Birkenstock Size Calculator
Find your perfect Birkenstock size by accurately measuring your foot length. Birkenstocks are known for their contoured footbeds, and getting the right size and width is crucial for comfort and support.
Understanding Birkenstock Sizing
Birkenstock shoes are renowned for their unique contoured footbeds designed to mimic the shape of a healthy foot. To fully benefit from their orthopedic support and comfort, selecting the correct size is paramount. Unlike many other shoe brands, Birkenstock uses European (EU) sizing, and their fit philosophy emphasizes a slight gap around the foot.
How to Measure Your Foot Length Accurately:
- Gather Your Tools: You'll need a piece of paper larger than your foot, a pencil, and a ruler or tape measure.
- Stand Upright: Place the paper on a hard, flat surface against a wall. Stand on the paper with your heel lightly touching the wall.
- Trace Your Foot: With the pencil held vertically, trace the outline of your foot. Make sure the pencil is snug against your foot.
- Measure the Length: Use your ruler to measure the distance from the bottom of your heel to the tip of your longest toe. This is your foot length.
- Measure Both Feet: It's common for one foot to be slightly larger than the other. Always use the measurement from your larger foot.
Pro Tip: Measure your feet in the afternoon or evening, as feet tend to swell slightly throughout the day.
Birkenstock Widths: Regular vs. Narrow
Beyond length, Birkenstock also offers two distinct widths:
- Regular/Normal Width: Indicated by a solid footprint icon on the footbed. This is the standard width and fits most average to wider feet comfortably.
- Narrow Width: Indicated by an outlined footprint icon. This width is designed for individuals with slender feet or those who prefer a snugger fit.
When trying on Birkenstocks, ensure your foot sits entirely within the raised edge of the footbed. There should be a small gap (about 5-10mm) between your heel and the back edge, and your toes and the front edge. Your toes should not touch the front rim, and your heel should not hang over the back.
Why Proper Sizing Matters for Birkenstocks
The magic of Birkenstocks lies in their anatomically shaped footbed, which provides arch support, a deep heel cup, and a roomy toe box. If your shoes are too small, your toes might hit the front, causing discomfort and preventing proper toe splay. If they're too large, your foot might slide around, reducing the effectiveness of the arch support and potentially leading to blisters or instability. A correctly sized Birkenstock allows your foot to rest naturally and evenly distribute your body weight, promoting better posture and foot health.
Examples of Birkenstock Sizing
- Example 1: Sarah measures her foot length at 24.8 cm. Using the calculator, she finds her recommended size is EU 39. She has average width feet, so she opts for the Regular width.
- Example 2: Mark's longest foot measures 27.2 cm. The calculator suggests an EU 43. He knows he has slightly wider feet, so he'll look for a Regular width pair.
- Example 3: Emily, with very slender feet, measures 23.1 cm. Her recommended size is EU 37. Given her foot shape, she decides to try the Narrow width for a more secure fit.
Remember, this calculator provides a strong recommendation, but trying on Birkenstocks is always the best way to confirm the perfect fit for your unique feet.