Chic ways to wear Birkenstocks
- Thread starter nativenydesigns
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I was trying to find a page on the web that has excellent information regarding proper sizing, etc., and also instructions on breaking them in -- but, of course, the page won't load!
Most sites, however, recommend breaking your Birkinstocks in slowly -- wearing them around the house and the like at first. It is also suggested that the lower your arch, the more uncomfortable it will be at first (you said you have flat feet, non?) I have a very high arch and it didn't take me that long to break mine in, but my feet would ache a bit for the first few days/weeks In fact, they are still becoming more comfortable by the day, so I really think some patience is needed.
Regarding the gripping of your toes Well, that's why they *have* toe grips -- you need to use them to keep the shoes on and keep the blood circulating in your foot. I think that was partially why my foot got a little achey -- I was actually using it again. I noticed, however, that the more I broke them in, the less I really needed to use my toes gripping to keep them on.
That said, there may be something about how that particular shoe fits you that isn't right -- so definitely check out other models. And/or you should also consider the soft footbed which may be more comfortable for your flat feet.
The reason I wanted to point you and others toward the proper fit page is that I see people wearing the shoe too large as well (which forces the toes to work much harder to keep the shoes on) Your heel should be *all* the way back, properly ensconced in the heel cup, when you put the shoe on. At the same time, there needs to be a little breathing room up front for your toes to move forward when you walk. That may mean your toes may go off a bit in the front when you walk, but you get used to it.
I honestly found a better fit in the Mayari than I did in the two-strap Sydney/Arizona, but I have a medium narrow half-sized foot with seemingly long toes (didn't realise that because my feet are pretty tiny). I had to size down and go with the regular footbed.
Needed more neutrals :greengrin:
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I love the Basalt with the grey sole! I wonder if I can justify another pair ..
Needed more neutrals :greengrin:
I tried the color Stone too, but I didn't like it. Especially the brown sole
The grey are awesome!
I much prefer the soft footbed Birkenstock. I have a pair of regular footbed Birkenstock and I was never able to break those in and wear them without some discomfort. I will only buy soft footbed now.
The soft footbed I had to break those in, in about two weeks but after that have been extremely comfortable.
We are feet twins! I just got back into town and finally had the chance to try on my narrow Arizonas and they're perfect! Thanks for all your help!!
I have the regular footbed Arizonas. I love this shade of taupe! I wanted a pair of Arizonas that would kind of fade into the background of my outfit and go with everything and these are it!
I've seen "Iron" in person and it's hard to describe but it's a deep charcoal with a brown undertone. It almost looks like a piece of iron that's on the verge of rusting over. It's a warm grey instead of a cool (blue undertone) grey. It also scuffs pretty easily too from the pair of Arizonas that I saw. Just wanted to add my two cents!!
You are so right! I got my narrow Arizonas and they're perfectWhen I see "narrow" I automatically know it's not for me but Birk narrow is something completely different, that's for sure. Thanks for the help!
Glad you got the right size! I wear the regular due to my wide feet!
I am so glad that you mentioned that. I am seeing at least 50% of the wearers on the street wearing the wrong size.
I was trying to find a page on the web that has excellent information regarding proper sizing, etc., and also instructions on breaking them in -- but, of course, the page won't load!
Most sites, however, recommend breaking your Birkinstocks in slowly -- wearing them around the house and the like at first. It is also suggested that the lower your arch, the more uncomfortable it will be at first (you said you have flat feet, non?)… I have a very high arch and it didn't take me that long to break mine in, but my feet would ache a bit for the first few days/weeks… In fact, they are still becoming more comfortable by the day, so I really think some patience is needed.
Regarding the gripping of your toes… Well, that's why they *have* toe grips -- you need to use them to keep the shoes on and keep the blood circulating in your foot. I think that was partially why my foot got a little achey -- I was actually using it again. I noticed, however, that the more I broke them in, the less I really needed to use my toes gripping to keep them on.
That said, there may be something about how that particular shoe fits you that isn't right -- so definitely check out other models. And/or you should also consider the soft footbed which may be more comfortable for your flat feet.
The reason I wanted to point you and others toward the proper fit page is that I see people wearing the shoe too large as well (which forces the toes to work much harder to keep the shoes on)… Your heel should be *all* the way back, properly ensconced in the heel cup, when you put the shoe on. At the same time, there needs to be a little breathing room up front for your toes to move forward when you walk. That may mean your toes may go off a bit in the front when you walk, but you get used to it.
I honestly found a better fit in the Mayari than I did in the two-strap Sydney/Arizona, but I have a medium narrow half-sized foot with seemingly long toes (didn't realise that because my feet are pretty tiny). I had to size down and go with the regular footbed.
The B site has this info.
How to fit: https://www.birkenstockusa.com/help/how-to-fit
First time wear: https://www.birkenstockusa.com/help/first-time-wear
These look sooo nice on you. I have the exact same ones that I posted a few pages back, I just haven't worn them out yet. I also have a tattoo on my foot in the same exact spot as you lol
You inspired me to try and load the page again today and here it is: http://birkenstockbeach.com/Library/info/birkenstock_sizing.htm
Of interest, specifically, is the section under Length (which talked about toe grip).
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I've got to say, though, you've got me rethinking the taupe… or maybe I'm just in love with your gorgeous Gigi!
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Hey taupe sista! These looks great on you! I wore my taupes for the first time today and they were so incredibly comfortable. The suede is ridiculously cushy (the oiled leather is so hard in comparison) and I'm thinking about getting a black suede pair w/ the regular footbed if I can find some.
Also, your little Miss Gigi looks like a sweet pea!!
