I have been a loyal customer of Birkenstock since the first time I bought from them, and “Are Birkenstocks comfortable” is a question I have received more often than not.
Now is the time for me to share my journey of researching and experiencing Birkenstocks with you!
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Are Birkenstocks Comfortable For Walking?
I will give you my quick answer: Birkenstocks are comfortable enough to walk in for hours.
At first, I gave them a try only because doctors and therapists often recommended them, but I truly fell in love with no regrets.
I’m a rather active person and I never skip an opportunity to walk, so I can be quite picky regarding footwear for walking and jogging.
However, the way my Birkenstocks embraced my feet and supported their natural alignment had absolutely zero things I could complain about.
Are Birkenstocks Comfortable For Flat Feet?
Although many podiatrists strongly recommend Birkenstocks as a solution of comfort for people with feet conditions, flat feet are one of them.
Having flat feet means there is no gap between the center of your feet and the ground. Although it doesn’t cause any extreme struggle in daily life, it disrupts your weight distribution and puts more pressure on your joints in the long run.
The Birkenstock supportive footbed with ergonomic details is certainly a great feature you want your footwear to have.
You still need medical treatments and exercises to cure flat feet permanently, but having shoes like Birkenstocks will undoubtedly be a good start.
What Makes Birkenstocks Comfortable?
The comfort of Birkenstock footwear consists of several inseparable aspects. After I break them down for you in detail, you should be able to decide whether these shoes are suitable for you or not!
Luxurious Upper
Before you take a walk and more with your shoes, the upper is the first part that comes into contact with your feet. And, Birkenstock make sure their products provide the best first impression.
The brand sources and uses the highest-quality materials, including natural and mildly treated leather, nubuck, and suede.
Recently, they have been investing in exclusive materials tagged with “Birki”, which are synthesized from sustainable ingredients, more resistant to water, and low maintenance.
There are also Birkenstock models using canvas and microfibers, yet they are ensured to be as safe on our skin as the natural-based materials above.
Furthermore, with hundreds of designs available, you will never be in a shortage of options for footwear that fits you perfectly.
Read more: What Are Birkenstocks Made Of?
Multilayered Footbed
Birkenstock claims that the specialized footbed is the core of all their designs.
The structure of this footbed molds to the details of your feet and maintains proper alignment for them during long walks and other sessions.
The beneficial features of Birkenstock’s multilayered footbed include:
- The support distributed evenly throughout your feet prevents overpronation on either side of them.
- The arch is elevated and angled in the most ideal form for the alignment of your knees, calves, and ankles. It’s a big part of the reason why Birkenstock is good at dealing with foot problems.
- Birkenstock shoes come with generous room for your toes to curl and flex, hence they won’t be in the wrong position or get bunions.
- When you move, you won’t feel like your feet are slipping back and forth or to the sides due to the deep heel cup. Its firmness can absorb some of the negative impact when you walk and even run as well.
- The seam of the footbed is raised slightly to make sure your foot stays within the ergonomic sole. It explains why Birkenstock thongs are never as uncomfortable as average brands.
Lightweight Soles
If you are not into the cork footbed from Birkenstock, the lightweight EVA sole might be a great alternative too. Its molding footbed does not pale in comparison to the cork!
Furthermore, EVA offers more flexibility and waterproofness without taking away comfort. For walking all day, especially on unfavorable terrain, I think you will want to give the EVA soles a try!
True Review On Some Birken Shoes’ Comfort
All the talks above about Birkenstock’s comfort are only the general approach. The brand offers so many designs and each of them has distinctive features that might be compatible or conflict with your needs.
I have had the chance to try a few models of Birkenstocks and other customers’ reviews have helped me so much.
The brand always tags properly for non-vegan and vegan Birkenstocks, so you will have an easy time filtering and shopping for what you want!
Arizona Birkenstocks
Affordable and equipped with many innovative technologies, the Arizona was my first Birkenstock experience and also convinced me to come back for more because it was one of the best shoes for walking all day that I have ever had.
The modified Arizona now features EVA foam for the soles and has become more known as one of the EVA Birkenstocks, making them pleasantly light to adorn and simultaneously offering better water resistance.
Check more: Are Birkenstocks Unisex?
Boston Birkenstocks
Designed to be more like clogs than sandals and slip-ons, Birkenstock Boston is a trendy choice for people who want something different from their favorite Birks brand.
I’m not a clog type of girl, but I have to be honest: The moment I tried these Boston clogs on, I changed my mind because of how soft and smooth the suede felt. It was a nice contrast with the firm and supportive footbed.
Birkenstock Madrid
As one of the best sellers among Birkenstock flip-flops and sandals, Madrid was a must-try for me. It didn’t look like what I expected from Birkenstocks, though the colors were very nice and suitable for many of the clothes I have.
The infamous footbed felt as good as ever for me, yet the adjustable straps certainly enhanced my experience. It worked well with the anatomically shaped footbed and left no pressure on my feet.
Birkenstock Bend Low
It is the only pair of Birkenstock sneakers that I have so far (for the sake of my walking hobby!) and it has genuinely surprised me in the best way possible.
The leather upper I love now fully covers my feet and works effortlessly well with the cork-latex footbed.
When I feel like getting more steps in my routine, these sneakers are much better for walking all day than other casual Birkenstocks.
Tips For Comfortable Birkenstocks
Aside from the basic tricks like getting the sizing correct or giving the shoes enough time to break in properly, you can also try some of my tips to optimize your experience!
- Once broken in, Birkenstocks need to be in use frequently so they can mold to the anatomy of your feet.
- All types of upper would feel better if you give them the right care product, such as leather conditioner and spray.
- After you wear your Birks, spend some time cleaning the lining. So, no dirt and debris gets stuck there and rubs against your skin uncomfortably. A dampened cloth is good enough for the task!
- The cork layer in Birkenstocks is extremely important in shock absorbing and comfort supplying, hence we must never leave it dry. Avoid soaking your Birks and regularly re-apply cork sealant to maintain their flexibility and stability.
- Birkenstock considers footbeds the heart of all their creations, so you should replace your worn-out footbed or look for a new pair before any discomfort happens.
- While the footwear is the subject of our discussion, let’s not neglect your feet! Birkenstock has skincare products for feet to give you a top-notch experience.
Check more: Are Air Jordans Comfortable?
Final Words
Knowing why Birkenstocks are so comfortable will make you feel more secure and confident with your purchase.
With Birks, you are sure to have soft and flexible materials for the uppers, multiple layers in the footbeds, and durable outsoles to provide comfort & support while you are participating in various activities.