Have a question?


We've collated our most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) below to help. Find answers about ordering, shipping, delivery, returns, and much more.


Still can't find what you're looking for? Contact us for more support. Our customer service team are available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

 

Online Orders

Q. Whom do I contact regarding my online order?
We are contactable by replying to your order confirmation email or via the ‘Contact Us’ link on the homepage. We will try to get back to you within 48-72 hours. Emails sent after 5pm on Friday will not be addressed until the following Monday.

Q. Why have I not received confirmation of my order?
There are a few reasons why you may not have received a confirmation after placing an order:

  1. - It may be that your email address has a typo, please check that your email address has been entered correctly.
  2. - The confirmation has gone into your junk/spam folder, please check there for your confirmation, particularly for Hotmail and Live accounts.
  3. - Alternatively, there may have been an error submitting the order. In the case of the latter we will contact you as soon as possible.

Q. Why have you contacted me to say the item is not in stock after I purchased it and it said ‘in stock’ on the website?
www.birkenstock.com.au endeavour to get all items ordered out to you as soon as possible. If there has been an unforeseen stock shortage in our warehouse, someone from our Customer Service team will contact you via email as soon as possible to let you know.If we are unable to supply your order, we will cancel your order and issue you a refund or credit note, depending on your form of original payment.

Q. I have purchased multiple pairs and only part of my order has arrived?
Sometimes www.birkenstock.com.au ships items in split shipments, this means multiple items may arrive separately. Normally, we will notify you of a split shipment via email. Please check your email (and junk mail folder) for a split shipment notification.
Otherwise, there may have been a picking error and the quantity overlooked.  Our sincerest apologies for this, if you did not receive notification of a split shipment and your correct order quantity has not arrived please contact our customer service team and we will rectify the situation for you as soon as possible.

Q. I would like to speak to someone on the weekend.
Office hours for online order assistance are Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm.The boutiques and HQ store do not have access to information regarding online orders, they are not connected to the online store. If you have a query about an order you have placed, please email or call the toll free number 1800 623 423 (option 1 for online) and leave a message. Staff check the messages before processing on Monday mornings. Queries for fitting advice can be answered by any of our three boutique stores, which are open on the weekends. You can find their opening hours here. We also have a comprehensive sizing and fitting page to assist you in finding the right fit here.

Q. I need to change/cancel my order.
If you would like to cancel an order that you have placed, please contact us as soon as possible via email or phone 1800 623 423 (option 1 for online). You can also quickly reply to the order confirmation email you received when placing your order so the details are already included. We will endeavour to accommodate your request, however once items are processed, they cannot be cancelled. Unfortunately, we are no longer able to change sizes or items in your order. If you have ordered the wrong item, you will need to cancel your order and place a new order with the correct size or style.

Q. How do I check the status of my order?
Order confirmation and shipping updates are sent via email, if you have not received any notification via email check your junk, spam or filtered promotions folders before contacting Customer Service. For status updates, log into your account and check your ‘Order History’. Located towards the right side of table is the ‘Status’.  This will indicate confirmed, cancelled, shipped, returned, refunded or on hold. If you are not a registered user simply email by replying to either your order confirmation or shipping email or contact the customer service team and include your order details.For tracking and updates on delivery status, post-despatch see below.

Q. How do I track my online order?
When your order despatches, you will receive an email with a tracking number and a link to the tracking page of the respective courier company’s website. There you can enter the tracking number and check the status of your order.If you have not received your shipping confirmation email (or your order confirmation email) within 2 working days of placing your order (items are not shipped on weekends or public holidays and may take extra days to despatch during the holiday period ), check your junk folder and filtered inbox folders first. If you still cannot locate the shipping confirmation email but have received an order confirmation, please contact our friendly customer service team with your order details.

Q. What payment methods do you accept?
Payments online can be made using Visa, MasterCard, AMEX and PayPal.

Q. I'm having difficulty using the website, can you help?
If you are experiencing any difficulties navigating the website or during the checkout process please contact our customer service team and outline the issue. We will endeavour to walk you through the website and rectify any issues you may be having.
We appreciate your understanding and patience while we look into the issues you have raised. Some may need some extra IT work and may not be resolved immediately.
It is important not to keep refreshing the page if you are waiting for a payment to clear in the payment page, as this will interfere with the charge process.

