I also had Birkenstock, soft bed-now I am hooked on my daughters Dansko's-they are much better than Birkenstock, fit better, and no use in getting the cork replaced-I did this, cost many $$$$ and never fit right after that-that is why I wear Dansko's now-they are a few $$ too-but no cork, and sole lasts forever-all our nurses wear them now at the hospital-Croc's are junk to us.