Birkenstock question????
 

Sadiemae,
I wear Brikenstocks around the house everyday. I've found that the different kind of footbed feels like it's a little different shape. If you are happy with what you've been wearing, I'd say to stick with it.

I don't have Birks, but wear NAOTS, basically the same as Birks, though fit my feet better.

I have had several NAOTS of the original style as well as the removable footbeds. My experience has been that the removable footbeds do not give the same support as the original style. Because of that, I have had custom orthotic removable footbeds made for those sandals. They come closer to the original non-removable types in feel and support. And being that they are custom, certainly better for my feet!

If you are having problems with your feet, you might be better to see a foot specialist and ensure what you are wearing are the best you can do for your feet. I hesitated ... and have never regretted it.

Thanks for the info, but I can't wear anything but Birks. I had a pair of Naots many years ago that I gave my sister because they are not wide enough. I was just curious about this Soft Footbed.

Shoe Repair
 

There are shoe repairs around, that are educated in repairing these shoes. They do everything from the ground up, as fare as the sole, cork, straps etc. The education they have usually consists of traveling to where they make the origonal shoes.

As mentioned the two brands were very comparable for the original styles ... and I'm sure the construction of the soft footbeds are just the same.

I have the same problem with my feet. I have wore crocs or knockoffs for years and am perfectly happy with them.

Isn't it possible to get new soles on your Birks? When I bought mine, there was an information sheet on what to do when they wore out. They aren't worn out yet, so haven't fooled with it.

New soles???? ... heck there won't be any support left in the sandal after 9 years! Time for new shoes.

The soft beds don't give the support like the cork ones.

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.

Berkinstock will also resole old shoes if you like, new cork and all. They last forever and it is worth it for a good pair of Berks. I had to give mine up and I had worn Berks for years. I developed plantar f. from the low set heel. It took years to finally heal.
peace

I do not have time to read the other answers, but look at HSN.com. I usually buy from them or QVC as the prices ar emuch less than I have found in stores. Also there will be customer ratings and they may help you decide. I wear only the Birkies or Birkenstock shoes, but have not paid any attention to the softbed, so not sure I even have any of them. Good luck.

can't wear them, they are VERY uncomfortable, ROHDE or SCHOLL usually good.

Have you tried men's shoes for short and wide? I had a friend who only shopped in men's shoe dept -- she said women's never fit, cuz her feet were almost square!
That said, I used to wear Birks, but had to quit because of plantar fascitis; now wear Chaco's, which do come in wide width, men's and women's; the straps are totally adjustable, which I need for my narrow feet. You might try Zappos.com for free shipping both ways if you want to try out a new style. They carry many brands.