If you’re anything like me, slipping into a pair of Birkenstocks feels like finding that perfect cradle – pure comfort and support that just feels right.
But getting that perfect fit with Birkenstocks isn’t just about picking a size off the shelf. It’s about finding that sweet spot where your feet feel like they’ve found their happy place.
So, let’s dive into how Birkenstocks should fit because you don’t want to mess up sizing and go too large or too small.
Related: Make sure you check the Bikenstock size chart when you’re done reading this fit guide.
How Should Birkenstocks Fit
Your Birkenstock sandal must fit just right to truly enjoy the legendary comfort everyone raves about. Thankfully, you have two key features to work with: the footbed and the straps.
Footbed
Start by loosening the straps and standing upright as you place your foot on the footbed. Make sure there’s about 5 millimeters (0.2 inches) of space between your heel and the edge of the footbed and roughly 10 millimeters (0.39 inches) between your toes and the front edge of the footbed. This setup allows your toes to move freely without touching the edges.
If your toes touch the footbed’s edge or extend beyond it, your Birkenstocks are too small. Similarly, if the balls of your feet or toes protrude over the sides, the sandals are too narrow.
On the other hand, if you feel excessive space around your toes and heel, the sandals may be too large for you.
Straps
Aside from choosing the right size, many people struggle with adjusting the straps of their Birkenstocks.
Start with the lower strap: adjust it until there’s roughly 5 millimeters (0.2 inches) of space between the strap and the arch of your foot.
Next, close the strap so that there’s about 10 millimeters (0.39 inches).
This configuration allows your heel to lift comfortably from the footbed as you walk, and it prevents your toes from feeling cramped while you’re walking.
Take a few steps and see if everything feels just right. If any strap feels too tight or too loose, don’t hesitate to make further adjustments.
Keep in mind that no two feet are sized the same, so it’s normal for the straps on your left and right feet to need different adjustments.
After wearing your Birks regularly for a few days, recheck the straps again as the leather or straps may stretch slightly over time.
Now, let’s talk about how the Birkenstock Boston, Arizona, and Gizeh fit…
How the Birkenstock Boston Fits
The Boston Clog is probably one of the most popular shoes in the world in 2024.
As a general rule of thumb, I am happy to report that the Boston Clog typically fits true to size, which is music to any shoe enthusiast’s ears. Whatever your foot measurement may be, stick to that exact sizing when picking out your pair of Birkenstock Bostons.
From personal experience, every time I’ve opted for a true-to-size pair of Bostons, loved and enjoyed the fit and comfort they offer.
In addition to coming in standard foot sizes, the Boston also comes in two width options: Medium/Narrow and Regular/Wide.
Unless you know your feet are incredibly narrow, the overwhelming majority of people will find the Regular/Wide width to be their go-to choice. Personally, I prefer the Medium/Narrow width because it hugs my foot just right.
The great thing is that if you have wide feet, the standard version should still work well for you. And if you order from Birkenstock’s website and they don’t fit quite right, don’t worry! Their return policy makes it easy to exchange for a better size hassle-free.
Even if you have narrow feet and went for the Regular/Wide width, you shouldn’t experience discomfort or find excess room in the forefoot area. But if you have very small, narrow feet, the Medium/Narrow width is your best bet for a snug fit.
The adjustable strap along the top allows you to customize the fit by tightening the belt loop on the upper part of the clog, giving your foot a snugger feel.
If you’re unsure about your European (EU) sizing, don’t worry at all. When you visit the Birkenstock website, you’ll find convenient tabs distinguishing between EU and US sizing, simplifying the process of finding your ideal fit.
If you already know your US size, simply refer to the corresponding size chart on the website, and chances are it will align perfectly with the fit you’re looking for.
However, if you’re planning to shop Birkenstocks from other retail sites, keep in mind that most of them use EU sizing exclusively. So, knowing your EU size is imperative.
Overall, if you are looking to grab a pair of Birkenstock Boston, I would recommend going true to size.
Again, if you can’t try on the specific Birks you want before buying, buying from Birkenstock has its advantages. They have a solid return policy that is much more adept at handling returns than some of these second-party retailers.
