Birkenstock Buyer’s Guide: Everything You Need to Know

How do Birkenstock fit? Are they true to size?

Birkenstocks are designed to be roomy; when you first try on your sandals they might feel big. Most people are fine with a regular fitting, but if your foot moves side to side when you walk and adjusting the strap does not help, you may be better suited to a narrow fit.

To check the width of a pair of Birkenstocks you already own, you can tell the fit by inspecting the foot bed where there is a small image of a foot. If the foot is filled in, the shoe is a narrow fitting; if the foot is just an outline, it’s a regular fit. Also, all stock codes for narrow fittings end with 3.

What is a size X in Birkenstock?

Birkenstock sandals are made in Europe with European sizing. By contrast, UK shoe sizes are different for men and women. Use the conversion charts below to determine your size in Birkenstock sandals.

Just what exactly is Birko Flor and Birkibuc?

Birko Flor® and Birkibuc are synthetic, durable, easy-to-clean developed by Birkenstock as alternatives to leather.

Birko Flor is made from soft acrylic and polyamide felt fibres with a durable, smooth, leather-like finish.

Birkibuc looks and feels more similar to nubuck leather with a slight nap on the surface.

How do I clean my Birkenstock?

Cleaning the Footbed: Birkenstock produces a special footbed cleaner for its cork footbeds which should only be necessary for tough cleaning jobs. It is also worth bearing in mind that Birkenstock cork footbeds come with a light coating of cork sealant which prevents them from drying out. When the cork no longer looks shiny, you should apply a thin coat of cork sealant to the footbed.

Cleaning the Uppers: Before wearing your new shoes, we recommend applying a water and stain protector to all suede, nubuk and leather uppers as well as after each clean. A commercial suede cleaner should be used to remove stubborn areas. You can also keep your suede uppers looking fresh with a suede brush. Clean and revive nubuck leather with a nubuck block. For cleaning smooth leather, simply use a soft dry cloth. Wipe Birko Flor, Birkibuc and other synthetic uppers clean with a damp cloth.

Can you get Birkenstocks wet?

Many people think that Birkenstocks sandals will be ruined if you get them wet. Fear not! If you do manage to get your sandals wet, we would recommend that you allow them to dry slowly and preferably naturally, away from direct heat.

How do you style Birkenstock?

Birkenstock sandals are widely regarded as one of the most versatile shoes for the spring/summer season and can be style in various ways. Below are some of our favourite Birkenstock looks from the blogging world. For more inspiration you can read our blog post on how to style your Birkenstock.

Are Birkenstock really good for your feet?

In short, yes. Unlike most sandal designs the Birkenstock footbed is contoured to match the shape of a healthy foot. While it might initially feel ‘different’, Birkenstocks are designed to support the natural shape of the foot. The toe grips should be in the right place for your feet and some wearers find the arch support can feel prominent initially.

How do you break in Birkenstock footbeds?
When you first try on your Birkenstock sandals, take the time to walk around indoors and get used to them. You should break them in gradually. Your feet should fit completely inside the footbeds, with 1/8 to 1/4 inch of extra length for walking. The width should fit closely to prevent your foot from slipping side to side.