Why Birkenstock
Why Birkenstock
Why Birkenstock? Because It's The Original Comfort Shoe!
Over time styles change but no matter the look, feet will always need support. Birkenstock have been consistently delivering supportive footwear for over 225 years! The phrase 'form follows function' describes the core concept behind all Birkenstocks, all their footwear provide orthotic support for healthy, smiling feet!
Below you will find all the important info for the newly converted or veteran Birkenstock wearer!
The Birkenstock breakdown
A Legendary Design
The heart of all models is the original Birkenstock footbed. The construction, which has been thought out to the smallest detail and makes it feel like you're standing in sand, helps your feet feel as comfortable as possible for hours on end. This supports health and promotes wellbeing.
Footbed Edge
The footbed is drawn up especially high at the front. As a result, the high footbed edge protects the toes during the rolling motion of the foot.
Toe Grip
There are raised indentations at the front of the footbed near the toes. Thanks to the toe grip the toes remain loose and spread out in their natural position. The indentations also support the natural rolling motion of the toes.
Transverse Arch Support
The support that runs through the middle of the footbed stabilizes the metatarsal bone. In this way, the transverse arch support helps ensure that the foot has a naturally straight and solid stance.
Interior And Exterior Longitudinal Arch Supports
The arch supports that run alongside the sides of the footbed surround the tarsal bones inside and out. This gives the foot the stability it needs when it takes a step.
Heel Mould
Activates the calf muscles, stabilises the back of the foot and improves gait and coordination.
Deep Heel Cup
The very deep moulding in the heel area supports the foot tissue and holds the heel bone firmly in its natural position. This provides the foot with nearly as much support when it is in a sandal as when it is in a closed shoe.
More Toe Room
A roomy toe box allows toes to move more naturally, promoting better balance and correct foot alignment.
Soft Footbed
Contoured cork footbed conforms to the shape of your foot and features an extra layer of super soft foam cushioning, a deep heel cup and roomy toe box, lined with suede.
Finding your perfect fit
Birkenstock have been perfecting their contoured footbed for almost 250 years, so do them a solid and ensure you get the right size so they can work their magic. They run true to size, though we do recommend doing a quick measure before you buy. Nothing causes us more pain than seeing people cruising around in the wrong size Birks.
How To Find Your Size
1. Stand on a level floor with your heel up against the wall or straight edge.
2. Place a ruler or measuring tape on the floor under your foot or alongside it, with your heel at 0cm.
3. Measure the length of your foot from your heel to the end of your longest toe (yes, even if it is your second toe).
4. Measure both feet and go with the length of your longest foot if they are different.
5. Add 10mm to your foot length to allow your foot room to move. This will give you the footbed length you need to find your size.
6. Check out the size charts below to find your size in EU (all Birkenstock sizes are listed in EU).
7. Measure the width of your foot across the broadest point. Compare your foot width measurement to the footbed width in your size to see if you will need a narrow or regular width. (If you are in between sizes, we recommend going for the larger size)
Width
Birkenstocks don't discriminate - they love feet small and large, wide and narrow, and everything in between. The adjustable straps allow you to customise the fit with ease, and most styles are available in both Regular (R) and Narrow (N) fittings. If you already own a pair of Birkenstocks or are trying them on in store - check out the little foot symbol on the footbed of the shoe (between the arch and heel) or on the shoe box. If the foot is coloured in, it is a Narrow (N). If it is just an outline of a foot, it is a Regular (R).
Support
Birkenstock offer a high level of support - in fact, they go straight to the top of the class with a full 5 stars for support on our 'Find the Perfect Fit' star chart. If you are new to Birkenstock, all this love may seem a little unfamiliar as your feet and legs are introduced to some new movements. Introduce your feet to them slowly over a few weeks - the flexibility of the cork footbed will increase with wear, and as your foot sinks into the cork, you will find that your shoes start to fit you like a glove!
Trying On Your New Birkenstocks
Once you unbox your new Birks, double check that you got the right size by trying them out on a clean and dry surface.
Unbuckle all the straps and place your feet in the shoes, making sure your heels are sitting nicely in the heel cups. The contours of the footbed should correspond to your own arches and the toe grips should fit comfortably beneath your toes.
Before you stand up, make sure there is approximately 0.5 - 1cm around the front, back and each side of your feet. You will need this extra room for your feet to move naturally in the shoes as you walk.
Buckle the straps securely, but not too tight! The support will come from the footbed, so the straps do not need to be extremely tight. A securely fastened strap should be enough to keep your foot firmly in the footbed.
Make sure you have room to move - your toes and heel shouldn't be touching the edge of the shoe. A bit of room allows the footbed to move and support your feet properly and will improve the durability of your shoes.
Caring for your Birkenstocks
Caring For Cork
Cork can dry out, that's why we recommend applying Cork Seal to protect your footbed. When the cork no longer looks shiny, just apply a thin coat of Cork Seal.
Sometimes cracks in the cork can appear at the 'flex point', where your foot naturally bends. This is an indication that the shoe is adapting to your walking pattern. These cracks are superficial and can be repaired.
Do Not Immerse In Water
Birkenstocks are like Gremlins - do not get them wet! The leather will become hard and brittle. The glues and sealants will dissolve. The cork will bloat or breakdown. Only Birkenstocks made of EVA or PU are water resistant.
Avoid Extreme Heat
Both the cork and the soles of your Birkenstocks can be damaged by exposure to concentrated heat. Do not leave your shoes in closed cars on warm days and keep them away from radiators and fireplaces. If your shoes become wet, allow them to dry slowly, away from direct heat.
Frequently asked questions
Caring For Cork
Cork can dry out, that's why we recommend applying Cork Seal to protect your footbed. When the cork no longer looks shiny, just apply a thin coat of Cork Seal.
Sometimes cracks in the cork can appear at the 'flex point', where your foot naturally bends. This is an indication that the shoe is adapting to your walking pattern. These cracks are superficial and can be repaired.
Do Not Immerse In Water
Birkenstocks are like Gremlins - do not get them wet! The leather will become hard and brittle. The glues and sealants will dissolve. The cork will bloat or breakdown. Only Birkenstocks made of EVA or PU are water resistant.
Avoid Extreme Heat
Both the cork and the soles of your Birkenstocks can be damaged by exposure to concentrated heat. Do not leave your shoes in closed cars on warm days and keep them away from radiators and fireplaces. If your shoes become wet, allow them to dry slowly, away from direct heat.