Birkenstocks have made a name for themselves as timeless, fashionable and comfortable sandals. The orthotic support is the main reason people opt to buy Birkenstocks.
There are some problems with Birkenstocks. The natural footbed is not for everyone. Many people are saying they have developed blisters from wearing Birkenstocks. So, why do Birkenstocks cause blisters and what can you do to prevent them? I’m going to discuss all of these in this article.
Read the full article to find out. Let’s start.
➤ Is It Normal to Get Blisters from Birkenstocks?
Yes, it is pretty common for Birkenstocks to give you blisters. Many people have complained that they get blisters even after months of wearing Birkenstocks. Thankfully, there are ways to reduce or eliminate those blisters. I’m here to help you in this regard.
➤ Why Are My Birkenstocks Giving Me Blisters?
There may be various reasons behind this. Some mistakes on your side may be responsible for causing those blisters.
If you pick the wrong-sized sandal, you will feel uncomfortable. You need a little bit of time to get used to the Birks. Picking the wrong-sized pair will only make it difficult and cause discomfort.
You should also pay attention to the straps. They should not be too tight or too loose. If the straps are adjusted properly, you will get fewer blisters.
Birkenstocks are not ideal for long walks. If you walk a lot during the day, Birkenstocks are not a good choice as you will surely get blisters.
➤ How to Prevent Blisters from Wearing Birkenstocks
If you wear Birks long enough, you may get some blisters. But there are ways to significantly reduce them. I have some recommendations to reduce or prevent blisters from occurring.
1. Wear Socks
Yes, you can wear socks with Birkenstocks. Even podiatrists recommend wearing socks with Birkenstocks. When you are breaking in the sandals, I recommend you to wear thick socks. The socks will give you protection against roughness and prevent blisters.
2. Get the Right Size
Always pick the right size for your Birkenstocks. There are some common questions regarding the size. How much space should you have from the edges? Should there be any space at all? The answer depends on personal preferences.
Some people prefer a smaller fit to wrap up the shoe properly and some prefer a more relaxed fit. Decide what you prefer. I recommend you to leave about 10 mm of space from the edges.
Another recommendation is to pick a size that holds your heels comfortably in the heel cup. How would you ensure that? Make sure your toes barely touch the front edge of the shoe.
3. Bend the Shoe
You might want to break in your new Birkenstocks faster. But don’t rush too much. Besides, there are some other tricks to make the sandals more comfortable faster. Let me share a tip.
Unbuckle all the straps of the sandal. Now, you can gently bend the sandals inward and outward. This process increases the flexibility and comfortability of the footwear. Some people even use hammers to soften up the sandal. I don’t do that personally.
You can read our article, Birkenstocks hurt inner arch.
4. Adjust the Straps Properly
When you are first wearing Birkenstocks, don’t forget to adjust the straps. Start off by unbuckling the straps. Keep adjusting the straps unless the sandal fits the shape of your feet.
Here’s an important tip. Many people loosen up the straps to reduce blisters. This is the wrong approach. This doesn’t reduce blisters. The straps should never be too tight or too loose.
You need the sandals to be snug-fitting. Maintain a balance between comfort and stability.
You can read our article on Birkenstock squeaking.
5. Wear the Sandals Regularly
This is an obvious suggestion, The more you wear them, the better they will become. If you keep wearing the sandals regularly, they adjust to your feet more quickly and become more comfortable.
However, you might want to do it the right way. Follow all the suggestions I’m giving you. If not, you may get blisters even after months of wearing Birkenstocks.
6. Opt for Soft Cork Footbed Sandals
Birkenstocks are designed for even weight distribution for the entire feet. The sandals have an elevated footbed to protect your feet and offer better shock absorption. There are two types of Birkenstocks- one with regular footbeds, and one with softer footbeds.
The soft-footbed model has an extra layer of padding. It gives off a better cushion-like experience. The softer models are much more comfortable for wearing longer. They require a significantly lower break-in period as well.
The soft footbed models will cost a bit more than the regular ones. Birkenstocks with soft footbeds cost $120-$155 on average.
You can also read our article on are Birkenstocks good for Plantar Fasciitis? You can also read our article on solution to Birkenstock Arch Blister Problem.
➤ How Long Does It Take to Break in A Pair of Birkenstocks?
Birkenstocks take quite some time in the breaking-in process. It’s normal for the sandals to feel quite stiff initially. As you start wearing them, your feet get adjusted to the sandals.
Typically, Birkenstocks need 2-4 weeks to be broken in completely. Some minor deviations may occur from person to person.
➤ How Do I Break in My Birkenstocks Faster?
Birkenstocks can be quite stiff at the beginning. Unless you break them in, the sandals won’t feel comfortable. Fortunately, there are some interesting ways to break in Birkenstocks faster. Let’s talk about them.
The most common suggestion is to wear the Birks regularly. But take it slow. Start with 40-45 minutes of walking daily. Continue this for the first 2-3 days. I don’t recommend going longer as it may hurt your feet.
After that, start wearing your Birkenstocks longer. 1-2 hours of daily walking will do for a week or so. As you walk more, your feet get accustomed to the new sandals.
As you wear the sandals more, you will see your foot’s outline darken in the footbed. It’s a sign that the sandals are breaking in.
Birkenstocks have plenty of rubber. So, it’s ok to soak them in water to soften them up. Take a big bucket of water and soak the Birkenstocks for about 30-40 minutes. Be sure to dry them up before wearing them.
Summary
Birkenstocks can cause blisters. Luckily, there are ways to reduce them. Always pick the right size, wear socks with them and wear them regularly to prevent blisters. I have discussed some other suggestions to shorten the break-in period of Birkenstocks and prevent blisters. If cost is not a problem, get the soft footbed collection of Birks.
Thanks so much for reading. Hopefully, you have found this helpful.