Birkenstock shoes, Birkenstock clogs and less than optimal non Birkenstock footwear explained at Sandals4less Birkenstock shoes

Birkenstock shoe customers always have different size feet, so normally you will want to fit the longest foot. This pertains only if there is only a half size difference. If there is a full size difference with your Birkenstock customer, try to balance the two sizes by fitting the larger size foot down a half size. This will give the Birkenstock shoe customer a half size of toe room on the larger foot and a size and a half toe room on the smaller foot. If you know your Birkenstock shoe length, you can use our Birkenstock fitting guides or our personal attention and decades of Birkenstock Sandals fitting experience to help you choose the right Birkenstock shoe size. Realize that Birkenstocks or not, sometimes foot size and shoe size may have less of a direct relationship than you would think.
Soon to be happy little Birkenstock Sandal wearing feet may also have width differences or length and width differences on the same person. Watch the Birkenstock customers feet carefully and listen to them because this is often a delicate balancing act between form and function. Think about it. For every Birkenstock shoe, there are two lengths at two ends and two widths at the other two ends. There are four Birkenstock shoe fitting combinations available. Remember that two will work but will be poor in comparison to the other two. The last two are very close in fit and either may work but one may be the better.
Especially with Birkenstock Sandals, if there is a length and width difference, you may want to fit the longer length and narrower width to balance both feet, and discuss the options with your Birkenstock customer.
Two Birkenstock sizes for one customer.
Some Birkenstock shoe customers require what is called mismates. A size and a half difference is the most you can fudge fit and get any kind of comfort, and that can depend on the Birkenstocks customer because some are physically unwilling to accept this because of safety if they are older or unsteady on their feet and prone to stripping, and need two different sizes. If there is a drastic width difference in the Birkenstock shoes also, then a full size or less difference may require you to serve two different sizes of footwear. Birkenstock shoe fitting can be done in two ways. One reasonable way for Birkenstock shoe customers is to pay for one pair and 60% of the second pair of Birkenstocks. This allows the Customer to choose any shoe pattern made, and is different than what most retailers of Birkenstock shoes will do, which is to sell two full pair of Birkenstock shoes. However, even with the discount, this can be expensive for your Birkenstock shoe customers. We recommend charging for one pair and the cost of the other. It buffers the cost and allows us to cover our costs in the second pair, and this can make for a loyal customer.
Another way is by having a Birkenstock shoe modifier make custom mis-mates for you. It is the cost of one pair of Birkenstock shoes plus a factory charge of $45 if you are lucky. Normally there is a high possibility that this fix is more expensive for Birkenstocks customers. Sometimes a lot more. Because of the high cost and time involved, it is important we get Birkenstocks size and Birkenstocks width correct the first time as there are no exchanges allowed on custom made or modified Birkenstock shoes. These orders often must be submitted in writing to the Birkenstock modifiers, they usually will not take phone orders. It will take about six to 10 weeks for the Birkenstock shoes to be made and shipped to the Birkenstock shoe customer.
Arch supports as orthotics (or will there be orthosis)
Birkenstock shoes are easy to understand, but there are more difficulties in understanding with arch supports. For non Birkenstocks, there are hundreds of variations in the materials, methods and types of arch supports. Generally non Birkenstocks fall into three categories. Some have molded leather or layered synthetic materials, some have rigid plastic laminated or fiberglass reinforced, and the newer thermoplastics. These all take up different amounts of space and may require various types of Birkenstock or non Birki shoes and fitting techniques to accommodate. When you wear Birkenstocks there is no need for inserts, and doctors will generally use Birkenstocks instead or as an adjunct to orthotics.
Let's revisit Birkenstock shoe fitting and orthotics. If you are in orthotics, the same applies. Measure both feet standing on the orthotics under your feet on the standard Brannock measuring device found for measuring feet. This will measure your true foot length with the orthotics being worn. Generally, if you are going to a in-depth Birkenstock shoe, you may stay the same width with the insole that comes with the Birkenststock shoe taken out. If a very thin orthotic, you may stay the same width in regular Birkenstock shoes. If you have a thicker orthotic, you may have to adjust length by the foot on orthotic measurement and adjust width a width wider for the volume of the orthotic being added to the foot.
Several things are normally taking place at the same time and you want to be careful. An artificial arch may pull your foot up and therefore make it shorter. Because they come up behind the heel they may make the foot longer by the thickness of the material used. These two things changes may balance each other out to the point that there is no change at all, except to your customers wallet. Sticking to Birkenstock shoes or Birkenstock Sandals instead of getting inserts can be the simple solution.
Birkenstock shoes don't lend themselves well to arch supports. First, they aren't needed. Second, an arch support normally requires a tie shoe. That doesn't mean a tie that has no hold but technically satisfies. If without Birkenstock shoes you overpronate, which happens when you roll in at the ankles and your arch collapses enough to need proprer arch supports, a flimsy non Birkenstock or not supportive shoe will not help. If the shoe bends in the arch and you have a softer, flexible arch support; the shoe and the arch support will bend together and your foot will continue to break down, not a good thing. If there isn't a heel counter system to hold you over the support and maintain your foot in the proper position over the support; you may just roll over the support right out through the side of the shoe. Remember that non Birkenstock poor shoes that helped create your foot problems likely will not support your feet even with an arch support. There are exceptions, but generally a good Birkenstock tie shoe, other tie shoe or your favorite supportive tie shoe only will work with arch supports.
When you have good Birkenstock shoes you are done, but a non Birkenstock support, you have to add the volume of the support to the volume of the foot and both have to go into the non Birkenstock shoe. That means that you will normally need a deeper shoe for most supports. Some of the real bulky and thick thermoplastics, usually they look white or layered pink, white or blue will require oblique toe in-depth ties, very wide shank ties and possible size adjustments to compensate for the mass of the arch support. Got that? All Birkenstock Sandal or non Birkenstock arch supports will provide you with a platform under your foot and this platform will try to lift you out of the shoe. So shallow non Birkenstock shoes will not work but Birkenstock shoes will. Birkenstock Shoes should be and are deeper and don't need to accommodate orthotics. Other alternatives include good walking Birkenstock shoes, oxfords, any of the non Birkenstock orthopaedic shoes. Gym shoes often are too flexible in the arch and heel counter to work well. There are a few exceptions, but generally most gym shoes do not work, and really never work best. If you must, then gym shoes from Drew-Barefoot (Freedom), a very few kinds of Etonics or specifically the New Balance in the 1000 series and above will work due to better construction components.
Birkenstocks or not, Loose heels can cause problems.
Again, wear Birkenstocks and you should be all set, but here is another reason to wear Birkendstocks. When you wear non Birkenstock shoes and need to get arch supports there is another problem. A product of arch supports are a looser heel fit. You are lifted out of the non Birkenstock shoe by the thickness of the arch support. Then because the arch support comes up behind the heel, and it creates an air space between your foot and the non Birkenstocks shoes. These two things make your heel fit looser with orthotics. Also the reason that Birkenstock dress shoes and arch supports do not normally work. Many customers can get by with Birkenstock Alpro a strap dress shoe for temporary wear without the arch support or may even use a thin arch support in a strap dress shoe. Some women may be able to wear pumps without an arch support for limited wear, but beware the long term consequences. You know, the house to the car, into the restaurant, theatre, church or event, kick off the shoes by Birkenstock, then wear back to the car and home. However, Birkenstocks dress shoes will not work for doing the mall, sight seeing, working on your feet all day. Fashion a P W Minor dress shoe in an in-depth construction may help some women wear an orthotic with a dress shoe appearance.