Q.  How long will it take my order to arrive?
www.birkenstock.com.au generally despatches orders within 1-2 working days. It may take up to 4 business days to despatch during busier times such as Christmas and Easter holidays. Please note we do not ship on weekends or public holidays.Normally, delivery times after despatch vary from next day delivery for some capital cities, to 3-5 working days for rural areas, and up to a week or more for remote locations. Delivery times are estimated and not guaranteed.www.birkenstock.com.au are not responsible for freight delays due to weather events or circumstances beyond our control. The strain on freight and courier services due to COVID-19 has caused major delays in shipping times Australia wide, this is beyond our control and we cannot expedite orders or guarantee next day or pre COVID-19 express delivery.

Q.  I have emailed several enquiries and have not received a reply?
Check your sent folder to make sure the email sent and the address you emailed was correct.Please Note: It may take 24-48hrs on business days to answer a query in busy times. check your junk/spam folder for a reply, if you still have not received a reply, please feel free to call us on 1800 623 423 - Select Option 1 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm) to check if we have received your email.

Shipping & Delivery

Q. How long will it take my order to arrive?
www.birkenstock.com.au generally despatches orders within 1-2 working days. However, during busy periods such as the lead up to Christmas and summer holidays and Easter Holidays it may take up to 4 business days to despatch. Please note we do not ship on weekends or public holidays.

Normally, delivery times after despatch vary from next day delivery for some capital cities, to 3-5 days for rural areas, and up to a week for remote locations. Delivery times are estimated and not guaranteed.

Shipment is via StarTrack couriers. For Post Office Boxes, Australia Post Express is used. If you require assistance to track your parcel after it has despatched, please contact StarTrack or Australia Post with your tracking number ready or contact our customer service team with your order details.

Q. Can I speed up my delivery?
No, all orders ship with premium express services, there is no way to speed up delivery. Orders placed online on any given week day are generally processed and shipped the following working day or the one after with the exception of public holidays and the lead up to Christmas.

Q. Can I ship to multiple addresses?
No, unfortunately, each order must have a single shipping address. If you are shopping for persons at multiple addresses, you will have to place each order separately.

Q. I have input my address incorrectly. Can you change it?
It is the customer's responsibility to enter all the correct address details for delivery. If you have made a mistake on your address or would like it changed contact customer service as soon as possible. Please note, if the order has been processed address changes are impossible and the order can only be cancelled provided it has not been despatched. Birkenstock.com.au does not guarantee delivery if the address is entered incorrectly.

Q. Can I use the Traditional Place Name in my shipping address?
Yes, if you would like to acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land your item is being delivered on, Australia Post have updated the guidelines for address formats. When including the Traditional Place Name in your shipping address, place the Traditional Place name after the recipient’s name, but before the street address, suburb or town. For more information, please see Addressing Guidlines - Australia Post.

Q. I have both PO Box and street address, which can I use?
Please choose one only, either a street address or the PO Box address. Do not input both addresses into the shipping details. This will delay your order until we can confirm a single address. Please see the Australia Post guidelines for addressing Addressing Guidlines - Australia Post.

We do ship to PO Boxes, so if this is your preferred shipping address, please only use this address.

Q. What is the latest you can guarantee delivery before Christmas?
Due to the ongoing global supply chain issues and impact on the freight system Australia wide caused by COVID-19, cut-off for pre-Christmas delivery is usually the first week of December. Exact dates will vary year to year and will be displayed in the lead up to December. We cannot guarantee any delivery times but will endeavour to get orders despatched as near normal speed as possible.

If you have ordered well in advance and not received your order within 7-10 working days of placing it, please check the tracking details online or through the courier service provided in your tracking email. If there is an issue with delivery, please contact our customer service team for help as soon as possible, so we can look into the consignment for you.

Q. If I place an order over the Christmas holiday, will it arrive before New Year’s Eve?
It is unlikely orders placed over the Christmas break will arrive before New Year’s Eve. Orders will be despatched on the first non-public holiday, working week day after Christmas, there is usually a backlog of orders and it may take longer than usual to process and despatch the orders.

Q. The tracking status for my order says 'delivered' but I can't locate it, what should I do?
It’s not uncommon for parcels to be delivered shortly after the tracking has been updated as delivered. In most cases, the parcel will turn up. Sometimes, if you are not home to receive the delivery, the delivery drivers may tuck it away in a safe spot where it is less noticeable or out of direct line of sight. Please check any areas that could be a hiding spot around your home. If the parcel can’t be located on your premises, we suggest following up with the carrier and confirm where the driver delivered the parcel.

