Birkenstocks - Original or Soft Footbed?

As a long term Birki fan I suddenly had a heel pain problem and was advised by them to try the soft footbed. Unfortunately in making it soft the cushioning foam layer in the insole has taken up space in the shoe and with a high instep the straps no longer meet. Also the heel cup is quite a bit smaller so digs in the sides of your heels rather than cupping them comfortably. It is a really good idea but they need to maintain the roominess inside the shoe for their loyal followers with problem feet. I should add that I normally wear Floridas, Arizonas, Bostons and others with no issues and only used Madrids for the video as the footbed is more visible for demonstration purposes.

[deboraht]

Thank you for this video. I have a high arch so I'll try the regular original style Birkenstock footbed. I was tempted to try the softer version, but I don't want to lose the foot space.

[suzannetaylor]

I have both.. soft foot bed are awesome, thankfully I’ve never had issues! No break in time! You honestly can’t go wrong with either, the regular will soften and mold making them just as comfortable!!

[sara.athena_]

No judgment but I have an extremely wide foot and high instep and they work wonderful for me. I think the Madrid actually runs wider than the other ones. I did notice that the heel is very narrow though. I don’t think it’s the soft footbed. I’m pretty sure the Madrid generally runs wider than the other Birkenstock’s. You might want to try a size bigger.

[emilys]

If you have a wider foot then do not get the soft foot bed. But if you don’t then I would totally recommend. They are a lot more comfortable.

[firsa]

Maybe you should have compared original and soft footbed in the same model, I mean both Florida sandals but one with original footbed and the other with soft one.

[a.delattree.]

Thank you for this video. It helped me make my decision.
I have a thin foot without a high arch and my heel is very narrow. I think these may work for me.

[tonysaurify]

I have a flat feet with hardly any arch. The soft footbed works better for me, I even tried using the original footbed and wore that for 2 years. As far as the straps not fitting, you need the standard width footbed. Blue labels are narrow width, yellow labels are standard fit. They do sell soft footbeds with the standard width. Don't feel stupid, I made the same mistake even looking at the narrow width and standard width side-by-side it was hard to tell the difference.

[RDensd]

I have a very high arch, but I have to use the very first hole and could probably do with making another hole to make them tighter. I really love the soft footbed though.

[geslinam]

Does the original pictured here fit you? What if you had gone a size up on the Florida? It isn’t just the heel cup, the shoe just looks way too small for you.

[inhaleexhale]

I have a narrow heel, a high arch, and need a wide toe area. My preference is the soft footbed.

[alisoncain]

Don’t mean to be rude but are your feet very fat then as I have a wide foot and I’m thinking of getting a soft footbed too, I have the normal footbed and they are fine but thought i would give the soft a go

[felixchen]

The Arizona style will fit you better, I have a size 8wide feet and for other shoes that I bought I have to go a size up. But size 8 Arizona works great for me, have one black Arizona from two yrs ago(soft footbed )and it is absolutely amazing.

[paolagamboa]

Ordered mine online and sadly they are bigger in lenght but the width is okay. Now I'm in doubt if I should return and exchange this to a size down, because I have wide and fat feet😞 Thank you for your video.

[Csjenks]

I prefer standard footbed, I have a wider foot

[PaintMyFaceOfficial]

I have multiple styles and find that the Madrid has a more wide heel cup for some reason. All tge others that i have, they r much narrow in heel. And my madrid is in a narrow fit while others are regular .

[NK-erue]

Hate the soft foot beds . Don’t know how people find them comfy . Love the original

[gaylecheung]

I think you’re supposed to go up a size with a soft footbed

[gaylecheung]

They sent you narrow footbed, not regular footbed

[lepur]

Your sandals are narrow fit, maybe you should get them in regular fit then🤔

[darkwolf]

I’m glad to see I’m not alone. I can’t wear the soft Footbed!