topic Re: Do Birkenstock Footbeds Lose Their Cushion? in Shoes

Do Birkenstock Footbeds Lose Their Cushion?

dsw503 — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 00:29:32 GMT

Have a pair of Birkies that I bought as a TSV 4-5 years ago. They've always been comfortable for long distance walking. This year when I put them on, they feel too hard and not at all comfortable anymore. I've tried them for short distances to see if I just need to get used to them after not wearing since last summer. That isn't helping.

Wondering if they are wearing out. Has anyone else had this happen? Not sure if it's me or them!

Re: Do Birkenstock Footbeds Lose Their Cushion?

lolakimono — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 00:30:52 GMT

They shouldn't. Are they the regular footbed or the soft footbed?

And how do the soles look, wear wise?

Re: Do Birkenstock Footbeds Lose Their Cushion?

kivah — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 00:34:31 GMT

I have several pairs of the hard footbed that I purchased from QVC several years ago - and they're still very comfortable. I bought many pairs of Birkenstock/Birki's soft footbed from 6PM.com - and they're great. I'm wearing a pair of Papillion, 2-wide strap, sandals right now.

Re: Do Birkenstock Footbeds Lose Their Cushion?

Desertdi — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 01:39:12 GMT

I think they are indestructible..........I've had a pair on my front porch for years in case I run outside without my shoes............and it's 105 out there right now (!)

Re: Do Birkenstock Footbeds Lose Their Cushion?

dsw503 — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 01:54:17 GMT

The soles look great and the footbeds are the regular ones. Thinking the issue is more me and not the shoes.

I will look at the soft footbed style and see if this might be an option for me. Thanks so much for the advice and the suggestions!

Re: Do Birkenstock Footbeds Lose Their Cushion?

Kachina624 — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 06:27:16 GMT

I didn't know they had any cushion. The ones I've tried and can't wear are hard as a rock.

Re: Do Birkenstock Footbeds Lose Their Cushion?

Yahooey — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 13:54:22 GMT

My footbed is hard - my winter feet are tender when I put them barefoot in a sandal. I developed blisters near the balls of my feet (both) when I walked about a mile in them. Now the soles have toughen up. I walk longer distances with no problem now.

Re: Do Birkenstock Footbeds Lose Their Cushion?

rarejan — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 14:10:42 GMT

I've worn Birkentstock's for many years and have loved them for their comfort and support. This year, I can't wear them. My feet have changed and how I walk as well. I'm so bummed. I never thought my back and hip issues would affect my walking gait and feet as much as they have. So I had to buy a different type of sandal this summer, one that's lighter and fits my feet more like a shoe, but still gives me the airy feel of a sandal. To a degree, Birk's require your feet and toes to grip the footbed when walking and I can't do that anymore. I noticed for me that my foot isn't as flexible as before either, if that makes any sense. Everyone's situation is different, but I never ever thought I'd have to give up my Birk's because I couldn't walk in them anymore.

Re: Do Birkenstock Footbeds Lose Their Cushion?

goldensrbest — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 14:56:31 GMT

I had to reply to this post, I use to wear only birkenstocks, mostly that is had many, but a few years ago, I had my feet to start hurting, on the footbed, I finally figured out it was my beloved shoes, I can not wear them, I had different types, I just can not wear them.

Re: Do Birkenstock Footbeds Lose Their Cushion?

missy1 — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 15:05:52 GMT

There's no cushion to begin with. Not sure about the soft footbeds. Birki fan!

Re: Do Birkenstock Footbeds Lose Their Cushion?

Moonchilde — Sun, 01 Jun 2014 16:22:45 GMT

Sorry for a slight change of topic, but wondering if anyone else has/had this issue. I want to try Birkenstocks, as I need the footbed (I wear Vionics and Abeos). But in the size 9 (my normal size) the toe grip just hits me in the wrong place and I know it would irritate me/cause blisters. The size 8 just isn't big enough - my toes go over the "lip" of the footbed and I have zero room at the back. Does this mean Birkenstocks just won't work for me? Anyone thing that trying a Narrow would help at all? The Medium seems to be okay, but I'm not a Birkenstock expert.

Re: Do Birkenstock Footbeds Lose Their Cushion?

kivah — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 01:32:28 GMT

moonchilde: I wear size 7 wide in all shoes -- but I wear size 37 narrow in Birkenstocks/Birki's as they run WIDE. You probably need a narrow and ur feet will feel more secure. You can always order from zappos.com - free shipping & return. Get the soft footbed.

Re: Do Birkenstock Footbeds Lose Their Cushion?

shoesnbags — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 01:43:16 GMT

On 6/1/2014 moonchilde said: Sorry for a slight change of topic, but wondering if anyone else has/had this issue. I want to try Birkenstocks, as I need the footbed (I wear Vionics and Abeos). But in the size 9 (my normal size) the toe grip just hits me in the wrong place and I know it would irritate me/cause blisters. The size 8 just isn't big enough - my toes go over the "lip" of the footbed and I have zero room at the back. Does this mean Birkenstocks just won't work for me? Anyone thing that trying a Narrow would help at all? The Medium seems to be okay, but I'm not a Birkenstock expert.

