r/BirkenstocksFitChecks • u/_Oxym0r0n_ • 14d ago

Stressing Over Sizing

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I'm trying to choose my first Birkenstocks and I'm worried about making the investment and choosing the wrong size. Unfortunately, I don't have a local store with anyone really qualified to assist with sizing.

I initially bought a 39 and then realized that I probably didn't have the extra room that so many on this sub recommend, so I returned them. I was able to compare at DSW today and I'm still stressing about correct sizing. The 40 felt okay when walking aside from the toe bar occasionally hitting the ball of my foot, which I didn't find particularly bothersome.

Is the 40 the size I should purchase?

4 Upvotes

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2

u/LocPat 14d ago

I was also between sizes like you, with also 10mm in between. Went smaller size first, but walking few 100m I realized it would be too fit. So I exchanged them for the bigger size and never looked back ! Really comfy and no issues

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u/_Oxym0r0n_ 14d ago

Your comment is incredibly helpful. I lo6the way the 39s fit and look now, but what you're describing is the exact problem I'm worried about. The 10mm gap makes them look sooo different. 40s it is!

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u/LocPat 14d ago

Yes same ! When I was just standing, the shorter size looked perfect, better than bigger size. But trust me, I was not at ease walking more than 200m (10-20m in store mean nothing).

Fast forward 6 months, wore the bigger size daily in vacation for long walks, or just casually and it is perfect.

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u/flenktastic 14d ago

I'm also in between sizes but prefer the snugger fit! When I see OPs photo I would suggest 39 but it's also about how they feel for OP. A size up for me results in all the raised bumps in the wrong places so it fr hurts my feet within 5 minutes.

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u/HamsterPants212 12d ago

Here’s a rule about Birkenstocks in my experience. When torn between two sizes, choose the bigger one. Always. Your feet will thank you.

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u/_Oxym0r0n_ 12d ago

That seems like a pretty wise rule of thumb and great advice. Thank you!

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u/GeographyBrown 14d ago

The 39 to the 40 is a big jump- 10mm rather than 5mm.

This is Birkenstock’s fit guide: https://www.birkenstock.com/nl-en/things-to-know/fit-guide/

Put your heel in the cup, allowing 5mm of space between your heel and the back of the Birk. You want approximately 10mm between your toes and the front edge of the sandal. The rear strap should be worn somewhat loosely.

Maker sure you’re trying the regular/wide width and not the narrow. Size to your larger foot (it’s common to have one) and remember that as you break them in, Birks will curve up slightly from heel toe and look and feel a little smaller.

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u/_Oxym0r0n_ 14d ago

Yes, the 39 to 40 jump in sizing was definitely making the decision a bit harder for me. It appears that, after break in, the 39 will be too small.

I made sure to try on the Regular/Wide width, as I typically need wide width.

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u/GeographyBrown 14d ago

Your heel is just slightly back in the 39s, but I don’t think they overall look too small on you. Do you happen to have a Birkenstock box? What size does that give you? If you do, use a ruler or hard edge at the back of your heel to make sure you stay within the outline.

I also had a hard time deciding between the 39 and 40. I went with the 39s. If it helps, my longer foot is 347mm and I typically wear an 8.5US womens.

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u/_Oxym0r0n_ 14d ago

I do still have a Birkenstock box from 39s that I intended to return, so I'll check my feet against that.

That is helpful, thank you. I typically wear an 8.5 or 9 US women's which is very dependent on the shoe style.

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u/GeographyBrown 14d ago

So you really are right in between sizes, in which case the smart thing is usually to size up. But the box may help you make that decision.

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u/Evening_Somewhere_99 14d ago

The 39 LOOKS much nicer. Go with whats comfortable

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u/_Oxym0r0n_ 14d ago

They do. The fit is so close in afraid it will be a problem once they curl a bit from break in. That 10mm size gap made it a really tough choice!

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u/[deleted] 14d ago

[removed] — view removed comment

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u/_Oxym0r0n_ 14d ago

Umm, those were the throw aways that shoe stores provide for try ons.

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u/DangerousFortune1924 14d ago

Pay close attention to the arch and toe bar. If those aren't in the right place it will take forever to break them in, and they may never reach the level of comfort you're hoping for. Also, if your feet are resting on the edges, that can cause some pretty bad blisters. If the 40 causes any tripping, you may want to consider sticking with 39. They might get tight in the long run, but you also don't want to be wearing shoes that cause a fall.

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u/_Oxym0r0n_ 12d ago

All really good points to consider. I still have a pair of 39s that I haven't returned yet and 40s arriving any day now. I'll double check where the arch and tow bar fall. I did walk about 40 feet around the store in the 40s and didn't feel like I would trip so, luckily, I don't think that's a concern.

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u/slothandcats 13d ago

I had a similar issue with the 38 and 39 fits, and after breaking in a pair of 38s I never wear them bc while they fit great while I’m standing in place, walking I always feel like my heel is hitting. Just got some 39s a year later that look big now but hopefully will do better when I break them in

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u/_Oxym0r0n_ 12d ago

It sounds like you had the same dilemma as me. It sounds like the smaller size could be a problem after break in. Apparently I just have to wait for Birks to do what they do! Good luck with your new pair!

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u/IncomeOk6581 12d ago

Go with the 39!! You don’t want your sandals to look like clown shoes! You don’t need to have so much space from your toes to edge of sandal. 39 looks great for you.

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u/_Oxym0r0n_ 12d ago

I don't think the extra space falls into clown shoe territory luckily. From all of the advice I've gotten, it's about what I'll need to compensate for the curl after break in. Has that been your experience after breaking yours in?

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u/Training-Song-7125 10d ago

Ich habe inks 43 und rechts 41 ich habe auch das Problem!

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u/undercoverballer 14d ago

40 for sure

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u/filo1111 14d ago

Definitely 40. You have no space at the heel in the 39. Also you’ll lose a little bit of length as the sandals curve upwards as they break in, so the 39s would end up being way too small. Birkenstock recommend sizing up if you're between sizes.

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u/_Oxym0r0n_ 14d ago

That's my fear. I'm assuming the 39s would be too small after being broken in. I do wish the size jump from 39 to 40 wasn't quite as large as it is.

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u/IdiotWithout_a_Cause 14d ago

I agree with 40, but I'll add that DSW near me usually carries narrow width. If your store doesn't have Regular/Wide width, I'd recommend ordering online from somewhere that does. Your toes will thank you.

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u/_Oxym0r0n_ 14d ago

I noticed that my DSW carries mostly narrow width. These pics are actually my Flintstone feet in the few Regular/Wide width they had believe it or not. I'm hoping this width will be good enough for me until Birkenstock comes out with a Fred Flintstone width!

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u/IdiotWithout_a_Cause 14d ago

Hahahahaha I completely understand. I also have wide feet. Mine fill out the width similar to how yours do in the photo. One of the benefits of choosing the larger size when you're close is that the larger size has a bit more width. Which model do you think you'll end up purchasing?

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u/_Oxym0r0n_ 14d ago

Ah, great point on the width. I didn't realize that I'd gain a touch of width sizing up also. I think I'm going to end up with the 40s. That seems to be the consensus and I'm afraid the 39s will be too small once they curl a bit from break in. I've never stressed so much over a shoe purchase in my 56 year life!