This pair's strap design takes adjustability to the next level. They’ve got not one, but two metal buckles that can be individually adjusted, allowing the proportions of the strap sizes to vary and provide custom comfort and security for your feet. What’s more, once adjusted, they will stay fixed, and you can simply slip them on and be ready to go. You could say they’ve got the lenience of laces with all the convenience of slip-on sandals.

It’s clear that plenty of airflow is offered by this design, as with all sandals. However, that’s not enough for optimal breathability. To supplement that, Birkenstock uses a suede insole lining, which wicks away moisture from the skin to prevent the accumulation of sweat and odor. The oiled leather straps are also breathable, though keep in mind that the synthetics are not. As well, keep in mind that no antimicrobial treatment is used with this pair, so germophobes might want to opt for a different pair.

Birkenstock is well-known for the comfort they provide. This is largely due to their signature footbed that ensures support and stability, and that we will describe in more detail later on. However, another part of it is the strap design. Unlike regular flip flops, they don’t have the rigid post between the toes, nor the flimsy thong straps that force your feet to strain to keep the flip-flops on your feet with every step. Instead, they’ve got functional yet stylish criss-cross straps that form a loop at the toe. This secures the foot in place more so than regular flip-flops, and also keeps your toes comfortable. The only potential downside for comfort is that the raised toe bar could cause foot fatigue when they’re worn for long durations of time.

Like all Birkenstock footwear, this model’s got the brand’s iconic cork-latex footbed. There’s a reason it’s found in every pair: it’s supportive, comfortable, and also beneficial for the feet. It features a cork latex core between one layer of jute (a strong plant fiber) for moisture wicking and another layer for additional strength. The cork material is great because although the footbed is already anatomically shaped, the cork will mold to the shape of the foot with wear, providing support that’s even more comfortable and customized. The footbed is covered by a liner made of soft suede for a smooth underfoot feel.

The outsoles of these sandals are made with Ethylene Vinyl Acetate, more commonly known as EVA. You may have seen this outsole material in other sandals or athletic footwear, as it is often used for its lightness and functionality. It is resistant to water and corrosion—in other words, resistant to sea water, oil, acid, and some chemicals. It is also very tough and provides great shock absorption. In terms of processing, it is very easy to press, cut, glue, and laminate, which may lower manufacturing costs and therefore shelf prices as well. When compared to rubber, another commonly used outsole material, its sole downsides (pun intended) are that it’s synthetic and sometimes less flexible.

In general, sandals don’t provide much protection; besides their straps, there isn’t much upper material to cover the foot. With that said, this model works with what it’s got. The outsoles are nice and thick to protect the foot from rough and rocky terrain underfoot. The edge of the footbed is also slightly raised to prevent toe stubbing and side scuffs (bonus: the foot is comfortably cradled and stabilized). Though this pair’s not the hardiest, it’s certainly protective enough for summer days at the beach or trekking through trails.

When you think of fashion, we doubt this pair of sandals will pop into your head. But compared with most Birkenstocks, we’d say they’re actually one of the more fashion-forward ones. The cork footbed and buckle straps give off a traditional vibe, contrasted by the modern look of the innovative toe loop and criss-cross design. The result is a cute, bohemian sandal that can be paired with jeans, shorts, dresses, and all sorts of casual outfits. What’s more, there are many different color options for all three types of strap materials, including white, brown, gold, and metallic patterns. A few even have white outsoles rather than the traditional black ones, giving off an air of elegance and femininity.

As part of Birkenstock’s iconic footbed cork-latex footbed design, anatomically support is offered to the arches and the heel. Two kinds of arch support are featured: longitudinal and transversal. The former runs along the side of the footbed and is meant to ensure stability, while the latter runs through the middle to ensure proper alignment for the foot. On top of that, there’s a deep heel cup that cradles the heels and, as a result, provides natural cushioning. Lastly, a raised toe bar encourages the natural gripping motions of the feet when walking, which stimulates circulation.

Within this model, three different upper material options are offered. First, there’s a version with thick, oiled nubuck leather, which features an open selvage finish that enhances the handcrafted look while also ensuring durability. The second and third are Birkibuc and Birko-Flor, both of which are synthetic and highly durable materials. The difference is that the former feels more like nubuck leather with a slight nap while the latter is smoother. These two are great because they cost less than their oiled leather counterpart, but they also don’t have as classy and natural of a look.

We won’t lie—this pair is quite expensive. If you’re a frugal shopper, you might find the price of this model outrageous, since it costs so much more than the typical sandal that you can get in Walmart. But there’s a good reason why they’re priced the way they are. First off, Birkenstock is a reputable brand that provides reliable quality. They’ve got to put in a lot of effort to meet all their customers’ demands and expectations, and that drives up their products’ costs. What’s more, these sandals are made in Germany, and transportation (unless you live in Germany) can cost a lot. Material costs also play a part. But if you want to save some pennies, you can always choose the synthetic version rather than the oiled leather version.

The Mayari sandals by Birkenstock is perfect for the summertime, regardless of if you’re at the beach, in the trails, or in the city. The EVA outsoles are protective and cushioning while the arch and heel support ensure the foot’s proper alignment. The supportive cork-latex footbed and the secure straps are combined to ensure comfortable walking, though some may find that the raised toe bar causes foot fatigue. To prevent fatigue, adjust the straps for a snugger fit or opt for a different pair for walking-intensive days. In addition, their strap design has a casual bohemian vibe that makes them more stylish than most Birkenstock sandals. Though they are pricey, consider them nonetheless; after all, high quality must come with a high price!