A period of breaking in before you can really get the full comfort potential out of them is what makes them a great choice for keeping your feet comfortable when you want to wear sandals.Slowly increasing the amount of time you wear them each day will break them in, while making any adjustments or physical changes to the sandals to better fit your feet will ensure they're comfortable as you do.You will soon get some incredibly supportive footwear that you can walk in for as long as you want.
Step 1: Walk in them for 30 minutes on the first day.
Before the cork material of the Birkenstock's footbed has shaped to them, going longer can put more strain on your feet.They should be taken off if they start hurting before 30 minutes is up.If you wear socks the first few times, you may be able to transition to going barefoot.
Step 2: For the next few weeks, wear your Birkenstocks for 1-2 hours a day.
The better shape of your individual foot can be improved by walking in them each day.Try to increase the length of time you walk in them to speed up the process.Before taking long walks in your Birkenstocks, follow this method to make sure they are comfortable to use.If you are planning a vacation that involves lots of walking, this is important.
Step 3: If they are breaking in, look for your foot's impression in the footbed.
You should be able to see an outline of your feet as you wear them.Each time you wear them, they become better formed to the shape of your feet.It's the only way to make them more comfortable to wear.
Step 4: When you get the shoe, gently flex it to make it softer.
When taking them out of the box, they may feel stiff.Take the front and back of the shoe and twist them in opposite directions at the same time.You can bend it against a heavy piece of furniture to make it roll against the floor.
Step 5: The uncomfortable parts of the footbed can be softened with a hammer.
The toe bar is where people complain about their shoes.To loosen the cork where it's bothering you, take a small mallet and hold it to the footbed.Give it several hits, pressing the footbed with your fingers to see how soft it is, and keep going until you feel it will form to the shape of your foot.You might weaken the supporting nature of the footbed if you hammer too much.
Step 6: Extra holes are added to the straps to make them tighter.
Adding an extra hole to the strap may help in securing your foot better, and add a degree of comfort when you walk.To make a new hole in the strap, you can pierce through the leather with a pin or screw.Make it easier to use by widening the hole.
Step 7: There are uncomfortable parts of the Birkenstocks.
If there is a section of the strap that rubs against the top of your foot, sandpaper can be used.Rub down the underside of the strap to make it more comfortable.If you sand them too much, you may end up making them more uncomfortable or damaging the shoe.
Step 8: The sandal is completely unbuckled.
Line up the arches of your own foot with the ones built into the Birkenstocks, and let the toe bar rest underneath your toes.Rest your foot so it can fit in the cup.The toes should not extend beyond the length of the footbed.In this case, grab a larger size.
Step 9: The edge of the sandal should be aligned with your toes.
Make sure you have enough space around the perimeter of your foot for your heels and toes, as well as on the sides of the feet.You should leave yourself a little bit of room for your foot to move while you walk.
Step 10: If you want to fit one finger under the straps, tighten them.
Adhere the sandals to your foot with care.Buckle should be adjusted so that your foot is not too tight when you tighten it.If you can still wiggle a finger under the strap, you might be able to test this.The support from the sandal will come from your foot resting on the footbed, not from how tight the straps are.
Step 11: If you still feel uncomfortable, read the straps.
While out walking the natural movement of your foot may cause it to rub against the sandal, you may have adjusted properly at home.If something is bothering you, a strap on the sandal, such as the ones going over the top of your foot or your toes, may not be properly tight or loose enough.They will be ready for the next time if you make any of the changes while you are walking.Depending on the shape or size of your feet, you may need to adjust the straps.