Comments on: Birkenstock Soft Footbed vs Regular Comparison – Which Is More Comfortable?

By: Jackie

Jackie — Tue, 18 Apr 2023 16:05:01 +0000

Boot stores have this, there are several brands, but I use Cadillac Boot Stretch. Because the bootstore that I always use is in a town 40 miles away and I have not had a chance to go I just ordered the brand Footmatters from Amazon. Waiting on it to come in but it should work fine as they are basically all the same thing.

By: Eric

Eric — Mon, 05 Sep 2022 06:27:22 +0000

In reply to desira matisz. Thank you so much for the comment, Desira.

By: desira matisz

desira matisz — Mon, 05 Sep 2022 04:43:29 +0000

I have worn Birkenstocks since before they had the soft bed. I have had my current shoes maybe 8 years and had some redone. When I heard about the soft bed I thought I’d try it. I have neuropathy and very tender feet. It always took a long time to break into the regular bed and my feet and ankles cramped for the first month of each summer season. My Franca soft bed sandals are the best shoes I’ve ever had (next to Zeira walking shoes–alas they went out of business). Also, I have a low arch and truly narrow foot and these shoes accommodate that. I can’t rave enough about the soft bed.

By: Cynthia Gaboury

Cynthia Gaboury — Wed, 06 Jul 2022 23:34:37 +0000

I have been wearing Arizonas for decades with my problem feet. Love the original bed. I’d like to wear something closed toes, as I’ve moved home to Oregon, but my middle toes are longer than my big toe. Suede Habana open back style hurt my toes. Any suggestions for a better toe box for me in Birkis?

By: Eric

Eric — Sun, 08 May 2022 00:29:52 +0000

In reply to 🌸🤣 Pat Teague. Thanks for the comment. Birkis are just sandals and certainly won't help with your condition.

By: 🌸🤣 Pat Teague

🌸🤣 Pat Teague — Sat, 07 May 2022 23:00:06 +0000

Will Birkenstocks do anything to straighten a great toe that is turning toward the second toe?

By: Eric

Eric — Fri, 24 Dec 2021 07:35:51 +0000

In reply to Danny.

Danny. Birks don’t like water, cork naturally drinks water up so they stay wet for a long time. Leather can get wet but it’s ideal to let it dry in a cool place, not in the sun, because leather can shrink. It’s best to spray your Birks with a weather shield spray so if they do get wet, the water will bead off instead of permeating the uppers and the footbed. Birkenstock makes a kit you can buy to care for your shoes but you can also buy items individually, such as cork sealer, footbed cleaner, etc…

Just please DON’T put the water resistant spray on the footbed! It is ONLY intended for use on leather uppers. If you do it will RUIN the footbed, Also if you have birkibuc or birkoflor you don’t need to waterproof them. These uppers are ok to get wet but you really want to avoid getting the footbed wet if it at all possible.

By: Danny

Danny — Fri, 24 Dec 2021 04:51:02 +0000

Hiya! I’ve just gotten a new pair of Arizonas and is absolutely enjoying it. It rains quite a fair bit here and I’m wondering if it’s okay to get the shoes wet. I’m worried about the cork breaking which I believe is harder to repair. Is there anything I can do if I do get the shoes wet?

By: Eric

Eric — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 18:54:01 +0000

In reply to Mary. Thanks for your feedback Mary.

By: Mary

Mary — Tue, 26 Oct 2021 17:22:40 +0000

I have worn Birkenstocks for years, always the regular footbed. I tried the soft footbed and they just don’t work for me. My frustration is trying to find a Leather, regular width sandal with the original footbed (which was all they made at one time). Sometimes I can find them in the Arizona, which is fine, I wear them all the time, but it’s almost impossible to find a regular footbed anymore. Newer isn’t always better for all. ☹

By: Jess

Jess — Thu, 24 Jun 2021 20:24:59 +0000

“…I sprayed the inside of the shoe with a mixture that helps leather stretch.”

Can you please tell me what this magic mixture contains? I’m having the same problem with the soft footbed. Compared to the normal footbed, it feels small and tight. I’m eager to see if breaking it in helps!

By: Eric

Eric — Sat, 22 May 2021 12:05:54 +0000

In reply to Els.

Hi Els,
Thanks for stopping by. I guess your Sydneys are trying to change the way you walk and that is what’s causing the issue. Maybe it’s misaligning your ankles, hips, and back, which is what’s giving you shin splints. If you could go back to your Salinas, that would be your safe bet, if not, try another model and see how things go.

By: Els

Els — Sat, 22 May 2021 09:54:53 +0000

Hi.
I had Birckenstocks Salinas narrow for over 5years and they fitted perfectly. They were really worn and had lost support so I replaced them by Sydney narrow. The footbed on these however puch a lot at the outside of the middle/back part of my feet, pushing my feet more to the inside. I even start getting pain in the shin. Should I just keep on BREAKING them in or swap for a different model/size/fit. Following the size Guide I’m in between two sizes and also in between the narrow and normal fit. I now took the smallest size and narrow fit.
Thank you for you opinion.

By: Pam Greene

Pam Greene — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 20:53:58 +0000

Pam,
I appreciate your comments regular vs. soft footbed and narrow vs. Regular but here it is from the other side. I have not done a count but if we did I feel there would still be many more colors and styles in regular width and footbed over narrow and soft footbed. Please don’t discouraged Birkenstock from adding these to their line. I have Fibromyalgia(gotten from many years treatment for Lyme disease), as well as planters facetious. Recently diagnosed with neuropathy affecting my feet and legs. Plus lung disease, which have nothing to do with my feet. Not all people wanting these shoes want them to be cute and in style. For some of us fighting hard it’s because we need them, and want to feel cute and I have been so grateful for the fun new colors and styles. Thank you.

By: Pam Greene

Pam Greene — Tue, 27 Apr 2021 20:41:28 +0000

In reply to Wendy. Hi Wendy I have worn soft footbeds for years. Both clogs and sandals. I have never had a problem with sweat or smells.

By: Eric

Eric — Sun, 25 Apr 2021 05:00:53 +0000

In reply to Wendy. Hi Wendy, The soft footbed does absorb sweat but keeps your feet nice and dry. You don't have to worry about bad smells as far as I know. Just make sure you get the real ones and not a knock-off.

By: Wendy

Wendy — Sun, 25 Apr 2021 00:31:25 +0000

My concern with the soft foot bed is absorbing the persperation and stinking faster than the regular one does. Is my concern real?

By: Eric

Eric — Wed, 24 Mar 2021 13:29:49 +0000

In reply to Deborah Steinmiller.

Hi Deborah,
The footbed is pretty much the same and will need some breaking time.
The difference is you can’t tighten the straps on the big buckle style as much as you would do with your typical Arizona because the buckle is so big that it would dig into the top of your foot when walking especially if you a high instep.
Hope this helps.

By: Deborah Steinmiller

Deborah Steinmiller — Tue, 23 Mar 2021 22:52:05 +0000

I have been wearing the Arizona for years. My daughter bought a pair of the big buckle style for me and I am having a hard time breaking them in.
What is the difference between the Arizona and the big buckle?
My toes on my right foot hits the curve and hurts. I do have some health issues.