Why Do Birkenstocks Hurt My Inner Arch? (Complete Guide)

Why Do Birkenstocks Hurt My Inner Arch? (Complete Guide)

Most people say Birkenstocks provide heavenly comfort. So, I was tempted to try them for myself. Unfortunately, the good impressions didn’t last. Soon enough after wearing the sandals, my inner archers were hurting and I was limping.

When I talked to others, I found out that this is normal. Birkenstocks take some time to get used to. But when you do, they are one of the most comfortable and healthiest sandals to wear. I’m glad I waited. The Birks don’t hurt my inner arches anymore.

So, is the pain worth it? Are Birkenstocks really good for your feet? How can you stop them from hurting your feet? You will get answers to these questions and many more. Stay tuned to find out.

Why Do Birkenstocks Hurt the Inside of My Feet?

There may be several reasons behind your feet hurting from Birkenstocks. Shoes that try to support foot arch will hurt the inside of your feet. If you have flat feet or low arches, your feet will need more adjusting to the new sandals. 

Your normal gait cycle changes when you start wearing Birkenstocks. This change process is painful. Maybe your feet are underused and weak. When you wear Birkenstocks, the sudden strain on your feet causes pain. 

If you continue to wear Birkenstocks regularly and correctly, the pain should go away. If you still feel pain, stop wearing it and consult an MD.

You can read our article, why do birkenstocks hurt my feet?

Is It Normal for Birkenstocks to Hurt?

Yes, it is quite normal for Birkenstocks to hurt your feet. The manufacturers know the sandals hurt in the beginning. They say that Birkenstocks ensure your feet develop a healthy shape. So, if your feet have a bad shape, they will hurt more. But eventually, the pain subsides.

You can read our article, Birkenstocks giving me blisters.

How Long Does It Take for Birkenstock to Break In?

Birkenstocks are designed to mold to the shape of your feet. So, it requires a bit more time in the break-in process. If you can endure the pain and wear the sandals regularly, the sandal should be completely broken in within 2-3 weeks. 

The softer footbed versions of Birkenstocks take 3-4 days less. If you’re in a hurry, you can opt for them.

You can read our article, Birkenstock arch blister.

How to Stop Birkenstocks from Hurting Your Inner Arches?

Many people give up wearing Birkenstocks because of the pain. They miss out on the comfort of the sandals that come after the pair are worn in properly. So, here are some tips to help ease the pain in your inner arches from wearing Birkenstocks so you don’t give up.

Shop the Soft Footbed Collection

Birkenstocks come in mainly two variations- the regular footbed collection and the softer footbed collection. The softer version is still sturdier than regular sandals and needs to be broken in properly before regular usage. However, you can try out these sandals if the regular footbed hurts your feet too much.

Soak the Birkenstocks in Water

You can either get a soft footbed version or the regular footbed version. But both versions of Birkenstocks can be soaked in water. You can put the sandals in a bowl of water and leave it there for 30-40 minutes.  The water will soften the rubber material making it mold to your feet faster. 

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Do podiatrists recommend Birkenstocks?

Yes, Birkenstocks are podiatrist-approved sandals. The podiatrists like the sandals for the deep heel cup design. The cork sole in the sandals provides extra comfort. 

Podiatrists recommend Birkenstocks because of the longitudinal arches. These arches are good for people with arch pain and flat foot.

2. Who Should Not Wear Birkenstocks?

People with wide feet should not wear Birkenstocks. The sandals’ toe boxes are not spacious enough for wide feet. Also, people looking for instant comfort should stay away from Birkenstocks as they need a lot of time to get used to them. 

Birkenstocks are not ideal for athletes. They should wear recovery sandals like OOFOS when they are injured. In order to protect the shape of their foot for different sports, they should avoid Birkenstocks.

3. Are Birkenstocks bad for high arches?

No. Actually, the Birkenstocks Arizona High Arch collection is really good for high arches. Many brands fail at making sandals for high arches. Birkenstocks have nailed their high arch sandals. 

The extra support in the footbed topography reduces unnecessary strain on your foot. The heel cup is deeper compared to the regular versions for accommodating the high arches. This results in better weight distribution and more clearance to the ball of the foot.

Just remember all models are not good for high arches. Shop the high arch collection for the best results. 

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