BIRKENSTOCKS are a staple of men's footwear, and every man should own a pair to bring out during the summer months. Whether you’re looking for a sandal for the beach or a holiday shoe that won't go out of style – you’ll find what you’re searching for within our selection of BIRKENSTOCKS.
Before making your purchase, we understand that you’ll have questions about the fit, styling and care of what is soon to be your favourite pair of sandals. At Stuarts, we have a wealth of knowledge and experience with luxury brands and are here to help you with any BIRKENSTOCK queries you may have.
Making sure that your BIRKENSTOCKS fit is important for comfort and foot health. Check out the most asked questions about BIRKENSTOCK sizes and how they fit below.
Designed to be comfortable, BIRKENSTOCKS will take some time to mould to the shape of your foot. When considering the fit and feel of your new shoes, you should ask yourself the following questions to ensure that you have the right size.
The functional properties of BIRKENSTOCKS include shock-absorbing soles and a unique contoured footbed designed to feel comfortable and natural to your foot shape. They also offer excellent arch support, which is important for sandals due to the open construction of the shoe.
BIRKENSTOCKS straps are also designed with comfort and durability in mind. There's no worse feeling than when the strap of your sandal rubs, BIRKENSTOCK have factored this into their construction, and you will find designs crafted with high-grade leather and suede.
This means that if you are looking for a Summer shoe that will last and remain comfortable – BIRKENSTOCKS are the brand for you.
The placement of your foot within your BIRKENSTOCKS is important for comfort and can determine whether you need to opt for a larger or smaller size.
Make sure you unbuckle the straps and place your feet into the shoe. Start by placing your heel all the way to the back of the shoe. From here, you should find that the construction of the footbed is shaped to the contours of your foot. If this feels unnatural, and you find that the curves of the shoe don't align with your foot - you will need to consider a different size.
There should be enough space to move your feet when standing or walking in BIRKENSTOCKS. You should be able to wiggle your toes without them extending over the shoe and have enough heel room, so your heel isn't pooling over the back.
BIRKENSTOCKS are true to size, but they are designed to feel roomy for comfort. This doesn't mean you will need to downsize, as the footbed construction allows you enough grip and stability.
For those worried about the width of BIRKENSTOCKS, you will find that there are two size variations to cater for narrower heeled people. The width sizes include M and N, with M standing for medium and N for narrow.
No, BIRKENSTOCKS don’t run big. They are designed to feel comfortable and roomy; this doesn't mean you should downsize.
Caring for your BIRKENSTOCKS is important, and even though they are designed to be durable, it is important to look after the sandals for added longevity. Almost every part of BIRKENSTOCKS can be repaired or replaced, which makes them the perfect investment for future summers.
Step 1 - Remove the excess surface dirt
To start, you want to remove any dirt or muck from your BIRKENSTOCKS. Using a suede brush, clean the excess dirt from the surface of your shoes. Make sure you are gentle when doing so; the deeper clean will come later.
Step 2 - Prepare the cleaning paste
Cleaning your BIRKENSTOCKS to give them a fresh look involves applying a paste that will lift any stains or stubborn marks. To create the cleaning paste, mix 2 parts bicarbonate of soda with 1 part water. This should give the paste a thick consistency.
Step 3 - Apply the paste with a toothbrush
Using an old toothbrush, apply the paste to the footbed of your BIRKENSTOCKS in circulation motions. You will find as you do this that the mixture covers the footbed evenly. Apply the paste generously and cover thoroughly. Make sure that you avoid applying the paste to the cork-exposed sides of the shoe.
Step 4 - Remove the paste using a sponge
From here, remove all of the paste from the footbed of the shoes with a sponge. When doing so, ensure that you don't get the sandals too wet.
Step 5 - Dry with a cloth
Let the BIRKENSTOCKS dry in a cool place, not in direct sunlight. The cork soles of the shoes can crack when placed in direct sunlight, so ensure that you keep them in a covered place. This also applies when you’re on holiday, don't leave your BIRKENSTOCKS exposed to the direct sun - always make sure you place them under your sunbed or a towel.
Step 6 - Use the suede brush to soften the soles
To ensure that your BIRKENSTOCKS remain comfortable, soften the soles of the shoes with your suede brush.
The footbed of BIRKENSTOCKS can become smelly over time, especially if they are worn often and in hot climates where feet sweat. To combat this, sprinkle baking soda on the footbed and leave this to dry overnight. In the morning, wipe away any excess baking soda with a cloth.
