What does the footprint mean on a Birkenstock shoe? If you own a pair, its size and width are stamped on the footbed. The width is indicated by the footprint next to the EU size. An outlined footprint indicates a regular width and a solid footprint indicates a narrow width. What makes a Birkenstock a Birkenstock?
Why are Birkenstocks shaped the way they are?
But it really comes down to one simple fact: Birkenstocks were designed specifically to accommodate the human foot. In fact, a Birkenstock is shaped like a healthy footprint. A foot in a Birkenstock is free to function the way a foot was meant to function.
What is a Birkenstock footbed?
Deep heel cup cradles and stabilizes your heel and keeps the heel's natural padding directly under the heel bone so it can absorb shock, as nature intended. The footbed's curves mirror the arch structure of your feet, ensuring proper support and even weight distribution. Birkenstock offers a variety of footbeds.
How to measure your feet for Birkenstock size?
1 Size Conversion Chart Women. To find your Birkenstock size, add 31 to your US women’s size. ... 2 Men’s Conversion Size Chart. With men’s sizing, Birkenstock recommends adding 33 to your US size. ... 3 Birkenstock Kids Size Chart. Measuring your feet for a Birkenstock size is a straightforward, four-step process. A tape measure with centimeters.
Why is Birkenstock a family company?
Birkenstock History. Partly due to German tax laws and partly to accommodate the ambitions of Karl’s three sons, there are now companies within the Birkenstock family of brands. The family of brands includes Papillio, Birki’s, and Birkenstock all with their own heritage and knowledge of foot health.
What does the foot symbol mean on Birkenstocks?
1) FOOT WIDTH SYMBOL: there are two footbed widths--Narrow and Regular. Regular width symbol is an open footprint and the Narrow width symbol is a filled-in footprint. 2) BIRKENSTOCK SIZE: the big number is the Birkenstock size.
Does Birkenstock make footprints?
Footprints is another of the brands in the Birkenstock Family of Brands. They all share a common heritage of 200 years of designing and manufacturing comfortable footwear. A complete understanding of the human foot and how it works is at the core of every shoe they make.
How do you stop footprints on Birkenstocks?
To keep your footwear fresh, spray the entire footbed with Birkenstock Cleaner & Refresher and wipe away excess moisture and dirt with a cloth. Brush suede and nubuck footbeds with a Nubuck/Suede brush to restore the nap.
How do you know if your Birkenstocks are wide or narrow?
The regular fit is perfect for those with normal to wider width feet and can be identified by the empty foot symbol located on the footbed. The narrow fit is suitable for those with slim/narrow width feet. This can be identified by the coloured in foot symbol on the footbed.
Why do Birkenstocks have toe prints?
But it really comes down to one simple fact: Birkenstocks were designed specifically to accommodate the human foot. In fact, a Birkenstock is shaped like a healthy footprint. A foot in a Birkenstock is free to function the way a foot was meant to function. That's the key to keeping feet healthy and comfortable.
Which BIRKENSTOCK footbed is better?
For someone that is new to Birkenstocks that's having foot issues, I definitely recommend the regular footbed. It is far superior to the foot unless you have a very low arch that they can't break in the original footbed. In that situation, the soft footbed is perfect.
What does Birko Flor mean in Birkenstocks?
Birko-Flor® is a material that has been invented by BIRKENSTOCK®. It is a PVC material which is very easy to maintain and above all it is hygienic. It is a synthetic material that looks like genuine leather with its leather-like finish. The backside is covered with soft and breathable fleece.
Can you get Birkenstocks wet?
A: While it is best to avoid prolonged exposure to rain and other moisture, Birkenstocks can get wet on occasion and still last for years with proper care. Many of our customers think that their Birkenstocks will get ruined if they get wet once or twice in the rain, and this is generally not the case.
How long will Birkenstocks last?
With care and attention, your Birkenstocks may last indefinitely. Birkenstocks to last an eternity is possible. Taking proper care of it can extend its life. It includes some resole and minor rework from any shoe repairman.
Should Birkenstocks fit tight or loose?
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. A finger should be able to wiggle between the strap and your ankle.
How do you choose Birkenstock width?
