I was anticipating leather straps.....the same as the pair I bought from Nordstrom a couple years ago. The felt like straps are questionable in durability and quality. I question the validity of this pair of Birkenstocks........actually. The buckles are different from previous Birkenstocks. They say Birks rather than Birkenstock.  The price was $95.00 which is close to what I'd pay from a local store. One other note: It took almost 2 months to receive.