The iconic wooden sole, rope-sole, and sock-lined versions of Birkenstock shoes all have one thing in common: It feels as if your feet melt into them. They’re that comfortable. But how do you know which model is right for you? Which parts of your foot do they emphasize most? How should Birkenstocks fit so you get the most comfort and support out of them?
How Should Birkenstocks Fit?
Make sure the strap is tight enough
The fit of the strap is one of the most important things to consider when breaking in Birkenstocks. You want to make sure the strap is tight enough so your foot doesn’t slide around, but not so tight that it cuts off circulation. If your strap is too loose, your foot will move back and forth inside your sandal and cause rubbing and blisters. If the strap is too tight, you run the risk of discomfort and pain. The best way to find the right fit is to try on a pair of sandals with the same size strap you normally wear. If the sandals feel too loose, try a smaller size. If they feel too tight, try a larger size. If you are trying a new size and aren’t sure which is best for you, wear your sandals for a few hours and see how your feet feel.
Test your toes and heel
If you have long toes or a high arch, you can expect some initial discomfort when breaking in Birkenstocks. To test how these areas feel, put your foot in the sandal and then push down your toes and push up your heel. If you feel discomfort because your toes are squished or your arch feels pinched, try a different size. If your toes have enough space and your arch feels comfortable, you may want to try a different fit. People with naturally thin or narrow feet may find that the arch support isn’t comfortable when they first try on a pair of Birkenstocks. If this is the case, try a different size or model. Another option, if you like the sandal, is to put a thin insole inside to make the sandals more comfortable.
Don’t rely on the size you normally wear
If you’re used to wearing sneakers and choosing a size according to the length of your foot, you may want to reconsider when sizing your Birkenstocks. The length of your foot is important, but the width of your foot is equally important in terms of finding the right fit. If you have wide feet and are used to wearing a narrow shoe, you should try a wider size. If your foot is narrow, you should try a narrower size. If your foot is somewhere in the middle and you aren’t sure which size would be best for you, try a wider size and then a narrower one.
Test your arch support.
First, make sure that your sandal isn’t too loose. If your foot feels like it’s sliding around, try a different size. When you have the right size, test the arch support. If the sandal is too low and has no spring in the heel, try a higher model. If the sandal is too high and compresses your arches, try a lower model. If you feel like the arch support is too high, you can put a thin insole inside the sandal to bring it down a bit. If you feel like the arch support is too low, you can put a thicker insole inside the sandal to bring the arch up a bit.
What Type Of Birkenstock Is Right For You?
- The Classic: For those who have normal to slightly wide feet, the classic, unisex version is just right. It offers plenty of foot support with its patented molded cork and latex footbed (the squishy bit that’s between your toes and the ground). The Classic comes in lots of different colors and materials. It’s the perfect basic, go-with-anything shoe.
- Arizona: This unisex sandal has the same footbed as the classic Birkenstock, but with a higher profile that also offers more support when walking. The Arizona is great for active people with high arches or a lot of strength in their feet.
- The Gizeh: This is the most narrow of all the Birkenstocks. It’s recommended for people with narrower feet.
Why Are Birkenstocks So Comfortable?
The footbed is ergonomically molded for your foot.
The footbed is the inside of the shoe – the part of the sandal that you put your foot into. It’s what you rest your foot on when the sandal is on your foot. You can wear them with or without socks. The footbed is what makes Birkenstocks so comfortable. It’s ergonomically molded to fit your foot just right. Because the footbed is uniquely made for each pair of Birkenstocks, it really does feel like the sandals have been custom-made for each foot.
The strap has a soft and spongy feel.
The upper part of the sandal – the strap that goes over your foot and holds the whole thing together – feels very different from other sandals. It’s made from a spongy but firm material that keeps your foot snug and secure, but it also has a very soft feel to it. The strap is designed to conform to your foot over time and is fully adjustable so you can get the fit just right. As you wear the sandals, it molds to your foot, creating a custom fit.
They have a sturdy sole that provides great arch support.
The sole of the shoe is the part that hits the ground when you walk, run, or just stand. The sole on a pair of Birkenstocks is made of cork and provides great arch support. It’s sturdy enough to protect your foot from the uneven ground but soft enough to give you plenty of bounce and energy return as you walk. It’s also ergonomically shaped to fit your foot and provide plenty of support.
Which Parts Of Your Foot Does A Birkenstock Encourage Most?
- The arch: The heel and the arch are the two key parts of your foot that Birkenstocks target. It’s the arch, in particular, that gives Birkenstocks their signature look. The arch bars are a design element that’s been part of Birkenstock shoes since 1901. They’re a combination of cork and latex that provides excellent support. And because the footbed is made of natural materials, it’s also breathable.
- The inside: A Birkenstock’s arch bars cradle the foot, so all the weight is focused on the inside of the foot. This is great if you have weak or tight muscles on the outside of your foot—it’s like getting a massage while you walk.
- The outside: The outside of the foot, which usually gets all the attention, is therefore neglected. Birkenstocks’ arch bars force you to focus more on the inside of the foot, which is where the real power and balance come from.
Things To Know Before Buying A Pair Of Birkenstocks
- Birkenstocks will last you a long time if you treat them well. When you first get them, don’t wear them outside. You want to condition the footbed with your foot oils so it molds to your foot just right.
- After you break them in, it’s important to maintain them. They need to be cleaned every once in a while, especially during the spring and summer when they’re exposed to more dirt and grime.
- When you first open the box, you’ll notice that they come with a few pieces of paper and a little white sachet of oil. You want to get the footbed as saturated with oil as possible. If you don’t want to use the paper, you can also try just sloshing the oil around in the footbed with your foot.
- Just make sure to clean your Birkenstocks every so often with gentle soap and water. If there’s any kind of stain, spot clean it with a tiny amount of liquid detergent.
- Finally, if you’re in the market for a new pair of Birkenstocks, try on a few different sizes and widths. Even though they make all the shoes on the same last, they vary a bit in width and length.
Conclusion
Birkenstocks are an investment piece you’re not just buying a pair of shoes, you’re buying a classic design that will last you a long time. This is why they’re also a bit more expensive than other brands of sandals. If you’re looking for a sandal that’s comfortable and supportive, Birkenstocks are a great choice. They come in a variety of styles and materials and are available in different widths. They’re a great investment piece that you’ll wear for years to come.
