Are Birkenstock Good For Flat Feet?

Getting frustrated finding shoes for flat feet r foot pain? Or maybe you still don't know if you have flat feet or not. However, while searching for the best flat feet recommendations, you may have come to know that most people do believe that Birkenstocks footwear can keep the foot pain at bay. Hence, there arises a question, are Birkenstock good for flat feet? Really?...

But it would be wise if you find answer for - are Birkenstocks good for your feet? Everyone has different foot structure, even who have deformities in their feet, be it flat feet or plant facilities and much more.

So, before concluding whether orthotic Birkenstocks are good for flat feet or not, it is essential to know in detail about flat feet. Without further delay, let’s started.

What is Flat feet?

Around 20-30 percent of total population of the world faces the deformity of feet in form of fallen arches or flat feet. It begins with flexible flat feet by touching the ground entirely and eventually develop rigid and permanent flat feet; that causes mild to severe issues.

Having flat feet or overpronation can be seen since childhood; any broken or dislocated bones are the reason behind this deformity. All though some nerve problems or factors, like obesity, diabetes, and aging, etc., could make the flat foot permanent.

The flat feet cause uneven distribution of body weight, so the affected people often face difficulty maintain body weight. That’s why, the military or police jobs don’t allow the people with flat feet disorder.

Younger people with flat feet start as having flexible movement, but when the abnormality become rigid with aging it will involve some serious issues, like –

  • Difficulty in running, walking and even standing for long hours
  • Pain in ankle
  • Develop other serious foot problems such as hammertoes and shin splints

How do you know you have flat feet?

It’s pretty simple to understand if you have flat feet or not. If you don’t have arches in the middle or your sole fully touch the ground, then it’s pretty sure that you have flat feet.

But you have to make sure that you have this condition so that you can take extra attention and treat the problems. You can easily test yourself at home to see whether you have flat feet or not.

Method 1:

  • Find out a flat surface where your footprint can show.
  • Get your feet wet and walk on the surface
  • Now look at the prints. If you see complete imprints of your feet on the surface, you're likely to have flat feet.

Method 2:

  • Find out a flat surface where your footprint can show.
  • Get your feet wet and walk on the surface
  • Now look at the prints. If you see complete imprints of your feet on the surface, you're likely to have flat feet.

However, many young children have flat feet. In most cases, when they grow older, their toes get raised and developed arches. So, if you’re doing these examinations with your child, don’t worry about development of flat feet.

If fallen arches are developing with time, don’t worry. With proper care, exercise and shoe modification will help to survive this suffering.

What causes Flat feet?

An abnormality could be present from birth, or variety of causes could develop flat foot disorder among the adult. Here are the most common:

  • Genetics play a significant role in developing flat feet.
  • Nerve problems or neurological disease such as cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, or spina bifida.
  • If one has broken or dislocated bones from any serious injury.
  • Stretched or torn tendons
  • Inflammation in posterior tibial tendon (PTT) or damaged PTT. (PTT attaches the calf muscle to the bones on the inside of the foo; that holds up the arch and supports the foot during walk)

Besides of these problems some health conditions can raise the risk of getting flat feet. For instance, aging, obesity, pregnancy or unwanted inures could develop rheumatoid arthritis. If so, the tendons, ligaments, and bones could shift out of their normal positions and cause pain and discomfort along around ankle. This discomfort and improper stepping could flatten the arches and develop symptoms of flat feet.

What Are Birkenstocks?

Birkenstock has an excellent reputation worldwide as a premier brand of arch-supportive orthopedic sandals. Podiatrists in general consider Birkenstock sandal’s arch support is best for the persons with flat feet, high arch or any kind of foot deformities. Their ergonomic designs help eliminate discomforts of the people with foot issues.

With the glory of having almost 250 years of history, they also get appreciated for being more eco-friendly than competitors. Their footbeds, made of natural cork, latex, and suede, are renewable resources.

What Makes Birkenstocks Sandals Special?

Tons of companies are there on the footwear market; have earned recognition for manufacturing orthopedic support for the people with foot issues. Here are some of the characteristics of the Birkenstock that make the brand special for fallen arch treatment –

  • The contoured cork and footbeds of the Birkenstocks sandals, made of top-tier natural materials, are typically known for offering utmost comfort.
  • The shoes come with a remarkable ergonomic design with ultrasoft footbed, orthopedic insoles and soft suede lining, which is the secret behind their comfort.  
  • The natural cork footbed supports both: insulation and cushioning.
  • The textured bottom layer is an excellent shock absorbent and offer fantastic arch support, creating a cozy compartment for people with flat feet.
  • Most of their footwear has waterproof construction, whereas the soft suede lining, made with perfection and detailing, ensures excellent moisture regulation.

