Giving Thanks to Custom Made Birkenstocks | Gold Crocodile Gizehs

Giving Thanks to Custom Made Birkenstocks — a warm tribute to Michelangelo’s craftsmanship, featuring my one-of-a-kind Gold Crocodile Gizehs that shine as bright as the gratitude behind them.

Originally Posted November 22, 2018
Updated November 2025 with new photos.

​A Venetian Dream of Custom Shoes

Dear Michelangelo,

Years ago, while wandering through the enchanting maze of narrow streets in Venice, Italy, I discovered something unforgettable — a Venetian shoemaker’s window filled with the most exquisite handcrafted leather shoes I had ever seen.  Tucked somewhere between Piazza San Marco and the Rialto Bridge, this hidden gem stopped me in my tracks.  Though I couldn’t tell you the exact address, I can still picture every pair — the artistry, the craftsmanship, the unmistakable charm of Italian-made shoes that define true Venetian style and luxury footwear.

Rialto Bridge Inspiration for Custom Shoes

My husband and I on the iconic Rialto Bridge in Venice—the moment that sparked my dream of custom footwear.

Handmade Italian Leather Shoes: A Dream Born in Venice

This particular cobbler specialized in handmade Italian leather shoes, each pair crafted with precision and passion.  My husband even encouraged me to meet with the artisan to have a pair custom made — after all, what better souvenir could there be from Italy than a bespoke pair of Venetian leather shoes?  The idea was tempting, but at the time, it simply wasn’t in the budget.


Still, the memory of that Venetian shoemaker’s workshop has never left me.  Even after all these years, I can’t shake the dream of owning a pair of custom-made Italian shoes designed perfectly to fit my feet.  I’ve often promised myself that the next time I wander through Venice, I’ll seek out that cobbler again and finally have a pair created just for me — a timeless piece of Italian craftsmanship and a tangible memory of Venice to treasure forever.

The good news is that I no longer have to travel to Venice to have a pair of shoes custom made.  ​

My One-of-a-Kind Gold Crocodile Birkenstock Gizeh Sandals

I couldn’t be happier with my custom-made Birkenstock Gizeh sandals in shimmering gold crocodile leather.  These one-of-a-kind Gizehs were designed and handcrafted by Custom Made Birkenstocks, transforming a classic Birkenstock silhouette into a true statement piece.  The metallic gold finish, premium materials, and perfect fit make them not only stunning but also a testament to the quality and craftsmanship that Birkenstock is known for. Every time I wear them, I’m reminded why I love blending iconic comfort with bold, personalized style.

Dressed up or down: the versatility of Gold Crocodile Gizehs

Gold Crocodile Gizehs customized by Michelangelo at Custom Made Birkenstocks

Pearl accents and footbed comfort combined

The gold crocodile texture catches the light beautifully—shoes that truly shine.

Why Custom Birkenstocks Rival Handmade Italian Shoes

The gold crocodile print on my custom Birkenstock Gizeh sandals is absolutely breathtaking — bold, elegant, and unlike anything you’ll find off the shelf.  These Gizehs are incredibly versatile; they can be dressed up for a night out or styled casually for everyday wear.  The combination of gold and pearl tones makes them a perfect match for almost any outfit.


What truly sets them apart, though, is the signature Birkenstock footbed.  After just a few days of wear, it molds perfectly to the shape of my feet, offering that same personalized comfort you’d expect from handmade Italian shoes — maybe even better.  Because at the end of the day, nothing compares to the support, craftsmanship, and timeless appeal of a Birkenstock.

Birkenstock craftsmanship meets bespoke design

These customized Gizehs can be dressed up or dressed down—gold pairs with everything.

Side view of Gold Crocodile Custom Birkenstocks

Side view of Gold Crocodile

Side view with contrast of Pearl upper

Endless Possibilities with Custom Birkenstock Designs

Thank you for creating my one-of-a-kind Gold Crocodile Birkenstock Gizehs — they are truly a work of art.  The craftsmanship and attention to detail are unmatched, proving once again why Custom Made Birkenstocks is the gold standard for bespoke sandal design.  You’ve completely opened my eyes to the endless possibilities of custom Birkenstocks — from unique leathers and bold patterns to personalized colors and finishes that make each pair distinctly my own.

