Sadiemae

My Birkenstocks are about 8 or 9 years old and completely worn out. I have to get a new pair as it is the only shoe that will fit me. I have short, wide feet with a high instep. I have been looking online and they have a new soft footbed available. I have never had any trouble wearing new Birks, so is there really much difference? It is going to be hard to budget for new shoes, and I don't want to spend the extra money for the soft footbeds if there isn't any reason to. I appreciate any input you can give me.

azwendyg

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.

QuiltE

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.

Sadiemae

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.

CRAZY QUILTER SANDY

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.

QuiltE

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.

Susanna10

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

Stitchnripper

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.

QuiltE

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

veronajules

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