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Do Birkenstocks Run Big Or Small? Birkenstock Size Chart
Birkenstocks are notorious for being difficult to size, leaving many shoppers needing clarification.
Their unique footbed design and use of natural materials provide superior comfort and support but make Birkenstocks more effort to find the right size.
So, do Birkenstocks run big, small, or true to size?
This size chart and sizing guide will help you find the right fit to enjoy the comfort of Birkenstock sandals.
Contents
Do Birkenstocks Run Big, Small, Or True To Size?
Birkenstocks are renowned for their exceptional comfort and superior support. These sandals, made with fine European craftsmanship, are typically true to size and offer ample room for your feet.
Birkenstocks sizes largely follow European standards, and accordingly, they don’t run in half sizes.
However, some of their stylings, like Barbados, Memphis, Oklahoma, and Gizeh, run pretty short, so we recommend going up one size for more comfort.
Birkenstocks are also renowned for being confusing to find the right size as they have distinctive sizing features.
3 Width Options
Birkenstock footwear is available in three-width fittings – Narrow Fit, Regular Fit, and Wide Fit. This can confuse shoppers who aren’t familiar with the brand.
Narrow Fit is generally considered more of a Standard Fit and is by far the most popular choice for women.
However, Regular Fit is better suited for those with wider feet or those who want more space.
To make sure you get the perfect fit, it’s always best to try on shoes in-store before purchasing online.
Original Footbed Vs Regular Footbed
Birkenstock’s original footbed provides an elevated and comfortable experience for users.
The iconic footbed comes in four layers:
- A durable layer of jute that serves as the foundation.
- A supportive cork and latex mix that molds to your feet.
- A layer of jute that offers increased flexibility.
- A suede lining that wicks away moisture.
The regular footbed adds one more layer of foam with millions of tiny air bubbles for extra comfort and cushioning.
With all these features combined, the Birkenstock signature footbed will provide superior support and relief.
Birkenstock Shoe Size Chart
Birkenstocks follow the European sizing scale, which can be confusing for American customers who are used to US sizes.
But there is an easy way to convert your US size into the corresponding Birkenstock European size – add 30 for women, 33 for men, and 17 for kids.
Birkenstock Shoe Size Chart for Men
| US Size | Birkenstock Size |
| 7 – 7 ½ | 40 |
| 8 – 8 ½ | 41 |
| 9 – 9 ½ | 42 |
| 10 – 10 ½ | 43 |
| 11 – 11 ½ | 44 |
| 12 – 12 ½ | 45 |
| 13 – 13 ½ | 46 |
| 14 – 14 ½ | 47 |
| 15 – 15 ½ | 48 |
| 16 – 16 ½ | 49 |
| 17 – 17 ½ | 50 |
Birkenstock Shoe Size Chart for Women
| US Size | Birkenstock Size |
| 4 – 4 ½ | 35 |
| 5 – 5 ½ | 36 |
| 6 – 6 ½ | 37 |
| 7 – 7 ½ | 38 |
| 8 – 8 ½ | 39 |
| 9 – 9 ½ | 40 |
| 10 – 10 ½ | 41 |
| 11 – 11 ½ | 42 |
Birkenstock Shoe Size Chart for Kids
| U.S. Size | Birkenstock Size |
| 6 – 6 ½ | 24 |
| 7 – 7 ½ | 25 |
| 8 – 8 ½ | 26 |
| 9 – 9 ½ | 27 |
| 10 – 10 ½ | 28 |
| 11 – 11 ½ | 29 |
| 12 – 12 ½ | 30 |
| 13 – 13 ½ | 31 |
| 1 – 1 ½ | 32 |
| 2 – 2 ½ | 33 |
| 3 – 3 ½ | 3 |
Fitting Of Specific Birkenstock Styles
Arizona Birkenstocks
Birkenstock Arizona sandals fit true to size. Therefore, customers can easily find the perfect fit for their feet.
The signature rubber sandals from Birkenstock come in two width options – narrow fit and regular fit.
If wearing the sandal straps at their tightest still causes feet to slip to the side, you should select the narrow width.
Boston Birkenstocks
The Birkenstock Bostons are true to size lengthwise.
However, with the added closed cap for extra support and the single strap for a secure fit, those with narrow or regular feet may find the Boston feels slightly wider.
In this case, opt for the narrow-width option.
Birkenstocks Clogs
The Birkenstocks Clogs are true to size; however, the closed toe can feel slightly wide on slim and slender feet.
Like other Birkenstocks models, the Clogs are available in two width options – regular fit and narrow fit.
We suggest choosing the narrow-fit version to ensure maximum comfort and support.
Birkenstock Madrid
The Birkenstock Madrid sandals run true to size. The sandals also come in both regular and narrow fits.
Those who need a wide fit may need to try on the shoes in person before purchasing. It will allow them to assess the fit and comfort of the sandals for themselves.
Birkenstock Gizeh
The Gizeh and Mayari styles of Birkenstocks share a similar narrow width, providing a snug fit around the foot.
However, if you prefer more room in your footwear, we recommend opting for the regular fit option.
It’s essential to know that the thong portion of the Gizeh sandal is made of a thicker plastic (a signature of the EVA Birks), which can take some time to get used to.
You’ll find this Birkenstock style incredibly comfortable with some breaking in and wear.
Birkenstock London
The Birkenstock London Unisex Slip-Ons run small.
If wearing the same Birk sandal size in the London style, you may find the fit feels quite tight, and the footbed doesn’t adjust to your feet properly.
We suggest going for one size up for a more perfect fit.
Check more: Papillio Vs Birkenstock Differences
Tips To Get The Right Birkenstock Sizing
Measuring Tips
To measure your foot length:
- Stand with your heel against a wall and place a measuring tape underneath your foot.
- Measure the distance between the heel’s back and the longest toe’s tip.
- Note the measurement in millimeters for an accurate assessment of your foot length.
- If you are between two sizes, go for the next higher size because your feet are slightly larger when standing.
To check your Birkenstock fit:
- Stand up in the sandals. Your feet need to be firmly supported and able to move freely. Your heel and toes should not touch or rub against the footbed’s outer ridge.
- If your toes rub against the front edge, go up a size to avoid corns and blisters.
- Once the fit of the footbed is satisfactory, fasten the straps. Walk a few steps to test whether the straps hold you correctly and adjust them accordingly.
- Check that no buckles are digging in to test whether the straps need loosening or the shape and style of the sandal may not be suitable for you.
Break-in Tips
- Wear them for a shorter time. Give them about 2-3 weeks to adjust to your foot if wearing them frequently.
- Wear them around the house or out with socks if they are causing rubbing on your feet.
- Don’t pack your Birk box for a holiday – they need a grace period to be worn in.
- Undo the Arizona straps and check if they fit correctly.
- Place your foot over the Bostons and make sure the heel sits in the cup.
Size Adjustment Tips
- Use the hammer equipped at Birkenstock stores to soften the cork footbed in areas where you feel pressure.
- Send your footwear to the repair service centers, known as “Birki Techs,” to help remove a small amount of cork from the front toe ridge or near the ball of the foot.
Check more: Prada Shoe Size Chart
Final Words
Birkenstocks are true to size with most of their styles. The iconic sandals come in European sizing with no half sizes available.
While you can go for your EU regular size with the Bostons, Arizonas, or Clogs, consider upsizing if you’re buying a pair of the Gizeh sandals and London slip-ons, as they run slightly narrower than other Birk styles.
You also fit perfectly with the regular width option of these two styles. And for those with medium-width feet looking for a more accommodating fit, the leather Bostons or plastic Arizonas are better choices.