The Difference Between Birkenstock Footbeds: Soft, Regular & Shearling Compared

Originally posted May 15, 2025.
Updated October 2025 with shearling lined footbed info and FAQ section.

Birkenstock Soft Footbed vs Regular (Original) Footbed vs Shearling Lined (FUR) Footbed— Which Birkenstock Footbed Is Best for You?

Birkenstocks aren’t just sandals — they’re a lifestyle.  But when it comes to comfort, many people wonder about the difference between Birkenstock footbeds.  Should you go with the original (regular) footbed (sometimes called hard footbed) or the soft footbed?  And what about shearling-lined Birkenstocks?

As someone who’s been wearing and writing about Birkenstocks for years, I’ve tested them all.  In this guide, I’ll break down the key differences between soft footbed vs regular (and even shearling footbeds), plus share my personal experience so you can choose your perfect fit

Birkenstock Footbed Comparison — Original vs Soft vs Shearling-Lined

Side-by-side visual comparison of three red Birkenstock Boston clogs showing the differences between the Original (Regular) Footbed, Soft Footbed, and Shearling-Lined Footbed. Each style offers distinct comfort levels, cushioning, and warmth — helping you choose the perfect pair for your lifestyle.

Birkenstocks are a big ticket item when it comes to footwear.  I spent an enormous amount of time researching this brand last year while deciding on whether or not to invest in a pair of Birkenstock sandals.  I read hundreds of reviews.  Reviewers  were  commenting on “soft footbed” Birkenstocks.  Some people loved the soft footbed (easier to break in), other people did not (not as much arch support).  Soft footbed Birkenstocks?!  Tell me more.
 
Nothing about the Birkenstocks I owned in the 90s were  “soft” in terms of the footbed.  This new term intrigued me.  My research continued.  I came across a great article, by Rebecca Mead, on the history of the Birkenstock brand in The New Yorker.  In this article, Rebecca Mead explains that Birkenstock introduced the soft footbed in 2000. ​

Birkenstock Original Footbed vs Soft Footbed

Here is the definition of soft footbed from Birkenstock USA: “a foam layer is inserted between the cork layer and the suede liner of the classic Birkenstock footbed. This layer features an extremely high degree of rebound capacity which permits long-lasting cushioning.”
 
Birkenstock has an entire page dedicated to explaining their original and soft footbeds.  Please review this helpful page before deciding which might work best for you.

Curious how soft footbeds compare to shearling-lined styles? Read my full review in Shearling/Fur Birkenstocks and Shearling Lined Birkenstocks Part 2.

What Is the Birkenstock Original Footbed?

Here’s a picture of an original footbed from Birkenstock

Birkenstock describes each part of the foot bed as:

1 - More Toe Room
Allows toes to move naturally, which promotes better balance and correct foot alignment
 
2 - Raised Toe Bar
Encourages natural gripping motion of your feet
 
3 - Contoured Footbed
Four arches ensure even weight distribution and proper posture
 
4 - Deep Heel Cup
Cradles the heel and keeps natural cushioning right under the heel bone
 
5 - Shock Absorbing Sole
Flexible, durable and lightweight
 
6 - Jute Fibers
Two layers – one wicks away moisture, the other adds strength
 
7 - Cork Footbed
Firm, resilient cork/latex base for maximum support
 
8 - Footbed Liner
Soft suede keeps your feet comfortable and dry
 

What Is the Birkenstock Soft Footbed?

This picture from Birkenstock shows the soft footbed:

Arizona Model

Per Birkenstock:

1 - Suede Leather Lining
 
2 - Extra Layer of Foam
 
3 - Upper Jute Layer
 
4 - Cork-Latex Core
 
5 - Lower Jute Layer
 
6 - EVA Outsole

Could an extra layer of foam make a great shoe even better?  I had to find out. 
 
