birkenstock

Birkenstocks Are Not Healthy for Your Feet

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I only have a pair of Birkenstocks sandals (the Arizonas to be exact), but being that all Birkenstock shoes are made with their trademarked footbed tells me that I would have the same experience in any of their shoes.

Sole is Too Thick/Rigid

As with most shoes, the sole (footbed and cushioning directly under the foot) is simply too thick. This thickness forms a rigidity that cannot be compromised when you are moving in them.

Think about what a foot does: it crunches downward towards the ground. What does a shoe do? If you’re lucky, it bends back toward you slightly. The reason it barely moves is because it’s so thick and resistant to movement.

This is completely counterintuitive to how a shoe should function. It should allow the foot to make that crunching motion because that is how it gains strength. 

Arch Support Takes Away Natural Strength of Feet

To continue on that same line of thinking, the sturdy arch support is another feature that disarms the foot.

A strong foot has the ability to hold itself upright in the correct position while barefoot. If you need a shoe with an arch support that holds it in place for you, then you have a weak foot.

Worse than that, the arch support will never allow your foot to get stronger. It is essentially a crutch that will handicap your foot until you get rid of it and build your own strength. 

Hard Edge Around Shoe Forces Toes to Curl Under

This is the point that inspired me to make this article because I haven’t written about it anywhere else. If you’ve been wearing shoes your whole life, your toes have probably starting to curl under themselves. They most likely hold this position as their default now because of all that conditioning.

This has been bothering me lately because I noticed I have already fallen victim to this too and i’m only 24. In my Birkenstocks, I notice that my toes will hit the front edge of the shoe and fold under slightly. Something to watch out for is the development of hammer toes, mallet toes, and claw toes; all variations of unnatural bends forming in the toes. 

When your toes hold the curled position, it is harder for them to grab the ground to gain traction. Ideally, your toes would be straight when they make contact with the ground and only curl as the grasp for traction. You can see how their ability would already be hindered by this.

Toe Box is Not Wide Enough

It’s hard to find a shoe without this problem but it’s important to cover anyway. Especially because Birkenstocks more often than not get credit for having a wide toe box. I still find the outside of my big toes and pinky toes pushing against the sides of the leather and being forced to stay more narrow. 

Over the long term, this can contribute to the formation of bunions. These can be very painful and hard to reverse (although they are reversible with time).

The narrowness of your toes that a tight toe box creates gives you a harder time balancing and making lateral movements. Similarly to the problems with toes curling, toes that become too narrow lose their ability to spread wide and create more surface area for better control.

Conclusion

Birkenstocks have their purpose, that’s why I wrote it at the top of the article.

For me, that purpose was getting me out of terrible foot pain (plantar fasciitis) when my feet weren’t strong enough to deal with it. The sandals helped hold my feet in the proper position to avoid over-pronating (collapsed arches).

While I used them to keep me out of pain for a while, I ultimately had to take more progressive measures to actually solve my pain problem. This is what the shoes will never be able to do for me.

Today, I still wear my Arizona sandals as my easy, slip-on shoes and sometimes to give my feet a nice break if I’ve been on them all day. But they’re nothing more than that. I don’t expect them to make my feet strong or get me out of pain. 

Here’s an example of what a healthy shoe looks like.

Edit – I no longer wear Birkenstocks at all. They were instrumental in allowing me to walk properly while I was in pain but I ultimately decided that I needed to fully transition from regular shoes to minimalist shoes, so that is all I wear now.

This decision has worked well for me now that I always move in a shoe with a wide toe box, zero-drop sole that is thin and flexible, flat footbed, and an interior that has enough room for my feet.

The fact that a Birkenstock holds your foot in the perfect position without you having to be engaged at all (like an orthotic) can be very important at the beginning of a recovery period, however, if you don’t address the root cause of your pain, you will never gain the ability to step out of the Birkenstocks without pain.