0:252:56How To Fit | BIRKENSTOCK - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can determine the correct size and width with open straps place your foot on the footbed whileMoreYou can determine the correct size and width with open straps place your foot on the footbed while standing upright.
Are Birkenstocks good for wide feet?
OPTIMAL FIT IN TWO WIDTHS Our footbed is designed for a roomy fit. Our Medium/Narrow fits the vast majority of women's feet. We find certain thong styles fit most women comfortably in the Regular/Wide footbed. Our straps enable personalized fit adjustment to ensure a high level of comfort.
What is a Birkenstock footbed?
Birkenstock footbeds' carefully sculpted contours, including the arch support, deep heel cup, and toe bar , are designed to encourage natural motion and spread, so it really does feel like you're walking barefoot along the beach with every step!
What is the width of a Birkenstock?
According to Birkenstock's website, their narrow width corresponds to width sizes A-B (B is standard width) for women and B-C for men , while the regular width is a women's C-D and a men's D-EE (D is standard width).
What is a Birkenstock Mayari sandal?
The Birkenstock Mayari sandal has become one of our bestsellers from this brand . With its sleek, strappy design, the women's Mayari offers a fashionable alternative to Birkenstock's unisex styles. The Mayari is available in three different upper materials: leather, Birko-Flor, and Birkibuc.
Why are Birkenstock sandals so firm?
While Birkenstock sandals and shoes may seem a bit firm initially, that's because the cork footbed needs time and wear in order to conform to your foot. After you've worn them for a while, they'll still offer the support you need, but they won't feel so stiff. Keep this in mind when you purchase your Birkenstock shoes.
What is the simplest Birkenstock slide?
With just one buckled strap, the Birkenstock Madrid is the simplest Birkenstock slide there is. The upper of the Madrid is made of Birko-Flor, so it's smooth and shiny, like leather. The Madrid is great for sliding into when you're headed out the door, or even for wearing around the house like slippers!
What is Birko Flor?
Birko-Flor is a soft, leather-like fabric with a smooth finish, while Birkibuc is made from felt fibers and has a textured surface similar to nubuck leather. The Birkenstock Mayari is available in a wide range of colors to match all your favorite outfits! The Mayari sports the Original Birkenstock footbed.
What is cork footbed?
Cork footbeds provide healthy walking support, which encourages optimal weight distribution and improves posture and balance. Cork is also shock-absorbent and helps reduce stress on your joints. Lightweight, flexible, and oh-so-cozy, cork footbeds will make your feet happy, guaranteed. Birkenstock Original Footbed: 1) roomy toe box, ...
What was Birkenstock's original purpose?
The company's original purpose was to create shoes that support and contour the foot , compared to the flat soles of many shoes during that time. In 1896 the Fussbett (footbed) was created and by 1925 Birkenstocks were sold all over Europe. In 1966, Margot Fraser first brought Birkenstocks to America.
What is Birkenstock shoes?
birkenstock .com. Birkenstock Orthopädie GmbH & Co. KG is a German shoe manufacturer known for its production of Birkenstocks, a German brand of sandals, and other shoes notable for their contoured cork footbeds (soles) made with layers of suede and jute, which conform somewhat to the shape of their wearers' feet.
Why are Birkenstocks so popular in 2020?
In 2020, with more people staying at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, comfort became an important part of fashion. Birkenstocks became a staple due to their convenience and comfort, this included the original cork sandal as well as the newer addition to the family, the EVA.
What department store sold Birkenstock sandals?
In 1986 Nordstrom became the first department store to sell Birkenstock sandals. Birkenstock EVA Gizeh. In the early 1990s "Birks" enjoyed another spike in sales among high-school and college-aged Generation Xers, this was in part do to the introduction of Birkenstocks into High Fashion, most notably, Kate Moss.
What is the first layer of Birkenstock shoes?
The first layer of the shoe is the shock absorbent sole, followed by a layer of jute fibers, a firm cork footbed and another layer of jute. The last layer is the footbed line which is a soft suede. In addition to the original footbed, Birkenstock also gives the option of a soft footbed.
What is Birkenstock EVA made of?
Birkenstock has also introduced an environmentally friendly shoe called the Birkenstock EVA, made of a material called Ethylene-Vinyl-Acetate or EVA.