I’m already dreaming about my next creation.  Once I decide on the perfect style, color, and texture, I’ll be reaching out to start the next custom Birkenstock project.

Kindly,
Gina Mama
Founder & Creator of "I Love Birkenstocks"

Contact Custom Made Birkenstocks for Your Own Personalized Pair

If you’ve ever dreamed of owning a pair of custom Birkenstocks crafted to your exact specifications, reach out to Michelangelo at Custom Made Birkenstocks — the artisan behind some of the finest handcrafted Birkenstock designs in the world.  Whether you’re envisioning metallic finishes, exotic leathers, or one-of-a-kind patterns, Michelangelo can bring your idea to life with expert craftsmanship and authentic Birkenstock materials.


To discuss your own custom Birkenstock project, call Michelangelo at Custom Made Birkenstocks directly at 1-708-453-4900.  It’s the first step toward creating your own perfectly fitted, handcrafted pair of Birkenstocks that reflect your personal style and passion for comfort.

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Explore Custom Birkenstocks, DIY Upgrades, and Authentic Style Stories from a Lifelong Birk Lover

Take a stroll through my Birkenstock blog archive for authentic inspiration—whether you’re after shoe-care hacks, customization tips, or just stories from a lifelong Birks devotee.  Learn how Michelangelo at Custom Made Birkenstocks / Repair My Birkenstocks can expertly recraft your sandals, design custom footbeds for a flawless fit, or help bring DIY upgrades to life with Angelus paints, Glitterlites, and Tarrago creams.


In My First Pair of Custom Birks, I share how Michelangelo created my dream Ferrari-red and luxe leopard Arizonas—monogrammed, diva-worthy, and proof that custom “Michelangelos” are the ultimate way to get Birks in your perfect color or print.  Later, in Gina Mama’s Custom Made Birkenstocks, I reveal how he handcrafted my first pair of truly custom Arizonas—complete with suede-wrapped footbeds molded from my wide-foot impressions, rose gold buckles, and custom-cut straps—for a one-of-a-kind fit that required zero break-in.


If you’re curious about Birkenstock customization, spotting counterfeit pairs, or learning how to make your sandals last for decades, you’ll find step-by-step blogs to help restore, personalize, and preserve your investment.  From rare recrafts to imaginative one-of-a-kind designs, my posts celebrate both artisan craftsmanship and everyday comfort.


Still looking for more?  Don’t miss Sandy’s Guest Blog, where she shows off her bold multi-strap Mayaris, or dive into Birkenstock Diva and Magical Red Glitterlites to see how I turned “Pepto-pink” mishaps into dazzling showpieces. Vintage Birkenstocks Recrafted offers guidance on saving discontinued treasures, while White Sole Birkenstocks gives my honest take on fashion vs. function. And for cozy comfort, Shearling Lined Birkenstocks: Part 2 proves why shearling-lined pairs are worth every penny—especially when paired with the legendary support of a Birkenstock footbed.


And beyond the blogs? Head to my Videos page for reviews, recraft projects, and fun lifestyle clips.  Whether you want to extend the life of your sandals, explore new designs, or simply celebrate all things Birk, my site is your go-to guide.

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Dinner in Novato,CA with Michelangelo — Custom Made Birkenstocks Magic | ​Want to see more behind-the-scenes Birkenstock love stories? Follow me on Instagram: @ilovebirkenstocks.

A fun side-by-side moment with Michelangelo from Custom Made Birkenstocks — my red Amalfi Arizonas next to his well-worn black Bostons. Proof that true Birkenstock lovers wear their pairs proudly, scuffs and all.

Custom Foot Imprint by Michelangelo – The First Step to Perfectly Fitted Birkenstocks | Want behind-the-scenes stories, fitting tips, and custom Birk inspo? Join my private Facebook group: Gina Mama’s I Love Birkenstocks.

This pink foam imprint shows my exact foot shape, taken by Michelangelo at Custom Made Birkenstocks. Every curve and contour helps craft a truly personalized fit — no more guesswork, just pure Birkenstock comfort.

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