Getting the right fit for your Birkenstocks is crucial for ultimate comfort and foot health. Birkenstocks are renowned for their contoured footbeds that mold to your feet over time, but it all starts with choosing the correct size. This guide will walk you through how to accurately measure your feet and select the ideal Birkenstock size and width, ensuring your new sandals feel amazing from the first step.
How to Measure Your Foot Length for Birkenstocks
To determine your Birkenstock size, you’ll need to measure the length of your feet accurately. Follow these simple steps:
- Prepare for Measurement: Wear the type of socks you’d typically wear with your Birkenstocks, or measure barefoot for sandals worn without socks.
- Positioning: Stand with your heel against a wall on a level surface.
- Measuring Tool: Place a ruler or measuring tape on the floor, extending from the wall beneath your foot.
- Find Your Longest Toe: Identify your longest toe. It might not always be your big toe.
- Record the Measurement: Look straight down and note the measurement in millimeters or inches at the tip of your longest toe. Ensure you are measuring in a straight line from your heel to your longest toe.
- Measure Both Feet: Repeat the process for your other foot, as feet can vary slightly in size. Use the measurement of your larger foot to determine your Birkenstock size.
If you prefer, Birkenstock provides a printable foot measurement template for extra convenience. You can download it here: Download the foot measurement template
Once you have your foot length measurement, you can use the Birkenstock size chart to find your corresponding European size. Birkenstock footwear uses European sizing, which differs from US sizes.
Birkenstock Size Conversion Chart
Birkenstock sizes are European. To find your Birkenstock size from your US shoe size, you can generally add 31 for women and 33 for men. However, for the most accurate fit, always refer to the foot length measurement and the official Birkenstock size chart.
| Size Conversion Chart |
|---|
| Women |
| U.S. Size |
| 4 – 4 1/2 |
| 5 – 5 1/2 |
| 6 – 6 1/2 |
| 7 – 7 1/2 |
| 8 – 8 1/2 |
| 9 – 9 1/2 |
| 10 – 10 1/2 |
| 11 – 11 1/2 |
| Note: Birkenstock Footwear is made in European sizes |
It’s important to remember that your toes should have enough room to move freely and should not be hitting the edge of the footbed while walking. If you are between sizes, Birkenstock recommends choosing the larger size to ensure optimal comfort, especially as feet tend to expand slightly throughout the day and under load.
Understanding Birkenstock Widths: Regular vs. Narrow
Besides length, Birkenstock also offers different widths to accommodate various foot shapes. Understanding the width options is just as important as getting the right length for a comfortable fit. Birkenstock offers two main widths: Regular and Narrow.
| regular narrow | Woman’s Widths | Mens’s Width |
|---|---|---|
| Regular: American width equivalent C-D | Regular: American width equivalent D-EE | |
| Narrow: American width equivalent A-B | Narrow: American width equivalent B-C |
Regular Width: This width is designed for those with average to wider feet. In American sizing equivalents, Regular width corresponds to approximately C-D for women and D-EE for men.
Narrow Width: The Narrow width is suited for individuals with slender feet. It is comparable to American widths A-B for women and B-C for men.
Choosing the correct width prevents your foot from sliding around in the footbed or feeling constricted. If you are unsure about your width, it’s often best to start with the Regular width, as it accommodates a broader range of foot shapes.
Adjusting Your Birkenstocks for Optimal Comfort
Once you’ve selected the right size and width, adjusting the straps is the next step to ensure a secure and comfortable fit. Birkenstocks typically come with adjustable straps across the instep and sometimes across the toes.
Before even trying them on, it’s a good idea to flex the footbed. Hold your Birkenstock with one hand under the toe and the other under the heel, and bend it a few times. This helps to start the break-in process and make them feel more comfortable sooner.
To adjust the straps:
- Open all straps: Unbuckle or loosen all straps before stepping into the footbed.
- Position your foot: Place your foot firmly into the contoured footbed, ensuring your heel is seated properly in the heel cup.
- Close the straps: Fasten the straps comfortably. The goal is to secure your foot without making the straps too tight. You should have enough space to allow your feet to move naturally as you walk.
- Check the fit: Walk around in your Birkenstocks. Ensure your heel stays in the heel cup and your toes don’t hit the front edge. The straps should hold your foot securely without digging into your skin.
Breaking In Your New Birkenstocks
Birkenstocks are designed to become more comfortable over time as the footbed molds to the unique shape of your foot. To help this process and avoid discomfort, it’s recommended to break them in gradually.
For the first few wears (around five or six times), limit wearing your new Birkenstocks to just a few hours each day. This allows your feet and body to slowly adapt to the arch support and the feel of the straps and buckles. Gradually increase the wearing time as you feel more comfortable.
By following this Birkenstock size guide and break-in advice, you’ll be well on your way to enjoying the legendary comfort and support that Birkenstocks are known for. Finding the right size and fit is the first step to a long and happy relationship with your new favorite footwear!
