Finding the right size for your Birkenstock shoes is crucial for experiencing their legendary comfort and support. Birkenstocks are known for their unique contoured footbed, designed to mimic the natural shape of a foot and provide optimal weight distribution and arch support. A proper fit ensures not only comfort but also the long-term health of your feet. This guide will walk you through how to accurately measure your feet and use Birkenstock’s size charts to find your ideal fit, ensuring your toes have enough wiggle room and your arches are properly supported.
Measuring Your Foot Length Accurately
The first step to finding your correct Birkenstock size is to measure your foot length precisely. Follow these simple steps to get an accurate measurement:
- Prepare your materials: You’ll need a piece of paper larger than your foot, a pencil or pen, and a ruler or measuring tape.
- Set up: Place the paper flat on the floor against a wall. Stand on the paper with your heel gently touching the wall.
- Mark your longest toe: Ensure your foot is flat and your weight is evenly distributed. Have someone trace the outline of your foot, or carefully mark the position of your longest toe and your heel. It’s important to measure both feet, as they may differ slightly in size. Use the measurement of the larger foot when determining your Birkenstock size.
- Measure the length: Use the ruler or measuring tape to measure the distance in millimeters from the heel mark to the longest toe mark. This measurement represents your foot length.
Tip: Measure your feet at the end of the day, as they tend to swell throughout the day. Wearing the socks you would typically wear with your Birkenstocks while measuring can also provide a more accurate sizing.
For added convenience, Birkenstock provides a printable foot measurement template that you can download and use: Download the foot measurement template
Decoding the Birkenstock Size Chart
Birkenstock footwear uses European sizing. To convert your foot measurement to your Birkenstock size, you’ll need to consult their size chart. Here’s how to understand it:
- European Sizing: Birkenstock sizes are based on European standards. This chart helps convert US sizes to Birkenstock European sizes.
- Finding Your Size: Once you have your foot length in millimeters, you can refer to a detailed Birkenstock size chart (available on their official website) to find the corresponding European size. Alternatively, a general rule of thumb is to add 31 to your U.S. women’s size or 33 to your U.S. men’s size to approximate your Birkenstock size. However, for the most accurate fit, always refer to the official size chart and your foot measurement.
- Room for Your Toes: A proper Birkenstock fit allows your feet to move freely within the footbed. Your toes should not hit the edge of the footbed when walking. There should be a small gap (a few millimeters) between your toes and the front edge of the shoe, and between your heel and the back edge.
| 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 |
Understanding Birkenstock Widths: Regular vs. Narrow
Beyond length, Birkenstock also offers different widths to accommodate various foot shapes. Choosing the correct width is as important as the length for overall comfort. Birkenstock offers two main widths: Regular and Narrow.
- Regular Width: This width is designed to fit 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 slim feet. In American sizing, this translates to roughly A-B for women and B-C for men.
To determine which width is best for you, consider your typical shoe width. If you usually find standard width shoes to be snug, the Regular width Birkenstock might be more comfortable. If you often find standard widths too wide, opt for the Narrow width.
| 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 and narrow foot icons to represent Birkenstock width options.
Adjusting Your Birkenstocks for the Perfect Feel
Once you’ve selected the right size and width, adjusting the straps is the final step to achieving the perfect Birkenstock fit.
- Flex the Footbed: Before wearing your new Birkenstocks for the first time, gently flex the footbed by bending it with your hands. This helps to start the break-in process and makes them more comfortable from the outset.
- Step in and Adjust: Open all straps and slide your feet into the footbeds. Then, adjust the straps. The goal is to have a snug but comfortable fit. You should be able to slide a finger comfortably between the strap and your foot.
- Freedom of Movement: Ensure your feet have enough room to move naturally. The straps should hold your foot securely without feeling too tight or restrictive, allowing for comfortable walking.
Wearing In Your New Birkenstocks
Birkenstocks are designed to mold to your feet over time, providing customized support and comfort. It’s recommended to gradually break them in:
- Start Slowly: For the first few days, wear your new Birkenstocks for just a few hours at a time. This allows your feet and body to adjust to the contoured footbed and the straps.
- Listen to Your Feet: Pay attention to how your feet feel. If you experience any discomfort, take a break and gradually increase wearing time each day.
- Enjoy the Comfort: As you continue to wear your Birkenstocks, the footbed will adapt to the unique shape of your feet, and the shoes will become increasingly comfortable and supportive.
Finding the right Birkenstock size is the first step towards enjoying years of comfort and support. By following this guide and taking the time to measure your feet accurately and understand the sizing and width options, you’ll be well on your way to experiencing the perfect Birkenstock fit.
