Gina Mama’s Custom Made Birkenstocks: Handcrafted Footbeds by Michelangelo for the Perfect Fit

gina mama's custom made birkenstocks

My First Pair of Custom Made Birkenstocks

I am now the proud owner of my very first pair of CUSTOM MADE BIRKENSTOCKS!!  As you may recall, Michelangelo, at Custom Made Birkenstocks, has customized Birkenstocks for me in the past.  I wrote about that collaboration in the blog,  My First Pair of Custom Birkenstocks.  So, how is this most recent custom pair different than the Ferrari Red Arizonas that Michelangelo made me in 2019?   The Ferrari Red Arizonas were created with hand cut leather uppers and made with standard Birkenstock footbeds.  My new pair have CUSTOM footbeds, meaning that the footbeds were handcrafted to match the shape of my feet.   Whaaaaaaaaaat?  Custom footbeds????  Yup, you read that correct....custom footbeds!!  Custom footbeds are a real and they are frickin' awesome!!!!!!!!!

Meeting Michelangelo: The Master Behind Custom Footbeds

About two weeks before the pandemic had Californians sheltering in place, I had the good fortune of meeting Michelangelo for dinner in Novato, CA.  He was on a business trip to California to meet with the good folks at Birkenstock USA.   Michelangelo set aside some time on his trip to meet with me and it was during this encounter that we came up with the idea to make Gina Mama custom footbeds.    ​

Dinner With Michelangelo: The Master of Custom Birkenstocks

Meeting Michelangelo in Novato, CA, wearing my Ferrari Red Arizonas — the collaboration that sparked the idea for my custom footbeds.

From Foam Impressions to Perfect Fit

Ok, I lied.  It wasn't "our" idea, it was totally his idea.  Before I even had a chance to say hello and shake his hand, he was walking  up to meet me with a foam box to take an impression of my feet.  Below is a picture of Michelangelo holding the impression of my feet.

Creating Foot Impressions for Custom Footbeds

Michelangelo used a foam box to take exact impressions of my feet — the first step toward building truly custom Birkenstocks.

The process of making the impression was quite simple, albeit a little messy.  When I looked down at the impression of my feet, I was shocked by how wide my foot appeared.  No wonder I cannot wear narrow width Birkenstocks for a entire day, just look at this:

Why Narrow Birkenstocks Don’t Work for Me

My foam imprint revealed just how wide my foot is, explaining why I can’t wear narrow-width Birkenstocks comfortably.

After our meeting in February 2020, he took the foam box back to his office and made a cast of my feet from the impressions.  Then Michelangelo would prepare custom Birkenstock cork footbeds.

Custom Cast Footbeds in Progress

Michelangelo turned the foam impressions into a cast, ready to be transformed into my one-of-a-kind cork footbeds. This a picture he sent while making them.

Michelangelo Crafting My Custom Birkenstock Footbeds

Michelangelo hand making my custom footbed. Every detail of my custom footbeds was handmade, ensuring perfect support and alignment. Photo by Custom Made Birkenstocks

Personalized Cast for My Custom Birks

The cast made from my foot impression even had my name on it — proof of a completely custom fit. Photo by Custom Made Birkenstocks

Why Custom Footbeds Change Everything

From my Instagram posts, Michelangelo had noticed that I wear my Birkenstocks a little big.  The reason that I do this is because I prefer where the arch support hits my foot in a size 38 vs a size 37.  I have tried size 37s, and while the length is ideal, I simply cannot tolerate the arch in the wrong spot (for me).

Knowing this, Michelangelo sent me two pairs of footbeds to "try on" for size.  One was the same length as a size 38 footbed and the other was a tad bit shorter.   He asked me to take a picture standing on each pair, to determine which would work better for my custom Arizonas.  I selected the one with less length and he agreed!!  They felt incredible.

Test Fitting Two Custom Footbeds

Michelangelo sent me two versions of custom footbeds to determine the perfect fit before building my sandals.

The proper width of my foot with the length of a size 38 Birkenstock

Same width as the image on the left with a little of the length shaved off

With custom footbeds, the arch will always be in the proper spot, since the footbed is made from an impression of your own foot.  This meant that Michelangelo could shave off a little length of my custom footbeds to give me a better fit.  In other words, it is like having a size 38 in a regular width footbed, paired with the length of a size 37 footbed.  How awesome is that?

I don't have an image of my foot in a size 37 regular Birkenstock to illustrate the difference. But, the image below shows my foot on the ​​ custom footbed versus a size 38 narrow Birkenstock.  While I prefer the length in a size 38 narrow, my foot is just too damn wide to wear a narrow all day (remember the image above of the foam box -- very W I D E).  That's why I opt for 38 regulars.  I can live with a little extra length on the footbed because it allows my tootsies to breathe.

Custom footbed vs narrow width Birkenstock. I prefer the length of a narrow Birkenstock but not the width. These custom footbeds give me the best of both worlds -- proper width and superb length!!!!

Designing My Dream Pair: Leather, Buckles, and Details

While my two pairs of custom footbeds were making their way back to Illinois, Michelangelo was already getting started on hand cutting the leather that I selected for this project.   I asked for matching suede top liners and selected rose gold buckles for this custom pair.  Here are some images of his work:

Choosing Leather and Rose Gold Buckles

I handpicked the leather and buckles for my custom Arizonas — opting for rose gold accents. Photo by Custom Made Birkenstocks

Handcut leather uppers and hole punched leather

The hand cut Arizona straps. Photo by Custom Made Birkenstocks

I selected Rose gold buckles on the left vs silver on the right

Hand cut Arizona straps and Selection of buckle colors. Photo by Custom Made Birkenstocks

Hand cut Arizona straps and Selection of buckle colors.   

