather probably every six months with mink oil if you wanna keep the waterproof aspect of the shoes without them getting destroyed

[@melocoton7]

I never thought of wearing socks with my Birkies😅😅 it never occurred to me

[@colinlewis4502]

My suede ones stay up after wearing them for a while

[@franco05]

I have several birks, and have to be honest, they are good because of the build quality, and the arch support, but walking on clouds is not what i get from them, they are more like solid well made brick shoes. once molded they are just well fit sandals, but they are not even slightly cushiony which is what walking on clouds feels like, if you want to walk on clouds, get something similar to Nike Zoomx, or Adidas with Boost midsole type shoe, or asics nimbus 25 etc, in sandals i have a pair of Sketcher Max Cushion archfit Prime, now those are cloud walking Sliders, NOthing compares to those for comfort, however i still love Birks, not for comfort (cuze they really are a stiff shoe) but because they are good for foot support, and easy to beat on, they just last a long time and are a cool looking sandal.

[@Dginny865]

1:30 I don’t know if I should believe you about this, I never worn these but I’ve heard a lot of people say the same thing about the Nike sb blazers & I have 2 yet never once had that issue at all with them being hard to put on lol

[@tk-unc]

I have 4 pairs. I love them all

[@MJ-ms6fd]

Great review dude but seriously why do you wear your outdoor shoes inside lol?

[@atelier_rabbit]

I used to think clogs, especially crocs, were one of the ugliest shoes ever but I’m now trying to find the mocha leather one in stock bc they’re actually cute??? (crocs are still ugh) pvv

[@anonymousotter6455]

I think that your birks don't smell because they're leather. Leather is antimicrobial and porous(relative to rubber) so it's common for people to go sockless when it comes to fully leather loafers and sandals.