Unlike a Birkenstock shoe, a bad shoe is like a crime scene; if you study it carefully, you can "detect" a lot about a patient's postural condition -- and usually discover the source of his/her musculoskeletal problems. Worn-out non-Birkenstock shoes and Birkenstock sandals -- or other shoes and sandals that do not fit properly -- can interfere with the proper working of custom-made orthotics. "Bad" non-Birkenstock shoes can also have a negative effect on the feet, pelvis, and spine.

For example, a survey on non Birkenstock women's shoes found that 88% of the women surveyed were wearing Birkenstock and other shoes that were smaller (avg. 1.2 cm smaller) than their feet. Is it any wonder that 80% of the study participants reported "some foot pain," and that 76% were noted to have one or more forefoot deformity?

Birkenstock other Shoe fit

Unlike good fitting Birkenstocks, poorly fitting, unsupportive non Birkenstock shoes can cause serious problems. When a customer stands in his/her Birkenstock shoes, you should be able to palpate the large toe joint and find it positioned at the widest part of the Birkenstock shoe. If the joint is forward of this area, the shoe is too short (the shoe is seldom too long). When a Birkenstock shoe is ill-fitting, it is usually short and wide. Casual Birkenstock shoes are generally fitted short, to make certain that the foot is "wedged" into the shoe in such a manner as to avoid heel slippage.

It is very important that all Birkenstock or other shoes a customer wears are properly fitted and of proper construction Birkenstocks. shoes that are broken down, vamps pushed over (the top of the shoe pushed laterally), with uneven heel and sole wear usually tell a story that is easy to read.

