Happy Monday! Today's post is a fit request from Cindy who wanted to see a review of the size differences between Birkenstock's Soft Footbed Medium./Narrow and Regular/Wide. I chose two different pairs that I was most interested in to try.
For reference I typically wear size 5.5 in sneakers and I also wear size 5 in shoes/sandals.
Medium/Narrow Size 35/4-4.5
This is the first time trying Birkenstock's Soft Footbed sandals and they feel like my other pair that I have from years ago. I can't say I really notice a difference in footbeds. Apparently the Soft Foodbed are made to feel as if you're walking barefoot in maximum comfort with an additional foam layer. (I got that off the website.) I didn't end up keeping either pair so I can't say if the comfort level is elevated. This is a fit review only.
The suede cross-straps are very soft, the footbed is also lined in suede. The woven straps have an adjustable strap with a buckle made of metal. I'm wearing size 35 EU or size 4-4.5. I don't consider myself to have narrow feet, but I also don't consider myself to have wide feet.
Medium/Narrow Size 35/4-4.5
How do they fit? The length fits well. There's a little extra room in the length so I would say Birkenstock's generally run a little large. The medium/narrow width is a bit too small on my foot. You can see in the photo below my foot hits the edge of the shoe and it was a bit uncomfortable. The correct sizing for me would me regular/wide. I do like the way the woven cross-straps look on my feet. If these came in regular/wide I would have kept them.
Too narrow.
Regular Wide Size 35/4-4.5
The Gizeh is a really popular style from Birkenstock. I see them all the time. I ordered this pair in Old Rose to try in regular/wide size 35/4-4.5. The nubuck leather feels slightly stiff but should soften over time. The thong feels comfortable between my toes and my foot felt secure. The footbed is lined with suede.
The regular/wide width is much more comfortable. There is enough room on both sides of my foot. The length fit nicely, about felt the same as the Lugano sandal. I have the buckle at the smallest setting and it was a good fit.
Regular Wide Size 35/4-4.5
I did consider keeping these, but since the end of summer is here I decided to return them. I did find them on sale at Zappos for $101. They have size 36 and up if anyone feels like stocking up for next summer.
I'm a fan of Birkenstock and they are a little pricey but they are also high quality shoes. If you do find a pair that you like that fits well, it's probably worth keeping. I will be trying some fall shoes from Birkenstock over the next few weeks. Keep an eye out for more footwear reviews.
That's it for me! This is the last week of September, let's make it a good one!
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Thank you so much for doing the fit review! I like the gizeh on you.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Me too. Can't go wrong with the Gizeh.
DeleteThey seem to be a perfect fit on you. The 34 kids you reviewed in the past seems a bit too small? Cindy
ReplyDeleteHi Cindy, yeah looking back at the photos, now they do look a smidge too small, but they didn't feel small.
DeleteI love the criss cross of the Lugano's. I've only ever tried on Birks. They look nice but feel super stiff and I don't wear sandals much and prefer sneakers.
ReplyDeleteHi Janessa! The nubuck leather does feel stiff, but the suede was very soft! I prefer sneakers too.
DeleteThe footbed of Birks are pretty stiff to begin with and take time to break in. And while they're not cushy like memory foam , When they do break in , the cork molds to your foot and feel like they were custom made for your feet. I wore mine around the house for a while then made sure i wore them out everytime I left the house during the break in process. One of the reasons I don't like wearing sandals is, my feet get dirty but for some reason , that doesn't happen with birks as much. That being said , not everyone's feet will work with Birks. My friend who is flat footed says they hurt her feet really badly. Anyway, I'm totally obsessed with them at the moment. Cindy
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