How to Buy Birkenstock Shoes

Your Guide to buying the best Birkenstock

Overview

Birkenstocks are a classic sandal option that have been popular for decades. They offer exceptional comfort and durability, and with a wide range of styles and colors, everyone can find a pair that suits their needs and tastes. This Birkenstock buying guide will provide you with all the information you need to make an informed decision when purchasing a pair of these iconic sandals. We will cover the different types of Birkenstocks, the materials they are made from, and how to get the right fit. We will also discuss the various features that make Birkenstocks unique, as well as provide you with tips for selecting the best pair for your needs. With this guide, you can feel confident that you are making an educated decision when it comes to your Birkenstock purchase.

Key features

  1. Size: Birkenstocks come in a variety of sizes, so it is important to ensure you select the correct size for a comfortable fit.
  2. Style: Birkenstocks come in a variety of styles that suit different tastes and needs. Choose a style that is aesthetically pleasing to you and offers the necessary support.
  3. Material: Birkenstocks are typically made from leather, suede, or Birko-Flor materials. Consider the material that best suits your needs in terms of durability, comfort, and style.
  4. Footbed: Birkenstocks feature either a cork or foam footbed. Cork footbeds are more lightweight and provide better arch support, while foam footbeds are more comfortable and offer better cushioning.
  5. Sole: Birkenstocks feature either a EVA or rubber sole. EVA soles are lightweight and more flexible, while rubber soles are more durable and provide better traction.

See the most popular Birkenstock on Amazon

Important considerations

Pros

  • Comfort: Birkenstock sandals are designed to be comfortable and lightweight for all-day wear.
  • Durability: Birkenstock shoes are made with high-quality materials and are designed for long-term use.
  • Variety: Birkenstock offers a wide range of styles, colors, and sizes to meet everyone's needs.
  • Support: Birkenstock sandals provide excellent arch and foot support, helping to prevent and alleviate foot pain.
  • Versatility: Birkenstock sandals are perfect for everyday wear, as well as formal and casual occasions.

Cons

  • Price - Birkenstocks can be more expensive than other types of shoes, especially in comparison to mass-produced shoe brands.
  • Availability - Birkenstocks are not always widely available in traditional brick-and-mortar stores. Some styles may only be available online or in specialty boutiques.
  • Appearance - Traditional Birkenstocks may not be considered "stylish" by some people and may not match certain outfits.
  • Sizing - Birkenstocks come in European sizes, which may be different from what someone is used to with other shoes.
  • Break-In Period - Birkenstocks may take a few days to a few weeks to break in, during which time they may be uncomfortable.

Best alternatives

  1. Crocs - lightweight foam clogs with a contoured footbed and rubber sole
  2. Dansko - clog-style shoes with a supportive midsole and rocking motion
  3. KEEN - sandals and shoes with a supportive and flexible sole
  4. OluKai - Hawaiian-style sandals with a supportive footbed
  5. Vionic - arch-supportive sandals and shoes with a cushioned sole

Related tools, supplies, and accessories

  • Birkenstock Sandals - A type of durable and comfortable sandal featuring an adjustable strap, anatomically shaped cork footbed, and EVA foam sole.
  • Birkenstock Shoes - A type of comfortable and durable shoe featuring an adjustable strap, anatomically shaped cork footbed, and EVA foam sole.
  • Birkenstock Socks - Various types of supportive and comfortable socks designed to be worn with Birkenstock footwear.
  • Birkenstock Insoles - Replacement insoles designed to cushion and support the foot while providing enhanced arch support.
  • Birkenstock Care Kit - A kit containing cleaning supplies and materials for restoring the appearance of Birkenstock shoes and sandals.
  • Birkenstock Footbed Cleaner - A specialized cleaning solution designed to remove dirt and grime from Birkenstock footbeds.
  • Birkenstock Protector Spray - A protective spray designed to protect Birkenstock shoes and sandals from dirt and water.

Common questions

  1. What are the benefits of wearing Birkenstock sandals? Birkenstock sandals offer superior comfort and support, thanks to the high-quality materials and signature footbed design. They also provide arch support and shock absorption, making them ideal for activities like walking, standing, and running. Additionally, Birkenstock sandals are available in a variety of styles and colors, so you can find a pair to suit your personal style.
  2. How long do Birkenstocks last? Birkenstocks are known for their durability and quality construction, so they can last for many years with proper care. With regular cleaning and maintenance, a well-made pair of Birkenstocks can last for several years.
  3. How do I care for my Birkenstocks? To keep your Birkenstocks in good condition, be sure to clean them regularly with warm water and a mild soap. To remove dirt and debris, use a soft brush or cloth. Additionally, you may want to apply a leather conditioner to the leather straps to keep them soft and supple. Finally, store your sandals in a cool, dry place to maintain the shape of the footbed.
  4. What is the difference between the Birkenstock Arizona and the Birkenstock Gizeh styles? The Birkenstock Arizona is a classic two-strap style with a contoured footbed, while the Birkenstock Gizeh is a thong-style sandal with a toe loop and an anatomically designed footbed. Both styles provide superior comfort and support.
  5. What is the Birkenstock “footprint”? The Birkenstock “footprint” is a unique footbed design that offers arch support and cushioning. The footbed is made of layers of high-quality materials, including cork, jute, and foam, that molds to the shape of your foot over time for an individualized fit.

Trivia

In the 1980s, Birkenstock created a tongue-in-cheek “Clog for the Hog” commercial to promote their clogs. The commercial featured a man named “Tim the Hog” dressed up in a pig costume, singing and dancing around to promote Birkenstock’s clogs. The commercial was controversial, but it gained a lot of attention for the brand. The commercial was so popular that it was even featured in a 2006 episode of the hit show South Park. Source: https://www.birkenstock.com/us/en/history/

Disclaimer: This buying guide was not created by humans, and it is possible that some of it's content is inaccurate or incomplete. We do not guarantee or take any liability for the accuracy of this buying guide. Additionally, the images on this page were generated by AI and may not accurately represent the product that is being discussed. We have tried to convey useful information, but it is our subjective opinion and should not be taken as complete or factual.