How to Wear Birkenstocks

Co-authored by Kalee Hewlett

Last Updated: February 4, 2024 References

In the past few years, Birkenstocks have become a hot trend. Men and women alike can wear these ergonomic sandals that mould to fit the shape of your feet. Dress Birkenstocks up or down to create a chic, casual look no matter your personal style. Wearing these supportive shoes is a great way for everybody to feel incredibly comfortable and fashionable at the same time.

Part 1

Part 1 of 3:

Selecting Your Birkenstocks

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1
Splurge on the real thing. Birkenstock is a brand, not a style, and the shoes can be expensive, costing over $100 a pair. Other companies make less expensive knock-offs, some for as low as $25. However, real Birkenstocks are well-made and long-lasting, with special patented soles.^{[1]
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- There are a number of ways to make sure your Birkenstocks are authentic and not fake. Birkenstocks come in a Birkenstock-branded box, not a plain box or plastic bag. The logo, registered trademark, and words "Made in Germany" are stamped on the footbed of every shoe. Real Birkenstocks are never made in China.
- The Birkenstock logo also appears on the inner side of each shoe, and on every buckle and button.
- Knock-off Birkenstocks are heavier than the real thing, and might have clumps of glue holding the shoes together.
- To be sure you're getting real Birkenstocks, buy them from an authorized Birkenstock retailer.^{[2]
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Choose a two-strap Birkenstock for a classic and versatile look. This style, with a strap over the toes and one over the top of the foot, is the iconic Birkenstock. It works in many settings, from a beach resort town to a fashion runway.
- The two-strap Arizona model is the brand's top-seller.^{[3]
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- If you find the straps on the Arizona too bulky for your tastes, try the Sidney model. The straps on these sandals are slimmer and the buckles are smaller. This is a more feminine take on the classic Birkenstock.^{[4]
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Try a T-strap style for a dressier take on flip-flops. These shoes with a toe piece provide a slightly more upscale alternative to the classic beachwear. You can also choose a model with a stylish loop around the big toe for a more feminine version of this look.
- For another take on the flip flop aesthetic, try the one strap Birkenstock models, such as the Madrid. One thick strap holds the sandal on the foot. This can mean that your foot slides around a bit more in this style than in ones with more straps.^{[5]
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Give your foot more support with a heel strap. If you are worried about your foot sliding around in a one- or two-strap model, try a style like the Bali or Milano that sport heel or ankle straps. These hold your foot firmly in the shoe.
- Be aware that it is not as easy to simply slide your foot in and out of this particular style of Birkenstocks as it is with other models.
- If you don't want the heel strap but you do want a more secure fit, try a three-strap style such as the Florida.^{[6]
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Some Birkenstock models, like the Granada and the Bali, come with laser cut-outs in the straps. This gives them a more delicate, elegant feel. These styles are also more feminine.^{[7]
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Some Birkenstock models, such as the Boston, look like slip-on clogs rather than the classic strapped sandal. These shoes will keep your feet warmer on colder days. They can also make comfortable slippers to wear around the house.^{[8]
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Pick a color that fits the look you are going for. There are over 300 models, colors, and textures of Birkenstocks, so you will be able to find a shade that fits your style.^{[9]
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Research source} Don't be afraid to experiment!
- Neutral colors like black, brown, and white are the most versatile, since they can be paired with any outfit. Black in particular is always flattering, and can be worn in every season.
- For a bolder, more summery look, try a pop of color, like bright pink.
- For a more dressed-up, fashion-forward aesthetic, try a metallic Birkenstock.

Part 2

Part 2 of 3:

Breaking In Your Birkenstocks

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Flex your new shoe. Take your sandals out of the box and gently bend and unbend the sole. Birkenstocks are stiff at first and need some working in before they mould to the shape of your feet and feel comfortable. ^{[10]
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- Some customers report using a hammer on the arches to help with the softening process.^{[11]
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With all of the straps undone, put your foot in the shoe. Make sure your heel is all the way back in the heel cup. Your shoe fits correctly if the contours match up with your foot's arch and the toe bar lies comfortably under the place where your toes join your foot.^{[12]
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3
Make sure your foot has enough room before you stand up. There should be about ¹⁄₄ inch (0.64 cm) between your toes and heels and the edges of the shoe, and ¹⁄₈ inch (0.32 cm) on the sides. Your feet will expand when you stand and walk, so don't forget to leave this extra space.^{[13]
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- According to the company's head of communications, a lot of people make the mistake of buying a pair that fits too tightly.^{[14]
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Start at the toes and work your way back. The straps should fit snugly, but not too tightly. Leave about a finger's width between the strap and your foot for a correct fit.^{[15]
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Wear the shoes to break them in. Start by wearing them around the house. They will feel stiff at first, but wearing them helps them to mould to your feet and soften up. Once they start feeling more comfortable, wear them outside.^{[16]
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- The first few times you wear your new Birkenstocks, you should only leave them on for a few hours. Your feet are adjusting to the new support.^{[17]
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- The process of breaking Birkenstocks in can be quite painful at first. Try not to be discouraged if the sandals you were promised would be so comfortable hurt the first few times you wear them instead.^{[18]
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Part 3

