FAQ: Fitting guide and Care
How do Birkenstocks fit?
Birkenstocks take a different approach to fit than many traditional shoes. The footbed is designed with room around the foot, and the manufacturer’s size guide emphasizes that your toes should be able to move freely without feeling cramped. A Birkenstock may therefore feel roomier than a typical fashion shoe in the same size.
Fit is also about more than just length. Birkenstock offers different widths, and if there’s noticeable space along the sides of the foot, a narrow model may be a better fit. The straps should be adjusted so the sandal sits securely without pressing against the foot.
This applies to both the Arizona and the Boston, but the models have different constructions. The Arizona has two adjustable straps, while the Boston is a closed clog with a single strap. Therefore, they may feel different on the foot, even when the size is the same.
If you’re not used to the contoured footbed, they may also feel different than traditional sandals at first. This doesn’t necessarily mean the size is wrong; you should first check whether your foot is actually positioned correctly in the footbed and whether there’s adequate space around your toes.
What are Birkenstocks made of, and are they good for your feet?
Birkenstocks are made from many different combinations of materials, so there isn’t a single material that applies to all models. The classic footbed is made partly of cork, while the soles on many models are made of EVA. The upper can be suede, nubuck, or other materials, depending on the model.
Birkenstock’s anatomically shaped footbed is one of the features that has made the brand famous. The footbed is designed to follow the foot’s natural contours, providing support around the heel and arch, among other areas, while still allowing plenty of room for the toes. This provides a more stable and natural feel underfoot than the completely flat sole found on many other types of sandals.
The combination of support, space for the toes, and the firm footbed makes Birkenstocks ideal for everyday wear, when you want a sandal that feels comfortable and provides a solid foundation for the foot. The contoured footbed also helps distribute pressure under the foot and gives the sandal that characteristic feel Birkenstocks are known for.
It is especially this combination of ergonomic design, support, and comfort that makes Birkenstocks more than just a classic summer sandal. They are designed with a focus on how the foot is positioned and moves within the sandal, which is an essential part of the brand’s distinctive design philosophy.
How do you clean Birkenstocks?
When cleaning Birkenstocks, you should always start by considering the material. Suede and nubuck, for example, should be treated differently than smooth leather, and you should avoid getting the sandals unnecessarily wet.
Birkenstock recommends, among other things, using brushes designed for suede and nubuck to remove dirt from the surface. Smooth leather, on the other hand, can be cared for with products specifically designed for that type of leather.
The footbed also requires its own care. Birkenstock states that the standard footbed can be cleaned with leather shampoo and a small amount of water, after which it should be brushed once dry. Exquisit footbeds, on the other hand, must be treated more gently and cleaned with a damp cloth.
It’s especially important not to treat all Birkenstock sandals the same way. An oiled nubuck model, a suede model, and a synthetic model may require different care products. If in doubt, always follow the product’s specific care instructions.
Do Havaianas run large or small, and are they comfortable to walk in?
Havaianas uses a Brazilian sizing system that cannot be directly compared to all European sizes. Therefore, the manufacturer recommends using your foot length as a starting point and comparing that measurement to the specific size chart. Havaianas itself describes foot length as the key factor in finding the right size.
In practice, your foot should rest securely on the sole, without your toes or heel extending significantly beyond the edge. How snug or loose a pair feels can also vary between different models, partly because the design of the straps isn’t the same.
Havaianas are primarily designed as casual, open-toed footwear. This makes them well-suited for the beach, vacations, and short walks, but flip-flops have some limitations when it comes to longer walks. That doesn’t mean Havaianas are unsuitable for walking. Rather, it means their strength lies in casual everyday use and short walks. The same applies to many types of sandals. They’re great for casual wear, but you shouldn’t count on running a marathon in them.