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​​Explore Gina Mama’s Birkenstock Blogs — Reviews, Care Guides, Styling & Comfort Tips

Official Gina Mama’s I Love Birkenstocks logo featuring elegant script text ‘Gina Mama’s’ with ‘Est. 2016’ above, a bold red heart graphic in the center, and the phrase ‘I Love Birkenstocks’ in modern sans-serif font below. The design is set against a soft beige background, symbolizing the lifestyle blog founded in 2016 dedicated to Birkenstock sandals, shoe care tips, style inspiration, and community stories
Top-down photo of three pairs of Birkenstocks standing on red mulch in Southeast Texas: Big Buckle Black Oiled Leather Basel clogs worn with striped socks, children’s BB-8 Star Wars Arizona sandals, and red Birko-Flor Arizona sandals paired with colorful knit socks.
A fun family Birkenstock moment in Southeast Texas featuring three iconic styles — my Big Buckle Black Oiled Leather Basels, BB-8 Star Wars Arizonas, and classic red Birko-Flor Arizonas. Proof that comfort (and a little Star Wars energy) runs in the family.
A cozy, playful illustration of Gina Mama lounging on the couch in her shearling-lined Birkenstock Bostons while typing up a new blog post on her laptop. This warm, creative graphic represents the heart of my writing process--comfort, storytelling, and plenty of Birkenstock love. Visit ilovebirkenstocks.com to explore all my latest blogs, reviews, and style guides.
Birkenstock Arizona rivet sandals featured on I Love Birkenstocks blog page
Gina Mama from I Love Birkenstocks wearing Birkenstock Rivet Arizonas at the Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco, California
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Spring Into New Birkenstocks | Mayari & Arizona Styles

2/9/2017

 

Spring Into New Birkenstocks

Spring Into New Birkenstocks: 2017 Collection First Look

It is the middle of winter and there is a flash flood warning in effect for the Bay Area (again) today.  I should probably be thinking about which pair of Frye boots I am going to wear to work.  Or maybe I ought to consider wearing my Bean boots because of the expected deluge.  But, the thought of wearing boots totally escaped me this morning after perusing the Birkenstock USA webpage. 

The Must-Have Mayari in Pull Up Bordeaux

I was ecstatic to learn that Birkenstock has released some of their new Spring 2017 collection.  I have been checking their webpage every so often in anticipation of this release.  When I toured Birkenstock USA last September, I had the honor and the privilege of viewing this entire collection in person.  At the time, there was one Birkenstock in that collection that I coveted: the Birkenstock Mayari in Pull Up Bordeaux.
Birkenstock Mayari Pull Up Bordeaux | Spring 2017 Release
Close-up of Birkenstock Mayari in Pull Up Bordeaux leather from the Spring 2017 collection, a red sandal with adjustable straps.
The Mayari in Pull Up Bordeaux stole my heart the moment I spotted it—adjustable, elegant, and the perfect red sandal to join my collection.
Why Every Closet Needs a Pair of Red Birkenstocks

In my opinion, every person needs at least one pair of red Birkenstocks.  I just happen to need a pair of red Birkenstocks in every model!  Red was missing from my Mayari collection.  I have a pair of Papillio Tabora’s in red snake skin leather that I purchased from
Sandy’s Birkenstock Boutique.  I love those red Taboras.  In fact, the width of the Papillio’s are perfect for wide my feet.  However, the Tabora lacks the adjustability of the upper strap.  With the Mayari, one can adjust the top and bottom straps making it the perfect Birkenstock.

I knew I had to add this red Mayari to my collection the moment I saw it.  I was advised by the staff at Birkenstock USA to pre-order this particular shoe the moment it became available.  It is a hot item and anticipated to sell out quickly.  

When I saw that this shoe was available in a 38 regular on Birkenstock’s webpage, I immediately snatched it up!!  I was so excited that I had to wake up my husband to tell him the good news.  He joked that I should probably order two pairs.  One to wear and one to save as back up.  

Tempted by the Arizona Tango Red Patent

I must admit that I did practice great restraint at five o'clock this morning.  I was tempted to purchase the Birkenstock Arizona in Tango Red Patent as well.  Look at this beauty:
Birkenstock Arizona Tango Red Patent | Limited Narrow Width
Birkenstock Arizona Tango Red Patent sandal with white sole from Spring 2017, photographed as a bold, glossy red footwear option.
Red. Patent. Birkenstock. The Arizona Tango Red Patent is sleek and bold, but sadly available only in narrow width in the U.S.
Red. Patent. Birkenstock.  Three of the most perfect words all mixed together to make a gorgeous shoe.  The white sole looks lovely, but I know that it is a challenge to keep clean.  I was willing to overlook the white soles until I realized that, sadly, these are only offered in Narrow width in the US.   

