Top 10 Birkenstock Mistakes

When I am out and about, I always  notice when people are wearing Birkenstocks.  I often joke that I can spot a Birkenstock a mile away.  I live in Berkeley, so I see lots of people wearing Birks.  In fact, if you are not wearing Birkenstocks when walking around Berkeley, people might look at you weirdly.

If you have ever visited Berkeley, then you know that weird things are a daily occurrence.  Seeing naked people attend class at Cal or protestors sleeping in dead trees to prevent them from being cut down,  is just another "normal" day in "Berzerkeley".   I just roll my eyes and move along. 

But, when I see people around town sporting Birkenstocks in all the wrong ways, ​ it takes everything in my will power to not say something.  Afterall, who is Gina Mama to make a suggestion about how one should wear his/her Birkenstocks?  

I have seen a lot of crazy things living in the Bay Area.  But, what really drives me nutso is when folks aren't wearing their Birkenstocks as they were designed to be worn.

Top 10 Birkenstock Mistakes that I have seen other people make:

10. Wearing the wrong size Birkenstocks.  Either too small or too big.    Need help finding the right size?  Go to an authorized Birkenstock retailer to buy your first pair and get fitted correctly.  This blog might help you.

9. Selecting the incorrect width.  Usually this means that someone opts for a narrow width Birkenstock when they really need a regular width.  How do you know a Birkenstock is too narrow?  Well, "spillage" occurs over the edges of the footbed.  Need more information about what I mean, check out my article that I wrote on this subject.

8. Straps are worn too tight.  Straps should be loose enough that your feet are able to move freely while you walk.  Check out this post that I created on how to properly adjust Birkenstock straps.

7. You don't give yourself enough time to break-in your Birkenstocks before you determine that they don't work for you.  How do you properly break-in Birkenstocks?  Easy, you follow the protocol that I created for you in this blog.

6. You get them wet and then lay them out in direct sunlight to dry.   First, don't get them wet.  Second, NEVER, EVER...EVER leave your Birkenstocks in the direct sunlight.  Why?  Read this to learn how to properly care for your Birkenstock footwear.

5. You wear the soles down all the way to the cork.  Don't do this.   Think of your soles as you would the tires on your car.  When the tread shows too much wear, get them resoled.  It doesn't cost too much and extends the life of your Birkenstocks.  How and where do you get Birks resoled?  Just call Michelangelo at Custom Made Birkenstocks, he does a fabulous job with resoling, repairs, and customization.

4. Authentic Birkenstocks are not purchased.  You decide to save a few bucks and purchase look-alike Birks or knowingly buy fakes.  Let me be the first to warn you not to do either.   Why?  Birkenstocks are worth every penny because over time they feel like custom made shoes.  

3. You don't reseal the cork when it begins to look dry and then complain that your Birkenstocks only lasted a few months.   A little TLC goes a long way when maintaining your Birks.  Resealing the cork on your sandals is super easy, here is a blog that I wrote with steps on how and when do to this.

2. You wait too long to purchase the pair you really, REALLY wanted and then they sell out in your size.  You need to remember that Birkenstock retires colors and styles fairly often.  So, if you see a seasonal release that catches your eye, then you need to snag it while you have the chance.  Otherwise, you will regret not doing so.

1. You wear socks with your Birkenstocks.  (Just kidding, to each his/her own.  I just personally wouldn't do it.)

As I stated before, I have seen lots of weird things walking around Berkeley.  But, nothing is as odd as seeing someone wear socks with their Birkenstocks!!!!  ​

Ok, I lied. I do wear socks with my Birks, but only when breaking-in a new pair.

What are some mistakes that you have seen other people make when it comes to Birkenstocks.  Send me a message with your observations.   I would love to hear from you.