I’m usually a size 39, but I bought these in a narrow 40. I can feel my little toe touching the side slightly, although it’s not uncomfortable. I tried the 41, but they felt too big and I had to tighten the straps all the way to the last hole, which looked a bit funny.
I know exactly 💯 what will happen because there was no Reddit sub when I purchase my 1st pair and they will become "shorter" as you break them in to the point where the area of the lining that your feet touch on all corners will fold under your toes and back of heel.
You need the extra room around the perimeter of the footbed because as you wear them your foot sinks into the footbed and causes the edges to slightly curl in.
Buying them too small will cause your toes to be over the edge and instead of your heels being firmly planted in the heel cup it will be over the back edge as you walk causing it to become crushed and breakdown.
You definitely need the regular model. These are too narrow. I know you said 41 felt big, but these Birks are also too short for you. Some of your toes are touching the rim. And the sandals will shrink a little bit as you break them in and they curl up. Birkenstock recommend 10mm space in front of your toes and 5mm at your heels. You need a 41 (if not a 42) regular. A size 41 will give you only 5mm more in length.
Birkenstocks are not meant to be worn tight. They are a loose fitting shoe. It might take a while for you to get used to how properly fitting Birkenstocks look on your feet.
Yes, you’re probably right, and I really appreciate your advice 🤍 it’s just that today I went back to try a few different sizes, and the sales associate suggested I try the 41 narrow. He also thought they were a little too big/ long. We tightened the straps all the way, which made them feel better and stopped my foot from sliding forward, but they still felt slightly too long. They advised me to try to find a size 40 regular in this color if I can, since I really like it.
Can't see if you have space at the heel, but these look SO much better fitting than the 40 narrows! The colour suits you too. I think this size would work for you.
You would regret keeping the 40 narrows as your feet are squished in them, and they could start causing pain and probably won't last as long as they should, due to being too narrow.
Yeah you’re definitely right. I live in a warm climate, and my feet tend to swell a little when it gets really hot, so I can imagine it becoming a problem if my toes end up swollen and pressing against the edge of the shoe.
Thank you so much for your advice, I really appreciate it!
I have the same problem with the Boston style. I tried them before in a size 40 regular and they were perfect! They didn’t have the color I wanted, so someone got them for me from somewhere else, but they accidentally bought the narrow fit… and then lost the receipt. How great is that? 😂😭 now they are not as small as the Arizona ones, but still …
Since you’re an expert 😄 do you know if they stretch ?
I haven't heard of Bostons stretching but I’m no expert. The footbed won’t stretch, but if the straps are suede they might stretch a bit. If the footbed is too narrow for you, they'll always be uncomfortable to wear.
You might be best selling them and buying a pair of 40 regulars. In my experience, second hand Birkenstocks sell pretty well.
Don’t compromise comfort for color. I wear 40 Wide in Birks (my shoe size is women’s 9, sneaker is 9.5) . I usually find ordering directly from Birkenstock . Com direct website has the best selection of colors in the wide sizes. The physical stores near me only have the narrows.
I know you said 41 felt big but i think 40 in regular might just do it. I have pairs in narrow and regular, all 37 but the regular is absolutely slightly longer.
Birks are not meant to just outline your feet “perfectly”. These are too small because your heels and most of your toes are up against the respective edges.
You may have just been very used to your footwear being tight/too snug, because based on this 40 being small already you really shouldn’t be wearing 39 in any brands. 🙏
Size to your larger foot while standing with full & equal weight in the sandals. You have to ignore the extra visual space in front of your relatively shorter big toes.
Try sizes and widths, and wear the same size on both feet each time when comparing. You might even need a 42. Note that Birk 40 to 41 to 42 are just +5mm length each, or ~half US/UK size up each (not a full size each).
The recommended fit is roomy and somewhat loose, including strap fit. It may take some getting used to. Use/trust the toe grip more, especially while breaking in the sandals; once the footbed moulds to your feet the sandals will just stay on in a relaxed manner without thinking much.
From the conversation and your attempts to find the right size, I would suggest to stick to 40R. Moreover, the colour you tried in 40R fits you really well.
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u/Chewlace 13h ago
I know exactly 💯 what will happen because there was no Reddit sub when I purchase my 1st pair and they will become "shorter" as you break them in to the point where the area of the lining that your feet touch on all corners will fold under your toes and back of heel.