Next month, my hubby and I will be taking a little overnight getaway to Baltimore, so I think I’ll find a Birkenstock store there to try things on, so I know what size to order. Then, when I find the size/style I want, I can search for the best price online.
Boy, people are passionate about their Birks, aren’t they?? 
I love my Birks! I have a whole bunch of different styles, and since getting them I find more conventionally shaped shoes to be really hard to wear.
I found that their size conversion was way off for me, at least for the sandals. I’m two sizes smaller in sandals than in closed-toe shoes 
There are several stores in Baltimore that carry Birkenstocks, as well as one in Frederick. I think the one in Frederick is the closest one to you, although the Birkenstock USA website says there are some closer ones in Virginia and Pennsylvania (searching on one of Cumberland’s zip codes).
I have a pair of the sandals that I live in outside work in the summer, and a pair of the rubber clogs that are going on six years of active duty. The clogs need a new set of cork inserts (which will be their third), and the tread is almost history, but I just can’t give them up. Now that I don’t do so much messy work as I did in med school, I’ll probably replace them with a leather pair.
For some reason, I can’t really walk very far in them; I have a touch of plantar fasciitis that really acts up when I do. For standing or for short walks, though, they’re fantastic. (The clogs got me through a bunch of six-hour surgeries.)
What she (he?) said.
My podiatrist recommended I try them 9 years ago.
I bought my first pair at a store, though, and they sized me too large; ultimately I bought some online that per their size chart should fit me fine, and which were 2 sizes smaller than the ones from the store. They fit me fine. I think this is more an example of a clerk’s mistake than anything else.
Couple caveats: Due to the length of my toes, my second toe can sometimes bump against the front of the sandal. The inner edge of each big toe is developing a callus this year from the enclosed birk clog (didn’t happen with the sandals).
Typo Knig bought his first pair last summer at my suggestion. Hated 'em at first. Stuck it out for a full week and then got used to them. Has loved them ever since.
I think it depends on what you find comfortable. Given that you like the support of Rockport I think it is a good bet that you will like Birkenstock. I love my Birkenstocks. Despite the lack of cushioning they are surprisingly comfortable because of the support. If, however, you need a lot of cushion you may not find them comfortable for a long period of standing. I do need support and I like a bit of cushion, but even without the extra cushioning they are very comfortable to me.
I just ordered an new pair of Arizona Birks today (also bought my wife a pair of the new wedge shoes). Before buying a new pair though, I asked about warranty. Thought I caught a deer in the headlights, but had to let her off. I purchased my Birks in the summer of 1987 (yes, I typed that right). They weren’t too common at the time, but had a reputation for being comfortable. They weren’t cheap even then, but I took a chance. I do admit that they were not the most ‘designer’ in appearance, but they were certainly comfortable. I admit that I wore them only off and on for the first number of years, but began to like the looks more and more. For the last several of summers, I mostly pick them first when wearing sandals. I finally had separated the soles after repeatedly getting them wet and also kneeling down, stretching the soles. A couple years ago I purchased a commercial sewing machine. I was curious about what it could sew, so I tried putting the Birks through. Worked great lol. Even so, I finally told myself that I should buy a new pair. I had to order the color I wanted, but looking forward to the summers ahead with them (and they are a much nicer color than the old pair).
You can keep sending them back, but you pay the return shipping on them.
I kept hearing how comfortable Birkenstocks were, so I bought a pair of Arizonas about a year ago. The soles are great, but the straps are not. I’ve adjusted and re-adjusted the buckle to try difference fittings and the edges of the straps feel rough like a cat’s tongue.
How long until these buggers soften up if ever?
Too late to take them back. I just thought they’d break in eventually.
Well…
I own two pairs of Birk’s. One is 30+ years old, the other is 25+ years old. Admittedly, I have put some money into maintaining them, and they’ve each been resoled several times. Personally, the fact they CAN be repaired is a plus for me. The largest cost was having the corkbeds replaced, which is pretty much replacing 2/3 of the shoe but it was only half the cost of getting a new pair so I felt it was worth it. I’m also an outlier as I tend to hang on to my shoes much longer than average. (I have a pair of well-used workboots that are 36 years old, still in use, and that’s my oldest pair.)
I have very wide feet (EE’s). Another plus for me is that I can easily find Birk’s wide enough to actually fit my feet. If you have very narrow feet that might be an issue (haven’t investigated narrow footwear much, for obvious reasons).
I think if you can get fitted properly with a pair you’ll find them comfortable. If you have a nearby shoe repair that shop can probably keep them humming along for decades, assuming no outright abuse or a pet dog eating them. If you don’t have a shoe shop nearby I can probably give you some tips on how to keep them serviceable for the maximium amount of time.
I would say yes with the caveat that you’re looking at the soft footbed ones. I can’t even wear my older regular footbed birkies anymore. The soft footbed ones have just ruined me.
…just had to point out that the post you replied to is ten years old, and that to those who didn’t know, norinew passed away a couple of years ago. 