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Are Birkenstocks worth it?
You’ve all heard of them; you may even own a pair or two already; but the main question everyone focuses on; “Are Birkenstocks worth it?”
Originating in 1774, the iconic German shoe manufacturer was brought to the US in 1966, Birkenstock sandals became heavily associated with hippies and ‘Flower Children’ in the 1970’s. Introduced to high fashion in the early 90’s by supermodels and actors; the demand for the iconic core sandal has increased significantly.
Con: Sizing
We understand the sizing of Birkenstocks can be daunting for a new customer, our staff have extensive knowledge and years’ experience in fitting footwear to ensure for the best fit. On our website and social media, you will find Birkenstock Shopping Guides & Size guides for extra help, with a trouble-free return experience if the wrong size was purchased. Note, the Birkenstocks are available in a regular and narrow width, the regular has an outlined foot illustration on the innersole whereas the narrow fit has a filled foot illustration.
Pro: They are unbelievably comfortable!
Birkenstock use premium quality cork to provide orthopaedic contours of the feet, for maximum comfort. Cork is a natural, lightweight and shock absorbent material that derives from the cork oak trees, which is completely renewable. Firstly, the cork footbed can be quite tough at first; wearing them around the house is a great and easy to way to allow the cork to mould and shape with every step.
For those who find the initial ‘wearing in’ stage of Birkenstocks, here at Grundy’s Shoes we offer various styles with a Soft Footbed. The Soft Footbed is padded with an anatomically pre-formed foam insert, this is made up of tiny air bubbles that contribute to a softer and unique wearing experience.
Pro: They are long lasting!
The natural materials of Birkenstocks allow a hot and cold insulating effect to promote a healthy foot climate for overall foot health and long-lasting footwear. These materials allow for all day wear as the natural cork footbed will not deteriorate with age; for older pairs of Birkenstocks that need some TLC, you are able to get them resoled at Birkenstock approved repairers.
Con: Pricing $
Birkenstocks pricing varies due to the materials used, from EVA rubber, synthetic leather, Vegan, Suede, Oiled and Smooth leathers; the pricing of Birkenstocks can vary from $91, all the way to $320. For the following reasons, we can assure you they are popular and priced for the right reasons!
Pro: Fashionable & Comfortable for work & home!
Here, at Grundy’s Shoes we stock a range of Birkenstocks in both core and seasonal collections, including work approved footwear for various industries such as healthcare, hospitality, and fashion. We stock core styles that are available to shop all year round, with the option to shop our limited-edition seasonal styles that are often brighter colours and unique designs for Birkenstock lovers!
Ensuring an optimum level of comfort and support, healthcare workers often go for Boston, London & Linz as they are our closed toe styles and allow for protection in a medical environment and meet the requirements of most healthcare dress codes. Our Super Birki & Profi Birki styles are made from Polyurethane which allows for a waterproof upper and a non-abrasive and slip resistant outsole, perfect for Professional use.
For those wearing their Birkenstocks around the house and running errands, we stock various colours and materials to suit your personal style. The Zermatt, Amsterdam (restock coming soon!) and Shearling Suede ranges are perfect for around the house; allowing your feet to be comfortable, supported whilst the soft uppers are gentle and breathable on the skin. The classic Arizona ‘two strap’ sandal style, is often paired with denim for a minimalist and timeless look for both men and women.
Please note: Stock and styles vary between each Grundy’s Shoe stores. There has been a worldwide shortage of Birkenstocks since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have Birkenstock deliveries at all times of the year. Sign up to our Newsletter and keep an eye out on our social media for all restock updates.
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Cult Classic Shoes - Grundy's Staff Staples
Here at Grundy’s, we have our key brands and styles we offer our customers, the finest comfort and lifestyle footwear from a range of worldwide brands. Our famous Australian brands including ECCO, EOS & FRANKiE4, along with world renowned European brands such as Birkenstock, Pikolinos & Ara with many more.
From slippers to waterproof Winter boots, we stock styles to suit all foot shapes, sizes, conditions, and personal trends. Whether you have a wide foot, one foot bigger than the other or perhaps never find the right colour – we have you covered.
After interviewing fellow staff members, all with extensive knowledge and training of footwear; we wanted to know their cult classics, and wardrobe must haves from the brands available at Grundy’s Shoes.
Lyn – FRANKiE4 NAT II SNEAKER
“I love the way they feel on my feet, they’re comfortable to wear all day and change up with all my outfits. I recommend them to everyone, especially healthcare workers on their feet all day.”
