My First Custom Pair of Birks (2024)

I may be taking a sabbatical from purchasing new Birkenstocks. With my recent experience ofquality control issues and the lack of love for us regular width wearing customers, it should be no surprise that I am “disappointed”. Thankfully, I have an ample stock of ‘stocks, hidden in a vault, at an unspecified location. My supply won’t run dry until the Apocalypse hits and when the Apocalypse hits, my Doc Martens come out. But, this does not mean that I won't special order a pair from Michelangelo at Custom Made Birkenstocks.

I technically have a lifetime supply of Birks and don’t “need” another pair. Wanting another pair is a different story. Although I have hoards of Birkenstocks, there is one color missing from my collection. Ferrari Red.

When Birkenstock released the red Valentinos, I was drooling.

My First Custom Pair of Birks (1)

Birkenstock x Valentino Collaboration. Photo: Birkenstock

These Valentino Birks are the perfect shade red, but not the perfect price tag or the perfect width. After the Birkenstock quality control issues that I have experienced, I adamantly refused to fork over half a grand (after California taxes) for a pair of Birkenstocks that were only released in narrow width. Tsk Tsk Birkenstock for chubby foot shaming again! As if the powers that be are passive aggressively telling their most dedicated regular width wearing customers, that wider feet shall not be allowed to wear special collaboration Birks. Guess what, the reason that many people choose to wear Birkenstocks is because of the wider footbed! ARGH?!! Wide foot Birkenstock lovers want pretty, stylish sandals too. How many blogs do I have to write to reiterate this? Is no one listening?!

These narrow width only releases get my blood boiling. In fact, I was so fired up that these Valentino Birks were not available in a regular width, that I became anti-Valentino! Thus,I schemed a way to create the perfect pair of red Arizonas for myself. And, no, I was not going to

paint another pair.

I wanted elegance. I wanted beauty. I wanted perfection. Cue Custom Made Birkenstocks.

I called

Michelangelo, at Custom Made Birkenstocks, and asked him if he could make me a pair of Ferrari Red Arizonas. I knew his answer before he responded. He said, “Sure, I can do anything”.

I told Michelangelo my exact wishes. All red....rather....all Ferrari red Arizonas. Red leather uppers, red buckles, red leather lined footbed, and red soles. He immediately told me that Birkenstock would not sell him authentic red soling material. I agreed to settle for non Birkenstock soling material, so long as the soling material matched the leather uppers. Michelangelo ended up finding red soling material from Italy. This satisfied me, since all the best things, like Ferraris, (except Birkenstocks) come from Italy. ​

My First Custom Pair of Birks (2)

I am thrilled with this red soling material.

The entire process, from my initial call, to receiving the Arizonas took several weeks. I was in no rush, since I know all masterpieces take time. Do you know how long it took Michelangelo to paint the Sistine Chapel? (Not the same Michelangelo of which I speak).

Michelangelo communicated with me during the entire operation. He called to clarify things and emailed me pictures with options and choices. I felt like I was thoroughly included in the decision making process of these Birkenstocks, every step of the way.

My First Custom Pair of Birks (3)

Look at the beautiful red suede lined footbed. INCREDIBLE!

It was a very easy and comfortable process to have Michelangelo create the perfect pair for me. As you well know, I highly recommend Michelangelo, at Custom Made Birkenstocks, to anyone that seeks that “perfect” color Birkenstock. For those of you who desire a pair of mustard yellow or acid green Birkenstocks, or any other color or pattern for that matter, give Michelangelo a call at
1-866-337-4637.

My First Custom Pair of Birks (4)

My Custom Ferrari Red Arizonas by Custom Made Birkenstocks

When my Ferrari red Arizonas arrived at my house, they were in perfect condition. No quality control issues with this hand made masterpiece! And the best part of this made to order pair of Birkenstocks is that they have been monogrammed with my name!!! It is the small details that make these extra special. Thank you, Michelangelo!!

My First Custom Pair of Birks (5)

"Gina" Monogram

Who needs a pair of too narrow Valentinos when you can have a custom pair of “Michelangelos” that fit beautifully?

I was so excited and pleased with my red “Michelangelos” that when I called, to personally thank him, I ordered another custom pair!!

My First Custom Pair of Birks (6)

Made to Order Leopard Print Arizonas by Custom Made Birkenstocks

This time I went with Leopard print!! These are lightweight and extremely soft. These beauties are elevated to pure elegance with the black suede lined footbed and the gold buckles.

Now that I have two perfect custom made Birkenstocks in my arsenal, I may never have to buy another pair of Birkenstocks again. I have been spoiled. I like this made
to order Birkenstock option. It makes me feel a little like a

Diva.

If you could order a custom pair of Birkenstocks, what color or pattern would you choose? What model would you select? Send me an

email and let me know.

Be sure to check out

Custom Made Birkenstocks newest leather acquisitions. There are so many amazing prints from which to choose. Go ahead, have Michelangelo make you a custom pair. I give you permission to spoil yourself. You deserve it.

TIPS:

Read about the issues that I have experienced with Birkenstock Quality Control

here.