Comments

29 responses to “Birkenstocks Are Not Healthy for Your Feet”

  1. Karen Bullock Avatar
    Karen Bullock

    Hi Will, while I agree Birkenstocks are not for everyone., I don’t think they are as bad as you make them out to be. First of all, you have to be properly fitted by a professional. It sounds like you were trying to wear sandals that are too small and too narrow for your feet. The shoe should cradle the foot. Your toes should not come over the edge of the shoe bed. Second, your feet should be totally relaxed when you wear the sandals. The toe bar is just for stability , you shouldn’t be gripping the toe bar as you walk . It should feel like walking in soft sand.

    I have had planters faciitis and birkenstocks are good for that, but they are great for every day wear too. It’s all I wear now, except in snow.and hiking. And I have been wearing them for 40 years. I know many other people who feel the same way. I live in the Northwest and they are very popular here. All this speculation about them not being good for your feet is unfounded. I have a flexable arch and they have been an exelent shoe for maintaining balance and preventing pronation and sprained ankles , which I get frequently, as I have a connective tissue defect. Birkenstocks help to stablize my feet so I can walk properly and keep from falling, now that I’m getting older.

    1. I’m not here to promote Birkenstocks but having recently bought a pair due to severe back pain, I gotta say they are good for your feet as my back pain has essentially disappeared. Presumably everyone’s feet are different so just find what ever shoes work for you. At first I couldn’t really stand them but held in there and after three days of wearing them my back pain was gone.

  2. Chantelle Avatar
    Chantelle

    I am a podiatrist and most of this article is untrue and misleading. Whilst birkenstocks are not for everyone the examples in the articles as to why are opinion only and not medically or factually based in anyway. Examples: Bunions are not reversible, footwear is not the only contributing factor for developing bunion, as there are people around the world who develop them without ever wearing shoes. And no, your foot is not “weak” if you have a flat foot or your foot isn’t right the right position, it can be from a lot reasons but being weak isn’t the major issue. Feet don’t “crunch downwards towards the ground” the way the birkenstock is designed is to create an easy motion of the foot from heel strike through to foot flat through to toe off, taking away pressure in the joints, but again, everyone is different, and they may not be best for your feet dependent on a lot things with your health and foot structure/ function. This is just mind boggling how you came up with this

    1. Footwear is the primary contributor to bunion formation, as footwear causes most modern problems in the feet. If you have been wearing over-structured footwear your whole life like most of us have, your feet will certainly be weak. This is why I wouldn’t recommend someone to suddenly start running barefoot before they are aware of their foot’s capability.

      Feet do crunch downward towards the ground, unlike what most shoes allow a foot to do, which is bend upward towards you. The idea that a Birkenstock is meant to have you land heel-first is a negative, as that is exactly what is bad for all the joints in your body. Not to mention the “easy motion” you’re describing is not how a human foot moves, that’s how an over-structured shoe moves.

      1. Jeffrey Avatar
        Jeffrey

        Is it just possible that one size does not not fit all or feet like people can be unique? I recently started wearing Birkenstock sandals at home while I work and they have done wonders for the crippling arthritic pain in my right heel. I’m 57 years old and spent over 40 of those years playing tennis until recently due to the previously mentioned arthritis. I tried everything to get rid of the heel pain including all types of insoles and cushion; all types of shoes: flat, minimalist, decline heel you name it. As for Birkenstocks and bunions, hammertoes, etc I ALREADY have those conditions. HAHAHA! These things come from a life well lived. 🙂 So in conclusion I would like to say in life it is often better to not go to extremes. All things in moderation is usually best. Wear the Birkenstocks a little if they help but also do exercises, practice self care and wear other shoes or nothing at all at times as well. Just never say never! 🙂

        1. “These things come from a life well lived” I love that! thank you!

    2. Jean Clark Townsend Avatar
      Jean Clark Townsend

      Well said. I’ve even found them ideal for winter, even deep winter in New hampshire, when walking on sidewalks that have been cleared of snow. I wear wool socks and the way Birkenstocks are designed seems to make my feet move and grab a little when, which keeps my feet in wools socks plenty warm. My former husband had flat feet and back pain as a result, but when he started wearing Birkenstocks, his back pain went away.