This is EXACTLY the problem I have with Birkenstocks. I can't wear them because my big toe appears to be too long for the space allotted for the toe. Going up too the next size just makes the entire shoe too long. I finally gave up. Then I solved the problem by going to Vionic/Orthaheel. No toe bar behind the big toe, so it feels great on my foot. Some feet just aren't made for that Birkenstock footbed.

Re: Do Birkenstock Footbeds Lose Their Cushion?

smoky22 — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 02:00:30 GMT

The regular footbed is hard so they can't really lose their cushion but I can see where they can become uncomfortable. I've worn Birkis for years with no problem, but last year, for whatever reason, the balls of my feet starting hurting and all of my regular footbed Birkis were extremely uncomfortable,. I could only wear the one pair I have with the cushioned, soft footbed. This year, while the balls of my feet still hurt (and I don't know why) I can suddenly wear my regular Birkis again. Apparently feet can change that much from year to year.

Re: Do Birkenstock Footbeds Lose Their Cushion?

Moonchilde — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 02:28:56 GMT

On 6/1/2014 shoesnbags said:
On 6/1/2014 moonchilde said: Sorry for a slight change of topic, but wondering if anyone else has/had this issue. I want to try Birkenstocks, as I need the footbed (I wear Vionics and Abeos). But in the size 9 (my normal size) the toe grip just hits me in the wrong place and I know it would irritate me/cause blisters. The size 8 just isn't big enough - my toes go over the "lip" of the footbed and I have zero room at the back. Does this mean Birkenstocks just won't work for me? Anyone thing that trying a Narrow would help at all? The Medium seems to be okay, but I'm not a Birkenstock expert.

This is EXACTLY the problem I have with Birkenstocks. I can't wear them because my big toe appears to be too long for the space allotted for the toe. Going up too the next size just makes the entire shoe too long. I finally gave up. Then I solved the problem by going to Vionic/Orthaheel. No toe bar behind the big toe, so it feels great on my foot. Some feet just aren't made for that Birkenstock footbed.

Yet the Birkenstock removable orthotic insoles feel wonderful to me. I understand the whole toe grip thing, but never imagined it would keep me from wearing the shoes.

Re: Do Birkenstock Footbeds Lose Their Cushion?

Kachina624 — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 02:29:35 GMT

You ladies who suddenly can no longer wear Birkis may have some arthritis in your feet.

Re: Do Birkenstock Footbeds Lose Their Cushion?

Moonchilde — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 02:38:40 GMT

On 6/1/2014 kivah said:
moonchilde: I wear size 7 wide in all shoes -- but I wear size 37 narrow in Birkenstocks/Birki's as they run WIDE. You probably need a narrow and ur feet will feel more secure. You can always order from zappos.com - free shipping & return. Get the soft footbed.

Thanks, Kivah. The issue with Zappos, etc. for me is that it's rare to find any of the shoes at sale prices in Narrow on the discounted sites. I've looked. I was able to try on an 8M and a 9M at a Nordstrom Rack, but they didn't have any narrows. The regular Nordstrom I was in today didn't have any out and they are supposed to carry them. I just don't want the hassle (even if free) of having to return something.

Re: Do Birkenstock Footbeds Lose Their Cushion?

kivah — Wed, 04 Jun 2014 06:04:50 GMT

Years ago, I had severe pain on the balls of one of my feet -- and I had acupuncture. Never hurt again.

Re: Do Birkenstock Footbeds Lose Their Cushion?

okiebug — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 14:52:37 GMT

On 6/1/2014 rarejan said:
I've worn Birkentstock's for many years and have loved them for their comfort and support. This year, I can't wear them. My feet have changed and how I walk as well. I'm so bummed. I never thought my back and hip issues would affect my walking gait and feet as much as they have. So I had to buy a different type of sandal this summer, one that's lighter and fits my feet more like a shoe, but still gives me the airy feel of a sandal. To a degree, Birk's require your feet and toes to grip the footbed when walking and I can't do that anymore. I noticed for me that my foot isn't as flexible as before either, if that makes any sense. Everyone's situation is different, but I never ever thought I'd have to give up my Birk's because I couldn't walk in them anymore.

If you are having issues with your knees or hips, that will change how your feet strike the floor as you walk. I have worn birkis for years, but found after I had total knees replacement in both knees I had to buy new shoes. Because Birkenstocks form to fit your foot, my old shoes had been formed when my legs were bowlegged. With straight legs, I couldn't wear them. With new shoes, I was able to break them in with my "new" legs and they work great.

It may be that a new pair of Birkinstocks will work for you.

Re: Do Birkenstock Footbeds Lose Their Cushion?

Bhvbum — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 15:40:31 GMT

Birks get "softer" as you wear them. I have old ones that feel like slippers. If you find them too stiff to begin with, put on a cushioned pair of socks with them to break them, the older they get the better. .... The "softbed" version starts out soft and stays that way even years later. For high arch folks they are wonderful, I wear all day if I can!