Frequently Asked Questions

Are all of your products available on-line?

Yes! Through our Quick Order feature you can order any item you see in our catalogs. You will also enjoy browsing through our site as nearly all of our catalog items are available for viewing in our on-line store. Make sure that you check out our Sale section and our limited edition section.
What do I do if I have a problem with my order?
For your convenience, you may contact us via e-mail. Our customer service representatives will look into your request and will provide an e-mail response by the end of the next business day. Contacting us via e-mail is more efficient, however you may also contact our customer service representatives at 1-888-247-5748 during the following hours (Eastern Standard Time):

Regular Hours
Monday Friday: 8:30AM to 4:30 PM EST

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I usually don't spend much on sandals. What makes Birkenstocks Special?

Think of Birkenstocks as a performance shoe, orthopedically designed and constructed to offer comfort and support that other shoes just can't match.

Most sandals are made to last one, maybe two seasons at the most. Birkenstocks, on the other hand, are made to last a long time. Quality materials give Birkenstocks durability and long lasting good looks. The reparability of Birkenstock footwear extends the life of the shoes, making this investment even more sound. With proper care and maintenance you can make your Birkenstocks last for years. Birkenstocks are an investment for your feet.

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Why do Birkenstocks look wide?

They look wider than most shoes because the design follows the natural shape of the foot. Many shoe styles feature a narrow toe area, which not only compresses the toes, but throws the foot out of alignment. The shape of Birkenstocks guides the toes and feet into correct alignment so the weight is evenly distributed and good posture is possible.

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Will Birkenstocks make my feet spread?

Birkenstock shoes will not give your feet a new shape! Feet that have been squeezed into traditional shoes may resume their original natural shape, depending on the flexibility of your feet.

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How long do Birkenstocks last? Are they guaranteed for any period of time?

While there is no guarantee, with proper care, Birkensock footwear can provide years of comfort. Everything that goes into the shoe is top quality - from the suede, jute and cork of the footbed, to the leather, suede and nubuck used to create the uppers. The result is footwear that's an excellent value - comfortable and remarkably durable. BirkenstockCentral does give a 60 day money back guarantee.

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Are Birkenstocks repairable? How do I get them repaired?

Every component of the shoe can be repaired or replaced to extend the life of the shoe. The Birkenstock Store offers complete mail order repair services

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How do I know for sure that you've received my order?

Immediately after you click the "submit order" button you will see a screen that says "thank you for your order." This message will also include an order number. This is your first sign that your order is being sent. You will also receive an e-mail from us within a few minutes with a summary of your order.

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How do I know when my order was shipped?

On the day that your order is shipped we will e-mail you the tracking information.

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Do these shoes mold to my feet?

The Birkenstock footbed is made of resilient cork and latex that is precisly molded to create the best possible enviroment for your feet. As you wear them, they actually adapt to your feet-and vice versa-which means that the more time you spend in Birkenstocks the more comfortable they become.

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Why do the straps feel so loose? Shouldn't they be tighter?

Birkenstocks are meant to be worn loosely. Support comes from the footbed -not tightly secured straps. Wearing them loosly allows your feet to move naturally. It also improves circulation. Backstraps worn to tightly push the feet forward, preventing them from resting naturally in the footbeds.

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Why do the soles feel so firm? Is there a break in period?

Some people find Birkenstocks immediately comfortable. For others, it takes a few hours a day for a week or two to break them in. Although the shoes may feel ridgid at times, remember that the firm support is essential for the orthotic benifits of Birkenstocks. They will become more flexible with wear. The uppers will become more supple and the footbeds will adjust slightly to your feet. If your feet are unaccustomed to the contour footbed, start gradually. Wear your Birkenstocks no more than 1-2 hours a day for 7-14 days.

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What is the difference between Nar, Med and Reg ?

Birkenstock footwear comes in different widths. Most styles come in Narrow and Regular. The Narrow fits Narrow to Medium width feet. The Regular fits Medium to Wider width feet. Some styles only come in Medium width. The Medium is in the middle of Narrow and Regular , it fits most people but if you have a very narrow or very wide foot it may not work for you.

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