A guide to Birkenstock Sandal Footbeds
The original Birkenstock Sandal Footbed is the basis of a wide range of Birkenstock styles. Throughout this blog you will find a breakdown of the various styles that use this Footbed.
Before going into each style, it's important to know the features found on the Birkenstock Footbed. Below is a diagram showing the key orthotic sections and how they help support your feet.
Classic Footbed
The Original Birkenstock Sandal Footbed is used across an extensive range of Birkenstock Sandals, Clogs and Closed Shoes.
The Clogs and Sandals which are built around these Footbeds have an EVA outsole.
The Original Birkenstock Sandal Footbed mirrors the shape of a healthy foot and replicates the sensation of walking barefoot in nature. The anatomically contoured construction of these Footbeds is designed to be naturally shock absorbing.
You can identify the Original Classic Footbed by the black logo and type on the footbed liner. Some older models will have yellow text and icons.
The Cork Latex Footbed is sandwiched between two stabilizing layers of jute and finished with a suede leather liner.
These Clogs and Sandals are intended for everyday street wear, with an additional range designed for Professional use.
We recommend gentle cleaning using Birkenstock Shoe Care
Soft Footbed
The Birkenstock Soft Footbed (SFB) has the same contours and features as the Original Classic Footbed with a layer of latex foam under the suede liner for extra cushioning and comfort.
You can identify the Soft Footbed by the blue icon and type on the Footbed Liner as well as the Soft Footbed logo on the Heel Cup.
The extra layer of foam means that the Soft Footbed can retain heat compared with the Original Classic Footbed.
Birkenstock Soft Footbed styles can feel slightly tighter until they are broken in, but they are easier to break in, due to the extra cushioning.
We recommend gentle cleaning using Birkenstock Shoe Care
Smooth Leather Exquisite Footbed
The Exquisite Footbed is a leather-lined, premium version of the Original Classic Footbed.
It uses the same materials and construction as the Original Classic Footbed with a smooth leather footbed liner instead of suede.
The Footbed Edge of Exquisite Footbeds is painstakingly handcrafted using matching smooth leather or suede.
The Birkenstock Exquisite Footbed can be identified by the metallic wording and icons on the Footbed Liners
We recommend gentle cleaning using Birkenstock Shoe Care
Suede Leather Exquisite Footbed
Similar to the smooth leather variation, the suede leather Exquisite footbed is another premium option that can also be identified by the metallic lettering and logos on the footbed liner. Along with the suede leather uppers, the outer edge of the footbed also features a suede lining. The footbed liner, however, is a layer of smooth leather.
Semi-Exquisite Footbed
The Birkenstock Semi-Exquisite Footbed features a leather Footbed Liner leaving the cork Footbed Edge visible.
Semi-Exquisite Footbed liners are designed to match the seasonal uppers.
These styles can be idented by the metallic text and logos on the Footbed Liners.
Birkenstock Semi-Exquisite Footbed liners are made with smooth or oiled leather.
We recommend gentle cleaning using Birkenstock Shoe Care
Vegan Footbed
The Birkenstock Vegan Footbed has the same contours and features as the Original Classic Footbed.
These Footbeds are produced in a separate production facility which is animal DNA free and endorsed by PETA.
Birkenstock Vegan Footbeds can be identified by the green lettering and logos on the Footbed Liner, with a leaf imprint on the Heel Cup.
Birkenstock Vegan sandals have a durable microfiber Footbed Lining designed to resemble suede.
We recommend gentle cleaning using Birkenstock Shoe Care
PU Footbed
Featured as a part of the Adventure range, our PU (polyurethane) footbed is built for outdoor activities with a focus on resorption and durability. You can identify these models by the sizing and logos having been embossed directly into the Footbed. It's worth noting that certain styles, such as the Cross Town range, feature a similar polyurethane outsole but don't share the same footbed.
EVA Footbed
Our water-ready styles are constructed from single-piece molded EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate). Like the polyurethane footbed you can identify these by the embossed sizing and logos, though older variations may have the sizing information printed on the footbed. Unlike polyurethane models, EVA styles are intended for light wear around wet areas such as the pool or beach. It's important that they aren't left in hot environments or direct sunlight, as this can cause EVA to shrink.
Papillio Cork PU Wedge Footbed
The Papillio footbed is similar to the Classic footbed; suede-lined with exposed cork at its edges. However, as the Papillio range consists of wedge and platform styles it has less-pronounced arch and toe ridges as well as either a highly-cushioned footbed in the higher wedge styles or a more traditional, firm footbed in the lower wedges.
Papillio PU wedge Footbed
The Papillio Exquisite footbed features a smooth leather Footbed Liner with a heightened EVA outsole. These styles can too be identified by the metallic Papillio logo and icons. Like other smooth leather footbed products we don't recommend using abrasive cleaners to maintain your pair.
Papillio Footbed
The Chunky variant of the Papillio footbed fits narrow to medium feet. It has a suede leather footbed liner and an exposed cork edge with a Chunky EVA outsole. The Chunky soles feature an enlarged tread for comfort and flexibility, ensuring a smooth walking experience.
Papillio Exquisite Footbed
The Chunky variant of the Papillio footbed also comes with an exquisite Footbed Liner which covers the footbed and the cork footbed edge with smooth leather. The Exquisite smooth leather liner prolongs the life of the cork latex footbed. We recommend using appropriate Birkenstock Shoe Care products to maintain your Papillio Exquisite sandals.
