Birkenstocks abroad - Is it a problem? - Mumsnet (2024)

FAQs

Do people in Europe wear Birkenstock? ›

Style. Birkenstocks are a favorite among female travelers because they are deemed not only comfortable, but also very stylish. These shoes are popular with women exploring fashionable European cities as they are cute and understated, allowing you to wear them with a variety of different outfits.

"They're really good for if you have a flat foot or you have arch pain, because they have a supportive longitudinal arch. But I would recommend them to most people — unless you have some kind of severe ailment that obviously needs a more personalized approach."

All in all, if you're looking for the best sandals for Europe, you absolutely cannot go wrong with the Birkenstock Arizona.

Birkenstocks are a fantastic option for walking as they're supportive, prevent pronation of the foot (which helps support the ankle), and they're also shock absorbing. The cork/latex blend in the footbed is pliable and reacts to natural body warmth.

"Normal" French women would wear comfortable shoes, flats, such as Bensimon, Tods, or some kind of sandals or ballerinas. Birkenstocks and Crocs were fashionable for a short while, but they are not typical of what a French woman would wear.

Birkenstock are not to everyone's taste but they are excellent walking shoes and are popular in Italy with tourists and locals alike.

Besides weakening your foot musculature, the intense arch support and thick sole in a Birkenstock also limits your foot mobility.

For years, the stereotype was that the thick and chunky slide-on sandal was beloved by lesbians across the globe. Now though, that's definitely not the case. Today, Birkenstocks can be worn by anyone, without anyone thinking anything about that person's sexuality.

Birkenstocks are often popular sandals for plantar fasciitis runners for this reason—the cork molds to your foot's shape and reduces strain on your arch by providing firm, rigid support along the length of your foot.

While my Birkenstocks are undeniably comfy, it turns out they aren't exactly TSA-approved and my metal buckles had set off security. Now, I had to trod back, toss my shoes on the conveyor belt and barefooted (yep) go back through the checkpoint.

Why are Birkenstocks so uncomfortable at first? ›

They will not be extremely comfortable when you first wear them as they have not moulded to your feet and adapted to your walking pattern. Wearing them in slowly will allow them to become more comfortable, flexible and will give your feet time to get used to the contoured footbed/arch support.

The best part of Birkenstocks (EVA or regular) is how they mold to the shape of your foot, making them become your perfect sandal with incredible arch support.

While Birkenstocks are not meant for water, they will not be ruined if they get wet…...within reason. Should you get caught in a downpour, or get pushed into a pool with them on, just put them in a corner at room temperature and let them air dry naturally. Don't put them in the sun. Don't try to blow dry them.

If you notice that the sole and tread on your Birkenstocks is wearing down evenly to roughly less than 1cm (when the tread pattern of the soles can no longer be seen) then it is time for a sole replacement.

Fit the straps too loose, and your foot will slide around more on the footbed, affecting arch placement, support, and comfort. We have found over the years that it is best to have a relatively snug fit on your Birk straps, and the key is finding a happy medium between stability on the foot and comfort.

Yes, you can wear shorts and sandals while traveling in Europe, but you might get some funny looks from locals. In general, Europeans dress a bit more formally than Americans, so shorts and sandals may not be considered appropriate attire in some situations.

Sturdy sandals with thicker soles, like Birkenstocks, are the best option for gallivanting around the beach towns and the cities. Espadrilles and sneakers are also easy and breezy options. Flip-flops are fine, but they're not typically worn beyond the beach.

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