Are Birkenstocks Good for Your Feet? Guide for People Who Want Healthy Feet

The #Birkenstocks tag is gaining momentum — over 900 million views on TikTok for this hashtag only. We couldn’t pass by such a rising trend without analyzing its value from a vantage standpoint. The question of whether Birkenstocks are truly beneficial for your feet is a common one, but a comprehensive answer can be elusive.

We’ve conducted a study, examined recent research, and gathered opinions from practicing pediatricians regarding Birkenstocks. While the production technology and comfort of these shoes have largely remained unchanged over the years, there’s a growing debate about their true benefits. Let’s figure it out together.

So, there is a commercial article from the Today publication, which has the beautiful words “Birkenstocks are podiatrist-approved” in the title. The author of the article is Emma Stessman. Is she a pediatrician? No. She invited an expert named Dr. Asim Sayed, who said a lot of flattering things about this brand. The link to this expert in the article gives a 404 error. However finding information about this doctor was not difficult, the first result in the search leads to the site Healthgrades where the rating of the specified specialist is 2.5 out of 5. Let me remind you that this is one of the most popular and visited pages about Birkenstocks shoes. We will let you draw your conclusions about this article.

Let’s look at a less popular but more competent source. Janik Sundstrom, a practicing physical therapist, participated in the publication of Upstep and conducted a fairly detailed analysis of Birkenstock shoes. He writes that Birkenstocks can be a good choice for people with flat feet. He also writes that the sandals can be suitable for people with a high arch and Achilles tendonitis. At the same time, the author points out that these shoes may not be suitable for people with severe hyperpronation and severe flat feet. Janik Sundstrom writes very carefully, he says that the shoes may or may not fit, knowing full well that the human foot is a very individual case.

But where can you find the truth? How do you know if Birkenstocks will bring you the comfort you’ve been waiting for? We offer you our experience of using and studying these shoes. Here you’ll find your answers!

How the Journey of Birkenstocks Started

Without a doubt, Birkenstocks are a hot trend. Worn by the likes of Katy Perry, Kendall Jenner, Dakota Johnson, and Heidi Klum, the distinguished style transformed from a typical type of shoe into a staple of the post-pandemic couture epoch. According to Lyst, one of the top spaces for fashionistas to discover new trends, was considered the Shoe of the Year in 2022. In its annual report, the team highlighted an ever-increasing popularity range of the style in The Lyst Index, including the rise of searches by around 600% in the first half of 2022.

In 2024, the popularity of Birkenstock’s Boston Clogs is unlikely to fade into obscurity — we share the same opinion as experts at Glamour UK and People. Nonetheless, our team would like to take another take on this type of shoe and provide you with more insights about its genuine value. In the table below, we’ve summarized the general strengths and weaknesses customers are aware of when it comes to purchasing their first pair of Birkenstocks.

Pros	Cons
With wide-toe boxes, you can easily move your toes even in closed-toe clogs.	Over time, consistently wearing Birkenstocks with arch support can reduce your foot muscle flexibility and strength.
These shoes are made of natural materials following sustainability principles.	Compared to their first appearance in the market and cheap price tags, the current cost can easily be over $155 at a random retailer’s store.
With adjustable straps, it is possible to make their fit more custom and comfortable.	Birkenstocks are neither water-resistant nor waterproof.
They are pretty durable and can show no to little signs of wear and tear in the long run.	They are not zero-drop shoes. Except for a few sandal models

We understand the appeal of Birkenstocks, particularly their reputation for eco-friendly and animal-friendly production. However, in our experience with various footwear options, we’ve found other brands that align more closely with our views on sustainability and promote overall foot health.

Are you ready to see the results of our analysis of Birkenstocks? Let’s dig in!

Are Birkenstocks Flexible and Lightweight?

In practice, these shoes don’t allow your toes to bend fully. Cork-based footbeds are rather sturdy, which results in shock absorption. Although experiencing every pinch from the rocks beneath might be out of your wishlist, Birkenstocks can feel quite heavy on the foot.

What’s more, such designs come without secure straps. It requires you to move more carefully and intentionally “increase” the foot grip to avoid any oops-it-happened-again scenarios.

While you’re free to choose the models you prefer, especially if you prioritize fashion trends, it’s wise to be cautious from a practical and long-term perspective. Not all Birkenstocks are created equal, and a premium price doesn’t always guarantee superior quality. If you don’t intend to wear them regularly and simply want to diversify your wardrobe, they might be an acceptable purchase.

Alternatives to Birkenstocks Sandals

If you’re seeking more versatile options, alternatives to Birkenstock’s Boston clogs exist. Our team suggests exploring minimalist sandals, which are designed to support natural foot stability, strength, alignment, and mobility. These barefoot-inspired options come in various styles and can offer a comfortable experience.

Consider exploring our reviews of minimalist sandals. Beyond their often more accessible price point compared to Birkenstocks, their primary benefit lies in their design to encourage natural foot movement and strength.

Are Birkenstocks Zero Drop?

No, Birkenstocks are not zero drop shoes. Zero drop shoes are designed with the heel and forefoot at the same level, providing a flat sole throughout. Birkenstocks, on the other hand, typically have a slight heel lift, which means the heel is slightly elevated compared to the forefoot. This design is intentional and is part of the ergonomic structure that Birkenstock promotes for foot health and comfort. However, it is worth noting that any heel in the long term negatively affects the musculoskeletal system.