"Reading" a shoe

Heel wear. Normal heel wear is slightly lateral of the mid-line. Heel wear should be even on both sides. If one side is worn more than another, this can indicate a weakness on that side.

Usually in my practice, I find the shoe that has the most wear is on the side of my patient's knee, hip or spinal problem. Observe the heel wear -- you will be amazed.

The counter. Place your thumb and forefinger on either side of the counter and squeeze; it should be very firm, with almost no give at all. Counters do much to stabilize the feet. When the foot pronates, the calcaneus tilts medially at the top and tends to "kick outward" at the bottom. A strong counter is needed to prevent the calcaneus from pushing over the side laterally.

Next, set the shoe on a hard, flat surface. If the shoe has a heel, you will find a space between the front of the heel and the point where the sole contacts the surface. The area between these two points is called the shank. Generally, the shank is reinforced to help prevent breakdown. Feet that are weak, have fallen arches, or are pronated require support in this area and tend to break down the shank when not properly supported. Even a steel shank does not always provide the necessary strength to prevent a breakdown. In these instances shank breakdown is readily recognized by the sole wear.

Sole wear. Turn the shoe over and examine the sole. Start at the toe and let your eyes follow the sole wear toward the heel. At the point where the sole wear "feathers out" and stops, draw a horizontal line with a pen or pencil. Repeat the same procedure with the opposite shoe. Determine which shoe demonstrates sole wear closest to the heel. If you find visualization difficult, measure with a rule.

The shoe that demonstrates the sole wear beginning closest to the heel indicates the side of greatest pronation. Further examination of the patient will reveal the patient usually has a weak psoas, weak abductors, and weak neck flexors on that side -- unless trauma is a factor. The patient may have symptoms of one or more of the following: knee pain, hip pain, lumbosacral or sacroiliac involvement, or cervical problems on that side -- again, unless trauma is a factor. If the shank is breaking down excessively, Birkenstocks new shoes are recommended.

Proper footwear will do much to help your adjustments hold better. Restoring balance to the pedal foundation can be accomplished far more effectively if you take a few moments to instruct the patient as to the type of shoe that will be best for his or her particular condition. Generally, a good lace-type shoe with firm counter is best.

What to tell patients

1. Make sure Birkenstock shoes fit properly -- ball of foot at widest point of shoe.

2. Remove any generic insoles from non Birkenstock shoes before inserting custom-made orthotics.

3. Old, broken down Birkenstock shoes should be thrown away.

4. Buy all shoes, Birkenstocks or not, as you would buy fruit -- squeeze them in the heel area. You want a firm counter around the heel to help support pronated feet (supinated feet need a "squishy" or soft counter).

