Birkenstock sandals are my go to summer sandal, not only for their iconic style but also because of their comfort factor. Birkenstocks are famous for their footbed, which contours to your feet, provides support, and has built in shock absorption. As with most footwear, though, getting the correct size is key. So how should Birkenstocks fit? Keep reading for a thorough measurement guide on how to find the right size for your feet so you can experience the ultimate comfort.
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How Should Birkenstocks Fit?
Birkenstock footwear can be incredibly comfortable if you get the fit right. The contoured footbed is designed with a deep heel cup, arch support, shock-absorbing soles, and toe grip. These features provide firm, support, stability, and allow the appropriate space for the natural motion of the feet with every step. This means the toes are allowed to splay as they should bio-mechanically vs being squeezed together by a narrow toe box, which happens with many shoes.
When you stand in them, your feet should be able to move freely and your toes shouldn’t touch the edges of the footbed. Ideally, there should be 5mm between the heel and the back edge, and 10mm between the toes and the front edge. The balls of the feet or the toes should not jut out over the sides, as this would indicate the footbed is too narrow.
Should I Size Up or Down?
In general, Birkenstocks run true to size so there’s no need to size up or down. If you’re really unsure, it’s often safer to size up, as Birkenstocks can be adjusted for a more secure fit with the straps.
How to Find the Perfect Fit
Since Birkenstocks are designed in Europe, the sizing is based in European sizes (EU). Check the Birkenstock shoe size chart below to find your correct US size.
| US Men’s Shoe Size | US Women’s Shoe Size | EU Shoe Size |
| 4 – 4.5 | 35 | |
| 5 – 5.5 | 36 | |
| 6 – 6.5 | 37 | |
| 7 – 7.5 | 38 | |
| 6 – 6.5 | 8 – 8.5 | 39 |
| 7 – 7.5 | 9 – 9.5 | 40 |
| 8 – 8.5 | 10 – 10.5 | 41 |
| 9 – 9.5 | 11 – 11.5 | 42 |
| 10 – 10.5 | 12 – 12.5 | 43 |
| 11 – 11.5 | 44 | |
| 12 – 12.5 | 45 | |
| 13 – 13.5 | 46 |
Birkenstock Narrow vs Regular
Birkenstocks are also commonly offered in two different widths: narrow fit vs regular fit. Generally speaking, regular tends to measure as more of a wide fit, and narrow tends to measure as more of a normal fit. With the unisex models, men tend to fit better in the regular width and women tend to fit better in narrow widths.
| Men’s Width | Women’s Width |
| Regular: D-EE | Regular: C-D |
| Narrow: B-C | Narrow: A-B |
Birkenstock Soft Footbed vs Regular
Birkenstocks have 2 different footbeds – soft and regular. The regular Birkenstock footbed can take some time to break in, and therefore get used to, due to the nature of the cork material. The soft footbed, on the other hand, feels more ready-to-wear because of the added soft foam layer in-between the suede and cork.
The regular footbed is made up of the following parts:
- Heel cup
- Heel mold
- Longitudinal arch support
- Transverse arch support
- Toe grip
- Footbed edge
- First layer of jute
- Cork and latex footbed
- Second layer of jute
- Suede lining
With the soft footbed, since the foam sits on top of the cork, it will actually take the cork longer to mold to the shape of your feet. But the overall increased comfort factor is noticeable from the start.
Adjusting the Straps
The sandal straps should hug your feet without being overly tight. If they’re too tight, they can prevent your toes from splaying and cause pain, bunions, or blisters. But they should be secured enough so that they prevent your feet from sliding forward or backward while walking.
To adjust them, make sure all of the straps are undone, and then stand tall on the footbed. Fasten the buckles in standing and then take a few steps in them to make sure your feet aren’t sliding around from too much space. There should be about 5mm of space between the lower strap and the arch of the foot and about 10mm of space between the upper strap and the arch of the foot.
*Tip: Check your straps periodically as the upper can stretch out over time.
How Long to Break in Birkenstocks?
Breaking in a new pair of Birkenstocks is part of getting the final perfect size. Before putting them on your feet, hold one with one hand under the forefoot and one hand under the heel and then bend the footbed a few times. Repeat on the other side. This will initiate the breaking-in process.
From there, I recommend wearing new sandals for limited periods of time initially (1-3 hours) and then building up to longer wears. The footbed will eventually soften and mold to your feet, but this doesn’t happen instantaneously or overnight.
A sign that they’re breaking in will be the visible dark footprints on the footbed. Birkenstocks absorb the natural oils and moisture from your feet as they mold to the shape of them.