    3. Well, I hope in the mean time you stopped working as a podiatrist as you are the one spreading misinformation here and misleading people to wear “comfortable” shoes instead of trying to strengthen their feet. People not wearing shoes at all do not develop bunions. Period.

  3. I have been wearing Birkenstocks virtually every day for the last 5 years. I’m on my 5th pair of Arizonas. I used to have plantar fasciitis and generally unhappy feet. But now my feet feel great. I Highly recommend Birkenstock sandals, they really helped me. Birks were recommended by my podiatrist. He was right.

    1. Debbie Hocking Avatar
      Debbie Hocking

      Did they actually get rid of your plantar fasciitis?

      1. Hi Debbie, I’m not the person you replied to, but they did “fix” my plantar fasciitis and heel spurs for about 25 years. Just recently, due to a knee injury, my walking gait was off for about 6 months, which caused my heel spurs to flare again. So, I’m back to only Birkenstocks…tennis shoes, hiking boots, fashionable boots, and of course, the sandals at home as slippers.

  4. Yes I think the authors feet aren’t a good match for Birkenstock footbed. My toes do not hit the edge in properly sized Birkenstocks but are able to naturally spread. The footbed has also helped my plantar fasc. I wear them all day at my standup desk at home, on a mat. I take them off some and work without shoes, but they are essential later in the afternoon. My feet aren’t weak, they’re tired at that point, and stressing them won’t help the next day. Or the next ten days.

    I’ve rediscovered these as a perfect work from home shoe; buying a second pair now to rotate. Our feet are unique. My best friend designs and sells shoes and he’s always noting the length of my arch. The footbed on these Arizona’s accommodates my longer arch, and feet don’t get as sweaty as with athletic shoes, even the most ventilated kind.

  5. rt66paul Avatar
    rt66paul

    While you are a healthy active jock, I am sure that you are not overweight and are mostly injury free. Those of us that have bad backs, damaged knee, ankles, and/or hips are in a different ballpark. The ability to stand firm without slipping, our feet firmly in our footbed, make it easier for us to do some exercise, just walking. These shoes with the negative heel help you to stretch you hamstrings and are much better for your balance and posture than stylish high heels for women of even off the shelf dress shoes for men. ill fitting boots are the worst.
    Also when we wear sandals, our feet do not get or keep the fungus that those with athletic shoes tend to get. Our feet, as all of our skin needs to breathe.
    WE are not all lean and mean, like out ancestors that may have lived as long as 50 years. Most American adults are overweight, even many who are into sports. This takes it’s toll on our feet, most of us can not go barefoot or just wear soft moccasin type footwear, we all need some support as well as foot safety from cuts and stubs.

    1. Valid points made, hence why I say that Birkenstocks (and similar shoes) have a time and a place. They do indeed serve a purpose for many people.

  6. I found this article because I wanted to see if 7 years of wearing Birkenstock and yes wearing them because of plantar fasciitis, could be the reason why I am getting plantar calluses around different parts of my feet. Beneath The big toe, the side of my foot right under my pinky toe, and my bottom heel. I don’t know much about feet and I could be really off with making that connection. But I will say this. Can’t walk around my apartment without them. And I also haven’t made a single complaint about plantar fasciitis for years now. The friction could be causing the calluses I suppose but maybe I’m wrong. Either way, it certainly has helped wearing them for at least certain conditions.

  7. Sand Dull Avatar
    Sand Dull

    What sandal DO you recommend, esp. for walking for considerable distances? People need sandals when it’s really hot and fashion permits them!

  8. I would say – Get a better fitting pair of Birks and write a review one more time. because obviously as you describe in this article the pair you have is way to small for you, you definitely need a bigger size, check the official page – there they explain how to check if you have the right size. it is very clear and easy to understand.

