Birkenstock Narrow vs Regular Width: Why Shoppers Struggle to Find the Right Fit

"Narrow" minded U.S.

Originally published August 28, 2016.
​Updated October 2025 with new images and a YouTube video

The Birkenstock Narrow vs Regular Width Dilemma: Why U.S. Women Still Can’t Find the Right Fit

If you’ve ever searched “Birkenstock narrow vs regular width” or “difference between narrow and regular Birkenstock” — welcome to the struggle I’ve been living for years.  I live in California, surrounded by tech innovation and endless online shopping options, yet I can’t easily buy a pair of regular-width Birkenstocks for women in local stores or even from major U.S. retailers.  Why? Because most of the stylish, feminine models — the very ones we fall in love with — are only offered in narrow width in the U.S. marketplace.  It’s frustrating — because Birkenstock actually makes most styles in both widths, but American retailers rarely stock them.

Why Regular Width Birkenstocks Are Hard to Find in the U.S.

Many of the more feminine and stylish Birkenstocks are only sold in narrow widths within the United States.  This issue ignites the feminist in me and makes my blood boil because I know that Birkenstock makes most of these shoes in a regular width too.  A simple cross reference to Birkenstock Group’s webpage clearly shows their collection of shoes as well as the sizes and widths in which they are offered.   The issue isn’t that Birkenstock doesn’t make both widths — it’s that U.S. retailers choose not to stock them, leaving shoppers searching “Birkenstock narrow vs regular” online for clarity and access.  ​​

---

Birkenstock Narrow vs Regular Width Video Guide — Understanding Fit, Comfort, and Availability in the U.S.

Before diving into the details below, check out my new 2025 YouTube Short where I show real examples of how Birkenstock narrow vs regular widths actually fit on my feet — including my limited-edition Birkenstock x 10 Corso Como Arizonas & red Valentinos and a few classic pairs from my collection.  If you’ve ever wondered why your sandals feel snug, slip off your heel, or just don’t fit like they should, this quick video brings the issue to life.

Watch the Video: Birkenstock Narrow vs Regular Width — Why It’s So Hard to Find the Right Fit in the U.S.

---

Birkenstock Narrow vs Regular: What’s the Real Difference?

In simple terms, Birkenstock narrow vs regular width Birkenstock for women are meant to accommodate different foot shapes.  The narrow footbed (stamped with the filled-in foot symbol) fits best for slender or low-volume feet, while the regular footbed (the outlined foot icon) gives more room through the arch and toes — perfect for medium to wide feet. The difference isn’t dramatic, but it’s enough to make or break comfort.

Birkenstock Narrow vs Regular Width Icons Explained — How to Read the Footbed Markings

Ever wonder what those little foot symbols on your Birkenstocks mean? The filled-in foot icon represents narrow width, while the outline foot icon shows regular width. Once you know what to look for, you’ll never second-guess your fit again.

Why U.S. Women’s Birkenstocks Are Mostly Sold in Narrow Width — and Why That Needs to Change

Why is it that US retailers are only selling the more feminine Birkenstock shoes in narrow width to women?  In the US, all the men’s Birkenstocks are offered in regular width.  Why not women’s?  If Birkenstock makes regular and narrow width shoes for women, shouldn’t retailers offer both in the US marketplace?  Who decided that all women in the US have the same width foot?  If Birkenstock makes two widths, then leave it up to each woman to decide which width best suits her foot!  It seems that the US marketplace is not catering to women with normal to wider width feet, compared to Europe, where Birkenstocks can easily be located in all widths. Are only women in Europe offered the luxury of choosing different widths?  Do I need to get on a plane and fly to Germany to purchase my shoes?

Birkenstock x 10 Corso Como Arizona Sandals — Sized Up to 39 Narrow for the Perfect Fit (Almost!)

Proof that even rare collabs aren’t one-width-fits-all. These limited-edition Birkenstock x 10 Corso Como Arizonas only came in narrow, so I had to size up from my usual 38 Regular to a 39 Narrow — and yes, they run a little long. Comfort wins, but fit still matters!

Is Birkenstock Narrow Really Narrow? My Honest Experience

I’ve touched on this Birkenstock narrow vs regular width issue before — in my Birkenstock Madrid Sandal Review Updated 2025: Big Buckle, EVA, and the Magic of the Original One-Strap Classic post, where finding a regular width in a feminine color felt like pulling a rabbit out of a hat.  And honestly?  Yes, Birkenstock narrow is really narrow, especially if you have what I’d call a “normal” or “regular” width foot.