If you are still unable to locate your parcel, please contact the online customer service team with your order number, tracking number and if available, the case number provided by the carrier

If your package has not been delivered or located on premises within 2 days of the delivered notification, please contact the carrier for Proof of Delivery (POD) and advise customer service as soon as possible. Our customer service team are available Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm.

Q. Do you ship internationally?
No. Unfortunately, we only ship within Australia. Every country has its own Birkenstock distribution network. International shipping of individual pairs has a considerable environmental impact and therefore, does not comply with our sustainability commitments.

Returns

Q. What is your returns process?
To return an order;
Wrong Size? Check your correct size before starting the return process.
Unsure you have the right size? So many returned orders are actually the correct size, to prevent repeat returns and to help ease congestion in the freight system, check our comprehensive sizing and fitting guide.
Need a second opinion on the fit? We are happy to help and walk you through a fitting.

  • For change of mind returns, please use the Birkenstock Australia Online Store return portal. Enter your Order ID number and the email the order was placed under to start the return process. Choose your return outcome, refund or credit. Visit our returns portal to get started: https://birkenstockaustralia.loopreturns.com

  • Once you have lodged a return request a return confirmation email will be sent with a link to our Australia Post return portal where the shipping label is created at a flat rate of $13.10.

  • Print the label or take the code to the post office to be scanned and printed for you. Affix to the reusable shipping box and post.

You can find our returns policy details here.

Q. What does return eligibility mean?
To be eligible for return, all products must be in their original condition and packaging. That means that they must be in new, unused, and unworn condition.If the product shows any signs of wear, the return will not be accepted. For example, sweat or dirty marks on the suede lining of the footbed, sand or dirt in the grooves of the sole, scuffed uppers etc. (Faulty items exempt).

Please do not write on the product packaging or use sticky tape on the boxes. Where possible, we try to minimise waste by reusing boxes as part of our sustainability commitment.

Due to hygiene reasons, we do not accept returned socks and hosiery if removed from the packaging.

Q. The Item I ordered is faulty. What do I do?
If your order is damaged or faulty upon delivery, www.birkenstock.com.au will replace or repair them on the condition that written notification of their damage is advised (via email) to our customer service team within three (3) days of receipt of goods.  Please include your order details such as name, order number and a description of the fault. You can also attach images of the fault where possible.

The customer service team will advise how to proceed with returning the faulty or damaged goods as quickly as possible.

Q. Can I exchange my order?
Due to new restrictions at our warehouse, we no longer offer direct exchanges, upon receipt of your return, we will refund your order or issue an online credit note for you to repurchase the size or style you need via the website.We will also do all we can to help you find the correct size or should you wish, a style that suits better.

Q. Can I return my order for a refund?
www.birkenstock.com.au is dedicated to providing their customers with quality products, ensuring that each transaction results in a satisfactory shopping experience. We are happy to refund orders provided they fit our return criteria. Credit Card refunds may take up to 5-10 days to clear from day of refund and PayPal transactions may take up to 3 days to clear.

Q.  Can I return to you a pair of Birkenstocks I purchased while traveling overseas?
www.birkenstock.com.au is operated by Birkenstock Australia and is a separate independent Birkenstock retailer. This website is not connected with other Birkenstock companies internationally. We cannot refund or exchange any goods purchased internationally.You will have to contact the retailer you purchased from and return your goods to them according to their returns policy.

Q.  I have received a pair of Birkenstocks as a gift. However, they are not suitable; can I return them without a proof of purchase?
www.birkenstock.com.au only accept returns of shoes purchased directly from us. There are many Birkenstock retailers in Australia and internationally. We require a proof of purchase for all returns. If you cannot provide a tax invoice receipt, you can provide the order number or the contact details of the person who made the original purchase.

Sizing and Fitting

Q. Do you offer fitting assistance?
Yes!  We offer fitting and sizing assistance, all online customer service staff have had hands-on fitting experience in our boutiques. For your convenience, we have a step-by-step measuring and fitting guide as well as a size calculator: Sizing & Fit Guide.

We also have a sizing chart, which offers a summery and linked measurements to products available in that size. Or, if you would like some in-depth assistance about fit you can call or email the customer service team for fitting advice.