When did Birkenstocks come back?
Birkenstocks continued to spread to Britain in the early 2000s due to headlines of Gwyneth Paltrow, who was spotted wearing the sandal. Birkenstocks saw another comeback among teens and young adults in the early 2010s, as well as in the late 2010s due in part to the VSCO girl trend.
What is Birkenstock made of?
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 ...
What is the Birkenstock Deluxe Shoe Care Kit?
A: The Birkenstock Deluxe Shoe Care Kit comes with, among other very useful items, a Multi-Purpose Cleaning Tool and a bottle of Footbed Cleaner/Refresher. When used regularly, these items can help keep the footbeds of your Birks looking new and odor-free. Another useful trick, for those of you who may have older Birks that have accumulated a lot of foot sweat and oils, is to use a small piece of fine-grit sandpaper and literally sand the darkness off of the footbeds.
Can birkenstocks get wet?
A: While it is best to avoid prolonged exposure to rain and other moisture, Birkenstocks can get wet on occasion and still last for years with proper care. Many of our customers think that their Birkenstocks will get ruined if they get wet once or twice in the rain, and this is generally not the case.
Is Birkenstock a big size?
A: Birkenstock fitting can be a very personal thing, as some wearers like to size a little big and leave extra space behind the heel and in front of the toes, while others like to size slightly smaller allowing for a snug, almost hug-like fit.
Is a soft footbed the same as a regular footbed?
A: The shape and size of a soft footbed is exactly the same as a regular (firm) footbed. However, the cushier nature of the soft-footbed can allow your foot to expand a bit more than a regular footbed. If you are at the upper limit of a size in a regular footbed, it is worth considering going up one size in a soft footbed.
Can you dry birks?
Do not dry your Birks near a stove, fireplace, radiator, or any other heat source. This can cause shrinkage in the soles. After your Birks have dried, a pply Birkenstock Stain and Water Repellent , available as part of the Deluxe Shoe Care Kit. We hope this helps!
Is it worth going up one size in a soft footbed?
If you are at the upper limit of a size in a regular footbed, it is worth considering going up one size in a soft footbed. A former fashion faux-pas, socks with sandals is on trend this year. In addition, Birki’s soft base soles provide an extra layer of cushioning and comfort between the footbed and sole.
What size shoes are Birkenstock?
Birkenstock shoes are available in two different width sizes: regular and narrow. Birkenstock’s regular width is equivalent to a US women’s C to D and D to EE for men. Its narrow sizes are comparable to an A to B for women and B to C for men.
How much room does a Birkenstock shoe have?
Proper fitting Birkenstock footwear allows up to 0.25-inch of room around the top of longest toe. Ensure that the arch support in the footbed follows the curves of your foot. To check this, place your foot inside the shoe with your heel inside the heel cup.
How to break in Birkenstock sandals?
Here are some tips on how to break in your Birkenstock sandals: Start by unhooking the straps. Flex and bend the footbed of each shoe a few times to initiate the break-in. Step into the footbed with your heel comfortably in the heel cup.
How to take out the footbed on Birkenstock shoes?
With Birkenstock shoes, the easiest way to do this is to take out the removable footbed. Place it to the side and rest your foot on top, as if you were wearing it. Check that your longest toe doesn’t extend over the edge and that the arch supports follow your feet. Reinsert the footbed and try on the shoe.
How to fit a finger in a footbed?
Step into the footbed with your heel comfortably in the heel cup. Close the straps, leaving room to allow your feet to move between the bands and footbed. It should be enough to fit a finger between them and your foot. Walk around your home, making sure that your longest toe doesn’t hit the edge of the footbed.
What to do if Birkenstock shoes feel narrow?
If it continues to feel narrow, try a larger shoe. Pro-Tip. If you’re buying Birkenstock shoes for your kids, it can be difficult getting the width right. Although, many report that the narrow width sizes are generally those that fit the best.
Why are my birks uncomfortable?
There can be several reasons your Birks are uncomfortable. For starters, it’s essential to get the correct size for your feet, both in length and width. Refer to the size chart for women or men above. Allow your Birks a couple of weeks to break-in— the width is likely to expand slightly.