Some Birkenstock sandal wearing women are wearing the thinner nyloplex, laminate and leather arch supports in some of the Clinic strap dress Birkenstock and non Birkenstocks shoes like Rena for temporary wear. However, for the best fit, support and long term comfort; it will be tie, tie oxford or your favorite in-depth tie oxford.
If you experience heel problems, and there is a good chance that you will, putting a partial insole in the toes of the Birkenstocks and non Birkenstock shoes back under the feathering of the end of the arch support usually helps. If this non Birkenstock shoe seems to fit in length and width, use a tongue pad. Place in under the vamp of the Birkenstock shoe. This will push you back into the heel tighter. Softening the heel counters of the Birkenstocks and non Birkenstock shoes can also help. Another solution is to buy Birkenstock or other Birkenstock and non Birkenstock shoes with padded collars that come up higher on the heel and fill with air to make better contact through the orthotic heel gap. If you tie the Birkenstock and non Birkenstock shoes tighter, the problem some where the last eyelet is higher and closer to the heel to tighten the opening, are other solutions. In some cases, going a width narrower in the Birkenstock shoe may be the answer. Placing the tongue pad under the vamp is often the best solution. It is a trial and error type of thing. No matter what you do, the heel fit will be worse with an orthotic. Unfortunately, this is universally true.
Fitting either Birkenstocks or orthotics We begin by measuring both feet while standing on the Birkenstock Sandals or orthotics. Generally, a Birkenstock Sandal or orthotic will add one to two widths to your normal width, unless you are in an oblique toe or other in-depth Birkenstock shoe. If your orthotic is only 3/4 length, you may need to go to a small innersole in the front to give you a balanced even fit with the orthotic through the entire Birkenstock shoe. If you only have an orthotic on one foot, you will need an innersole in the other Birkenstock shoe to balance the two feet.
The in-depths come with inner-soles that come out to make room to put your orthotics. These Birkenstocks and non Birkenstock shoes are a 1/4 inch deeper than conventional Birkenstocks and non Birkenstock shoes to fit orthotics. The heel lock in the heel counter is higher to give you a better heel fit with an orthotic. Padded collars and other things are also in the Birkenstock and non Birkenstock shoes to maximize your fit, comfort and correction with your orthotic.
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Private information article: Deformities
Arthritis, Old Polio, Birth Defects and other problems can cause deformities. The factories can not accommodate these problems. They do not know where to put in the attic, side room or bump for deformities. If we know about them, we can pre-stretch for some problems, or your local Birkenstock shoe repair can stretch them for you for a small fee. A tool called a ball stretch can be used to pocket for enlarged joints, bunions, hammer toes and other problems.
You have two choices. If you are elderly and do not do a lot of walking, you may want to use the elastic top Birkenstock and non Birkenstock shoes that will give with deformities. You may fit yourself slightly wider if you use a wheel chair or walk very little. For the young to energetic oldster, going wide or going soft may not be good in the short or long run. Bunions often are caused by friction, pronation, fallen arches and other problems. Going soft or wide will just irritate things worse and allow the deformity to get larger next year. For these Birkenstock shoe customers, getting the right supportive fit in length and width, then stretching for the bunion or hammer toe is better for total foot health.
Oblique toe in depths can give you more toe room and still support your arch and heel. Very round and deeper toe box Birkenstock and non Birkenstock shoes may solve minor problems. The stretchable upper Birkenstock and non Birkenstock shoes are the best for severe bunions, hammer toes and the like. See Barefoot Freedom and P W Minor. For even more height, the innersole that comes with the Birkenstock shoe can be removed or at least the front of the innersole removed to give you even more height.
Normally, if the Birkenstock shoe is fitted correctly, a tool called a ball stretch can be used to modify the leather over any enlarged joint area. This can be done at any Birkenstock shoe repair shop for very little money. Just going larger and mis-fitting the entire foot to accommodate an enlarged joint will normally only make the problem worse.
Every Birkenstock shoe you wear over time will gain a pocket for the bunion or hammer toe. Usually even the linings will wear out in these areas from normal walking friction. Since the manufacturer did not know where to place a pocket there is none. Your problem is that your joint is looking for that old worn in pocket, so expect new Birkenstock and non Birkenstock sandals and shoes to be tight where the joint enlargement meets the leather until they mold in. If painful, have the Birkenstock shoe repair start a pocket at the place of discomfort for you. There is no reason to suffer. Changing Birkenstock and non Birkenstock sandals to in-depth or stretchable upper Birkenstock and non Birkenstock sandals may make sense. However, staying in the same construction and changing brands will not solve the problem. The joint is the problem and similar Birkenstock and non Birkenstock shoes will all echo the same comfort problem with the joint.
Deerskin leathers are also good, because they stretch in two directions instead of only one as in calf and other leathers. e-mail me your problems and I will try to help you pick the best Birkenstock shoe for your problems and needs.
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Dress Birkenstock and non Birkenstock shoes
Ties always fit the best, then straps, followed by loafers, then flats and pumps. Ties give you round toes, a daily adjustable instep and more support and comfort. As the Birkenstock and non Birkenstock shoes become more open there is less hold in the Birkenstock shoe. As a result, as the Birkenstock shoe becomes more open, the toe space, toe box height lessen and the small area of contact in the instep becomes tighter. This is also true as the heel height increases, as something has to compensate for the natural tendency of gravity to make you slide down the hill.
Dress Birkenstocks and non Birkenstock sandalslike pumps, heels, loafers and flats all have to be tight in the instep when new. Not tight in the toes or short, just tight in the instep. The reason for this is that as the Birkenstock shoe stretches with wear, there is no way to tighten back up the Birkenstock shoe. So it has to be tighter in the instep when new, so that as it stretches, it will not get so loose that it falls off, allows the foot to float around or to irritate the foot. If a dress Birkenstock shoe is loose in the heel, you may have to go to a strap style, go down one width or go a half size shorter. If a strap Birkenstock shoe is loose in the heel, you may have to add another hole or two to the strap. Often the holes in strap Birkenstock and non Birkenstock shoes are put in to look good on display, but do not tighten enough to actually hold the heel tight. This is especially true if there is an elastic on the buckle. The elastic can stretch or give enough to make the hole used in the strap too loose. Answer is to put in more holes and tighten the strap.
Birkenstock sandal wearing women want the toe room and snug but soft fit of ties, but want high heel, open Birkenstock and non Birkenstock shoes. Unfortunately, it is not going to happen. Many Birkenstock sandal wearing women do not belong in heels or slip on Birkenstock and non Birkenstock shoes. Strap Birkenstock and non Birkenstock shoes may offer a viable alternative. You can always adjust straps to give you a tighter heel fit. As the heels get higher and the Birkenstock and non Birkenstock shoes get more open, there will be more pressure on the instep. You are asking a half inch of leather in that area to hold you in the heel for the life of the Birkenstock shoe. All slip on Birkenstock and non Birkenstock shoes and strap dress Birkenstock and non Birkenstock shoes stretch. As they stretch they tend to get loose. Finally they get sloppy. It has been so in ever dress Birkenstock shoe, loafer and flat you have ever bought. Therefore the instep in new dress Birkenstock and non Birkenstock shoes and slip-on's must be snug- very snug. As you wear it, it will stretch, but still hold you in the heel of the Birkenstock shoe.
It takes five to six weeks to make a quality Birkenstock shoe. That time is lasting time. Shrinking the leather around the last. As a result, it takes a cork screw type of tool to pull the last out of the finished Birkenstock and non Birkenstock shoes. The edges of the Birkenstock and non Birkenstock shoes all curl in towards the last. If the toe room is good, and the length is correct but the heel counter or instep are uncomfortable, do not go bigger. You can ease the heel counter by having us or your Birkenstock shoe repair roll the top edge on the heel on a Birkenstock shoe roller to take out the inward curl. This tool can also be used on the instep to ease the curl there also. As the Birkenstock shoe softens, the edge feel will disappear and the Birkenstock shoe will continue to fit over the life of the Birkenstock shoe. If you go bigger, you will usually find the Birkenstock shoe is a little loose and within a week or two the heel will slip and slide.
Dress Birkenstock and non Birkenstock shoes are not tie oxfords and will never fit like tie oxfords. If the toes are real tight and the heel is also tight, you may have to go one width wider.