Please note, all these measurement guides have been created to guide only. The calculator can only compute sizes and cannot take into consideration the many nuances in shape that occur in human feet naturally. As a measurement calculator, it is great for an overall guide to determine size and fit but calculations may not always suit.

Q. How do I know if I need a regular or a narrow width?
The majority of people are a regular fitting. When you first try a pair of Birkenstocks, they may seem large and roomy. Once you take into consideration how a Birkenstock fits and that its design is not like a narrow fashion shoe but encourages your toes to spread outwards naturally, you should be able to gauge the correct width.

You can adjust and tighten the straps in a sandal, if the straps are still too loose on your foot you can have extra holes punched in the strap or if there is significant room on either side of your foot in the footbed you are most likely a narrow. In a narrow fitting, you should still have some space along the sides of your feet and they should not ride up along the side rims of the footbed. You can find the width measurements, as well as step-by-step measurement instructions, a fit calculator and example images of a correctly fitted footbed on our sizing and fitting information page mentioned above.

On the footbed of all Birkenstocks, there is a little printed footprint. The narrow width has a solid footprint; the regular width has an outline of a footprint.

Q. Is it normal for my feet to hurt after wearing my new Birkenstocks? How long does it take to break in a new pair?
We recommend you should break in a new pair of Birkenstocks slowly. Start by wearing them around your house and increase the time you wear them gradually. It can take time for your foot to adjust to the contours of the footbed, and for the cork/latex to flex and mould. Ideally, an hour or two at a time until you feel comfortable to increase to a longer period.

Care and Repairs

Q. Can my Birkenstocks be repaired?
Yes!  As part of our sustainability commitment, we try to encourage repair as much as possible to keep thousands of pairs going into landfill. Repairing is also usually a little more cost effective for the customer than purchasing a new pair. We offer a number of services to ensure the continued best comfort and value for money. All repairs are assessed on a case-by-case basis. As people's feet differ, so too does the wear of their Birkenstocks.

Sole Repair and Replacement
For those who wear the heels and tips of their shoes first, heel and toe tab replacements are available. These should be replaced before the sole begins to wear away at the cork footbed. For those who are particularly hard on their heels, hardwearing heel tabs are also available. These are best done when the soles are still relatively new to further extend the life of your shoes.

When the soles are worn evenly, (i.e. when the tread pattern of the soles can no longer be seen) it is time for a complete sole replacement. Sole replacements are available for sandals as well as some shoes.

Coloured and specialty soles on limited edition styles or seasonal specials may not always be available as a repair material.

Cork Reseal and Repair
The Birkenstock cork footbed is designed for support, flexibility and comfort, to mimic the support conditions when walking on wet sand.  Over time, through use and environment the cork can dry, crack or crumble.A cork reseal or cork repair is one of the simplest ways to revive and strengthen your favourite pair of Birkenstocks and add to their longevity. A cork reseal is exactly as it sounds, a protective sealant, reapplied to the exposed cork around the edges on the footbed.

Some Birkenstocks may need a small or large cork repair, this fills in and rebuilds the cork in the footbed that has been worn away or crumbled from use or impact.

Small flex point cracks in the footbed where the ball of the foot rolls and flexes as you move are a common occurrence and not considered a fault. These can be repaired for aesthetics but do not affect the integrity of the footbed.

Buckle Replacement
Bent or broken buckle parts such as the prongs can be replaced. The exact same buckle on limited edition or seasonal styles may not always be available as a repair material.

Toe Piece Repair
The thong styles such as Gizeh, Ramses and Medina can have the plastic toe piece replaced. Other popular styles with a material toe piece such as the Yara and Mayari can also be repaired.

Q. Why is the cork dry and crumbling?
Birkenstocks with an exposed cork footbed, may require cork repair due to general wear over time. This is achieved by using heat-moulded cork, which we re-build and grind back to the original shape of the footbed. To extend the life of your cork footbed we suggest you maintain the light covering of cork sealant around the edge, which protects the cork from the elements and prevents it from drying out.

Please note that both the footbed and soles of Birkenstock shoes can be damaged by exposure to extreme heat and water. Australia’s extreme summer temperatures can be harsher than cooler European climates. Do not leave them in direct sunlight, even inside under a window, right beside a fire or in a hot car in summer, and if they become wet, dry them out slowly, away from direct heat, never directly in front of a heater.