Find out more about Michelangelo's craftsmanship with 

this blog and in this post.

Learn more about narrow width Birkenstocks

here and here.

Check out how to paint leather Birkenstocks

here.

My First Custom Pair of Birks (2024)

FAQs

What was the first ever pair of Birkenstocks? ›

1963 – The original BIRKENSTOCK footbed sandal (Madrid) Karl Birkenstock inherited the joy of experimentation and innovative strength of previous generations, but opts to go his own way. He creates an icon: the original BIRKENSTOCK footbed sandal, which has been sold under the name "Madrid" since 1979.

Is it better to size up or down in Birkenstocks? ›

Many Birkenstock Styles Run Shorter

Styles, like the Barbados, Memphis, Oklahoma, Kentucky run a little short. We have more styles that run short listed at the bottom of the page. 90% of the time you're going to need to go up a size.

Is it normal for Birkenstocks to be uncomfortable at first? ›

It is very typical to experience pain when you break into Birkenstocks. This is the same issue you will share with any new pair of shoes you buy. They will be very stiff at first, making it difficult for your foot to relax.

Why are Birkenstocks so expensive? ›

We only use high-quality pure and expensive natural cork. Because of its extraordinary properties cork is very popular as a universal raw material. Cork is elastic, has excellent cushioning and provides good insulation against heat, cold and moisture All of these properties can be found in the BIRKENSTOCK footbed.

Are Birkenstocks good for your feet? ›

"They're really good for if you have a flat foot or you have arch pain because they have a supportive longitudinal arch. But I would recommend them to most people — unless you have some kind of severe ailment that obviously needs a more personalized approach."

Should my toes touch the front of Birkenstocks? ›

OPTIMUM SPACE AT THE TOES

There should be a space of approx. 10 mm between the toes and the footbed edge. If your toes touch the edge of the footbed or if they jut out over it, the sandal is too small. If your toes touch the edge of the footbed or if they jut out over it, the sandal is too small.

Should Birkenstocks be worn loose or tight? ›

Close the straps so they do not sit too tightly. You should leave a little extra space so your feet are not constricted when you walk.

How do you break in a new pair of Birkenstocks? ›

We recommend you should break in a new pair of BIRKENSTOCK shoes slowly. Start by wearing them around your house and increase the time you wear them gradually. It can take time for your foot to adjust to the contours of the footbed, and for the cork/latex to flex and mould.

Why is my BIRKENSTOCK size so small? ›

If you have relatively short toes, your arch length is probably relatively long. So in general, if you're trying to decide between two sizes, long toes take a smaller size, short toes take a larger size. Many folks can take either of two sizes.

Is it OK if Birkenstocks are a little big? ›

A: Birkenstock fitting can be a very personal thing, as some wearers like to size a little big and leave extra space behind the heel and in front of the toes, while others like to size slightly smaller allowing for a snug, almost hug-like fit.

What size is 8.5 in Birkenstocks? ›

Birkenstock Classic Size Chart
Women's U.S. SizeMen's U.S. SizeBirkenstock Classic Size
7.5-85-5.538
8.5-96-6.539
9.5-107-7.540
10.5-118-8.541
14 more rows

What do podiatrists think of Birkenstocks? ›

Birkenstocks do indeed have “a good profile”, says Stuart Metcalfe, a consultant podiatric surgeon at Spire Parkway Hospital in Solihull, England. “They incorporate some support for the natural foot arch.

Why do my feet hurt so bad after wearing Birkenstocks? ›

A: Birkenstocks require a "break-in" period while your foot realigns to a more healthy shape. With a bit of patience, you'll find that tired feet actually feel better if you put on your clogs. Regarding the tops of your feet, you may share my same problem, fat feet (not wide, thick).

What to do when you first get Birkenstocks? ›

Here are a few ways that will help you break into your Birks:Walk in them daily, gradually increasing the time to reduce the hurting time. Wear the sandals for 30-45 minutes the first day and then 1-2 hours the next, gradually increasing the time till they become comfortable. It might take 2-3 weeks.

What model is the original Birkenstock? ›

The Madrid is the oldest member of the BIRKENSTOCK model family. This simple one-strap sandal was launched on the market in 1963 – more than half a century ago. It soon conquered the world, laying the foundation for the success that Germany's largest shoe manufacturer enjoys today.

Did Louis Vuitton make Birkenstocks? ›

The French family behind Louis Vuitton and Christian Dior is to take control of the German sandal maker Birkenstock in a deal thought to be worth €4bn (£3.5bn).

What are the Birkenstocks that everyone gets? ›

Birkenstock Arizona

When you think of the classic Birkenstock shoe, the first thing that comes to mind is probably the Arizona sandal. Its signature two-strap design has become synonymous with the brand's identity — the sandals are even featured in the new Barbie movie, worn by Barbie herself.

Were Birkenstocks in the 70s? ›

The cork clog: Boston

In the 1970s BIRKENSTOCK set about creating a cork clog. Rather than being heavy or rigid – like many of the wooden styles at the time – 'Boston' was lightweight and flexible. It hit shelves in 1976.

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