It was difficult to find a pair of soft footbed Birkenstocks locally.  Most local stores like Nordstrom and REI only carried narrow width Birkenstocks for women.  It’s unfortunate for those of us with a wider width foot who would prefer to support a local business.  I turned to the internet.  Thankfully Birkenstock and Footwise (formerly Birkenstock Express) carry a number of styles in narrow and regular width and provide several options in terms of original vs soft footbed.

I ordered the Arizona style with a soft footbed in my size and they fit like a glove.  The extra layer of foam certainly made it easy to wear this shoe right out of the box.  They felt amazing and I didn’t want to take them off. 

A few months later I wanted to try another style. 

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What is a Shearling Lined Footbed?

Birkenstock shearling footbeds pair the classic cork-latex foundation with a layer of genuine lambskin for extra warmth and comfort.  These fuzzy footbeds deliver that signature Birkenstock arch support while adding a soft, slipper-like feel — perfect for chilly mornings or cozy indoor wear.

Birkenstock Shearling-Lined Footbed Insoles — Genuine Lambskin Comfort

Top view of Birkenstock shearling-lined footbed insole in size 38. These genuine lambskin-covered cork footbeds deliver cozy warmth, plush cushioning, and signature Birkenstock arch support — slip into any closed toe brand shoe for Birkenstock comfort.

Gina Mama's Birkenstock Footbed Comparison chart: originalvs soft vs shearling 

Gina Mama’s Birkenstock Footbed Comparison Chart — Original vs Soft vs Shearling-Lined footbeds, showing differences in comfort, break-in time, arch support, and best uses for each style.

The Difference Between Birkenstock Footbeds: Soft, Regular & Shearling Compared on Youtube

Gizeh Model

What Is the Birkenstock Original Footbed?

I purchased a pair of Gizeh’s in blue with the original footbed.  The original footbed was much stiffer right out of the box and it took me about 2 weeks before these felt like they were custom made for my foot.  One thing I learned with my purchases it that I wear the same size shoe in the original and the soft footbed.

I have come to my own conclusions about which footbed I like best.  My preference of footbed may be different compared to your preference. 

What Is the Birkenstock Soft Footbed?

I find the soft footbed is easier to wear right out of the box.  The toe bar is much less pronounced with the extra layer of foam.  The break in time is far less than that of an original footbed Birkenstock.  However,  I find that the soft footbed does not conform to my foot as well as that of an original footbed Birkenstock.  The original footbed provides me with more arch support compared to my soft footbed Birkenstocks.

Want to understand how different upper materials change the feel?  Check out my post Leather vs Suede Birkenstocks for a deeper dive.
 
My Personal Experience Wearing Both

I love all my Birkenstock shoes despite the type of footbed.  My feet tend to crave the original footbed.  I usually wear my Gizehs when  I will be spending a lot of time walking.  In the evenings, I slip comfortably into my soft footbed Birkenstocks and wear these as slippers.  Both footbeds are amazing and will likely provide more overall foot support than any other shoe you have ever worn.
 
Which Birkenstock Footbed Is Right for You?

I highly recommend taking your time to slowly break in your Birkenstock shoes (more to come on another post).  Give them time and they will probably become your most comfortable pair of shoes -- ever.
 
We all have different shapes and sizes of feet, so what might work best for me, may not for someone else.  What is true for everyone who wears Birkenstock shoes, be it the original footbed or the soft footbed, is that the shoe becomes more comfortable with time. 

Final Thoughts on Soft vs Original Footbeds

Original footbed or soft footbed, the choice is yours.  Give them a try and let me know how you like them.  It is safe to say -- in either footbed -- that I Love Birkenstocks!

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Watch: Shearling-Lined Birkenstocks Up Close — Boston, Arizona & Uppsala Review (updated 2025)

Step into cozy season with me as I walk through my shearling-lined Birkenstock collection.  In this video, I share real-life sizing tips (regular vs. narrow), break-in advice, and care basics while comparing the Boston clogs, Arizona sandals, and Uppsala boots.  No Zermatts here—they’re just not my vibe—but you’ll still get a full look at how each style stacks up for warmth, cushion, and support.

