Birkenstock Size Guide
Birkenstock is renowned for its anatomically designed footwear featuring contoured cork-latex footbeds with deep heel cups and longitudinal arch support. The brand manufactures in European (EU) Continental sizing, which can lead to variation in UK and US size conversions across retailers. Birkenstocks are designed to fit true to size, though they require a specific "buffer zone" of approximately 10 mm behind the heel and 5 mm in front of the toes for the contoured footbed to function optimally. Available in Narrow and Regular width options, Birkenstocks suit those seeking orthotic support, comfort for extended wear, and relief from conditions such as Plantar Fasciitis. The footwear typically requires a break-in period of 2–3 weeks.
How to Measure
- Remove your shoes and stand on a hard, flat surface with your weight evenly distributed.
- Place a ruler or measuring tape vertically against the wall, with the zero mark on the floor.
- Position your heel flush against the wall and measure the distance from the wall to the tip of your longest toe in centimetres.
- Measure both feet; use the longer measurement if your feet differ in size.
- For width, wrap a soft measuring tape around the widest part of your foot (typically across the ball). Record this measurement in centimetres.
- Cross-reference your foot length and width measurements against the appropriate size chart below. If your measurements fall between two sizes, choose the larger size for comfort.
- Consult the product page for fit notes, as some styles (e.g., Arizona) are designed for Regular width even though Narrow is the standard choice for approximately 80% of women.
Women's Size Chart
| EU Size | UK Size | US Size | Foot Length (cm) | Narrow Width (mm) | Regular Width (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 35 | 2.5 | 4.5 | 21.2 | 81–84 | 85–89 |
| 36 | 3 | 5 | 22.1 | 83–86 | 87–91 |
| 37 | 4 | 6 | 22.9 | 84–89 | 90–98 |
| 38 | 5 | 7 | 23.7 | 86–91 | 92–100 |
| 39 | 5.5–6 | 7.5–8 | 24.6 | 88–93 | 94–102 |
| 40 | 6.5 | 8.5 | 25.4 | 90–95 | 96–104 |
| 41 | 7 | 9 | 25.8 | 91–96 | 97–105 |
| 42 | 8 | 10 | 26.3 | 93–97 | 98–107 |
| 43 | 9 | 11 | 27.2 | 95–100 | 101–109 |
Men's Size Chart
| EU Size | UK Size | US Size | Foot Length (cm) | Narrow Width (mm) | Regular Width (mm) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 39 | 6 | 6.5 | 24.6 | 59–62 | 63–67 |
| 40 | 6.5 | 7.5 | 25.4 | 61–64 | 65–69 |
| 41 | 7 | 8 | 25.8 | 63–66 | 67–71 |
| 42 | 8 | 9 | 26.3 | 65–68 | 69–73 |
| 43 | 9 | 10 | 27.2 | 67–70 | 71–75 |
| 44 | 9.5 | 10.5 | 27.6 | 69–72 | 73–77 |
| 45 | 10 | 11 | 28.4 | 71–74 | 75–79 |
| 46 | 11 | 12 | 28.9 | 73–76 | 77–81 |
| 47 | 12 | 13 | 29.8 | 75–78 | 79–83 |
Product-Specific Guidance
Sandals (e.g. Arizona, Madrid, Gizeh)
Birkenstock's signature sandals feature an adjustable buckle and strap system. The Arizona and Madrid models are available in both Narrow and Regular widths; the Arizona is particularly popular in Regular fit. Ensure straps hug your foot comfortably without pinching. Your feet should sit centred on the footbed with approximately 10 mm clearance behind the heel and 5 mm in front of the toes. Leather uppers will soften and stretch during the break-in period, moulding to your foot shape, whereas synthetic Birko-Flor material breaks in faster but offers less personalised stretch.
Clogs and Closed-Toe Styles
Clogs and closed designs (such as the Boston clog) accommodate the same contoured footbed. Size true to your EU measurement; these styles may feel snug initially but will conform to your foot's contours within 2–3 weeks of regular wear. The firm Original Footbed provides maximum orthotic support for all-day wear, whilst the Soft Footbed, which includes an additional integrated foam layer with air bubbles, offers immediate cushioning and suits those with sensitive feet.
Boots and Winter Styles
Birkenstock boots maintain the signature anatomical footbed and contoured arch support. Due to enclosed construction, sizing follows the same EU–UK–US conversion table as sandals. Measure your foot in the afternoon when slight swelling may occur, and allow adequate room for thick socks in winter styles. The break-in period may extend slightly longer for leather boots due to the additional upper material.
Sizing Tips
- Order in EU sizing if possible. Birkenstock's official size conversions to UK and US vary between retailers. For consistency, purchase using your known EU size rather than converting to UK or US equivalents.
- Understand Narrow vs. Regular fit. Despite its name, Narrow fit is the standard choice for approximately 80% of women and represents a medium/regular width (US A–B equivalent). Regular fit is wider, intended primarily for men and those who prefer extra space for feet to spread (US C–D equivalent for women, D–EE for men).
- Measure in the afternoon. Feet naturally swell slightly during the day. Measure after several hours of activity to ensure an accurate fit that accommodates minor expansion during wear.
- Allow 10 mm behind the heel and 5 mm in front of toes. A correct fit requires this specific buffer zone. Your feet should sit inside the outer rim of the footbed without overlapping the edges or rubbing. This spacing is essential for the contoured footbed to provide proper arch support.
- Choose Original Footbed for structural support; Soft for immediate comfort. The Original Footbed (four layers: Jute, Cork/Latex, Jute, Suede) offers firmer, long-term orthotic support and is recommended for those with Plantar Fasciitis or who require sustained arch support. The Soft Footbed (five layers, with integrated foam and air bubbles) provides instant cushioning and suits sensitive feet, though it offers less long-term structural rigidity.
- Budget 2–3 weeks for break-in. The cork footbed and leather uppers require time to mould to your foot. Wear new Birkenstocks for 1–2 hours indoors daily initially. Leather takes longer to soften than synthetic Birko-Flor; patience during this period ensures a custom fit.
- Leather offers superior breathability and personalised stretch. Genuine leather uppers provide better airflow and will stretch to create an individualised fit over time. Birko-Flor is tear-resistant, easy to clean, and available in more colours, but does not stretch like leather.
- Birkenstocks are excellent for Plantar Fasciitis and arch support. Every model features a contoured cork-latex footbed with a deep heel cup and longitudinal arch support, distributing body weight evenly. They are widely recommended as relief footwear for Plantar Fasciitis and other arch-related conditions.