​My First Pair of Custom Birkenstocks | Handmade Sandal Experience

​My First Pair of Custom Birks

I may be taking a sabbatical from purchasing new Birkenstocks.  With my recent experience of quality control issues and the lack of love for us regular width wearing customers, it should be no surprise that I am “disappointed”.  Thankfully, I have an ample stock of ‘stocks, hidden in a vault, at an unspecified location.   My supply won’t run dry until the Apocalypse hits and when the Apocalypse hits, my Doc Martens come out.  But, this does not mean that I won't special order a pair from Michelangelo at Custom Made Birkenstocks.

I technically have a lifetime supply of Birks and don’t “need” another pair. Wanting another pair is a different story.  Although I have hoards of Birkenstocks, there is one color missing from my collection.  Ferrari Red.   

When Birkenstock released the red Valentinos, I was drooling.

Birkenstock x Valentino Collaboration. Photo: Birkenstock

These Valentino Birks are the perfect shade red, but not the perfect price tag or the perfect width.  After the Birkenstock quality control issues that I have experienced, I adamantly refused to fork over half a grand (after California taxes) for a pair of Birkenstocks that were only released in narrow width.  Tsk Tsk Birkenstock for chubby foot shaming again!   As if the powers that be are passive aggressively telling their most dedicated regular width wearing customers,  that wider feet shall not be allowed to wear special collaboration Birks.  Guess what, the reason that many people choose to wear Birkenstocks is because of the wider footbed!  ARGH?!! Wide foot Birkenstock lovers want pretty, stylish sandals too.  How many blogs do I have to write to reiterate this?  Is no one listening?!

These narrow width only releases get my blood boiling.  In fact, I was so fired up that these Valentino Birks were not available in a regular width, that I became anti-Valentino!  Thus, I schemed a way to create the perfect pair of red Arizonas for myself.  And, no, I was not going to paint another pair.

I wanted elegance.  I wanted beauty.  I wanted perfection.  Cue Custom Made Birkenstocks.

I called Michelangelo, at Custom Made Birkenstocks, and asked him if he could make me a pair of Ferrari Red Arizonas.  I knew his answer before he responded.  He said, “Sure, I can do anything”.   

I told Michelangelo my exact wishes. All red....rather....all Ferrari red Arizonas.  Red leather uppers, red buckles, red leather lined footbed, and red soles.  He immediately told me that Birkenstock would not sell him authentic red soling material.  I agreed to settle for non Birkenstock soling material, so long as the soling material matched the leather uppers.  Michelangelo ended up finding red soling material from Italy.  This satisfied me, since all the best things, like Ferraris, (except Birkenstocks) come from Italy. ​

I am thrilled with this red soling material.

The entire process, from my initial call, to receiving the Arizonas took several weeks.  I was in no rush, since I know all masterpieces take time.  Do you know how long it took Michelangelo to paint the Sistine Chapel?  (Not the same Michelangelo of which I speak).


Michelangelo communicated with me during the entire operation.  He called to clarify things and emailed me pictures with options and choices.  I felt like I was thoroughly included in the decision making process of these Birkenstocks, every step of the way.

Look at the beautiful red suede lined footbed. INCREDIBLE!

It was a very easy and comfortable process to have Michelangelo create the perfect pair for me.  As you well know, I highly recommend Michelangelo, at Custom Made Birkenstocks, to anyone that seeks that “perfect” color Birkenstock.  For those of you who desire a pair of mustard yellow or acid green Birkenstocks, or any other color or pattern for that matter, give Michelangelo a call at 1-866-337-4637 .

My Custom Ferrari Red Arizonas by Custom Made Birkenstocks

When my Ferrari red Arizonas arrived at my house, they were in perfect condition.  No quality control issues with this hand made masterpiece!  And the best part of this made to order pair of Birkenstocks is that they have been monogrammed with my name!!!  It is the small details that make these extra special. Thank you, Michelangelo!!

"Gina" Monogram

Who needs a pair of too narrow Valentinos when you can have a custom pair of “Michelangelos” that fit beautifully?​

I was so excited and pleased with my red “Michelangelos” that when I called, to personally thank him, I ordered another custom pair!!

Made to Order Leopard Print Arizonas by Custom Made Birkenstocks

This time I went with Leopard print!!  These are lightweight and extremely soft.  These beauties are elevated to pure elegance with the black suede lined footbed and the gold buckles.


Now that I have two perfect custom made Birkenstocks in my arsenal, I may never have to buy another pair of Birkenstocks again.  I have been spoiled.  I like this made
to order Birkenstock option.  It makes me feel a little like a Diva.


If you could order a custom pair of Birkenstocks, what color or pattern would you choose?  What model would you select?  Send me an email and let me know.

There are so many amazing prints from which to choose.  Go ahead, have Michelangelo make you a custom pair.  I give you permission to spoil yourself.  You deserve it.

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Discover More About Custom Birkenstocks & Authentic Style

My experience with Michelangelo at Custom Made Birkenstocks proved that when standard sizing, limited widths, or pricey collaborations fall short, custom craftsmanship delivers both comfort and style.  From my Ferrari Red Arizonas to Leopard Print Arizonas, these handmade sandals showcase why investing in custom Birks can be more rewarding than chasing mass-produced releases.  If you’re interested in exploring more, be sure to read my blogs on Birkenstock Quality Control Issues, discover Michelangelo’s artistry in Birkenstock Recrafts, and learn about Narrow Width Birkenstocks to understand sizing frustrations many of us share.  For the DIY enthusiast, check out my guide on How to Paint Leather Birkenstocks to give your sandals new life.  Keep reading, keep learning, and discover why authentic, customized, and well-cared-for Birkenstocks are worth every step.