Q. How do I get my Birkenstocks repaired?
To arrange a repair assessment, email a Workshop Repair Request or call them directly on 1800 623 423 (Option 2 for Workshop).

Our three boutiques facilitate repair in-take; you can drop your shoes into one of the stores or post them to be assessed. Most of our boutique staff can make a broad assessment and inform about repair types available but all repairs require an official assessment made exclusively by the workshop.

Please do not post repairs to the stores without contacting prior and make sure contact information is correct and included in the parcel.

Try to include BOTH shoes from the pair, when sending or dropping in for an assessment, even if only one looks to be in need of repair.

Q. I don't live in Melbourne; can I still get repairs done?
Yes, you can contact the Birkenstock Workshop at Clifton Hill to post in your Birkenstocks for repair. It is always best to contact them before you send your Birkenstocks in so they have your contact details and information regarding the repair case.

Some independent stockists also take in Birkenstocks for repair. You will need to refer to their repair information and policies for prices and processes.

Q. Can I send a single shoe for repair?
Try to avoid sending a single shoe. It is always best to send the pair.

Q. How long does a repair take?
Turnaround time for repairs will vary at different times of the year. Summer is peak time and will take longer than the winter months. Ask your retailer for the current turnaround time when you drop your shoes off for repair or contact us for a turnaround estimate.

Online Gift Card Information

Q. Can you buy gift cards online and where can you use them?
Yes, we offer online gift cards.Gift cards purchased on this website can only be used on Birkenstock Australia's online store. They cannot be redeemed in stores or on any other independent Birkenstock retailer's online store.

Online gift cards are delivered digitally and contain a printable PNG image file, the gift card amount, expiry date and a link to the code to redeem online. Instructions on how to redeem are included in the email. The gift card will be sent to the email address used to place the order.

Gift cards are non-refundable and are not redeemable for cash

Q. Why is my gift card not working?
If your gift card was purchased prior to our website changeover on the 27th June 2022, then your gift voucher code has changed. Due to privacy reasons, when our gift voucher codes were migrated over to our new website, none of the customer details were made accessible to us. Unfortunately, this means that we have not been able to contact each gift card holder to let them know of their new code. Please contact us at help@birkenstock.com.au if your gift card is not working and we will let you know the new code.

Please note we are not operational on weekends or public holidays, if you contact us on a weekend or holiday, we will get back to you first thing on Monday morning or the next working business day.

Q. I ordered a gift card online and it has not arrived.
Online gift cards are digital and will send to the email address used to place the order. The purchaser will firstly receive a normal order confirmation. This will not include the gift card.

The gift card is sent separately to the email address used to place the order, although instant it may take a few minutes to come through.

If the payment has gone through and you have not received a confirmation email or the gift card email check the junk or spam folder and that the inbox does not have a block on receiving image files. If you have checked out using an express method such as ShopPay, GooglePay, or PayPal Express, Take note of the email address linked to that account as the order and gift card will default to that email address.

If everything seems in order and you still have not received the gift card, please contact our customer service team for assistance at help@birkenstock.com.au.

Q. My online gift card is about to expire, can you extend it?
If your gift card is about to expire and you would like it extended, please contact us with your existing gift card code at help@birkenstock.com.au.

Expiration dates are automatically generated at three years from the date of purchase. We aim to be flexible with gift cards that have expired, however if they have expired, they will not be able to be validated at checkout when entered please contact us.

Account

Q. I cannot login to my account. Can you change my password?
To reset your password, please use the automated ‘Forgot password’ email link on the login page.

Q. How do I access my account page?
If you are a registered user, you can log into your account by selecting the account icon located at the top right corner of the website header. Just click and sign in.

Q. How can I change my account details?
Once signed-in you can edit your details, saved addresses, wishlist and change your password. You can also see your previous ordering history. Please note, If you changed any aspect of your order in the past before shipping, returned or exchanged your order, the changes will not show in the order history, you will need to contact Customer Service for updated details.

Q. Can I see what I have previously ordered?
If you are a registered user, you can find your previous ordering history in your account page (see above question).

If you have checked out as a guest and would like information on previous items that you purchased you can contact our customer service team.

Product Availability

Q. What happens if an item in my order is not available?
If there has been an unforeseen stock shortage in our warehouse, someone from our Customer Service team will contact you via email as soon as possible to let you know.If we are unable to supply your order, we will cancel your order and issue you a refund or credit note, depending on your form of original payment.

