When it comes to comfort, Birkenstock has been the go-to brand for heaps of generations since the first anatomically shaped shoe made its debut in 1897. The brand didn’t become a fashion icon, however, until many, many decades later.
While you may think your gait (movement pattern, i.e., stride length, step width, foot placement and rhythm) is nothing short of perfection, there’s a good chance you’ve picked up some bad habits along the way, either because of an injury, wearing improper shoes and the list goes on. Enter Birkenstock.
What sets Birkenstock apart from pretty much every other footwear brand on the market is its footbed, which is modeled on a footprint in the sand. The flexible footbed, made with a cork-latex core, puts your feet in the correct anatomical position and offers the perfect weight distribution. Plus, Birkenstocks can go with pretty much any outfit you wear, making them very versatile – even at a higher price point.
As it turns out, there really aren’t a ton of ways to save on Birkenstocks, but these are a few tiny things you can do that can make at least a dent in their prices:
Sign Up for a Free Birkenstock Membership
The first thing Birkenstock fans need to do is sign up for a free membership. Members receive exclusive benefits, including free ground shipping on full-priced orders and priority access to limited-edition styles.
After you’ve registered, you’ll have a personalized dashboard with your order history, order tracking and easy-to-make returns.
All the Birkenstock membership perks include:
- Free ground shipping on full-priced purchases.
- Early access to limited-edition merchandise.
- An extra 10% off Last Chance styles.
- A quicker checkout.
Shop the Birkenstock Last Chance Sale
Last Chance is really the Birkenstock clearance area, and you better take advantage of it by shopping early for the best selections. This is literally the only place you’ll find any sort of real discounts on off-season merchandise. Remember, Birkenstock members get an extra 10% off, too. Sign up for emails and texts to get alerts when new items are added to the Last Chance category.
Note: Last Chance merchandise isn’t eligible for free shipping, even for Birkenstock members.
Get a Birkenstock Email Discount
Sign up for Birkenstock’s emails and texts and you can get 10% off your next full-priced purchase. Plus, Birkenstock offers free ground shipping on the first order after you’ve signed up. You’ll get the promo code either by text or email, or both.
Find Birkenstock Sales
In terms of sales, Birkenstock isn’t really known for that, even for Black Friday, but we still love them and are more than willing to hand over our money for full-priced styles. You never know; Birkenstock might surprise everyone and throw a holiday sale — or even a sale. Check for deals at Birkenstock’s authorized retailers to find periodic savings.
Birkenstock Black Friday Sale
Don’t look to Birkenstock if you’re hoping to score deep, deep discounts for Black Friday because there are none. You should head over to the retailer when you want exclusive holiday styles for yourself or for gifting that are only available at Birkenstock. Period. That’s it.
In 2023, Birkenstock offered the “best Monday of the year” for its Last Chance styles, so that’s really not what we consider to be a “Cyber Monday sale.” However, members of the loyalty program also receive an extra 10% off on these clearance styles (which they do every other day of the year).
Birkenstock Shopping Tips
Birkenstock Outlet
Premium Outlets has an online Birkenstock store where you can shop for everyone: kids, women and men. We’ve seen discounts of up to 55% off select styles, so it’s definitely worth a peek from time to time.
Where To Buy Birkenstock
Check authorized Birkenstock retailers for extra chances to get Birkenstocks on sale. These retailers might even have loyalty programs and other perrks that can increase your savings potential.
- DSW Birkenstocks
- Nordstrom Birkenstocks
- Nordstrom Rack Birkenstocks
- REI Birkenstocks
- Zappos Birkenstocks
Birkenstock Return Policy
You have 30 days after you make your purchase in-store or receive your online purchase to return Birkenstock merchandise for free. Obviously, the item you’re returning must be in its original condition to receive a refund, and any shipping charges you paid aren’t refunded.
Purchases made at Birkenstock.com can only be returned online and not to Birkenstock stores or authorized retailers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Birkenstock
Are Birkenstocks Good for Your Feet?
Yes. Birkenstock shoes are made to mirror the correct anatomical shape of your foot in motion so that you’re walking more naturally. The shock-absorbing footbed’s mix of cork and latex distributes weight over your feet evenly, providing more stability. The footbed edge is raised for extra protection.
What Is the Birkenstock Size Conversion?
Birkenstocks come in European sizes. To convert it, add 31 to your usual women’s U.S. size and 33 to your usual men’s U.S. size. So if I’m a U.S. size 7, then I’d add 31 to that and my Birkenstock size is a European 37. Use the printable shoe template for exact sizing.
How Should Birkenstocks Fit?
For a proper fit, your feet should move freely in your Birkenstocks without your toes hitting the edges of the footbed. You might fall somewhere in between a Birkenstock size 37 or 38, for example. If so, pick the larger size since your feet expand slightly under a greater load.
Do Birkenstocks Run Big?
No. Birkenstocks run pretty true to size. If you’re in between sizes, then size up. In general, you should wear the same Birkenstock size across the same product group, according to Birkenstock.
How To Break in Birkenstocks?
According to Birkenstock, before you try on your shoes, put one hand under the toe and one under the heel, then flex the footbed a few times to start the break-in period. Then, as hard as it may be for you, limit the time you wear them for the first several times. This will let your feet and body get used to the contoured arch support as well as the straps and buckles.
Can Birkenstocks Get Wet?
Yes and no. Birkenstock sells water-friendly shoes made from high-quality EVA, which as you can probably tell by the name, can get wet without any damage. However, the brand’s other shoes are made from leather and synthetic and textile materials which are not so water-friendly.
How To Clean Birkenstocks?
- Wipe off Birkenstocks with Birko-flor and Birkibuc uppers with a damp cloth, and use soap and water to remove stains.
- Brush Birkenstocks that have leather, suede and nubuck uppers with a nubuck/suede brush to pull up dirt and dust. For extra care, use a Water & Stain Repellent to protect the upper.
- Sandals and clogs have a light coating of cork sealer to protect it. If the cork looks like it’s drying out, apply a thin coat of Birkenstock’s Cork Sealer to protect it from the elements.
- Spray footbeds with Birkenstock’s Cleaner & Refresher and wipe away any moisture and dirt with a cloth. Brush suede and nubuck footbeds with a nubuck/suede brush to restore the nap.
Note: Birkenstock warns that any cleaning or treatment can change the look and finish of the materials.
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