FAQ
- I usually don't spend much on sandals. What makes Birkenstocks special?
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 also extends the life of the shoes, making a sound investment even better. With proper care and maintenance you can make your Birkenstocks last for years.
Birkenstocks are an investment for your feet.
- What separates Birkenstocks from the competing knock-offs?
Knock-off sandals copy the look, but not the quality or comfort of real Birkenstocks. Only Birkenstocks are constructed out of premium-quality materials, such as leather, nubuck, cork and jute. Only Birkenstocks feature the Original Contoured Footbed design that guides the foot into the correct walking position. And only Birkenstocks have component part that can be easily repaired. In short, the comfort and construction benefits of Birkenstocks just can't be imitated.
This also explains why our customer return rate is so low. The health and comfort benefits of Birkenstocks are very important to customers--just ask anyone who wears them regularly.
- Why do Birkenstocks look so wide?
They appear 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 Birkenstocks guides the toes and feet into correct alignment so that weight is evenly distributed and good posture is possible.
- Will Birkenstocks make my feet spread?
Birkenstocks shoes will not give feet a new shape! Feet that have been squeezed into traditional shoes may resume their original shape, depending on the flexibility of the individual foot. Many customers do find, however, that once they've experienced the comfort of Birkenstock footwear, they prefer this feeling to traditional shoes.
- Why do shoes feel so loose? Shouldn't the straps 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. Backstraps worn too tightly push the feet forward, preventing them from resting naturally in the footbeds.
- Do these shoes mold to your 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. That's why people become such loyal fans: they actually develop a relationship with their Birkenstocks.
