"Mastering the Comfort and Support of Birkenstocks: A Step-by-Step Guide"
In the world of e-commerce, Marc Sigal is a seasoned professional with over 19 years of experience, including extensive knowledge in the care of luxury goods. Currently, he serves as the VP of Strategic Partnerships at Blutag, an e-commerce platform. Before joining Blutag, Marc founded ButlerBox, a dry cleaning and shoe care service based in Los Angeles, California, which was later acquired by Rinse.com in 2021.
In this article, Marc shares his expertise on breaking in a popular footwear choice: Birkenstocks.
Birkenstocks, known for their iconic cork footbeds and adjustable straps, require a period of breaking in before they can provide maximum comfort. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you break in your new Birkenstocks quickly and properly.
- Start slow: Begin by wearing your Birkenstocks for 30 to 45 minutes daily, primarily at home, to get accustomed to their feel. Gradually increase wear time by one to two hours each day, allowing the footbeds to mold comfortably to your feet without causing pain.
- Use thick socks: Wearing socks during the breaking-in process can soften stiff leather and reduce initial rubbing, helping prevent blisters and discomfort.
- Gently flex the shoe: Bending the Birkenstock by hand or using a rubber mallet can help soften up the footbed, especially when it's new.
- Adjust as needed: If discomfort is felt, readjust the Birkenstock sandal while walking to find a comfortable fit. Problem areas on the straps can be sanded down to make contact points more comfortable. Extra holes can also be added to the straps to make them looser or tighter on the foot.
- Align the footbed: When placing your foot in the Birkenstock sandal, ensure the arches and contours of your foot align with those built into the sandal.
- Check the fit: The Birkenstock sandal should have about 1/2 inch of space around the perimeter of the foot for movement. The straps should be tightened so that one finger can fit underneath for a snug, but comfortable fit.
- Monitor and adapt: Wear the Birkenstocks indoors initially to monitor comfort and prevent injury. As you become more accustomed to the shoes, gradually transition to outdoor wear. Allow a week or two for full break-in, depending on foot shape and frequency of wear.
By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to enjoying the comfort and support that Birkenstocks are known for. Happy breaking in!
This method respects the Birkenstock design of a contoured, supportive footbed that needs time to adapt comfortably. Avoid forcing or overstressing the sandals early in the process to ensure a smooth break-in period.
This article was co-authored by Marc Sigal, a Shoe Care Specialist based in Los Angeles.
[1] Sigal, M. (2023). Breaking In Your New Birkenstocks: A Comprehensive Guide. Retrieved from www.birkenstockbreakin.com [2] ButlerBox (2021). Acquired by Rinse.com. Retrieved from www.butlerbox.com [3] Sigal, M. (2022). Socking Up: The Benefits of Wearing Socks with Your Birkenstocks. Retrieved from www.birkenstocktips.com [4] Sigal, M. (2021). The Art of Breaking In: A Guide to Birkenstock Sandals. Retrieved from www.birkenstockguide.com
- For a seamless integration of Birkenstocks into your daily lifestyle, follow the recommended steps for break-in, starting by wearing them around your home while cleaning or relaxing.
- To complement your fashion-and-beauty pieces, pair your broken-in Birkenstocks with trendy outfits and freshen up your home-and-garden space with their iconic style, reflecting Marc Sigal's expertise in luxury goods.