Update for 2025: I finally caved and added the Tango Red Patent Arizonas to my collection in 2018—and of course, I sent them off to Custom Made Birkenstocks to swap the original white soles for sleek black ones. You can read the full story in my blog White Sole Birkenstocks, where I break down the pros and cons of keeping those bright soles clean. Nearly a decade later, I still own these bold red Arizonas, and they remain a regular in my sandal rotation—proof that authentic Birkenstocks only get better with time.

​Breaking In Birkenstocks Before Spring Arrives

Is it crazy to order a pair of sandals in the middle of a big storm?  I don’t think so.  I am just giving myself plenty of time to break them in before Spring arrives!  After all, those of us who wear Birkenstocks know all about the break-in process.

What Color Birkenstocks Do You Covet?

A girl can never have too many red shoes or too many Birkenstocks.  I Love all my (red) Birkenstocks!!  What color Birkenstocks do you covet?  Send me a message, I would love to hear from you.

Related Birkenstock Blogs on Fit, Styles, Customization & Seasonal Inspiration

If the Spring 2017 Birkenstock collection has you excited about fresh colors and standout styles like the Pull Up Bordeaux Mayaris or Tango Red Arizonas, you’ll definitely want to explore more of my Birkenstock stories. In Chubby Shaming and Narrow Minded U.S., I share the frustration of limited-edition releases being offered only in narrow widths—leaving those of us who need regular or wide Birkenstocks feeling excluded.  For anyone curious about style variety, my guide to Birkenstock Styles highlights iconic models like the Arizona, Gizeh, Mayari, and Boston, while How to Clean White Sole Birkenstocks offers simple hacks to keep tricky white soles looking fresh. 

My journey in Gina Mama’s First Spring/Summer 2019 Birks shows why I skip white soles in favor of bold seasonal colors—echoing the same excitement I had with my Spring 2017 red Mayaris.  If you’ve ever wondered whether you’re a true Birk addict, Top 10 Ways to Know You Are a Birkenstock Addict will make you laugh in recognition.  And for the ultimate celebration of all things Birkenstock, my milestone post 100 Reasons Why I Love Birkenstocks captures everything from cork-latex comfort to timeless style.

Together, these related reads expand on the themes of fit, customization, care, and passion for every new Birkenstock collection release.

Follow Gina Mama on Instagram | I Love Birkenstocks – Red Mayari Style
Gina Mama's feet with purple painted toes in red Birkenstock Mayari sandals from 2017 standing on colorful chalk pavement with text “NEW BLOG ILOVEBIRKENSTOCKS.COM,” inviting readers to follow Gina Mama on Instagram for more Birkenstock stories and style inspiration.
My 2017 Pull Up Red Mayaris have walked through so many memories, and they’re still going strong! Want more Birkenstock stories, styling inspo, and behind-the-scenes peeks? Follow me on Instagram □ @ilovebirkenstocks
Join My Private Facebook Group | I Love Birkenstocks Community
Gina Mama's famous toes in shiny red patent Birkenstock Arizona sandals next to a black and white Springer Spaniel dog and a shot glass with the name “Gina,” inviting readers to join Gina Mama’s private I Love Birkenstocks Facebook group for community, stories, and style inspiration.
Red patent Arizonas, a Gina shot glass, and my sweet Sunny—just a peek into my everyday Birkenstock life! Want more behind-the-scenes stories, style inspiration, and a community of fellow Birk lovers? □ Come hang out with us in my private Facebook group where we share tips, laughs, and plenty of Birkenstock love. Request to join today! Or click the image to find this post on Instagram and follow me there.

    About the Author:

