Are Birkenstocks good or bad for your feet? Let’s dive in.
If you’ve been on the hunt for great ergonomic, supportive, casual footwear, I am sure you’ve heard of Birkenstocks. They’ve become the poster child for the best and most comfortable footwear out there, second to Crocs probably. Their designs are made for everyone, and everyone loves them.
Now while there are a lot of things great about them, there’s more than what meets the eye.
Let’s focus on the former for now -
What Makes Birkenstocks Worth The Hype
There’s a lot that is going on for these sandals
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The mix of cork and latex sole. Birkenstocks have a sole that are known to, over time, adapt to your foot shape. They start acting as an orthotic, providing support, and a very custom-made feel to them.
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The roomy toe box. Unlike most footwear in the market, Birkenstocks have a wide toe box. Now this is imperative for any footwear but most brands, because of aesthetics, compromise on this, causing short term stress and long term ailments for your feet and your posture.
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The arch support. The sole for Birkenstocks is designed in a way to completely hug your foot. The arch support helps people with limited mobility and prevents further damage.
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The deep heel cup. This is another comfort feature of these sandals that provide complete cushioning and stability for your feet.
With all these features, not only do the sandals look natural, they are designed to truly “Care” for your feet.
Birkenstocks For Foot Problems
After reading about all those features I am sure you’ve realised that they can be a great solution to your foot problems.
Well, there is a reason why the Birkenstocks logo has a Plus sign in it.
Flat Feet and Arch Issues -
If you have flat feet or a low arch that hurts, you probably have muscle weakness. This can cause long term issues along your entire posterior chain, including your knees, hips, back.
Birkenstocks help compensate for these limitations with their arch support design for that short term benefit and pain relief.
Bunions And Hammer Toes -
If there are two issues that are almost proven to be a shoe-made problem, it is hammer toes and bunions. Birkenstocks’ wide toe box design allows your toes to splay and retain their natural shape which keeps them healthy.
Plantar Fasciitis -
Plantar fasciitis pain that is usually worsened when the heel strikes over and over again over hard surfaces. Birkenstock has a rigid, yet cushioned heel support that prevents that from happening. The arch support also prevents another strain to the fascia preventing further strain and damage to the tissue.
Now all this while you may be thinking they’re great for you. And if you’re injured or recovering, yes they are.
But like all things comfortable, excess is bad, and wearing these sandals everywhere may actually end up becoming causes for some of these issues they promote to solve.
It’s Not All Good
Breaking In -
Birkenstocks are infamous for their break in time. It takes time for your feet to push into the cork sole to actually find the perfect shape for the foot. This time is rather painful for some people.
Constant Support -
Now after breaking into the shoes, they take the shape of your feet. Now this may sound great, but think of wearing a brace around your arm at all times. Your arm doesn’t have to work anymore and it feels rather comfortable, but over time you’d lose your ability to use your muscles to the fullest, causing further muscle weakness and imbalances.
Firm Foot Bed - Birkenstock has a very rigid and firm foot bed, which means that when you walk, it stays completely flat. So every time you take a step, your heel would float, your toes and the top of your foot would be responsible to pull the sandal along. This motion, however simple, changes the way you walk, your gait cycle, again, in the long term causing imbalances and pain.
The Verdict
What is it then? Are Birkenstocks good or bad?
Well, for fashion, they’re the most foot friendly fashion shoe out there. But are they for everyone? No.
If you’re someone who just wants a band aid solution to your foot problems to avoid pain, something like these can surely help. Long term solutions however come not from “support”, but from gradual tension on the muscles that are weak.
It takes time for your muscles to relearn movement, for your nervous system to start trusting you.
Your best bet would be to train, walk as naturally as you can.
That is where barefoot shoes trump all.
A natural way of walking, without compromising on safety of sanitation, or customs.
Wear Birkenstocks, but not always.
Comfort fuels future pain.