Birkenstock products come in European sizes, and you can determine yours by adding 31 to your U.S. women’s size or 33 to your U.S. men’s size. Your feet should be able to move freely without your toes hitting the edge of the footbed.
How to measure your foot length
- Stand with the heel to a wall and put a measuring tape under your feet.
- Read off the measured foot length in millimeters before your longest toe.
- If you are between two sizes, choose the next higher, because feet are minimally greater under load.
Birkenstock Sandals Size Chart
Here are the common size conversion charts for Birkenstocks.
Men’s Conversion
| U.S. Size | Metric (CM) | Birkenstock Size |
| 7 – 7 1/2 | 26.0 | 40 |
| 8 – 8 1/2 | 26.5 | 41 |
| 9 – 9 1/2 | 27.0 | 42 |
| 10 – 10 1/2 | 28.0 | 43 |
| 11 – 11 1/2 | 28.5 | 44 |
| 12 – 12 1/2 | 29.0 | 45 |
| 13 – 13 1/2 | 30.0 | 46 |
| 14 – 14 1/2 | 30.5 | 47 |
| 15 – 15 1/2 | 31.0 | 48 |
| 16 – 16 1/2 | 32.0 | 49 |
| 17 – 17 1/2 | 32.5 | 50 |
Women’s Conversion
| US Size | Metric (CM) | Birkenstock Size |
| 4 – 4 1/2 | 22.5 | 35 |
| 5 – 5 1/2 | 23.0 | 36 |
| 6 – 6 1/2 | 24.0 | 37 |
| 7 – 7 1/2 | 24.5 | 38 |
| 8 – 8 1/2 | 25.0 | 39 |
| 9 – 9 1/2 | 26.0 | 40 |
| 10 – 10 1/2 | 26.5 | 41 |
| 11 – 11 1/2 | 27.0 | 42 |
| 12 – 12.5 | 28.0 | 43 |
| 13 – 13.5 | 28.5 | 44 |
Kids’ Conversion
| U.S. Size | Metric (CM) | Birkenstock Size |
| 6 – 6 1/2 | 15.0 | 24 |
| 7 – 7 1/2 | 16.0 | 25 |
| 8 – 8 1/2 | 16.5 | 26 |
| 9 – 9 1/2 | 17.0 | 27 |
| 10 – 10 1/2 | 18.0 | 28 |
| 11 – 11 1/2 | 18.5 | 29 |
| 12 – 12 1/2 | 19.0 | 30 |
| 13 – 13 1/2 | 20.0 | 31 |
| 1 – 1 1/2 | 20.5 | 32 |
| 2 – 2 1/2 | 21.0 | 33 |
| 3 – 3 1/2 | 22.0 | 34 |
Width Conversion Chart for Women:
- American width equivalents C-D corresponds to Regular Birkenstock width.
- American width equivalents A-B corresponds to Narrow Birkenstock width.
Width Conversion Chart for Men:
- American width equivalents D-EE corresponds to Regular Birkenstock width.
- American width equivalents B-C corresponds to Narrow Birkenstock width.
Adjusting Your Birkenstocks
Before trying them on, put one hand under the toe and one under the heel, then flex the footbed a few times.
This will initiate the break-in period and will help your new sandals feel comfy sooner.
Open all straps and step into the footbed. Close the straps comfortably, leaving enough space to allow your feet the freedom of movement. Exhale and enjoy!
Wearing and Breaking In
For the first five or size times you wear your new footwear, limit the time to just a few hours. This allows your feet and body to gradually get used to the contoured arch support as well as the straps and buckles.
Special Features and Benefits
Think of Birkenstocks as a performance shoe, orthopedically designed and constructed to offer comfort and support that other shoes just can’t match.
Most sandals are made to last one, maybe two seasons at the most. Birkenstocks, on the other hand, are made to last a long time. Quality materials give Birkenstocks durability and long-lasting good looks. The reparability of Birkenstock footwear extends the life of the shoes, making this investment even sounder. With proper care and maintenance, you can make your Birkenstocks last for years. Birkenstocks are an investment for your feet.
Think of Birkenstocks as a performance shoe, orthopedically designed and constructed to offer comfort and support that other shoes just can’t match.
Most sandals are made to last one, maybe two seasons at the most. Birkenstocks, on the other hand, are made to last a long time. Quality materials give Birkenstocks durability and long-lasting good looks. The reparability of Birkenstock footwear extends the life of the shoes, making this investment even sounder. With proper care and maintenance, you can make your Birkenstocks last for years. Birkenstocks are an investment for your feet.
FAQs
Let’s look at some of the common questions around Birkenstock.
Why do Birkenstock shoes look wide?
They look wider than most shoes because the design follows the natural shape of the foot. Many shoe styles feature a narrow toe area, which not only compresses the toes but throws the foot out of alignment. The shape of your Birkenstock shoes guides the toes and feet into correct alignment so the weight is evenly distributed and good posture is possible.
Why do the soles feel so firm? Is there a break-in period?
Some people find their Birkenstock shoes immediately comfortable. For others, it takes a few hours a day for a week or two to break them in. Although the shoes may feel ridged at times, remember that firm support is essential for the orthotic benefits of Birkenstock footwear.
They will become more flexible with wear. The uppers will become more supple and the footbeds will adjust slightly to your feet. If your feet are unaccustomed to the contoured footbed, start gradually. wearing your Birkenstock footwear no more than 1-2 hours a day for around 7-14 days.
Will Birkenstock footwear make my feet spread?
Birkenstock shoes will not give your feet a new shape! Feet that have been squeezed into traditional shoes may resume their original natural shape, depending on the flexibility of your feet.
How long does Birkenstock last? Are they guaranteed for any period of time?
While there is no set guarantee period, with proper care, Birkenstock footwear can provide years of comfort. Everything that goes into the shoe is top quality – from the suede, jute, and cork of the footbed, to the leather, suede, and nubuck used to create the uppers. The result is footwear that’s an excellent value – comfortable and remarkably durable. Sole Central does give a 60-day money-back guarantee.
Do these shoes mold to my feet?
The Birkenstock footbed is made of resilient cork and latex that is precisely molded to create the best possible environment for your feet. As you wear them, they actually adapt to your feet and vice versa-which means that the more time you spend in Birkenstocks the more comfortable they become.
Why do the straps feel so loose? Shouldn’t they be tighter?
Birkenstocks are meant to be worn loosely. Support comes from the footbed -not tightly secured straps. Wearing them loosely allows your feet to move naturally. It also improves circulation. Back straps are worn to tightly push the feet forward, preventing them from resting naturally in the footbeds.
Why do the soles feel so firm? Is there a break-in period?
Some people find Birkenstocks immediately comfortable. For others, it takes a few hours a day for a week or two to break them in. Although the shoes may feel ridged at times, remember that firm support is essential for the orthotic benefits of Birkenstocks.
They will become more flexible with wear. The uppers will become more supple and the footbeds will adjust slightly to your feet. If your feet are unaccustomed to the contoured footbed, start gradually. Wear your Birkenstocks no more than 1-2 hours a day for 7-14 days.