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Birks Sizing Chart

Welcome to our Birks Sizing Chart and measurement guide. In order to get the best fit and most comfort out of your pair of Birkenstocks, please refer to the information on this page.

On this page you'll find:

About Birks Sizing

  • Birkenstock products are provided in European sizes and do not directly translate to UK or US sizes
  • Birkenstocks come in two widths: Regular (marked M for medium) for normal or sturdy feet and Narrow (marked N for narrow) for slim feet
  • Birkenstocks are designed to be roomy and do not run true to size
  • Your feet should be able to move freely without your toes hitting the edge of the footbed. Add 10mm to your foot length to allow your foot room to move.

Birks Sizing Chart

Women's

 Women's (US) Metric (mm) Birkenstock
4 - 4.5 225 35
5 - 5.5 230 36
6 - 6.5 240 37
7 - 7.5 245 38
8 - 8.5 250 39
9 - 9.5 260 40
10 - 10.5 265 41
11 - 11.5 270 42
12 - 12.5 280 43
13 - 13.5 285 44

Men's

 Men's (US) Metric (mm) Birkenstock
5 - 5.5 245 38
6 - 6.5 250 39
7 - 7.5 260 40
8 - 8.5 265 41
9 - 9.5 270 42
10 - 10.5 280 43
11 - 11.5 285 44
12 - 12.5 290 45
13 - 13.5 300 46
14 - 14.5 305 47
15 - 15.5 310 48
16 - 16.5 320 49
17 - 17.5 325 50

How to Measure Your Foot

You will need two pieces of paper, a pencil, and a ruler that includes millimeters.

1. Place paper on the floor and stand on each piece with heel against the wall:

2 . To determine the width of the foot, mark with the pencil the two outermost points of the balls of the feet:

3. For the length, make a mark at the tip of the longest toe on each foot:

Note: For the most accurate measurement, we recommended using a pencil or ballpen with a fine tip rather than something with a larger tip:

 5. Measure the length and width of the markings in millimeters on each page of paper to determine your foot size.

Finding the Optimal Fit

Birks are meant to be roomy. In order to get an optimal foot, start by opening up all the straps and placing your foot in the footbed while standing upright.

Optimal space at the heel

There should be a space of approximately 5mm between the heel and the edge of the footbed:

Optimal space at the toes

There should be approximately 10mm between the toes and the edge of the footbed:

Optimal fit at front strap

Adjust the front strap so there is approximately 5mm of space between the strap and the top of the foot:

Optimal fit at back strap

There should be approximately 10mm of space between the strap and the top of the foot:

Signs of a Bad Fit

Here are some things to avoid when sizing your Birkenstocks.

1. If the toes extend beyond the edge of the footbed, the size is too small:

Birkenstocks are too small if toes extend past the edge of the footbed

2. If there’s too much space at the toes and the heel, the size is too big:

A picture showing too much space at the front of the Birkenstock footbed - a sign that the size is too big.

3. If the balls of the feet jut out over the edges on the side, the sandal is too narrow:

A picture showing a foot being too broad for the footbed of a Birkenstock sandal

Breaking In Birkenstocks

  • Before wearing them, put one hand under the toe and the other under the heel and flex the footbed back and forth a few times. This will initiate the break in period and will make the sandals feel comfier sooner.
  • The first 5 or 6 times wearing them, limit your time to a few hours. This allows your feet and body to gradually get used to the contoured arch support as well as the straps and buckles
  • Open all the straps and step into the footbed. Close the straps comfortably, leaving enough space for your feet to feel free to move a bit. There should be several millimeters of space in the heel and toe areas.
  • Readjust the straps as necessary so they can stretch a little over time. Note that they do not have to be equal on both sides

Additional Resources & Downloads

Need more information?

For more help and to try on Birkenstocks in store, please call or visit one of our 5 locations on Vancouver Island.

Images reference from Birkenstock Fit Guide