They are a little better looking than real Birks, I think, because they arent quite as wide, and the color is nice - I bought the taupe, and I really want the black ones as well, but theyre almost triple the price for whatever reason, so Ill wait. The real bonus is how quick and easy to use this is. Nice, comfortable flip-flops. It even worked on my textured ceiling! the accessories this comes with are super useful! Yes, the originals were (not the best for exercising) but not the pair I received via Amazon. Bought this for my boyfriend so he could work on our bikes easily. Ive used them for 2 or 3 weeks now and I like them better each time. These are mountain bikes so the disc brakes are hitting when I back them in. I bought this to hold 2 backpacks and purse and unless you balance it perfectly, the rack isnt heavy enough to do the job.