I should have known better. The website appeared to be legitimate. None of the shoe options were obviously fake- the colors, sizes and styles were all as you would expect. My payment processed right away, but I knew something was wrong when it took weeks for the shoes to ship. Once I got shipping confirmation, the shipping location was China.
When the package finally arrived it was in a shipping BAG- so the boxes were destroyed. Mailing label said US Postal Service, which was obviously a lie.
The boxes look like real Birkenstock boxes, but the color and box material is very different. I ordered a pair of Madrid and Arizona sandals. I must say, they are pretty good knock-offs, but they are fake for sure. The uppers/straps are synthetic- they are not leather. The footpad does appear to be leather.
I am mad at myself for falling for this. I will shop locally next time and pay the price I would expect to pay for the real deal.