I wore nothing but Birks for years. Eventually those contours created such painful callouses that I had to give them up.

Thanks so much! That was what I needed to know.

Bummer! I would be in big trouble if that happened to me. I haven't worn anything but Birks since '84. They were the answer to my prayers. No more wearing shoes a mile too long to get them wide enough.

You are so right! There comes a time when they are just worn out. Usually my ankles only hurt one or two nights a week. The last month I have had pain every single night, it takes hours to go to sleep. That is one of the reasons I think I have to have a new pair of shoes. (I can't afford the experimenal surgery on my ankles, especially when the Ortho doctor doesn't know if it would even help.)

I wish there was a store to go to try them on here, because I cannot afford to drive 120 miles to try on a pair of shoes.

Thanks everyone!

I too wear Birks all the time. I had to switch to the soft footbeds because the regular footbeds were too hard for my poor tender tootsies. The regular foobed is too hard - I used to be able to break them (or my feet) in by wearing 20 minutes at a time but no more. I've had foot surgery for a bunion and my big toe veers to the right (on left foot). They don't make shoes like that. I am very happy with the soft foodbed - certainly seems to be very supportive and I've had them well over a year of wearing them most of the time. They may not last 9 years - but none of my other Birks have lasted that long.
As to getting new footbeds attached to the uppers - it will cost nearly as much as new Birks. I've found that is is best for me to buy a pair every year and rotate wearing them.

If your present bircs style suits you stay with it. Footprints.com and Birkenstock Central are good links. If it isn't broke, don't fix it.

I would check with a Birkenstock store. I bought a pair years ago, and was told they could replace each part as needed, and I wouldn't need a new pair. Ever, was the implication. My lifestyle changed and I did wear them out? Anyway don't have them anymore.
It's worth a try!

I also had Birkenstock, soft bed-now I am hooked on my daughters Dansko's-they are much better than Birkenstock, fit better, and no use in getting the cork replaced-I did this, cost many $$$$ and never fit right after that-that is why I wear Dansko's now-they are a few $$ too-but no cork, and sole lasts forever-all our nurses wear them now at the hospital-Croc's are junk to us.

Sadiemae, I started wearing these a good 20 years ago because of back problems. Think either regular or soft footbed would work well. Soft footbed is higher in price. I get mine from QVC.com I have to get a shoe size smaller because QVC's seem to run longer in length. I just buy their regular shoes, not soft footbed. I have wide feet too and like it because you can adjust the straps. Back doesn't hurt when wearing them. The footbed is just softer on soft footbed.
IdahoSandy

I would love to wear Dansko's. My sister works in a hospital and wears them all of the time. There is noooooo way they would ever be wide enough and short.