Birkenstocks are some of the most comfortable, supportive footwear options. However, you’ll only enjoy the footwear if it is the correct size.
When shopping for Birkenstock clogs, you might be confused with the sizes because Birks use European instead of US sizing.
The easiest way around this dilemma would be to consult the size conversion chart (provided below) that Birkenstock creates for its customers’ convenience.
Birkenstock also offers a nifty trick for conversion: to get your correct size, just add 31 to US women’s sizes and 33 to US men’s sizes.
It’s worth noting that clogs fit a bit differently than regular shoes, and the fit can vary depending on style and materials. We’ve created this sizing guide which includes the size conversion chart and tips to help you get the perfect for your Birkenstock clogs.
Getting the Correct Foot Measurement
- Stand on a flat surface with a measuring tape under your feet.
- It’s a good idea to have the back of your feet against a wall for stability while taking the measurement but standing on a clear surface (without a wall behind you) is fine.
- Check the measurement from the back of your heel to the tip of your longest toe.
- Alternatively, you can use paper and pen to outline your foot. You can then measure the distance between the heel and the longest toe.
- If the measurement you get puts you between sizes, Birkenstock suggests that you choose the larger or higher option. This creates a margin to account for the feet’s expansion when tired or later in the day.
Trying On Your Birkenstocks
- When trying on your Birkenstocks, ensure your heel is comfortably positioned in the heel cup. If the heel extends out of the back or sits on the edge, the size is too small. If the heel rests too far inside the heel cup, the size is too large.
- Check if the heel has enough room to move up and down when walking. Clogs (even those with enclosed styles) are designed to allow the heel to move freely instead of keeping them trapped.
- The toes should not touch the tip of the clog’s front or toe box. This ensures that the toes won’t rub against the toe box and won’t feel cramped inside the clog.
- Stand or walk with the clog on to check if the toe bar comfortably sits under the toes – right where they meet the rest of the foot. This distinctive ridge stimulates blood circulation and promotes the foot’s natural gripping motion. The toe bar also exercises leg muscles.
- Stand with the clog on but with the straps undone. This will help you determine if the clog fits properly.
- Fasten the straps and adjust accordingly to get a comfortable fit.
- If your foot moves sideways when you walk and tightening the strap doesn’t improve the fit, you might want to consider choosing another size with a narrow width.
Wearing Your Birkenstocks
- Before wearing your Birks, you can jumpstart the break-in process by flexing the footbed. Hold the clog under the heel and the toe and bend it a few times.
- Wear the clogs for short periods for the first five or six times. The strong arch support from the contoured cork footbed can take some getting used to, especially if it’s your first time using Birkenstocks. Using them initially for only a few hours will allow your feet and body to adjust to the unique structure.
- When you wear them, open the straps before putting your foot in. After this, you can fasten the straps, ensuring they support the foot while having enough room for comfortable foot motion.
| 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 |
| 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 |
| KIDS | |
| US 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 – 12 ½ | 31 |
| 1 – 1 ½ | 32 |
| 2 – 2 ½ | 33 |
| 3 – 3 ½ | 34 |
| MEN’S WIDTHS | |
| US | Birkenstock |
| D – EE | Regular |
| B – C | Narrow |
| WOMEN’S WIDTHS | |
| US | Birkenstock |
| C – D | Regular |
| A – B | Narrow |
For Women’s Widths
- Birkenstock’s Regular width is equivalent to US width C-D.
- Birkenstock’s Narrow width is equivalent to US width A-B.
For Men’s Widths
- Birkenstock’s Regular width is equivalent to US width D-EE.
- Birkenstock’s Narrow width is equivalent to US width B-C.
Personal Testing Experience
Here are our experiences while testing two high-quality Birkenstock clogs. The Tokio Super Grip Clog has a premium design built for long-term use. It has a back strap and an adjustable buckle, making fit personalization very convenient. The cork-latex footbed got even more comfortable with regular use as it molded to the foot’s shape. It’s also shock absorbent and provides strong arch support. The Super Grip outsole delivered outstanding slip resistance that prevented slipping on wet and uneven surfaces. This clog felt incredibly lightweight and didn’t feel uncomfortably bulky even with all-day use. It was quite expensive, though, compared to other brands’ clogs. Let’s talk about the Profi Birki– a water-repellent clog that easily maintains comfortable foot dryness in wet work areas. We appreciated the clog’s superior quality through the durable construction that performed exceptionally well in demanding settings. Cleaning and sanitizing the clog after use was easy because the PU material was designed to withstand temperatures up to 80° Celsius. The clog didn’t have the signature cork-latex footbed, but a curved insole provided superb arch support to prevent aching foot problems. Its PU outsole had a strong grip for improved stability while walking on different floor conditions. Like the Tokio Grip, the Profi Birki was pricey and felt too loose for comfort at times.
FAQ's
- Is the Birkenstock footbed comfortable?
- Yes, the Birkenstock cork-latex footbed is comfortable and molds to the foot’s shape over time. However, it has a unique design that may need some adjusting to, especially for first-time Birkenstock users. It’s worth noting that the clog should be in the correct size for the footbed’s comfortable design to be fully maximized.
- How does incorrect sizing affect heel cups’ function in Birkenstocks?
- A heel cup keeps the heel in its proper position and offers enough padding to protect the heel bone from strong impact. If the clog is incorrectly sized, the heel cup can cause discomfort instead of supporting and keeping the heel comfortable.
- Do all Birkenstocks clogs have cork-latex footbeds?
- No, these footbeds are typically found in styles with leather uppers. The ones with PU structures have curved footbeds made with the same material.
- What happens if a Birkenstock clog prevents the heel from moving up and down?
- Painful friction will occur if the heel is trapped in place. To avoid this, walk while fitting and trying on the clog to ensure the heel can freely move.
Luke Davis
Luke is the lead author on WorkWear.org. He has a vast experience in construction engineering and project management in California and Texas, where he had the chance to put to test a wide range of safety boots and PPE. Outside work, Luke is an avid hiker and not surprisingly a DIY fanatic!