Q. Can I find the same products offered online also in stores?
www.birkenstock.com.au ventures to stock as large a range as possible. Most of these styles can also be found across retailers in Australia, but not all. Our three boutiques endeavour to stock as many similar items to the online store as possible.

Q. How do I find out if a product is available at a store near me?
The best way to find out if your local store is an independent stockist or a Birkenstock mono store is to use the store and stockist finder on our website here. Stockists do not always stock the same items as our online store. It is always better to contact the store directly prior to travelling to check if they stock the item you are looking for and when their opening hours are.

Q. Are the prices the same online and in store?
Birkenstock Australia set the recommended retail price for Birkenstock products in Australia. We follow these prices online and in our three mono store boutiques. Other stockists in Australia are independent retailers and Birkenstock.com.au are not responsible for their pricing choices. We do not price match.

Q. Do you offer large sizes EU 46 +?
The Birkenstock core classic range offers some styles larger sizing.

In sandals, the Arizona, Ramses, Milano and Boston are available in some colours and materials up to size 50.

The Profi Birki, Super Birki, Tokio, London and the QO and QS work shoes are available up to size 48.

The Traditional Blue Footbed insoles are also manufactured up to size 48.

Although we try to keep as many of the larger styles in stock as possible, they do sell out. Please contact our Customer Service team if you cannot find any of larger sizes on our website and have any queries regarding availability.

Q. How long will items stay in my cart?
Carts clear every 40 minutes.

Q. Why is the item I want still out of stock?
Despite our best forecasting efforts, stock shortages may occur for a variety of reasons. Most commonly, this is down to production issues or import delivery delays. Some styles are also seasonal and limited.You can contact our Customer Service team to check on the arrival of a style or to check if any other retailers have received stock of that item.

Q. Can you advise me where to purchase an item you do not stock?
Yes, please contact Customer Service, we are more than happy to pass on details of other retailers who have received the item you are after.

Q. Why can't I find my favourite style any more?
Generally, styles that are hard to find may have been seasonal items in limited supply or discontinued by the manufacturers.

Q. I have seen a great pair of Birkenstocks on another website, but not on your website. Where can I get them?
We try to keep a large variety of styles, colours and sizes in stock that suit the majority of our customers. It is unfortunately, impossible to stock absolutely everything. Foreign markets may have specialty styles or colours made specifically for their market or made available only to that market. Birkenstock has staple, core styles that are usually available all year round. In addition to the classic core range, there are seasonal specials, which are released and available in limited quantities. If you find something you like elsewhere, you are welcome to contact us to find out more about the availability of that style.

General Product FAQs

Q. Which Birkenstocks are more comfortable?
Other than personal taste and preference, there is no one style that is more comfortable than another style is. Birkenstock have designed many different strap configurations and shoe styles atop the contoured footbeds both classic and soft cushioned to help wearers find a style that works best for them. What is comfortable for one person may not work for another so it is important to feel how a style fits as much as to see how it fits.

Q. Are Birkenstocks good for wide flat feet?
Many consider Birkenstocks to be a generous fitting shoe; however, there are limits on the width of a pair of Birkenstocks. It is important that the foot still fit inside the rim of the footbed with a little space and that the arch support and contoured areas are positioned in the correct place for optimal comfort, stability and support. Birkenstocks as mentioned above may be very comfortable and supportive for a person with flat feet but may be too contoured for some. Soft Footbed styles are popular as they can soften out the contours but they may not be the right choice for everyone. Always seek advice from your podiatrist regarding foot concerns and footwear.

Q. Can you get Birkenstocks wet?
We offer water-friendly styles made of EVA. Most styles should not be immersed in water as over-saturation can compromise the integrity of the sealant materials. Hydrophobic styles are water-resistant, but still should not be submerged.

Q. Can you wear Birkenstocks to the beach?
Birkenstock EVA’s are designed to be worn to the beach or by the pool. They are the only Birkenstock sandal which are completely water-friendly.

Q. What is material EVA?
EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) is a high-quality, very light, elastic material with very good cushioning. As a result, it smooths out slight irregularities in the floor and ensures that every step is softly cushioned.

Q. What does Birko-Flor mean in Birkenstocks?
Birko-Flor is a skin-friendly, tear-resistant and easy-care synthetic material, which is used exclusively by Birkenstock.