  9. Bellascout Avatar
    Bellascout

    I have to disagree with this evaluation of Birkenstock’s. I wouldn’t be walking today pain free if it were not for these shoes. The rigid sole is ideal for arthritic feet like mine. They also stop my knee pain from a torn meniscus and my back pain. I don’t think you were fitted correctly because the toe should not be touching the ridge. They also should not be tight anywhere. The foot sits comfortably within the sole.

  10. I notice where the foot weaknesses are in Birkenstock’s. My right arch has collapsed and so the pressure under that foot is great and it’s sore. The support would be good for knocked knees,.

  11. A month ago I would have disagreed with everything in this post. I have been wearing Birks every single day since 1994. I have been through many pairs, and still have my second pair! I love them and have spent entire days in Disneyland without sore feet. And then all of the sudden I got plantar fasciitis. I am in a ton of pain. I read up on barefoot shoes and am waiting for my first pair to arrive in the mail. I have been walking barefoot in my house. I think it is slowly improving. I always prided myself in taking good care of my feet. I am hoping if I strengthen my feet with the barefoot shoes I will get rid of the pain. I bought a book about a woman who cured herself with barefoot shoes. I am honestly wondering if wearing Birks caused the plantar fasciitis because my feet didn’t have to do any work for 23 years!

    1. It’s not because of the shoes obviously since you’ve had them for so long and nothing happened before. Perhaps there are other reasons – old injury, bad posture etc shoes that are not well fit. So many things .

  12. Kathy Hager Avatar
    Kathy Hager

    I’m glad you wrote about this. I primarily wear Birkenstocks since moving to AZ. I’ve developed a Taylor’s bunion (pinky toe bunion) and pain in between pinky and 4th toe. I believe this is due to how the footbed doesn’t provide enough room for those toes to extend and my toes have curled like you mention. I stopped wearing my Birkenstocks and I’m going to see if the pain clears up. I also wear minimalist shoes when I can and now I’m looking for sandals. Thanks for sharing and keeping the article up even though some people disagree with you!

  13. Love my Birkenstocks!! I will never Not wear them. They have saved my feet from constant plantar fasciitis pain. We have tile throughout our home and that became the culprit fir my foot pain. They are also cool, easy to slip on and have been a life saver for my feet. Always choosing Birkenstocks! Best shoe EVER!

  14. Debbie Gamel Avatar
    Debbie Gamel

    I wore Birkenstocks everyday for 20 years. I had 7 pairs when my problems began. All toes on my right foot curled and gripped the ground when I walked. I saw 7 doctors – podiatrists, foot and ankle surgeons and neurologists. The final diagnosis was dystonia that the neurologist believes was caused by Birkenstocks. I have narrow feet and wore mostly open-back Birks. I had surgery to release tendons in all toes on my right foot. I’m now in physical therapy, wear correct toes and minimalist shoes. I hope and pray eventually I will be able to walk normally again.

  15. I started having plantar fasciitis because of wearing Birkenstocks!! I have been wearing Arizonas for the past 5 years and noticed that my feet hurt terribly after wearing them a long period of time! Now I need to find new shoes because now I have extreme pain in my heel !

    1. Yeah they promote weakness in the foot. Too much arch support makes the foot reliant on the shoe.

  16. As the podiatrist above mentioned, no bunion has ever been reversed over time, not ever, only some sufferers have been able to address the pain with orthotics, medication and/or sympathetic footwear to accommodate the issue.

    1. Wow, you haven’t met good specialists perhaps.

  17. Jeannie Shell Avatar
    Jeannie Shell

    I wore Birkenstocks all summer for work, I now have Baxter’s nerve entrapment and I’m sure that’s why. I’m hoping I caught it early enough to reverse it, I have read that you are not supposed to be aggressive with it with things like frozen water, bottles and tennis balls, said it’s a really bad idea. For right now I’m just using ice, rest, and taping it. I have not found a pair of shoes that I can wear yet, that doesn’t aggravate it painfully. I need to find some thing with zero drop, but a lot of shock absorption.

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