How To Break in Birkenstocks?

The question of how to break in Birkenstocks is common among those new to the brand. While Birkenstocks are incredibly comfortable, they can feel quite stiff at first.

When purchasing new footwear, there are several variables: type, style, quality, how often you’ll wear them, and, perhaps most importantly, comfort. No one likes breaking in new shoes, as it can be both time-consuming and painful.

Breaking into new shoes is a pain we can all relate. Breaking new shoes takes patience, but don’t be fooled by methods that may harm your shoes, such as placing them in the washing machine or microwave.

Below I am showing my tested methods for breaking Birkenstocks.

Birkenstocks are an excellent choice for keeping your feet comfortable, whether you’re spending a long day on your feet or just running around town. But how do you break in Birkenstocks, so they’re comfortable from the start?

There are better ways to break in your new shoes without damaging them.

If you’re looking to break in your new shoes quickly, we recommend the following methods:

1: Wearing New Birkenstocks

Walk in them for only 30-45 minutes a day. If you walk more, they can get dirty, and if you wear them for too little time, they will not get broken in. But if they start hurting you, take them off and try another day again.

2: Wear your Birkenstocks for 1-2 hours.

After a week of wearing them for shorter periods, you can start to wear them for longer. Start with an hour or two, and then gradually increase the time as your feet get used to them.

The more frequently you wear them, the quicker they shape your feet. If possible, walk in them for more extended periods each day to expedite the process.

3: Flex them gently to soften up the footbed.

As your Birkenstocks wear in, the footbed will soften and take on the shape of your feet. To help the process along, you can gently flex the shoes from side to side. Do this several times a day, and you’ll notice a difference in how they feel.

You can also roll it against the floor to help soften the footbed. Birkenstocks may initially feel stiff, but with time and patience, they will become some of the most comfortable shoes you own.

4: Use a hammer to soften any uncomfortable areas of the footbed.

If you have any particularly painful areas of the footbed, you can use a hammer to tap them gently; this will help to soften the area and make it more comfortable. Tap lightly, as you don’t want to damage the shoes.

The toe bar is a common area people find uncomfortable, so be sure to focus on that area. Give it a few whacks with the mallet, and you should notice a difference.

5: Add extra holes to the straps for a better fit.

If the straps on your Birkenstocks are too loose, you can add extra holes to get a better fit; this is quickly done with a leather punch or a sharp knife. You can heat a pin or screwdriver and poke new holes into the straps.

Just be careful not to overheat the leather, as you don’t want to damage it. Make sure not to make the holes too close together, as this could weaken the strap and cause it to break.

Give it a try and see how it feels. You can always try another size if the straps are too loose.

6: Sand down any uncomfortable parts of the footbed.

If any parts of the footbed are still uncomfortable, you can sand them down with sandpaper; this will help smooth any rough edges and make them more comfortable.

Just be sure to use fine-grit sandpaper, so you don’t damage the shoes. After sanding, you can apply a small amount of leather conditioner to help soften the footbed.

7: Chunky Socks

Wearing socks with your Birkenstocks will help to break them in more quickly. The socks will help to soften the footbed and make it more pliable. Just be sure to choose a thin pair of socks, so they don’t make your feet too hot. Wearing socks is a great way to break in your Birkenstocks if you live in a colder climate.

8: Blow Dry 

You don’t have to walk in your shoes to break them in. If you don’t have the time or the ability to wear them, you can try blow drying them. Just put on a pair of socks and then put your Birkenstocks on.

Turn the blow dryer on a low setting and hold it about 6 inches away from your shoes. Move the blow dryer around so that the heat is evenly distributed. Do this for about 15 seconds, and then take off your shoes and socks.

Let them cool for a few minutes before wearing them. The blow dryer’s heat will help soften the footbed and make it more comfortable.

9: The Ice Bag

If the heat doesn’t seem to fix the issue, or your shoes aren’t made of leather, don’t worry! There’s an easy way to stretch your shoes overnight.

All you need are two plastic freezer bags and water. Place the bags on the toe of each shoe before going to bed. And put it in the freezer overnight.

In the morning, remove the bags and let your shoes warm to room temperature. The ice will have helped to stretch the shoes and make them more comfortable.

10: Tighten the straps

You can always try tightening the straps if your shoes feel too loose; this is a great way to get a more comfortable fit without buying a new pair of shoes.

Just be sure not to make the straps too tight, as this could cause discomfort. Try tightening the straps a little at a time until you find the perfect fit.

Final verdict

When breaking in a new pair of Birkenstocks, you must be patient and take your time. The shoes will eventually mold to your feet and become more comfortable with each wear.

You can do a few things to speed up the process, such as wearing socks or sanding down the footbed. Just remember to take it slow and be careful not to damage the shoes.

With time and effort, you’ll have a new favorite pair of shoes in no time! So this was how to break in Birkenstocks! Do you have any tips on break in Birkenstocks? Let us know in the comments below!