A lot of people wonder, Do Birkenstocks run big? And that’s the most common question we get from first-time sandal buyers.
Here’s the answer:
Birkenstocks usually run slightly big. Since they’re adjustable, you can tighten the straps for a snugger fit. If you’re between sizes, go for the smaller one for better support.
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Here, we’re discussing all the popular Birkenstock models in detail. So, don’t go anywhere.
Key Takeaways
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Birkenstocks can run slightly big, especially if you're between sizes.
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Always check if you're buying narrow or regular width.
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Arizona and Boston styles feel roomier than others.
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Heel grips and insoles can help if they feel too loose.
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Pick a narrow fit if your feet aren’t wide, even if you usually wear regular.
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Every style fits differently, so always read reviews before buying.
Do Birkenstocks Run Big? (Everything to Know)
Most people find that Birkenstocks run slightly big, especially if you have narrow feet. They are meant to give your toes space, so they might feel roomy at first. It’s usually best to size down if you’re between sizes. Also, check if you're buying the regular or narrow width option.
When we first tried Birkenstocks, we thought they were too big. We’re used to snug shoes, so that roomy feeling was new. But once we learned that they’re designed to let your toes spread naturally, it made sense.
Still, they do feel a bit big out of the box if you’re not ready for that.
Here’s the thing. Birkenstocks come in European sizes. They don’t do half sizes the same way many brands do. If you're between sizes, we found it's better to size down. For example, if you're a US 8.5, go for a 39 instead of a 40. That worked better for us.
Also, Birkenstocks come in two width options — regular and narrow. At first, we didn’t notice that. When we picked a regular width, it felt too loose. Once we tried narrow, it fit much better. So if your foot is slim, always go for the narrow fit.
Do Clogs Birkenstocks Run Big or Small?
Birkenstock clogs usually run a little big. They’re roomy in the toe area so that these sandals feel comfy. In other words, they have a relaxed fit. If you’re between sizes, you’ll probably be better off sizing down. Also, pay attention to the width. Narrow feet might feel like the regular fit is too loose.
When we first got the Boston clogs from Birkenstock, we weren’t sure if they were too big or just meant to fit loose. They felt a little roomy right away, especially around the toes. But then we realized — clogs are supposed to fit like that. They’re not sneakers.
Still, sizing matters. We wear a US 9 and went with a 40 in the clogs. That was slightly too long for us. When we switched to a 39, it felt much better. The heel sat in the footbed perfectly, and our feet didn’t slide around.
Another big thing with clogs is the width. The first pair we got was regular width. Our feet are on the slim side, so they felt kind of sloppy. We exchanged them for the narrow width, and wow — the difference was huge. The narrow fit kept our feet in place without feeling tight.
One mistake we made early on was wearing them with thick socks. That made them feel even bigger. Now we either wear thin socks or go barefoot, and the fit feels great.
In our opinion, Birkenstock clogs run slightly big. But that’s part of the style. They’re meant to give your foot some breathing room.
Do Arizona Birkenstocks Run Big?
Yes, Arizona Birkenstocks tend to run a bit big. They’re wide and open, so if your feet are narrow, they may feel loose. It's usually better to size down for the best fit. Also, choose the narrow width if your foot isn’t wide.
We’ve worn Arizona Birkenstocks for years, and every time someone asks if they run big, our answer is yes, just a little. These sandals have an open design, which makes them feel even roomier. If your foot is on the narrow side, it’s easy to think they’re too big.
One key thing we noticed is how much the footbed matters. The Arizona style has that same supportive cork footbed that Birkenstock is known for. It molds to your feet after some wear. But that initial fit still has to be close. If they’re too big on day one, they’ll stay that way.
Do Birkenstocks Run Wide?
Yes, regular-fit Birkenstocks run wide for many people. They are made with extra toe space and arch support. If you have narrow or average feet, the regular width can feel too roomy. That’s why many people do better with the narrow-fit version (even if they don’t have narrow feet).
As discussed above, Birkenstock offers two widths: regular and narrow. But here’s the thing. Their “regular” fit is actually made to be quite wide. They were originally designed for feet that need more room to spread out.