Custom cork footbeds wrapped in matching suede for a seamless, luxurious finish. Photo by Custom Made Birkenstocks

Custom cork footbeds taking shape in matching suede for an exquisite appearance

Suede wrapped footbeds. Photo by Custom Made Birkenstocks

Unboxing Joy: Custom Birkenstocks Arrive Just in Time

In just a few short weeks, I had my very own pair of CUSTOM MADE BIRKENSTOCKS!!  The box arrived the day before my birthday.  I waited a day to open them and it was soooooo hard to wait.  But patience is a virtue.  Quarantined birthdays suck and the only thing that can make a lockdown birthday better is a brand new pair of Birkenstocks!  ​

Birthday Surprise: My Custom Made Birks Arrive

Look at my baby toes, they are loving life with so much room to breathe! Delivered just before my birthday, my new custom Birkenstocks made quarantine a little brighter.

Living in My Custom Birks: Comfort Beyond Compare

I love my custom pair of Birkenstocks.  They never required a break-in period since the footbed is already formed to the shape of my foot.   Plus, the straps do not give me hot spots because the width fits perfectly.  My custom footbeds do not have a toe bar or ridge around the toe and heel areas.   It took a little time to get use to the missing toe bar.  And the "missing" ridge on the footbed is purely an aesthetic difference that I quickly looked past.

Family of Arizona sandals wearers and my Custom Made Birkenstocks

I've got the coolest Birks in this group! Thanks to the personalized footbeds, my custom Arizonas fit perfectly — no break-in required.

What’s Next for My Custom Birkenstock Collection?

I am so pleased with my custom pair of Birkenstocks, that I am already coming up with ideas for my next pair.  Remember Michelangelo sent me two custom footbeds to try on??  Well, I would not want that second pair to go to waste!  I have some ideas, they might be a little wild, and he might have to rein me back in, but I guarantee that I will be ordering my next pair before this damn pandemic ends.

Custom vs. Standard Birkenstock Footbeds

I love my Custom Made Birkenstocks -- they fit perfectly

How to Order Your Own Custom Made Birkenstocks

Are you interested in a custom pair of Birkenstocks?  If so, I highly recommend Michelangelo at Custom Made Birkenstocks.  He will guide you through the process like the true professional that he is and he will toss in a few jokes for a little laughter too!!   Give him a call at (708) 453-4900 and tell him Gina Mama sent you.  Below is his contact information from his webpage:

If you could customize a pair of Birkenstocks, what would you choose?  Send me an email and let me know.  I would love to hear from you.

Birkenstock Customization, Care & Recrafting: Your Ultimate Guide to Authentic Comfort and Style

Take a stroll through my Birkenstock blog archive for inspiration, shoe-care know-how, and stories from a lifelong devotee of authentic Birks.  Discover how Michelangelo at Custom Made Birkenstocks / Repair My Birkenstocks can expertly recraft your sandals, explore the world of custom footbeds designed for a perfect fit, or try your hand at DIY upgrades using Angelus paints, Glitterlites, and Tarrago creams. 

Frustrated with quality issues and narrow-only collabs, I explain in My First Pair of Custom Birks, how turned to Michelangelo at Custom Made Birkenstocks for dream Ferrari-red and luxe leopard Arizonas—flawless, monogrammed, diva-worthy pairs that prove custom “Michelangelos” are the ultimate way to get Birks in your perfect color or print.   In Giving Thanks to Custom Made Birkenstocks, I share how a long-time dream of custom shoes came true when Michelangelo crafted her Gold Crocodile Gizehs, blending Birkenstock comfort with impeccable artistry.

Whether you’re curious about Birkenstock customization, spotting counterfeit pairs, or simply making your favorites last for decades, these posts offer step-by-step guidance to restore, personalize, and preserve your investment.  From rare recrafts to imaginative one-of-a-kind styles, my blogs celebrate both timeless craftsmanship and everyday comfort.

Still want more?  Check out Sandy’s Guest Blog featuring her bold multi-strap Mayaris, or dive into Birkenstock Diva and Magical Red Glitterlites to see how I turned “Pepto-pink” mishaps into dazzling showpieces.   Vintage Birkenstocks Recrafted walks you through saving discontinued treasures, while White Sole Birkenstocks shares my honest review on fashion vs. function.   If cozy warmth is your thing, Shearling Lined Birkenstocks: Part 2 proves why shearling-lined options are worth every cent—especially when paired with the iconic support that makes Birkenstocks legendary.


Beyond the blog I’ve got a full Videos page where you’ll find reviews, recraft projects, and fun lifestyle clips.  Whether you’re looking to extend the life of your sandals, explore new designs, or just celebrate all things Birk, my site is your go-to guide.

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Cheers to Custom Comfort: Celebrating My One-of-a-Kind Birkenstocks.  Come Say hello to Gina Mama on Instagram!

Toasting to style and comfort in my custom-made Birkenstocks Handcrafted footbeds, perfect fit, and endless Birk love. Want more behind-the-scenes stories and rare Birkenstock moments? Follow me on Instagram @ilovebirkenstocks for all things Birk!

Lockdown Style: Custom Birkenstocks & Six Feet Apart Follow me on my private FB group

April 2020 lockdown vibes—rocking my custom-made Birkenstocks while keeping six feet apart in style. Even during quarantine, comfort and individuality mattered most. Want more behind-the-scenes looks at my Birkenstock journey? Join me in my private Facebook group for exclusive stories, style inspo, and community fun!

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