Taper toe Birkenstock and non Birkenstock shoes are not as wide as tie Birkenstock and non Birkenstock shoes in the same width due to the difference in toe shape. Many dress Birkenstock and non Birkenstock shoes are made on last that were used back in the 40's and 50's. They run a half size long. Some new dress Birkenstock and non Birkenstock shoes may run true, so watch the fitting guides.Loafers and flats are often fitted the same as ties, but some have to fit them one width narrower than ties. If they do not, they find that the Birkenstock and non Birkenstock shoes get too loose over time. The more open the Birkenstock shoe, the snugger the instep has to be. If you do not like a snug instep, then go to straps which are a little fuller in the instep, as the straps are there to hold on the Birkenstock and non Birkenstock shoes. Need more space, stay with ties.

Difference in Width - Natural or Due To Orthotic or Brace
Many clients have a difference in foot size or width. Others have a brace or large orthotic on only one foot. If it is just a problem of width, two cork gum insoles glued together and cut to fill the bottom of the smaller foot will take up one width. If you need to take up two widths, four cork gum insoles, with two skived (tapered) about two inches forward of the heel (heel part removed on two) will take up two widths in the forefoot and allow the heel to drop into the heel cup enough to keep a decent heel fit. With one orthotic or a brace on only one foot, Use an in-depth shoe from Barefoot Freedom or P W Minor.
Braces change everything. First you need to measure the good foot and the brace foot while in the brace on the standard Brannock measuring device. There will normally be a full size to size and half difference due to the thickness of the brace material and the air space created by the brace. Normally the foot is behind the end of the brace, so fit the brace with no grow room and just wide enough to place the brace in the shoe. Take the insole from the factory out of the brace shoe and cut off the arch tab. Then place this insole upside down and under the insole in the good foot to take up more room. This is normally the answer to a brace in one shoe. Oblique toe in-depth shoes work best. Since you will be over using the good foot, poor shoes without support will normally contribute to break down the good foot within two years from the beginning of the use of a brace or prosthetic leg. The key is to fit the brace foot as close as possible so that the good foot does not swim in the shoe. Stretching the shoe in the instep area, even cutting the tongue deeper into the vamp is better than fitting the good foot too loose. In extreme cases, mis-mate shoes may be needed to fit the brace and protect the good foot. Of course, the less you have to add or change the better. So in one insole does the trick or you need to add a cork gum insole instead of a thick insole, so much the better. The main thing is to balance the feet as close as possible for best results. You want both feet to feel as normal, even with the differences, as you can. Birkenstock shoe