These are may be the reason why the orthopedist physicians always recommend Birkenstock orthotic sandals to treat flat feet. Now you may think that many shoe brands manufacture shoes with these traits. Is it really worth the hype?

Weigh the pros and cons of Birkenstock footwear to realize Birkenstock what make this brand superior one. To do so, follow the next segment.

Pros and Cons of Birkenstocks

Birkenstocks Pros:

  • Approximate 8 mm heel cup provide excellent support to the heel
  • Enhanced arch support, though easy to adapt
  • The footbed support retrain your muscles and tendons, helping to walk straighter and easier.
  • High-quality leather straps for enhanced comfort and longevity
  • Cork-latex material feel super comfortable around the feet
  • Made from high-quality, long-lasting, eco-friendly materials

Birkenstocks Cons:

  • Overall design is all about flip-flop style. So, chances of getting foot injuries from ankle sprain is high with this slip-on design.
  • Another downside is hefty price tags.

are birkenstock good for flat feet?

Having flat feet, very low or nearly absent arches may be in your genes; that could develop flat feet later in life. Or, you may be going through those serious health conditions that can increase your risk of having arthritis, foot pain or flat feet.

If your flat feet are flexible or even if you feel the pain, regular exercise and shoe modifications can help you in preventing and curing flat feet. The footwear of Birkenstocks in the category of those shoes that can help you in so.

They offer stability and cushioning support across the entire arch in order to keep them in a proper position and relieve excessive pressure on the ball and heel of your foot.

So, the footwear will help in getting your feet in the right shape and curing foot pain due to rigid fallen arch. Moreover, the toe bar is designed specifically to make the toes naturally get a perfect grip on it.

Other Health Benefits of Birkenstocks Orthopedic Sandals

The anatomically correct cork & latex footbed are designed to provide support to every part of your foot as you step. So, it is not only good for low arch or flat feet disorder, people with high arch deformities can get benefit from Birkenstocks. Birkenstocks are indeed a good choice for those; who have normal arch feet, because -

  • Orthopedic Birkenstocks induce proper distribution of weight, so you’ll get better stability and perfect balance.
  • Birkenstock sandals with arch support stimulates proper blood regulations, and correct alignment of spines and legs.

Health Conditions to which Birkenstocks are good for

Birkenstock sandals can give you relief from the following conditions:

  • Flat foot pain
  • Ball of the foot pain
  • Cavus foot type pain
  • Bunion and hammer toe pain
  • Heel pain and plantar fasciitis
  • Pain in the heel of stiffness due to Achilles tendonitis

How long do Birkenstocks Sandals Last?

The footwear of Birkenstocks last for several years on average, though they are rated for withstanding 150-300 miles. However, shoes of heavy persons or who does excessive walking may last less than a year. Likewise, shoes of thin person or who walk less could last more than expected lifetime.

Why Do Birkenstocks Hurt My Arches?

The Birkenstocks footwear usually take some days to break in and the new users also take a few days or even a few weeks to adapt the enhanced arch support, cork and latex of the footbed.

There are some effective methods; that could speed up this break-in and adaption process. Like –

  • Make sure you’ve bought right size.
  • Bend the footwear and unhook the straps for a few times to loosen cork.
  • Don’t strap very tightly, leave enough space between your strap and foot that your finger can wiggle.
  • Try to wear your Birkenstocks footwear at least 30-40 minutes each day to speed up break-in procedure, but if it hurts reduce the time limit.
  • For better arch support and stability, ensure your feet is not touching the edge of the footbed during walk.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Do Birkenstocks Have Good Arch Support?

Birkenstock sandals have a medial-grade lateral edge with excellent arch support.

2. Are Birkenstocks Good For High Arches?

Birkenstocks footwear have passed the test with full marks for best shoes for high arches.

3. Are Birkenstocks good for wide feet?

Generally, the Birkenstock orthotics and footbed of their footwear are designed for a roomy fit. They have actually a standard width for normal feet, and a narrow width for smaller feet, though some models are adjustable. So, people with wide feet choose Birks that wrap around ankle carefully.

CONCLUSION

Now that you have complete knowledge on Birkenstock for flat feet but there is something more you need to know. People with rigid flat feet sometimes can’t adapt the Birkenstocks on feet. The flat feet Birkenstocks arch support may be too high for them and cause them pain instead of comforting their feet. If so, must consider podiatrist opinion on Birkenstocks and follow their advice.

However, it’s time for a walk now. Get a new pair, take a trip around your house and share your experience with us. If you still have any queries, feel free to ask below.

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