If you love honest Birkenstock reviews, hit Subscribe on my YouTube channel for more comfort guides and collection insights.

Watch: Shearling-Lined Birkenstocks Video Review — Boston, Arizona & Zermatt & UPPSALA Compared

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Your Birkenstock Footbed Questions Answered: Soft vs Regular vs Shearling

If you’ve ever wondered which Birkenstock footbed is right for you—Soft Footbed, Regular, or Shearling—this FAQ breaks down the differences in cushioning, arch support, and overall fit. Each answer comes from my firsthand experience wearing, testing, and loving Birkenstocks for years.​

What is the difference between Birkenstock Soft Footbed and Regular Footbed?
The Soft Footbed adds a thin foam cushion above the cork-latex base for extra comfort and faster break-in. The Regular (Original) Footbed is firmer, offering stronger arch support and a more custom feel the longer you wear them.

What are shearling-lined Birkenstock footbeds?
Shearling-lined Birkenstock footbeds feature genuine lambskin or wool fleece layered over the classic cork-latex base for added warmth and softness. They offer the same contoured support as the original footbed but with a plush, cozy feel that’s perfect for cold weather — combining the comfort of slippers with the structure of traditional Birkenstocks.  In other words, furry and fuzzy Birkenstocks  feel like slippers but keep the classic support of the Original Footbed — perfect for fall and winter comfort.
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Which Birkenstock footbed is best for beginners?
Most beginners find the Soft Footbed more comfortable right out of the box, while long-time wearers often prefer the Regular Footbed for its stronger support and classic feel.

Are there shearling-lined Birkenstocks with Soft Footbeds?
Currently, Birkenstock does not offer shearling-lined sandals or clogs with a Soft Footbed. Shearling footbeds are based on the Original Footbed design with a plush lining for warmth.  Though I would volunteer to test out a prototype if Birkenstock sent me a pair (wink, wink).

Discover More Birkenstock Tips, Comparisons, and Care Guides

Want to know which footbed I swear by?  Here’s a hint: comfort is everything. 👣  If you’re diving deep into the world of cozy, fuzzy Birkenstocks, don’t stop at one blog! I’ve shared my honest experiences, reviews, and style insights across multiple posts that every true Birkenstock lover should read. Start with Shearling-Lined Birkenstocks: The Cozy, Furry, Fuzzy, Must-Have for Fall & Winter Comfort—where I break down fit, sizing, care, and why shearling-lined Bostons are my forever favorite.  Don't forget check out my first ever blog about fuzzy birks in Birkenstock Shearling Lined Shoes .  It showcases my full journey from UGGs to Birkenstock shearling boots, and how I found true comfort with arch support that lasts.  In Shearling Lined Birkenstocks: Part 2, I revisit early skepticism, share how the quality has improved, and explain why Custom Made Birkenstocks changed the game for me.

If closed-toe shoes are more your vibe, Birkenstock Shoes explores the hits and misses of sneakers and lace-ups, while Birkenstock Boots walks through the brand’s best (and not-so-best) cold-weather options.  For style inspiration, Socks & Stocks settles the great debate—yes, you can wear socks with Birks!—and Birkenstock & Men proves that guys can totally rock them too. Finally, Young & Old Love To Wear Birkenstocks is a heartwarming reminder that comfort knows no age limit.

While you’re here, you might enjoy some of my other Birkenstock deep dives.  Maybe you’re weighing leather vs. vegan uppers to see which best fits your lifestyle.  I’ve also put together guides on iconic Birkenstock styles like Arizonas and Bostons, plus easy tips for caring for your sandals so they’ll last for years.  If your straps feel stiff, check out my post on breaking in leather Birks.  And for a little fun, don’t miss my Birkenstock & Tequila comparison to learn about how Papillio fits into the Birkenstock Family or my review of Exquisite Leather.  New here?  Start with my beginner’s guide to Stepping Into Your First Pair for everything on sizing, widths, and fit.

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