Birkenstocks sizing

[Travelfairy]

I am about to order my first pair! I am average size width wise maybe slightly wide. I am a size 4 but website seems to just have 3.5 or 4.5 in all styles. I heard they run big, should I size down slightly? I have a small bunion, I'm hoping they will be comfortable for hols

I have them in a few sizes and the ones that fit best would be 'small' for my normal UK sizing. That said I don't think they really stick to UK sizes so it's best to learn your European size and go with that. On the website they go from 5.5 to 7 in UK sizes with nothing in the middle but the European sizes tick up 39/40/41 etc. Sort of annoying for me as 6/6.5 BUT I've found a 39 is perfect for me so I completely ignore the UK numbers.

Question. How do you break them in? Whenever I've had a shoe that rubs and creates a blister, the blister has to completely heal befire I wear them again, usually two to three weeks, then another blister forms. I've never really understood the concept of breaking in shoes. I stick with ones that are super comfy and fit properly in the shop and therefore never have to break them in.

FWIW, the Joseph Siebel and Clarks Arizona type styles are supportive, fit me well, and don't rub.

Both myself and my partner find we have to buy a size down. I bought size 38 which is my normal size and they are way too big.

I find they run wide big. but not ‘long’ big.
I’m a 41 wide in most brands but prefer a narrow fit in Birks clogs (Boston) as they literally fall off my feet if I wear the regular width.
The ones with the buckle strap you can obviously tighten.

I'm a 5.5 and buy a 38

I have exactly the same feet as you, size 4 and small bunion and the 4.5 are perfect