Top 10 Birkenstock Mistakes | Avoid These Common Sandal Errors

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.  In The Top of My Feet Hurt post, I explain how new Birkenstock Arizona and Boston wearers often feel strap soreness during the 2–3 week break-in period, but with proper strap adjustment, short wear intervals, and patience, the leather softens, the footbed molds, and the sandals become perfectly comfortable.  

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 my to piece on How to Properly Care For Your Birkenstocks  to learn how with simple care—like sealing cork, cleaning footbeds, and protecting materials—your Birkenstocks can stay fresh, repairable, and comfortable for a decade or more.

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, read the step by steps instructions on how and when do to this in my article Birkenstock Cork Sealer vs Kelly's Cork Renew.

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, I dive deep into this debate in my post Birkenstocks and Socks.)

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.

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Want More Birkenstock Tips, Care & Style Guides?

If you found these common Birkenstock mistakes helpful, be sure to explore more of my detailed guides.  In How to Break In Your Birkenstocks, I share step-by-step tips to avoid painful blisters and make your sandals comfortable faster.  For long-term care, don’t miss How to Clean White Sole Birkenstocks and Birkenstock Uppers, Downers, and All Arounders, where I explain the best cleaning methods and material differences that affect durability and style.  And if you’re curious about how Birkenstocks have evolved, my post on Birkenstock Styles covers the most popular models, while Birkenstocks Are the Ferrari of Shoes dives into why these sandals are considered iconic worldwide.  Together, these blogs give you the ultimate guide to Birkenstock comfort, care, and style.

Be sure to follow me on Instagram for up to the minute Birkenstock love.