What You Should Know About Birkenstock Plantar Fasciitis

The right pair of shoes will always make a difference, especially in cases when fashionistas suffer from foot conditions like Plantar Fasciitis. Once the tissue connecting the toes and the heel bone gets irritated or inflamed, expect trouble. Birkenstocks are known for their arch support, which can provide relief from painful sensations.

With the orthotic design, they are advertised as a top-notch life-saver for plantar fasciitis shoes. However, remember that these contoured footbeds are prone to change their shape to match an individual foot’s silhouette in the long run. It means that the promised foot alignment will deliver relief temporarily. Over time, consistently wearing Birkenstocks with arch support can diminish the flexibility and strength of your foot muscles. This happens because your muscles are not working properly but are just being “supported”.

Conversely, minimalist shoes are designed to encourage foot muscle strengthening. They can be beneficial for managing plantar fasciitis, provided you follow recommended guidelines for transitioning from traditional to minimalist footwear. Starting with short wear times, such as thirty minutes a day, can help you adapt effectively.

How Your Experience with Birkenstocks Will Really Go

Now is when we can show our hand and expose whether our cards for Birkenstock’s Boston Clogs are scoring or not. Overall, we are not happy about the quality of these shoes. Our team believes that the casual comfort and the similar aesthetic vibe did a good job for the style overall, providing ladies and gentlemen with what they wanted in the pre- and post-pandemic fashion eras — the freedom to choose simple footwear designs and remain extremely stylish.

From our experience, the longer you wear them, the more pronounced the negative effects may become. At first, they seemed quite comfy. They are crafted to prevent foot pronation, and their ankle support may be worth praising in some cases. The problem is that such shoes don’t let your feet do what they are naturally capable of. Instead of creating a healthy and stable walking environment, they minimize the freedom of movement.

The style’s basis is usually the blend of such materials as latex and cork, which will change their fit to suit an individual foot’s silhouette — they react to natural body warmth. Given that cheaper alternatives aren’t made of high-quality materials, we can assure you — trying to cope with the aftermath of constantly smelling and swelling feet isn’t a battle you can always win.

On the other hand, a standard orthotic design isn’t universal. Such shoes won’t suit just any type of foot, including non-typical shapes like Roman or Germanic ones. If you have a special type of foot, read our article about barefoot foot-shaped shoes.

Another issue we’ve experienced is that Birkenstocks can easily slip off. If you don’t know how to wear them correctly, they will do you more harm than good. Experts suggest adjusting the strap that goes near your toe a bit tighter than needed. This recommendation doesn’t sound extremely healthy for your feet’s comfort, don’t you think? Anyway, it wasn’t the most advantageous purchase we’ve made so far.

Why Birkenstocks Are the Worst Shoe?

We find the marketing around Birkenstocks can sometimes create unrealistic expectations. Many consumers associate them with improved posture and natural walking, but these benefits are more accurately achieved through footwear that actively encourages foot muscle strength. In our view, minimalist footwear can contribute to reducing back pain and body pressure during various activities.

In reality, arch support from Birkenstocks may be quite efficient in addressing discomfort and foot conditions. We just don’t recommend them as a universal tool to solve all shoe-related issues. If you consistently rely on the therapeutic benefits of Birkenstock’s arch support, you might eventually find it uncomfortable to walk in other types of shoes or barefoot.

From this perspective, it is always better to develop your powers and let your body showcase its real strength. Although rebuilding foot mobility, stability, and load-resistance capacity takes time and exercise, the results are worth it. Our team advocates for minimalist shoes, including Chelsea boots, hiking shoes, and sandals. We appreciate the availability of models that cater to various foot sizes, including large and extra-wide options for both men and women.

Key Takeaways

Let’s highlight why wearing Birkenstocks may be a bad idea in your particular case:

• While some zero-drop sandals exist within the Birkenstock collection, many models available from retailers feature elevated heels.
• Their footbeds are orthotic, but this doesn’t address the limited range of shoe widths. Without natural toe splay, you increase the risk of developing conditions like mallet and hammer toes.
• Their soles lack flexibility. Even if a model is lightweight, the rigid structure can lead to undesirable alterations in the footbed over time.
• The rigid soles of Birkenstocks don’t deliver the ease of foot movement and mobility.
• At some point, Birks can come in handy to address foot conditions like plantar fasciitis. However, it will be valid in the case of authentic and well-constructed Birks and as a temporary relief measure only.

Final Thoughts

In our hands-on experience, purchasing authentic Birkenstocks provides fashionistas with more hustle and bustle than real high-end-brand values. Not only might it be challenging to avoid counterfeit products in the market, but original solutions are less captivating than they might seem at first. Instead of pain relief, arch support, and extreme comfort, they tend to weaken foot muscles, restrict overall foot mobility, and harm natural body postures.

There are no waterproof Birks for those living in regions with high humidity, and Birkenstocks are associated with summertime madness — we find this misconception confusing. Besides, you have to be careful about choosing the right style of the distinguished product. The wrong choice will enhance the risk of slippage and injuries.

Welcome to the comment section below! We’ll be looking forward to seeing your experiences with Birks in real life. For more details about barefoot alternatives, check out our blog’s articles!