Frequently Asked Questions About Birkenstock

1. What's the big deal with Birkenstock?

The original Birkenstock footbed

A legendary design
At the heart of every Birkenstock design is the legendary footbed. The details are all in the design; each element of the footbed serves a purpose to encourage proper foot wellbeing and health. The result is signature style coupled with all day comfort.

Deep Heel Cup
The deep heel cup cradles the heel and keeps your natural cushioning right under the heel bone

Longitudinal Arch Support
The longitudinal arch support runs along the sides of the footbed, providing stability with each step.

Transverse Arch Support
The transverse arch support runs through the middle of the footbed, helping ensure proper alignment and a solid stance.

Raised Toe Bar
The raised toe bar encourages the natural gripping motion of your feet, exercises the legs, and stimulates circulation.

More Toe Room
A roomy toe box allows toes to move more naturally, promoting better balance and correct foot alignment.

The soft footbed

The integrated soft footbed has the same properties as the classic footbed. The additional foam insert in the soft footbed provides even more comfort.

2. Why do some Birkenstocks look the same but have different prices?

Materials used on the straps (Leather vs Birko-Flor) and the type of footbed (Classic vs Soft) are two main factors that determine price within a style. The least expensive options would be a classic footbed with birko-flor straps/uppers whereas the most expensive options would be a soft footbed with leather straps/uppers.

Leather

Properties: Breathable, absorbent, soft, adaptable to foot shape, and robust.

Types:
Natural Leather: Retains the open-pored surface and natural look, 2.8 to 3.2 mm thick.
Patent Leather: Durable, with a fine, uniform surface, resistant to external conditions.
Suede: Buffed on the inside, soft, flexible, and breathable
Nubuck: Top-grain leather with a soft, buffed surface; needs waterproofing due to sensitivity to moisture.

Textile Materials

Wool Felt: High-quality natural fiber that is elastic, breathable, and insulating. Provides excellent foot climate and durability.
Birko-Felt: A synthetic, breathable, and durable material that mimics the feel of nubuck leather.
Birko-Flor: High-quality PVC with a soft, breathable fleece lining; durable, gentle on the skin, and available in various colors.

3. How do I find the right size?

Length

Place your foot in the footbed with open straps while standing upright.
Position your foot on the footbed so there is a space of about 5mm between your heel and the back edge of the footbed and about 10mm between your toes and the front edge of the footbed. This will allow your toes to move freely without touching the edges of the footbed.
The lower strap should have a space of about 5mm between the strap and your foot while the top strap should have a space of about 10mm between the strap and your foot.
Test if the sandal fits correctly by walking a few steps. Adjust the straps or size if needed.
Check your straps again in a few days as the leather uppers can stretch slightly over time
with wear.

Width

Many Birkenstock models are available in two widths – narrow and regular.
The narrow width is designed to accommodate an A-B width for women and fits more like a medium than a true narrow. Many people find that they can fit the narrow width, even if they don’t necessarily have narrow feet.

European Sizing

Birkenstock products are offered in European sizes. Please reference our Size and Width conversion charts.
You can determine your Birkenstock size by adding 31 to your U.S. women’s size and 33 to your U.S. men’s size.

First Few Wears

For the first five or six 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.Your feet should be able to move freely without your toes hitting the edge of the footbed

4. Do all styles fit the same?

Styles can fit differently depending on the Silhouette, Material, and Footbed. Unisex styles tend to run wider than others, and Soft Footbed sandals tend to run slightly more narrow than Classic Footbed sandals. Additionally, materials like suede have more give and may stretch more with wear.

5. Are all Birkenstocks unisex?

Some Birkenstock styles are unisex (e.g., the Arizona) and some have been designed with women's styling and movement in mind (e.g., the Mayari and Madrid).

6. Does Birkenstock have a warranty?

Birkenstock footwear does not have a specific manufacturer warranty or guarantee, they will assess each return on a case by case basis. However, Apple Saddlery has a No Time Limit Return policy as well as a Satisfaction Guarantee. We will accept returns that come back in the same condition that we sold them in OR if the customer feels that we mislead them to buy an incorrect size or style.

7. How do I care for my Birkenstocks?

Avoid extreme heat
Like many materials found in footwear and apparel, cork footbeds and EVA soles can be damaged by exposure to concentrated heat or extreme temperatures. Do not leave your shoes in direct sunlight for extended periods or in closed cars on hot days. Keep Birkenstock footwear away from campfires, fireplaces, and indoor radiators.

Clean and protect
Birkenstock sandals and clogs come with a light coating of cork sealer on the exposed cork edge. This protects the cork and prevents it from drying out. If the cork looks like it’s drying out, apply a thin coat of Birkenstock Cork Sealer to protect the cork from the elements.

To keep your footwear fresh, spray the entire footbed with Birkenstock Cleaner & Refresher and wipe away excess moisture and dirt with a cloth. Brush suede and nubuck footbeds with a Nubuck/Suede brush to restore the nap.

Apply Birkenstock Water & Stain Repellent regularly to protect upper Leather, Suede and Nubuck from water and dirt. Brush uppers with a Nubuck/Suede brush to pull up dirt and dust and restore the nap.

For Birko-flor and birkibuc uppers, simply wipe clean with a damp cloth. Try soap and water to remove stubborn stains.

Please bear in mind that any cleaning or treatment can change the look and finish of the materials.

8. Where are Birkenstock products made?

All Birkenstock brand sandals and footbeds are made in Germany and our shoes and boots are made in Europe.