In my article “How to Break-in Leather Birkenstock Straps,” I talked about how women with wide feet like swanky shoes too and yet all shoes are not created equal when it comes to width.  Just a few months ago I attempted to purchase Birkenstock EVAs and learned that Nordstroms (and other US retailers) only carried them in narrow width.  In my “Traveling with Birkenstocks” article, I explained how I tracked down a pair of Gizeh’s in a regular width from a German retailer.  I would prefer not to purchase shoes from overseas.

How to Find Regular Width Birkenstocks Online Without Getting Fakes

Searching for “Birkenstock wide vs narrow” can quickly spiral into sketchy overseas listings and counterfeit pairs — so here’s how I’ve learned to shop safely.   With the prevalence of counterfeit Birkenstocks on the rise, it can be a crap shoot placing an online order from a site you know nothing about.  I like to support local small businesses, but when these stores do not carry regular width Birkenstocks, I am forced to turn to the internet. 

Birkenstock shoes have helped remedy many of the aches and pains that I have experienced from wearing ill fitting shoes over the years.  When new Birkenstock styles are released, I would like the opportunity to purchase them in my correct size and width.  Rather than just be teased with a picture knowing that the shoe is only being sold in narrow width.  It’s like these retailers are dangling the picture in front of my face and taunting me by saying “naa naa naa foo foo look at this great Birkenstock that you could have….if only your foot was more slender!”

All these feet are a size 8. All have different widths. Image from munroshoes.com

One of the main reasons that I like to wear Birkenstocks is to prevent my feet from being constricted in a shoe that is too narrow.  I have spent far too many years squeezing my wide foot into slender shoes and paying the price of discomfort in my early 40s.  I have experienced calluses and pinched toes from shoes that are too narrow.  I need to take care of my feet so that I can thrive into old age and I want to do this by wearing regular width Birkenstocks.  I am putting my foot down and will no longer take it.  I will not buy shoes that are too narrow because I want to prevent permanent damage to my body.

Embracing Comfort: Why Width Matters for Women’s Feet

I will not subscribe to “vanity” sizing when it comes to my shoe size and width.  My foot is wide and I embrace the fact that I have a “normal” width foot and I require Birkenstocks regular width sandals.  My beautiful feet hold me upright and allow me to play with my kids and enjoy long walks with my dog.  My feet deserve to be treated with respect and with  properly fitting shoes because they work hard for me every single day.  I should not be forced to squeeze them into narrow width Birkenstocks when the same shoe is offered in regular width in another country.

We do not live in the Dark Ages or the 1940s or 50s.  Women no longer need to stuff their feet into super narrow shoes because someone labeled such shoes as fashionable.

Shoes from the Middle Ages (world4.eu)

Shoes from 1940s (vintagedancer.com)

Shoes from 1950s (vintagedancer.com)

I first wrote this blog back in 2016 — nearly a decade ago!  Fast forward to 2025, and the idea that “anything goes” still rings true. In fact, it’s even more true today than it was back then.  Comfort is king or queen or non binary.  Thanks to the internet, a window of opportunity has opened up for women to find wide width shoes.  And gosh darn it, I want to be able to find stylish Birkenstocks in a regular width on the continent in which I live.   In my post When Magic Happens, I dive into how Birkenstock regular vs narrow widths are evolving — with the brand slowly reintroducing more regular-width Birkenstocks for U.S. shoppers after years of limited availability.

Ombre Pearls Showdown: Birkenstock vs Dr. Martens — Comfort Meets Iridescent Style

Who wore it best — Birkenstock or Dr. Martens? □ My Ombre Pearls Birkenstock Gizeh and Arizona sandals bring that same shimmering magic as my iridescent Docs. These Arizonas are narrow width and were only offered in Narrow.

Retailers, Take Note: Women Need Both Widths

Nordstroms, Zappos, and other authorized Birkenstock retailers are offering a greater selection of Birkenstocks with more feminine uppers, but only in narrow widths.  I have contacted a couple of these retailers asking about getting a certain Birkenstock they are currently selling in a regular width.  The answer that I receive is often a canned response that “Birkenstocks sell out quickly”.  This answer does not suffice because I know that the shoe was never offered in a  regular width by their store.  

