Benefits of Birkenstock

Birkenstock footbeds are made of cork and natural latex, and contoured in the shape of a healthy foot. These contours ensure proper weight distribution with raised arches to help support the foot’s natural shape and structure. The toe bar allows the toes to grip and flex, stimulating circulation, exercising the leg, and helping to maintain balance. The deep heel cup keeps the foot’s natural padding under the heel to provide stability. As a result of these factors, the correct bones bear the weight of the body to keep the spine and legs in alignment.

Inside The Perfect Shoe

1. More Toe Room - Allows toes to move naturally which promotes better balance and overall toe health.

2. Raised Toe Bar - Encourages the natural gripping motion of your feet while exercising your legs and improving circulation.

3. Contoured Footbed - Mirrors and nurtures the shape and contours of a healthy foot. The four arches ensure even weight distribution.

4. Deep Heel Cup - A neutral heel profile and deep heel cup keeps natural padding where it belongs and promotes natural spine alignment.

5. Shock Absorbing Sole - Flexible, durable, lightweight, shock resistant and replaceable.

6. Jute Fibers - Two layers. One wicks away moisture, the other adds strength and makes resoling easy.

7. Cork Footbed - Firm, resilient cork/latex base gives your feet the support they need.

8. Footbed Liner - Soft suede, keeps your feet comfortable and dry.



Quality Craftsmanship

The Birkenstock tradition of quality craftsmanship goes back more than 225 years. Crafted in Germany, our footwear is created using only premium products and materials. Starting with high-grade leather, suede, nubuck, and non-leather uppers, we dye our materials all the way through for a lasting look. Birkenstock footwear also includes our unique contoured footbed, shock-absorbing soles and specially designed buckles for years of comfort and durability. Almost every component of our footwear can be repaired or replaced, making Birkenstock footwear a long-lasting investment in the health of your feet.

Firm Support For Your Feet

It would make sense to think that a softer and more “cushiony” shoe would be more comfortable. But in fact, the Birkenstock concept of comfort is based on firm, orthopedically correct support. As with a quality mattress, feet require solid support and correct positioning providing maximum comfort and health. Our footbed features proper arch support, a deep heel cup, and adequate room in the toe area – all to help distribute weight evenly for the entire foot. The result is improved posture and balance for greater comfort when walking.

Our Contoured Footbed Encourages Foot Health

The Birkenstock footbed is made of resilient cork/latex and is shaped to create a healthy walking environment for your feet. Additionally, the cork/latex blend is pliable and reacts to natural body warmth. Therefore, over time, the footbed yields to the characteristics of an individual foot. Many long-term Birkenstock wearers find that the longer you wear them, the more comfortable they become. The shape of a Birkenstock follows the contours of a healthy foot.  

The Anatomy of Comfort

1. Flexibility - When you walk, your foot flexes to support your body. The Birkenstock sole and cork footbed flex with your feet for comfort with every step. The raised toe bar encourages the natural gripping motion of your feet exercising your legs and increasing circulation. 

2. Neutral Heel - Elevated heels cause the body to move out of alignment. With our neutral heel, the body weight is distributed more evenly across the foot and away from the ball of the foot. This encourages a healthy and more natural walking gait and adds to overall stability. 

3. Room for Toes - A pointed or narrow toe box can cause discomfort and foot problems. The shape of the Birkenstock contoured footbed allows room for toes to move freely. This room also encourages the toes to flex and grip naturally and is part of the correct alignment for your feet. 

4. Contoured Footbed - Our contoured footbed provides firm and orthopedically correct support for your feet. Proper arch support, a deep heel cup and adequate room in the toe area make up the footbed support. The shock absorbing sole is flexible, lightweight, durable and replaceable.

How To Fit

Find your Birkenstock size on the chart below



Find your Birkenstock width on the chart below

Once you get your Birkenstocks home

1. Remove the shoes from the box and gently flex them with your hands or on the floor. Birkenstock footwear often feels a bit stiff at first and this will help soften them and make them feel comfy sooner.
2. Unbuckle ALL of the straps and place your feet in the shoes. Make sure your heels are ALL the way back in the heel cup of the shoes. The contours of the footbed should correspond to your own arch and the toe bar should fit comfortably beneath your toes, where your toes meet your foot.
3. Before you stand up, look to see if there is adequate space for your feet (approx. ¼” for toes and heels, and 1/8” on the sides of your feet). You’ll want a little extra room because your feet will expand when you stand and walk.
4. Buckle the straps starting at your toes and working up. The straps should be a bit snug but not tight. The support will come from the footbed, not from tightly buckled straps. It’s just right if you can wiggle one finger between the strap and your foot.
5. Now take a walk around the house and see how they feel. They might feel a bit stiff. That’s normal. As soon as you start wearing them a bit they will start to soften and shape to your foot.
6. Once you feel comfortable with them around the house then go ahead and start wearing them outside. Make sure to get used to them slowly though. Allow your feet and your body to gradually get used to the new support, the straps and the buckles. We recommend a few hours for the first 5 or 6 wearings. After that you may never want to take them off.

Birkenstock Care and Repair Tips

While no shoe lasts a lifetime, with proper care and periodic repair, Birkenstock sandals, clogs, and shoes can provide you with years of comfort. Here are some tips to keep your footwear looking good for years to come.

Avoid Extreme Heat - If your Birkenstock footwear has cork footbeds or EVA soles, both can be damaged by exposure to concentrated heat or extreme temperatures. Do not leave your shoes in direct sunlight, or in closed cars on warm days. Keep Birkenstock footwear away from campfires, fireplaces, and indoor radiators. If your shoes become wet, allow them to air dry slowly, away from direct heat.

Apply Cork Sealant - Birkenstock sandals and clogs come with a light coating of cork sealant on the exposed cork edge. This protects the cork and prevents it from drying out. When the cork no longer looks shiny, apply a thin coat of Birkenstock Cork Life® to protect the cork from the elements.

Renew or Replace Worn Soles - Prolong the life of your Birkenstock footwear with heel and toe taps. They should be applied when the EVA soles have been worn down to within about ¼” of the cork footbed. When worn down more than this, replace the soles. If your soles tend to wear unevenly, repair them promptly to ensure your feet remain correctly balanced. Visit your local authorized repair center for original Birkenstock repair materials.

Clean and Protect

To keep your Birkenstock Footwear looking as good as it feels, follow these easy steps.

Nubuck/Suede - To protect from water and soil spots apply a spray water repellent regularly. Brush uppers with a Nubuck/Suede brush to pull up dirt and dust and restore the nap. Use a mild leather cleaner to remove stubborn stains and follow with a Nubuck/Suede brush when dry.

Smooth Leather - Clean and condition with a mild leather cleaner. Use a matching polish to renew scuff spots and restore the original luster.

Birko-Flor™ and Birkibuc™ - Wipe clean with a damp cloth. Try soap and water or a mild leather cleaner to remove stubborn stains.

EVA Sandals - Our EVA Malibu and Waikiki sandals are completely waterproof and washable. Wash with mild soap and water and allow to dry out of direct sunlight.