Do these shoes mold to my feet? The Birkenstock footbed is made of resilient cork and latex that is precisly molded to create the best possible enviroment for your feet. As you wear them, they actually adapt to your feet-and vice versa-which means that the more time you spend in Birkenstocks the more comfortable they become. Why do the straps feel so loose? Shouln''t they be tighter? Birkenstocks are meant to be worn loosely. Support comes from the footbed not tightly secured straps. Wearing them loosly allows your feet to move hikingsocks naturally. It also improves circulation. Backstraps worn to tightly push the feet forward, preventing them from resting naturally in the footbeds. Why do the soles feel so firm? Is there a break in period? Some people find Birkenstocks immediately comfortable. For others, it takes a few hours a day for a week or two to break them in. Although the shoes may feel ridgid at times, remember that the firm support is essential for the orthotic benifits of Birkenstocks. They will become more flexible hikingsocks with wear. The uppers will become more supple and the footbeds will adjust slightly to your feet. If your feet are unaccustomed to the contour footbed, start gradually. Wear your Birkenstocks no more than 1-2 hours a day for 7-14 days.

What is the difference between Nar, Med and Reg ? footwear comes in different widths. Most styles come in Narrow and Regular. The Narrow fits Narrow to Medium width feet. The Regular fits Medium to Wider width feet. Some styles only come in hikingsocks Medium width. The Medium is in the middle of Narrow and Regular , it fits most people but if you have a very narrow or very wide foot it may not work for you. Marakesh Navy/Off White Embossed Nubuck. Nautical thong with nubuck uppers, suede liners, shock absorbing EVA soles. Papillio hikingsocks Collection Masai Rust Antique Leather. Simple, single strap slip on, with adjustable laces,leather uppers, cork latex footbed, shock absorbing EVA soles. From the Papillio Collection. The Classic Footbed is the base for the Birkenstock concept and hikingsocks can be found in most of our original styles. The anatomically arched Birkenstock footbed is molded in a way that the body weight is distributed evenly across the entire base of the foot. Foot problems to the foot from unilateral or uneven pressures can be prevented by our footbed system. The foot is maintained in its natural shape and the natural walking motion is supported in every step.

The real test of good shoes is their everyday endurance over an extended period of time. I live on the mean streets of New York and The City is notorious for destroying shoes! We walk everywhere and curbs and steps and bike messengers and busses and grime and doggy dung all help promote the early death of many a pair of shoes. I''ll update this review as time goes (second brown sandal from the left) and I must say they are better in every way than the old leather version I used to wear during my university days. I say this not from the point of view of a Vegan, but from the eye of a newfound window of extreme comfort. Let me explain. The Birkenstock Non-Leather Alternatives sandals are 50% lighter than the leather version and they''re softer and silkier on your foot, too! Here''s why: Birko-Flor. Birko-Flor synthetic uppers are made of acrylic and polyamid (a polymercontaining repeated amide groups, as found in nylon) felt fibers. hikingsocks Birko-Flor is an oil-derivative and its polymid fibers are tightly spun to create a soft fabric that rides against your foot while a smooth, leather-like, finish brags on the outside. This combination makes for a super-strong, sharp-looking and soft sandal!Birko-Flor will not stretch, it is waterproof (beware that since it "breathes" it will take awhile to entirely dry) and they''re cheaper than the leather versions without looking cheap.

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