My Favorite Birkenstocks
Birkenstocks come in various styles. Two of my personal favorite Birkenstock styles are the Boston and the Kyoto. I pretty much wear the Boston year round, except maybe in the dead of winter and when there’s snow. They’re my go-to for walking the dog, running errands, watching my kid play sports, or even going out to dinner. You really can’t go wrong with them. Here’s how I style them.
The Kyoto is a great summer sandal, but I’ll also wear it in the spring and early fall before it gets too cold. I love that they have a little bit of extra character with the sleek design.
The most classic sandal is the Arizona, which everyone should have a pair of in their closet. The design is timeless, and it was constructed to make you feel like you’re standing in sand. What more could you ask for?
Other Considerations
Are Birkenstocks Good for Your Feet?
It’s hard to find sandals that are actually good for your feet. Flip flops, for example, are notorious for having zero support and can lead to arch and heel pain. Birkenstocks, on the other hand, provide good shock absorption and arch support. So, they’re actually good for your feet as long as you break them in properly and get the right fit.
How Long Do Birkenstocks Last?
With proper care, Birkenstocks last for approximately 150-300 miles, which translates to several years depending on how often you walk in them and how far you go. Bodyweight does play a role in the wear of any shoe, so the heavier you are the faster they will wear down, and vice versa for lighter people.
Here are some tips to help extend the lifespan of your Birkenstocks:
- Rotate Your Shoes: Wearing the same pair of shoes every day can lead to faster wear and tear. If you have multiple pairs of shoes, consider rotating them to give each pair a chance to recover.
- Store Properly: When you’re not wearing your Birkenstocks, store them in a cool, dry place. Avoid leaving them in direct sunlight for extended periods, as this can cause the materials to degrade.
- Clean and Protect: Regularly clean your Birkenstocks to remove dirt and grime. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for cleaning, as different materials may require different care. Additionally, consider using a protective spray or conditioner to help maintain the integrity of the materials.
- Replace Insoles: Over time, the cork footbed of Birkenstocks may show signs of wear. While Birkenstock sandals are designed to be resoleable, it’s important to note that the cork may eventually wear down. Some people choose to replace the insoles or have them professionally resoled to extend the life of the sandals.
- Avoid Excessive Moisture: While Birkenstocks are designed to handle some moisture, excessive exposure to water can damage the materials, especially the cork footbed. Avoid prolonged exposure to rain or submersion in water.
- Consider the Type of Use: The lifespan of your Birkenstocks can depend on how and where you wear them. Using them for light walking and casual wear is likely to be less demanding on the materials compared to more rigorous activities.
Birkenstock Warranty
Birkenstock does not offer a warranty or guarantee on its products. Returns also must be made in original unworn condition within 30 days.
With that being said, Birkenstocks can last a long time if taken care of properly with the following steps:
- Do not leave them out in the extreme heat, as the soles (made of EVA foam) will shrink.
- Do not get them wet, as this dries out the cork.
- Seal the cork regularly to prevent cracks or tears in the footbed.
- Repair as necessary.
Birkenstock Repair
Birkenstocks are designed to be durable and repairable. Authorized Birkenstock Repair Centers are available and utilize only original Birkenstock materials. They are able to replace the sole, recondition the cork, replace missing buckles, clean and condition the upper leather, and deodorize. Heel and toe tab replacements are available and should be replaced before the sole begins to wear away at the footbed. If the footbed is damaged beyond repair, you can have the entire footbed replaced.
Birkenstock Replacement Footbeds
Birkenstock replacement cork footbeds are available in case you may need them. Not only will this extend the life of your Birks, but it’s also environmentally friendly. You’ll also be reusing the straps, which have already broken in, instead of needing to break in new straps all over again. Here’s an example of one.
Can Birkenstocks Get Wet?
No, you should avoid getting your Birkenstocks wet because it will dry out the cork. If they do happen to get wet, you shouldn’t put them near a strong heat source, and rather dry them out gradually.
Are Birkenstocks Worth It?
Worth can depend on several factors like what kind of climate you live in and personal style preferences. However, when you take into consideration how comfortable they are, their durability, versatility, and foot health benefits, I absolutely think they are worth it. While the initial cost may be higher than some other sandals, the longevity of Birkenstocks can make them a good investment.
Birkenstocks have also become a fashion staple in recent years. They come in so many different styles and colors, making them versatile enough to be worn with lots of different outfits. If you appreciate a casual, laid-back style, Birkenstocks are a great addition to your wardrobe.
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