Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I am writing this review because I know how difficult it is to order birkenstocks on line, especially if it is your first pair. The size conversion, footbed, medium or narrow- there's too many options and how are you supposed to know any of it if you have never owned a pair?!?! Since these are my first pair, I'm glad they arrived perfect and perfect fit. :) To begin with- I ordered a pair that were sold by amazon.com to be sure that they were real. It was more worth it for me, and the size conversion would be easier knowing it was a real pair of birkenstocks. I was really confused as to ordering a size, but I am a perfect 8 usually, and AFTER DOING SOME RESEARCH (reading reviews, calling some local birkenstock retailers... Etc) I decided to order a 38 instead of a 39 because everywhere said they ran big, I even called a BEN LOVELL shoe store and the associate said she is an 8 but wears a 38 in birks. So I decided I would chance it and order the 38. Next, I had to decide between narrow and medium width. Wth? I just thought I had "normal" width. But after deciding I never had any problems with my feet being even slightly wide, I chose narrow. I would suggest narrow if you don't at all wear wide shoes. I don't know a lot of people that do, so I would say narrow is a more average fit. I got the mocha suede color, and I also read a lot of reviews about how you have to pull up the suede with your hands while putting them on... I knew this wouldn't be a problem for me, since you have to use your hands while putting on sneakers.... I haven't had to do it yet, I can slip them right on, but maybe as the suede gets softer I can see this happening. So, safe to say, my birkenstocks arrived and they FIT LIKE A GLOVE!! I was so happy because online returns are my least favorite thing. So I'm glad I took the chance ordering a 38 instead of a 39, and ordering the narrow as well! Comfy right out of the box also!!! So if you are a true size 8, definitely size down!!!! I would say these would fit an 8 1/2 most likely as well. I hope my review helped you make the right choice on what birkenstocks to order!!!