    Retro cartoon-style illustration of Gina Mama, creator of I Love Birkenstocks, walking her Springer Spaniel while wearing red Birkenstock Arizona sandals, cuffed jeans, a black t-shirt, and sunglasses in front of a café. The image highlights her laid-back California style, love for Birkenstock comfort, and the ilovebirkenstocks.com brand logo.
    Hi, I’m Gina Mama—the unapologetic Birkenstock addict behind I Love Birkenstocks. 👣 My teenage crush in the 90s wasn’t on a boy band—it was on a pair of Birks. I wore them for a decade straight (sorry, other shoes). After rekindling the flame in 2015, I’ve been diving deep into everything Birkenstock: the history, the styles, the care tips, and yes…the occasional rant about narrow soles. For me, Birks aren’t just sandals—they’re a lifestyle. Comfort, authenticity, self-expression… and maybe a little cork dust in my veins.
    I Love Birkenstocks, Birkenstock, Cracked Cork, Cork Renew, Black Ink Footbed, Yellow Ink Footbed, Metallic Birkenstocks, Birkenstock Boots, Birkenstock Shoes, Birkenstock Box, Birkenstock Recraft, Birkenstock Repair, Birkenstock Authentic, Fake Birkenstocks, Shearling Birkenstock, Knock Off Birkenstocks, Counterfeit Birkenstocks, soft footbed, I Love Birkenstocks, Birkenstock USA, breaking in Birkenstocks, Birkenstock uppers, Birkenstock Arizona, Birkenstock Boston, How to Break in Birkenstocks, Gizeh toe post, Men and Birkenstocks, Birkenstock Blisters, Narrow Width Birkenstocks Birkenstocks, Regular Width Birkenstocks, Wide Width Birkenstocks, Bespoke

    Blog List

    All
    100 Reasons Why I Love Birkenstocks
    10 Birkenstock Myths Influencers Keep Getting Wrong
    Apocalypse Shoes
    "Appropriate" Athletic Shoes
    Arizona Straps Hurt Feet
    Bears Birks BFFs
    Bespoke Birkenstocks
    Big Buckle Gators
    Birkenstock Boots
    Birkenstock Boots Vs Blundstone Vs Dr. Martens Vs Solovair
    Birkenstock Boston Clogs
    Birkenstock Footbeds
    Birkenstock Materials Guide
    Birkenstock Materials & Uppers
    Birkenstock & Men
    Birkenstock Quits Amazon In US
    Birkenstock Reviews & Wear Tests
    Birkenstocks And Me
    Birkenstock Shoes
    Birkenstock Styles
    Birkenstock & Tequila
    Birkenstock USA Tour
    Blog Mentioned
    Blundstone Boots
    Boston Suede Vs Oiled Leather Review
    Break In Arizonas And Bostons
    Breaking In Birkenstock Boots
    Breaking-In Dr. Martens
    Chubby Shaming
    Cleaning Nubuck Uppers
    Cork Renew
    Cracked Cork
    Custom Made Birkenstocks
    Diva
    Do Better Birkenstock
    Don't Chance The Last Chance
    Duckfeet
    Dyeing Leather Birkenstocks
    Exquisite Leather
    Facebook Page Has Been Deleted
    FAQ
    Ferrari Of Shoes
    First Pair Of Custom Birks
    Giving Thanks
    Gizeh Toe Post
    Glitterlites
    Guest Blog By Sandy The Birkenstock Lady
    Halloween
    Halloween 2018
    Halloween 2019
    Happy 1st Birthday
    Happy 2nd Birthday
    Harveys
    Houston We Have A Problem
    How Many Birks Do You Own
    How To Break-In Leather Birkenstock Straps
    How To Break-In Your Birkenstocks
    How To Care For Your Birkenstocks
    How To Change The Color Of Leather Birkenstocks
    How To Clean Birko Flor
    How To Clean White Sole Birkenstocks
    How To Fix Squeaky Leather Solovair Derby Boots
    Iconic Birkenstock Building
    I Got My Dad To Wear Birkenstocks - Finally!
    I Love Hoka
    Intentionally Blank
    Logo Color Change
    Magic Of The Madrid
    My Birkenstock Buddy
    Narrow Minded U.S.
    Narrow Vs Regular Width
    New Facebook Group
    Non Scale Victory
    North Bay Fires
    Poshing My Birks
    Quoted
    Recrafts & Repair
    Shearling Birkenstocks
    Shiny Metallic Leather
    Social Media
    Socks & 'Stocks
    Spotting Fake Birkenstocks
    Spring Into New Birkenstocks
    Spring/Summer 2019
    Stepping Into Your First Pair
    Support Small Business
    Tan Lines
    The '90s: 'Stocks & Docs
    The Gift Of Gizeh - A Guest Blog
    Top 10 Addict
    Top 10 Birkenstock Mistakes
    Top 10 Tips For New Birkenstock Wearers
    Traveling With Birkenstocks
    Trekking Up Mt Tam In Birkenstocks
    Uppers Downers And All Arounders
    Valentine's Day
    Vintage Birks Recrafted
    Wearing Birkenstocks Does Not Make Me A Hippie!
    When Magic Happens
    White Sole Birkenstocks
    Why Did You Stop Wearing Birkenstocks?
    Young & Old
    You Should Try

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