BIRKENSTOCKS are not designed to be wet or to be left outside in direct sunlight. The cork manufacture of the footwear can be impacted by extreme heat if they are not dried correctly.
BIRKENSTOCKS are designed to be durable, but their lifespan depends on how often you use your BIRKENSTOCKS and how well you care for them. If looked after correctly, BIRKENSTOCKS can last for around 10-12 years, and almost every part of the shoe construction can be repaired or replaced, making them a great summer investment.
BIRKENSTOCK and comfort go hand in hand. They can take a while to break in and mould to the shape of your foot, but once the sandal has taken shape, they are one of the most comfortable sandals available. They don't have to be specifically for summer or your holiday; you can also wear them around the house when you return from your holiday as your go-to house shoes for comfort.
The footbed of BIRKENSTOCKS is crafted from cork and natural latex, which helps the shoes mould to the natural shape of your foot. This helps support your feet and the distribution of your body weight through the shape of the arches.
BIRKENSTOCKS are equipped with an orthopaedic insole to help cushion your foot and provide stability. This can help with foot pain, calluses and bunions, combined with the open structure of the shoe, meaning the foot can breathe.
Plantar fasciitis is pain around the heel, arch and bottom of your foot. It can be particularly painful in the morning, and rest, ice packs, and comfortable shoes can help remedy the pain. The cork construction of BIRKENSTOCKS provides support along the length of your foot, reducing the strain on the arch, making them a comfortable pair of shoes for those who suffer from plantar fasciitis.
Flat feet can make walking difficult; standing on feet for long hours can feel tiresome and, at times, can even cause shin splints. The construction of BIRKENSTOCKS footbeds is cushioning, providing arch support and helping wearers to distribute their weight evenly. BIRKENSTOCKS foot bar also creates the perfect natural grip for toes, making them comfortable and supporting.
BIRKENSTOCKS can be difficult to break in, and ensuring that the footbed moulds to the contours of your foot can take a bit of time. If you plan to take your BIRKENSTOCKS away with you on holiday, it can be worth wearing your sandals around the house for a few weeks before breaking through the uncomfortable stage.
As one of the most popular summer shoes, BIRKENSTOCKS can be worn with almost any summer ensemble. From chilled days around the pool to smart beach club dinners, BIRKENSTOCKS are versatile and can be dressed up or down depending on the situation.
When creating a summer outfit, pairing your BIRKENSTOCKS with shorts or a light pair of trousers is a staple combination.
For daytime summer outfits, you can opt for casual shorts or swim shorts for a relaxed look, but if you want to dress up your outfit for an event, why not choose something from our dress shorts collection.
BIRKENSTOCKS are great for a smart casual outfit on a summer evening, and when choosing a pair of trousers, make sure you opt for a light and airy pair. Cropping your trousers ever so slightly will give you a contemporary edge that will show off your new favourite sandals.
Socks and sandals give a nonchalant and effortless look. Designed for the gentleman who can look good in anything, socks and BIRKENSTOCKS is a statement in itself. The chairman of the board at BIRKENSTOCK USA declared in the early 2000s that "It's perfectly acceptable to wear BIRKENSTOCKS with socks." and who are we to say otherwise?
BIRKENSTOCK is a German company with production facilities in North Rhine-Westphalia, Hesse, Saxony and Rhineland-Palatinate. The production process takes up to 17 steps, and since they started manufacturing shoes in 1774, the company has mastered their process.
It is not illegal to wear BIRKENSTOCKS or sandals when driving; however, wearing loose footwear is not recommended when driving. Driving in loose footwear can have implications for your safety and the safety of other road users.
Whilst it is not illegal, Rule 97 of the Highway Code states that what you wear whilst operating a vehicle must not prevent you from staying in control.
Most BIRKENSTOCK styles aren't vegan; however, the German footwear retailer has a vegan-friendly range available in a selection of styles that incorporates natural and synthetic products.
Check out the full range of BIRKENSTOCKS available at Stuarts of London, where you will find classic styles for both men and women in various colours to suit your Summer ensembles. From classic BIRKENSTOCK staples, such as the Arizona, to the Kyoto Nubuck, which is perfect for your upcoming summer holiday – you are sure to find the perfect pair of BIRKENSTOCKS at Stuarts.
