I sat down with KC, our resident fitting guru, to ask him why it’s so important to make sure you get a good fit when buying our shoes. KC has tons of experience in the fitting game; his day job at Birkenstock is talking to our customers and consumers, solving their problems and helping them get the best out of our shoes, sandals and clogs.

A: Why is it important to make sure you get a good fit when you’re buying a new pair of shoes?

KC: A good fit means that our customer will get all the comfort and support that they expect from Birkenstock. Proper shoe fitting incorporates not only overall length (heel-to-toe measurement) but also arch length (heel-to-ball measurement). Shoes are designed to flex at the ball of the foot, so a correct fitting properly positions the ball joint in the shoe and provides room for the toes so they aren’t confined.

A proper shoe fit will:

• Assist with proper body alignment
• Balance foot impact areas and aid in shock absorption.
• Support the back and spine and help maintain skeletal integrity.
• Cradle the foot in comfort and give firm support.
• Reduce fatigue and joint stress.
• Increase the life of your shoes (fewer breakdowns of sole, uppers).
• Aid in maintaining healthy feet, bodies and minds.
• Assist in preventing and reducing occurrence of serious foot ailments.

A: What’s the most common misconception or mistake people make when trying on and purchasing shoes?

KC: People sometimes think that Birkenstock shoes feel loose and look wide. But, they appear wider than most shoes because the design follows the natural shape of the foot. Birkenstock footwear is meant to be worn loosely. Support comes from the footbed. Wearing them loosely allows your feet to move naturally and improves circulation. If a new wearer insists on fastening the straps tightly, suggest that they loosen them once they are used to the feeling of Birkenstock.

Another misconception is that folks wonder why the footbed doesn’t have a soft cushion like some lookalikes. Most other “comfort” shoes are based on a soft support system. A soft mattress may feel great when you first lie down, but the longer you linger, the less good it does for your back and hips. Much like a firm mattress, the Birkenstock footbed is designed with firm support in the arch areas for more lasting comfort. The soft footbed styles do have added cushioning, but still maintain the firmer support of the Birkenstock concept underneath them.

Some people find Birkenstock immediately comfortable. For others, it takes a few hours, a day, or even a week or two to get used to the firm support. That’s because while most other footwear is cushioned, Birkenstock shoes offer firm support that nurtures overall body health.

A: Some people wear orthotic inserts in their footwear, are those compatible with Birkenstock footwear?

KC: A great feature of Birkenstock footwear is that the support offered by most orthotic inserts is already built in the footbed! To put it simply, Birkenstock contoured footbeds are created to match the shape and curves of a healthy foot. That’s why every one of our styles has an anatomically designed heel cup and pronounced arches. These natural contours promote even weight distribution essential to balance, good posture and circulation.

A: How long does it typically take to ‘break in’ a new pair of Birkenstock sandals, clogs, or shoes?

KC: Some people find Birkenstock immediately comfortable. For others, it takes a few hours, a day, or even a week or two to get used to the firm support. That’s because most other footwear is cushioned. Ours offers firm support that nurtures overall body health.

A: Does one style of Birkenstock fit different than another style?

KC: The classic line of Birkenstock features relatively the same fitting footbed throughout all styles. For example, an Arizona sandal will fit the same as the Boston, or London.

A: Lastly, if someone is on the market for comfortable footwear why choose Birkenstock products over another comfort/health footwear brand?

KC: The Birkenstock brand bares simple beliefs that include a strong commitment to foot health and how it contributes to the customer’s overall well-being. The phrase “form follows function” describes the concept behind Birkenstock. Most footwear today is designed according to the whims of fashion. All of our footwear includes a footbed shape that mirrors the contours of a healthy foot. At Birkenstock we know styles change…but no matter the look, feet still need support. We’ve made footwear for over 225 years and we continue to believe the customer’s comfort is the true measure of a shoe’s worth.

Seriously!?! This kid is the real deal. I think we’re all now qualified Birkenstock salesmen and women now. For fitting charts and more detailed info on fitting and shoe-care visit our handy guide to finding your perfect fit.

KC spends an even greater amount of time on his music, have a listen to that as well while you’re perusing the interwebs: KC Turner Music.

Tread lightly,

Aaron.