Before we dive into sizing for the Birkenstock Arizona, let’s take a quick trip through the history of the Boston Clog…
History of the Boston
The Birkenstock Boston is a shoe that has seen its fair share of trends and revivals since its debut back in 1979. Remarkably, in 2024, it remains one of the most sought-after shoes on the market.
From its early days, the Boston has experienced waves of popularity and unpopularity. In the ’80s, Birkenstocks were the go-to footwear on college campuses before fading into the background.
Fast forward to the ’90s, and the Boston Clog became synonymous with comfort for outdoor enthusiasts, perfect for slipping on after a rugged hike.
The 2010 saw a resurgence of the Birkenstock Boston as the ultimate comfort shoe when people were confined to their home during COVID. Around 2023 and continuing into 2024, the Boston clog reemerged as a stylish comfort icon, defying expectations and becoming a must-have item in many wardrobes.
Related: If you have some dress shoes, here’s how they should fit.
How the Birkenstock Arizona Fits
To be honest, I didn’t realize when I bought the Birkenstock Arizona that it does fit a full size big. I initially got a size 9, thinking it would be perfect like the Boston, but it felt more like I was wearing a boat than sandals.
So, when it comes to the Birkenstock Arizona, you’ll want to go down a whole size for the right fit. Trust me, it makes a world of difference!
How the Birkenstock Gizeh Fits
When it comes to the Birkenstock Gizeh, it tends to be true to size in terms of width. Length-wise, the Gizeh also seems to be spot on.
Birkenstock Sizing FAQs
How does the Birkenstock footbed work?
One of the main reasons why Birkenstock footwear is so popular is due to its incredibly comfortable cork and latex footbed.
Made up of a mix of cork and latex, the footbed was originally crafted for optimal arch support, and surprisingly, the shape of the footbed is the exact same shape that you have on Birkenstock sandals today.
As you wear the sandals over time, the cork and latex components heat up and gradually mold to the contours of your feet, creating a one-to-one fit that feels like it was made just for you.
This molding process typically takes a couple of weeks of consistent wear. While it may cause some initial discomfort during this period, the end result is well worth it as the shoes fit incredibly well afterward.
Is it better to size up or down in Birkenstocks?
When it comes to sizing Birkenstock sandals, you’ll find that the Boston and Gizeh styles typically run true to size and provide a comfortable fit right out of the box. However, the Arizona style tends to run large, so you’ll want to size down for a better fit.
How do you know if Birkenstocks are too big?
Here’s a quick way to tell if your Birkenstocks are too big for your feet: if you find that your feet are swimming inside your Birkenstocks, there’s excessive space between your toes and heels, or the straps aren’t fitting snugly around your instep, then it’s a clear sign that your Birkenstocks are too big for your feet.
Should Birkenstocks be worn loose or tight?
Like with most footwear, your Birkenstocks should fit comfortably snug on your foot and they shouldn’t feel overly tight or loose. Not only that, make sure the straps don’t feel overly tight on your instep.
How much room should Birkenstocks have?
To ensure the perfect fit with your Birkenstocks, there are a few key measurements to keep in mind. Aim for approximately 5 millimeters (0.2 inches) of space between your heel and the edge of the footbed and around 10 millimeters (0.39 inches) between your toes and the front edge of the footbed. Also, make sure there’s about 5 millimeters (0.2 inches) of space between the strap and the instep of your foot.
Should my toes touch the end of my Birkenstocks?
No, your toes should not touch the end of your Birkenstocks, nor should they protrude over the sides.
How do I know if my Birkenstock is regular or narrow?
Next time you take a look at the footbed of your Birkenstocks, pay attention to the little printed footprint. It’s a handy guide: a solid footprint indicates a narrow width, while an outline of a footprint signifies a regular width.
What does L and M mean on Birkenstocks?
“L” indicates Ladies’ size in US measurements, while “M” corresponds to Men’s size in US measurements.
Final Thoughts
They say at the store that you should keep your Birkenstocks a little tighter initially than you would want to have them later just so that the foot can kind of shape the sole and the natural cork material in the correct way.
When you choose Birkenstock, make sure that when walking, you’re not hitting the front edge of the sandals with your toes. There should be a little distance, but you shouldn’t reach it.
That pretty much wraps up this article. Thank you all so much for sticking with me till the end. Share your thoughts in the comments section below!