The tagline of Birkenstock, “often copied, never equalled,” leaves you with the idea that owning a pair of Birkenstock gives you a feeling of novelty. The novelty probably comes from the fact that Birkenstock dates back to almost two centuries, yet it is so comfortable and fashionable.
The Birkenstock is widely accepted by people of many nations, with different demography and different economic realities. Birkenstock is loved.
It is evident that there are many people around the world who have questions about Birkenstocks based on this level of acceptance.
One question that has been asked many times is the proper way to wear a Birkenstock. Clients sometimes ask, “Should my toes touch the edge of my Birkenstock”? So, what’s the best way to tell if a Birkenstock is the right size for you?
Birkenstock Toes Hit Front: What Should You Do?
Measure Your Feet?
One of the fastest ways to ensure that your Birkenstock gives you the comfort it promises is getting the correct measurement.
The wrong footwear can do damage to your feet long-term. To ensure that you have gotten the right size of Birkenstock for you:
- Put both of your feet on a firm and flat surface.
- Lean all of your weight on your feet.
- Stand up straight and measure the distance from the back of your heel to the tip of your longest toe.
Use the measurement of your larger feet with the firm knowledge that one foot is usually larger for everyone. While still standing, measure and observe the width of your feet from the inside edge to the outer edge. You will need the assistance of another person.
Is Your Feet Regular or Narrow?
Birkenstock has two different categories, one is regular, and the other is the narrow fit.
The regular fit is great for those who have normal to wider width feet. The narrow feet are targeted at the demography for those who have slim and narrow width feet. On the footbed bed of every Birkenstock, there is either an empty feet symbol or a coloured one. The empty one represents those with wide feet, while the coloured one represents those with slim and narrow width type of feet.
The goal of having a comfortable Birkenstock is in your hands. It lies in your decision to choose the correct width for your feet. The right fit will help your feet be kept in the correct position and sort out the pressure points, aching feet, rubbing, and misalignment.
CHECKING THE FIT OF YOUR BIRKENSTOCK
If you just purchased a Birkenstock, you might need to check that it is a perfect fit. To do this, bring your Birkenstock out of the box and undo the straps.
With the straps undone, put your feet in the footbed. Again, stand up; put all your weight on the sandals. If it is the right size, you will have some room in front and behind the sandals. Your toes should not touch the front of your Birkenstock. If your toes hit the front of your Birkenstock, or you rest back on the heel cup, then that sandal is too small. Wearing a small sandal will result in the compression of your cork, and your Birkenstock will deteriorate quicker. Your feet should be embedded in the shape of your footbed comfortably. Your feet should not be resting on any edges.
THE STRAPS
To check the straps, you should buckle them. Your Birkenstock, when buckled, should be comfortable. It should not be tight because this leaves pressure marks and stops your foot from rolling forward when walking. If you do it right, you should be able to fit one finger under the strap.
HOW TO TEST YOUR BIRKENSTOCK?
After all is done, you should test the fit of the strap. Walk a few steps in the sandals. If the straps are incredibly loose, you should tighten or readjust them. Pay attention if you are walking, and your toes are not touching the edge of your sandals, and then it is a good fit.
The Birkenstock will still be stiff, as it is not yet broken in. The Birkenstock will not have moulded to your feet or adjusted to your walking pattern. It usually takes four weeks to break in the Birkenstock.
BREAKING IN YOUR BIRKENSTOCK
The final step is for your Birkenstock to be broken into. Please do not wear them for long periods. Wear them out when you have to go out for about two hours. It would help if you had time for your feet to get used to the footbed.
After a while, increase the amount of time you wear your Birkenstock. It will become more comfortable with time. As they become more comfortable, you will start seeing dark footprints on the footbed, and the Birkenstock will become more malleable.
The sandals moulding to your feet is the process of breaking your Birkenstock. These German-created sandals absorb the natural oils and moisture from your feet, and this is the cause of the darkening footbed. The Birkenstock sandal breaks in places where the sandals have become comfortable. Don’t be anxious. It is only the Birkenstock becoming moulded to your feet.
As your Birkenstock begins to crack at your flex point, observe that it is adapting to your walking pattern. If the cracks become large, you can have a cork repair. The repairers will inject cork into the exposed areas.
Enjoy your new Birkenstock, and be mindful that it is so unique that it gets better and more addictive to wear as it ages.
TOP TIPS TO HELP CARE FOR YOUR BIRKENSTOCK
How do you care for your Birkenstock?
- Keep your Birkenstock sandals out of water. Do not dip in water
- Do not dry them near heat or fire. Keep them out of the sun.
- When your Birkenstock sandals have straps made of Birko-Flor, wipe with a damp cloth to keep it clean.
- If your straps are made of leather, apply a leather nourisher and allow the straps to soak in.
- When first breaking in your Birkenstock sandals, do not wear them for long periods.
- Repair your Birkenstock early; do not allow them to wear so bad that a Birkenstock repair would not be helpful to them.