Fortunately, Birkenstock USA offers more of its styles in narrow and regular width.  Although Birkenstock USA does not offer ALL their shoes in both widths.  I love the look of the Monterey in exquisite leather, but the women’s sizes are only offered in narrow.  A quick cross check to Birkenstock Group tells me this model is also manufactured in a regular width as well. Why not offer both widths of this limited edition Birkenstock?

I follow Birkenstock on Instagram and from their feed I hear rumors that Birkenstock will be updating their online shoe shop this autumn.  I am keeping my fingers crossed that by “updating”, this also means offering all the styles in narrow AND regular width in the United States. 

I am not the only woman in the United States that requires a regular width Birkenstock.  All you have to do is to read some of the comments on the Birkenstock Instagram feed or check out the reviews on Zappos.  Women want and need regular width Birkenstocks.  Please make them readily available to us from authorized retailers. 

Dozens of verified Zappos shoppers echo the same frustration — stylish women’s Birkenstocks are often only sold in narrow width.

Verified Zappos customer complains about narrow-fit Birkenstocks — proof that many shoppers experience this same width frustration.

One more reviewer confirms: the ‘narrow-only’ fit makes stylish women’s Birks impossible for those needing regular width

There are a number of Birkenstocks that I would have purchased had they been offered in a regular width.  Companies are missing out on sales (and losing customers) by excluding women with normal to wide width feet.  If any one of these authorized Birkenstock retailers offered all their Birks in regular width, I would buy all my shoes from them.  Such a retailer would not be making one sale, they would be gaining a customer for life.

I Love Birkenstocks and I wish that regular width Birkenstocks were easier to locate in the United States.

Frequently Asked Questions About Birkenstock Widths

Q: What’s the difference between narrow and regular Birkenstocks?
A: The narrow fit is best for those with slim feet, low volume feet, or those who prefer a snugger feel. The regular width offers a bit more space and comfort for average or wide feet.


Q: Are Birkenstock narrow widths really narrow?
A: Yes, though in the U.S. they’re often closer to a “medium” fit compared to other brands.


Q: Why are regular width Birkenstocks so hard to find in the U.S.?
A: Many U.S. retailers stock only narrow women’s styles, even though Birkenstock manufactures both widths for most models.


Q: How can I find the right Birkenstock width?
A: Check the foot icon inside the sandal: a filled foot = narrow, an outline = regular. Or read my guide Stepping into Your First Pair.

---

Related Reads for True Birkenstock Lovers

If you enjoyed this discussion about Birkenstock widths and fit, you’ll love these related posts:

• 💡 Chubby Shaming: The Birkenstock Width Debate — Why sizing bias in women’s Birkenstocks still exists, and how the narrow vs regular width conversation exposes bigger issues in footwear inclusivity.
• 🧵 Birkenstock Recrafts: How to Stretch, Recraft, or Repair Your Birks — Learn how a professional recraft can transform a too-narrow pair into your perfect fit, extend the life of your favorites, and keep them looking brand new.
• 🌎 When Magic Happens — How Birkenstock is finally bringing back regular widths and premium materials for longtime fans.
• 🩰 The Magic of the Madrid — Discover how the brand’s first one-strap sandal became a timeless icon.
• 💛 100 Reasons I Love Birkenstocks — A heartfelt celebration of cork, comfort, and community.
• 💫 Shearling-Lined Birkenstocks: The Cozy Furry Fuzzy Must-Have for Fall & Winter Comfort — Why narrow-width shearling-lined Birkenstocks might look cozy, but they often feel too tight once the plush lining fills the footbed space. Choosing a regular width ensures your feet have room to breathe, letting the shearling mold comfortably without compressing your toes or losing that signature Birkenstock support.

---

Birkenstock Footprints — Encinitas, California: A Must-Visit for Every Birkenstock Fan | Follow me on Instagram @ilovebirkenstocks

Stopped by Birkenstock Footprints in Encinitas, CA, one of my favorite Southern California spots for discovering classic and limited-edition Birkenstocks.

Join the I Love Birkenstocks Private Facebook Group — Exclusive Community for True Birkenstock Fans

Join Gina Mama’s private Facebook group — a cozy, supportive space for real Birkenstock lovers. □ Get behind-the-scenes photos, early blog updates, rare style finds, and honest discussions about fit, comfort, and care that you won’t see anywhere else. □ Search “I Love Birkenstocks Group” on Facebook.