Part 3 of 3:

Styling Birkenstocks

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1
Throw on Birkenstocks with shorts for a casual summer look. Sandals and shorts are a go-to combination in warm weather. Add a basic T-shirt or a tank top in a neutral color to complete this simple look.
- For a slightly dressier take, pair a leather Birkenstock with smart chino shorts if you're a man.
- Women wanting a more dressed-up version of this look can pair Birkenstocks with lace shorts.
- Try a flip flop-style Birkenstock with more casual shorts, such as those made of jean or light cotton.
EXPERT TIP

Kalee Hewlett
Image Consultant
Kalee Hewlett is a Celebrity Stylist & Confidence Coach with almost two decades of experience helping clients build confidence and ‘dress for success.' She works with her clients to transform their sense of self 'from the inside out’ by merging her expertise in image consulting with Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Kalee’s work is rooted in science, style, and the understanding that ‘identity is destiny'. She uses her own methodology and Style To Success Strategy to create positive identity shifts. Kalee is a fashion TV host and appears regularly on QVC UK sharing her fashion expertise. She also was appointed as the head judge and host of Fashion One Network’s 6-part TV show 'Design Genius.’

Kalee Hewlett
Image Consultant

Wear your Birkenstocks with your weekend clothes. Fashion and style expert Kalee Hewlett says: "Birkenstocks are an old classic. They're practical, comfortable, and very durable, and you can wear them with everything from a boyfriend jean to a cute summer dress. They also give off a laid-back, cool look when you wear them with shorts or anything that's slouchy and relaxed. Just stay away from anything form-fitting or dressy, and don't wear socks with them."
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Wear Birkenstocks with pants for a chic, simple look in cooler weather. On days when you want to keep a relaxed summer feel to your wardrobe but the weather isn't cooperating, try pairing your sandals with jeans or casual trousers.
- Birkenstocks look cute with all styles of jeans, from skinny to boyfriend. The lighter the wash of your jeans, the more casual the overall look will be.
- Experiment with cropped pants if you aren't afraid of showing a little ankle.
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Create a fancier look by pairing Birkenstocks with tailored clothes or dresses. You can easily make your casual aesthetic even more chic by combining Birkenstocks with unexpected choices, like dresses and blazers. Take your look up another notch by adding an accessory like a wide-brimmed sunhat or Panama hat.
- Men can try pairing leather Birkenstocks in a neutral color with a statement blazer in a fun, bright summer color, like turquoise, for a dressier look.
- Women can try wearing Birkenstocks with a simple summer dress or a long maxi dress. The chunkiness of the sandals contrasts pleasantly with the flirty feminine vibe of the dress.
- Toss on a leather jacket or a fitted blazer for an extra touch of glamor in cooler weather.
EXPERT TIP

Kalee Hewlett
Image Consultant
Kalee Hewlett is a Celebrity Stylist & Confidence Coach with almost two decades of experience helping clients build confidence and ‘dress for success.' She works with her clients to transform their sense of self 'from the inside out’ by merging her expertise in image consulting with Neuro-Linguistic Programming. Kalee’s work is rooted in science, style, and the understanding that ‘identity is destiny'. She uses her own methodology and Style To Success Strategy to create positive identity shifts. Kalee is a fashion TV host and appears regularly on QVC UK sharing her fashion expertise. She also was appointed as the head judge and host of Fashion One Network’s 6-part TV show 'Design Genius.’

Kalee Hewlett
Image Consultant

Dress up your Birkenstocks for the weather. Kalee Hewlett, a fashion expert, says: “When it’s warm, pair your Birkenstocks with a cute, loose summer dress with spaghetti straps and a large straw hat. You can also try relaxed fabrics like white linen or light-colored denim. In the winter, you can wear a black all-in-one playsuit or loose-fitting jumpsuit. Keep your outfit relaxed and casual.”
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Dress down an evening look by wearing Birkenstocks. These casual sandals can instantly help transition a sophisticated nighttime outfit to the daytime. Wear them with a fancy skirt or elegant jumpsuit to keep these looks appropriate for more low-key settings.
- Pair Birkenstocks with a professional outfit, such as a nice button-down blouse and printed pants, to take this look from the office to the summer streets.
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Treat yourself to a pedicure. Most styles of Birkenstocks are open-toed. They're going to show off your feet. Gnarled, overly long toenails will spoil your look. Keep your nails trimmed and your feet clean.
- Try painting your toenails. This lends fun visual flair to a look and gives you a chance to show off your personality. Don't be afraid to experiment with bold colors like bright blue or green.
- Remember that pedicures aren't just for women. Men can also benefit from these spa treatments, which leave your feet feeling great and looking sandal-ready.^{[19]
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Transition your Birkenstocks from summer to fall by wearing them with socks. Many people are still resistant to the idea of wearing socks and sandals together. However, this unexpected combination can create a fun visual surprise. Warm socks also extend the use you can get out of your Birkenstocks by allowing you to wear them comfortably in colder weather without your feet freezing.
- For a bolder look, choose colorful socks to match the rest of your outfit. For example, try wearing bright red socks with brown Birkenstocks and a red plaid shirt.