Chloe – BIRKENSTOCK ARIZONA
“I’m pretty lazy getting ready in the mornings, my Birks are easy to chuck on with anything and everything. I’m comfortable all day and I recommend them to every customer, regardless of their size or width. I think I have about 9 pairs…”
Vicki – ARCHE
“We have only had the brand Arche less than a year, but I am obsessed with all their colours and styles. The soles last forever and the comfort is next to none, I love that you can buy either neutral tones or bright pops of colour.” (Guess what… they’re on sale)
Lisa – CABELLO 341-27
“No matter what shoe size, foot shape or even odd shape toes; Cabello shoes will fit. I love that I can recommend them to everyone, they are a great work shoe that can fit orthotics; I believe they’re a great value for money”
Santina – ECCO 880123 MULTI VENT
“These are the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn; the highly padded insoles support my feet all day. I’m a beloved fan of ECCO’s and I own three different colours of the Multi-Vent.”
Evangeline – BIRKENSTOCK SHEARLING SUEDE
“My favourite shoes we sell would have to be the Boston or Arizona Shearling Suedes, they are unbelievably comfortable and soft; I wear mine around the house and can’t help myself to wear them running errands"
I’m sure from this article you can assume we’re all shoe addicts… which is completely true; but we’re here to support all other shoe addicts. With our staff extensive knowledge, training, and experience, we pride ourselves in the finest customer service available. Whether you’re shopping in-store or online, we’re here to help you find the finest footwear available.
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How To Fit My New Birkenstocks
Over the past few years, Birkenstock have gone from just a comfort shoe, to a global fashion trend - and we aren't complaining! Combining comfort with style are two of our favourite things here at Grundy's Shoes, so we're all for it!
Birkenstocks are made in Germany, using only the best products and materials, and their tradition of quality craftsmanship goes back more than 225 years.
Birkenstocks also have their own unique contoured footbed, shock-absorbing soles, and specially designed buckles for ultimate comfort and durability.
Here, we're going to explain the different Birkenstock sizings, and give you all the advice on how to fit your Birkenstocks perfectly!
BIRKENSTOCK WIDTH SIZING
While we all know that the length of a shoe is essential to knowing if it fits or not, the width of a shoe doesn’t get as much attention. But it should!
You see, if your shoe is too tight in the area around the balls of your feet, it presses against your metatarsophalangeal joints - which isn’t just painful, but over time could lead to misalignments too. Ouch! But on the other hand, if the shoes are too loose, your heel will lift up from the shoe, your foot will slide forward and your toes will push against the front of the shoe. Not good!
Everyone’s feet are different, and while most shoe manufacturers only offer a standard width, Birkenstock offer their footbed in two separate widths – regular and narrow.
This makes it a whole lot easier to ensure you have the correct shoe size in both length and width, so that your foot is held in place at its widest point, without constricting it. As foot size changes over the course of the day as a result of pressure (true fact!) it’s also important to make sure you have enough room on the sides when trying them on!
Look for these symbols when choosing your shoes.
Birkenstock uppers are also adapted to each deep footbed width, and because the straps are fully adjustable, your shoe will be tailored perfectly to your feet.
AM I A REGULAR OR NARROW FIT?
It’s important to measure your foot properly, to ensure you have the right size shoe.
To work out the size and width you’ll need, follow these steps:
Measure the length of your foot by standing on a flat surface with your full weight on your foot, then measure the distance from the back of your heel to the tip of your longest toe.
Add 10mm to your foot length to allow your foot room to move. This will give you the footbed length you need to find your size.
Measure the width of your foot across the widest point.
Compare your foot width measurement to the footbed length below, to see if you will need a narrow or regular width.
Example: Julie's foot measures 240mm long and 95mm wide. Julie adds 10mm to her foot's length to find she will fit comfortably into a Size 39 (250mm Footbed Length). At that size, the Regular Width footbed of 97mm will fit her foot properly.
REGULAR WIDTH SIZING
NARROW WIDTH SIZING
For more sizing info, visit www.birkenstock.com.au/sizing
ADJUSTING YOUR BIRKENSTOCKS
When you buy your Birkenstocks, make sure there’s a few millimetres of space in the heel and toe areas – you’ll need this space for a natural rolling motion of the foot.
Here’s how to adjust your Birkenstock model.
1. Undo all of the straps and place your foot inside the footbed, making sure your heels are all the way back in the heel cups, with a few millimetres of space at the front. Your feet should be nestled in the footbed – not resting on the inside or outside of the footbed edge.
2. Close the straps so they are snug, but don’t sit too tightly on the feet. You should leave a little extra space for your toes and about 5mm on each side of your feet, so your feet aren’t constricted when you walk. If you can wiggle one finger between the strap and your foot – you’ve got it!
3. After adjusting your Birkenstocks, take a few steps. If your feet can move freely when you walk, and don’t push against the edge of the footbed, they are the correct size and width for you. Yay! When you start walking, the contours of the footbed should correspond to your own arches, and the toe bar should fit comfortably beneath your toes.
TIP - If your Birkenstocks are a bit stiff at first, gently flex them with your hands, or on the floor, to soften them up.
And that's it! Enjoy your Birkenstocks! We have an instructional video available on our YouTube Channel, click here to watch.
To view our range of Birkenstocks, click here.