Q. What is the difference between BirkiBuc and Birko-Flor?
Birkibuc is a synthetic material made from felt fibres and has a textured surface designed to mimic the look and feel of nubuck leather. Birko-Flor is a soft, synthetic leather-like fabric with a smooth finish.

Q. What is the difference between Birko-Flor and leather?
Birko-Flor is a synthetic material and leather is a natural product.

Q. Are Birkenstocks good for walking long distances?
The EVA range of Birkenstock sandals are not designed for walking long distances. Birkenstock do not manufacture hiking shoes, however for smaller walks and day-to-day wear Birkenstocks can provide optimal comfort and support across many styles.

Q. How often should you replace Birkenstocks?
There is no finite answer to this as people’s preferences can vary greatly as do wear patterns, correct fit and timing. We offer repair services in our workshop specifically for Birkenstock sandals and shoes and hope that rather than having to replace a pair of much loved sandals, wearers of Birkenstocks will enlist those services to maintain the life expectancy of the sandals.

Q. I would love a little pair of Arizona for my child, why can’t I find Birkenstocks in sizes smaller than 24EU?
Birkenstocks are not manufactured below size 24EU. Children’s feet are still developing at ages where their feet maybe this size or smaller. The bones in their feet are still soft and it is not recommended for children to wear such heavily contoured footbeds.

Q. How do I know what size Birkenstocks to buy?
Many Birkenstock models are available in two widths – narrow and regular. In order to determine which width is right for you, please visit our step by step guide to determine your best fit. Of course, this is a guide only and even when fitting in store with a foot measure it is quite common to need to go up or down a size depending on the unique proportions of people’s feet. The style of shoe you choose can also have an impact on sizing.

Q. Do Birkenstocks run big or small?
Birkenstocks are designed to fit with 5mm space at your toes and 5mm space at the back of your heels. They are not designed to fit snuggly end to end.

Q. How do I know if my Birkenstocks fit?
Please see our more detailed information on Fit Assistance.

Q. Should Birkenstocks be loose or tight?
Birkenstocks should not be tight. Whether they are in sandal or shoe form. Ideally, they should fit comfortably with some wriggle room, without pressure on the skin, or cutting into the skin but also not with gaping, loose straps.

Q. Is there a difference between male and female Birkenstocks?
Some Birkenstock styles are unisex (e.g., the Arizona) and some have been designed with women's styling and movement in mind (e.g., the Mayari and Madrid). Please ensure that you are ordering the correct gender/size during checkout.

Q. How long does it take to break in a pair of Birkenstocks?
We recommend you should break in a new pair of BIRKENSTOCK shoes slowly. Start by wearing them around your house and increase the time you wear them gradually. It can take time for your foot to adjust to the contours of the footbed, and for the cork/latex to flex and mould. Ideally, an hour or two at a time until you feel comfortable to increase to a longer period.

Q. What do the three numbers such as 245 mean on Birkenstocks?
The three numbers on the Birkenstock footbed indicate the length of the footbed. For example, 245 means the footbed length is 245mm and this is indicative of a size 38.

Q. Why does the colour of my Tabacco Brown leather Birkenstocks look so different to the image?
The Habana Brown and particularly the Tobacco Brown natural oiled leather are very rustic and temperamental leathers. These oiled leathers are designed to appear stressed and rustic looking. As the oil moves about the surface the colour can scuff and change dramatically in patches. Sometimes leather will appear lighter or darker depending on the oil content and the leather batch itself, showing lighter in patches where the oil has dispersed and dried or darker where the oil has settled. This oil will disperse as the straps are bent, or the leather is moved, changing the colour. This includes movement in the box when they jostle against each other and the tissue paper packaging in transit. The colour will change frequently showing scuff-like marks and crackling as the oil disperses. After being worn for some time, a darker pair may lighten as they are exposed to wear in the everyday sunlight or warm dry temperatures. Similarly, a lighter coloured pair may darken over time if conditioned with leather conditioning products or exposed to everyday oils in their environment.

Size assistant

Welcome to the Birkenstock Size Assistant!

Let us help you find the size you’ll be most comfortable in.
Approx time to complete: 5 minutes
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Or see what a good Birkenstock fit looks like

Your recommended Birkenstock size is

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Measuring Tips

Measuring Tips

We recommend using a pencil or a ballpoint pen.

A thick pen can distort the result.

It’s best to measure your feet in the evening as they may expand during the day.