Good deals lifestyle

Birkenstock : cork, Birko-Flor, leather or EVA

All Birkenstock sandals share the same anatomical footbed made from cork and latex, topped with a suede insole. The cork, which is insulating and cushioning, gradually molds to the foot, while the shape of the footbed supports the arch and allows the toes to spread naturally. It's the upper that changes from model to model: two adjustable straps for the Arizona, one strap for the Madrid, a toe post for the Gizeh, crossed straps for the Mayari, and a closed clog for the Boston.

The material of the upper does the rest. Birko-Flor is a synthetic unique to the brand, soft against the skin, tear-resistant, and easy to maintain, available in a Birkibuc version that looks like nubuck. Leather and suede, as seen on the Boston Suede, will age beautifully over time but are more sensitive to water. The EVA versions, molded from a single piece, are lightweight, washable, and suitable for the beach or pool.

Width and Size of Sandals

Birkenstock makes its models in two widths, normal and narrow, indicated by a small footprint printed on the sole: solid for narrow width, simply outlined for normal width. A little space on each side of the foot is normal, but if the foot floats noticeably, it indicates a switch to narrow width is needed, and if the foot spills over the edge, the opposite.

The brand generally runs large, and many guides suggest taking the smaller size if in doubt. The heel should rest at the back of the cup, and the toes should not touch the front edge. In the first few days, the footbed may feel firm: it softens and molds to the foot over the weeks of wearing.

Crocs, Chelsea boots and retro sneakers

The Crocs Classic clog is molded from Croslite, a lightweight, flexible resin exclusive to the brand that doesn't absorb water. Its back strap pivots: raised at the front, it allows the clog to be worn like a mule, and folded behind the heel, it keeps it secure for faster walking. The Blundstone Classic Chelsea boots, on the other hand, feature the Chelsea design with elastic gussets, making them easy to slip on without laces.

On the sneaker side, the Asics GEL-NYC combines an upper inspired by a GEL-NIMBUS from the early 2000s and a sole taken from a more recent GEL-CUMULUS, complete with gel inserts at the back and front. The Nike V5 RNR and the Air Monarch follow the same retro trend, the former inspired by 2000s runners, the latter true to the chunky silhouette of a training shoe.

Caps and Backpacks

The New Era 59FIFTY cap is a fitted cap with no adjustment at the back: it should be chosen in the exact size, expressed in inches and fractions, like 7 1/4, which corresponds to head circumference. This is measured with a soft tape measure, just above the eyebrows and ears, and if you are between sizes, the larger size tends to be more comfortable. The adjustable models from the brand, with a strap or snapback, avoid this issue.

The Eastpak bags in the catalog, like the Day Pak'r with its padded laptop sleeve, or the Padded Pak'r with its quilted back, are everyday bags with a capacity of around twenty litres. The fanny pack Quadra and the tracksuit Joma complete the selection.

Deals from Other Sports

Each area has its selection of deals. Football has jerseys, balls, and club gear, running offers road and trail shoes as well as GPS watches, and fitness includes training equipment.

The outdoor section features outdoor gear, the indoor section focuses on indoor sports, and golf has its own selection. All of these can be found on the deals page.

Other Annual Events

The clearance sale features end-of-line items, promotions have discounted products, and new arrivals showcase the latest releases. The items shipped within 24 hours are prepared and sent in 24 hours, perfect for gifts.

The major events follow a stable order: Black Friday at the end of autumn, the holiday season, the winter sales, then the French Days in spring.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you care for a Birkenstock cork footbed?

Brush the suede insole to clean it, and occasionally apply a cork sealer on the visible edge, which dries over time. Avoid soaking the sandal or drying it near a heat source.

Should a Birkenstock sandal feel firm at first?

Yes, the cork and latex footbed gradually molds to the foot: it may feel firm in the first few days, then adapts. The heel should rest in the cup, and the toes should not touch the front edge.

Why does a lifestyle item go on sale?

This often happens when a model is from a previous collection or a color has been replaced by a new one. The quality remains the same as the full-priced product; only the availability of sizes is more limited.

Should I choose a narrow or normal version from Birkenstock?

Birkenstock offers its models in normal width and narrow width. The foot should fit in the footbed without spilling over: a narrow foot that slips at the sides may benefit from switching to the narrow version.

Do Crocs run large?

Crocs are intentionally designed to be roomy, with space around the toes. Between two sizes, it is usually advisable to take the smaller one, and the back strap helps secure the heel.