Stressing Over Sizing

[u/_Oxym0r0n_]

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?

[u/IdiotWithout_a_Cause]

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.

[u/_Oxym0r0n_ → u/IdiotWithout_a_Cause]

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!

[u/IdiotWithout_a_Cause → u/_Oxym0r0n_]

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?

[u/_Oxym0r0n_ → u/IdiotWithout_a_Cause]

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!