For the rest of us, regular can feel loose. Our advice? Unless you know you have wide feet, go for the narrow fit. We wear narrow now, and it feels just right. The heel stays in place, and we don’t have to keep tightening the straps.
Awesome, right? That’s one of the reasons why Birkenstocks are famous all around the world. To know more, read all 12 reasons why Birkenstocks are so popular.
Do Children's Birkenstocks Come Up Big?
Yes, children's Birkenstocks often come up slightly big. They are designed with growing room in mind, so they might feel a little long or loose at first. Many parents size down or use socks to help with the fitting.
When we got our first pair of Birkenstocks for our kid, they looked great, but felt a bit big right away. We knew they were supposed to be supportive, but her feet kept sliding forward. We checked the size again and realized that Birkenstock kids’ shoes are made with a growing room.
That makes sense. Kids grow fast, and no one wants to buy new shoes every month. But it does mean that if your child is between sizes, the bigger size might feel too big. We went back and got the smaller size, and that was a much better fit. The straps helped a lot, too.
Birkenstock kids’ sandals still have the same features as adult ones. The footbed is shaped to support arches, and it molds to the foot over time. But for that to work well, the foot needs to be sitting right in the shoe. Too much extra space makes it less comfortable.
Do Plastic Birkenstocks Run Big?
Plastic Birkenstocks, like the EVA styles, do run a little big. They feel looser compared to the classic cork ones. The material is soft and flexible, so even a smaller size can still feel roomy enough.
When we first tried the plastic Birkenstocks, we were surprised at how light they felt. We got the EVA version for the beach, and they looked exactly like the cork ones.
The plastic material is soft and flexible. That’s great for comfort, but it also means the structure is less firm.
In our case, we got a size 40, which fits us perfectly in the cork version. But in the plastic pair, our feet moved around more. We exchanged them for a 39, and that was the right call.
Don’t worry if your Birkenstocks feel roomy. Some dupes can fit better. See our favorite Birkenstock dupes.
What to Do If Your Birkenstocks Feel Too Big
If your Birkenstocks feel too big, don’t panic. You can adjust the straps, add inserts like heel grips or insoles, or wear thicker socks if the style allows. These tricks can make them feel snug.
Tighten the Straps Properly
Birkenstocks have adjustable straps, but many of us don’t set them right the first time. The trick is to get the strap tension just right.
Start by standing in your Birkenstocks on a flat surface. Your heel should sit flat in the heel cup, and your toes should not touch the front edge. Adjust each strap one by one. The front strap over your toes should be secure but still allow your toes to move.
The second strap, closer to your ankle, is the one that helps keep your foot from sliding forward. Tighten that one just a little more.
Use Heel Grips or Insoles
We’ve had pairs that felt just a bit too long, and one easy fix was using heel grips or slim insoles. These little add-ons make a surprising difference. Heel grips are soft pads that stick inside the heel area of the footbed. They help prevent your foot from sliding and give a snugger fit.
When we placed heel grips in a pair of slightly loose Arizona sandals, our heels stayed in place better. We didn’t need to curl our toes to keep the shoes from slipping. It gave that extra bit of comfort we were missing.
Slim insoles also help. Don’t use thick ones, though, as they can mess with the footbed shape. Instead, go for flat, thin inserts made just for sandals.
Wear Socks (If the Style Allows)
One of our favorite quick fixes is just wearing socks with our Birkenstocks. This tip works best with closed-toe styles like the Boston clog or even Arizona sandals during cooler months.
It’s also a great option if your shoes feel too big, but you don’t want to alter them permanently.
Plus, it’s become kind of a style now. You’ll see people wearing socks with sandals all the time. It gives a laid-back look and keeps your feet cozy.
Final Thoughts
To wrap it up, Birkenstocks run slightly big. They are naturally roomy, giving your feet plenty of space. If you’re between sizes, you can simply adjust the straps for a better fit. Over time, they’ll shape to your feet, making them super comfortable and supportive.
Just remember, even if they feel a bit loose at first, that’s normal. Soon, they’ll feel like they were made just for you. Enjoy your Birkenstocks!
