How to Choose the Right Size Birkenstock Professional
If you work in a kitchen, you already know that the wrong shoes on a long shift can ruin your day faster than almost anything else. Birkenstock Professionals are a favourite among chefs and hospitality workers for good reason: the footbed is genuinely supportive, the PU upper handles spills and cleaning, and the outsoles are certified slip-resistant. But they do size differently to most footwear, and getting it wrong means returning them or suffering through a break-in that never quite resolves.
This is a straightforward guide to getting the right fit the first time.
A note before you order
Chef & a Knife stocks Birkenstock Professional styles in Regular fit only. If you know you need a Narrow fit, Birkenstock's own site is your best option. If you are unsure, read through the width section below before ordering.
We do accept returns on Birkenstock footwear, but please be aware that a flat $15 shipping and restocking fee is deducted from all refunds. Given that, it is worth spending a few minutes getting the size right upfront.
Step one: measure your feet in millimetres
Birkenstock sizes are based on EU sizing, which corresponds directly to your foot length in millimetres. The most reliable way to find your size is to measure your feet properly rather than converting from your current shoe size, since different brands run differently.
Stand on a flat surface with your full weight on your foot. Mark the back of your heel and the tip of your longest toe on a piece of paper. Measure that distance in millimetres, then add 10mm to allow for natural foot movement. That final number is the footbed length you need.
| Foot length | EU size | AU/UK Women | AU/UK Men |
|---|---|---|---|
| 220mm | EU 35 | 3.5 | - |
| 230mm | EU 36 | 4 | - |
| 240mm | EU 37 | 5 | - |
| 250mm | EU 38 | 6 | - |
| 260mm | EU 39 | 7 | 6 |
| 270mm | EU 40 | 7.5 | 7 |
| 275mm | EU 41 | 8.5 | 7.5 |
| 285mm | EU 42 | 9.5 | 8 |
| 290mm | EU 43 | 10 | 9 |
| 300mm | EU 44 | - | 10 |
| 305mm | EU 45 | - | 10.5 |
| 315mm | EU 46 | - | 11 |
| 320mm | EU 47 | - | 12 |
If you are between sizes, size up. The footbed will mould to your foot over time, but a footbed that is too short will put pressure on your toes from day one and never improve.
You can also use Birkenstock's official sizing tool at birkenstock.com.au/sizing to double-check before ordering.
Step two: understanding Regular fit
Chef & a Knife stocks Regular fit only. Regular suits normal to wide feet and is the standard fit for most men. In AU sizing terms it is roughly equivalent to a D-EE width for men and a C-D width for women.
When you put the clog on, your foot should sit comfortably within the footbed without hanging over the sides. There should be a small amount of space on either side. If your foot spills over the edges you may need a wider shoe altogether. If there is significant space on both sides and the clog feels sloppy, you likely have a narrow foot and the Regular fit may not work for you.
The footprint printed on the inside of every Birkenstock is a useful guide. Your foot should sit within it, not outside it.
Step three: which Professional model?
- Super Birki - The open-back clog. Fluid-resistant PU upper, slip-resistant outsole, removable footbed washable up to 60 degrees. The most popular model in hospitality because it is quick to slip on and off. Fits true to Birkenstock sizing.
- Profi Birki - The closed-back version. More secure on the foot, which some chefs prefer during busy service. Fits slightly trimmer than the Super Birki, so if you are between sizes consider going up half a size.
- Tokio Super Grip - A closed-toe, closed-back shoe with an adjustable buckle strap. More coverage than either clog style. Fits trimmer than the open styles, so if you are borderline between sizes go up.
- Kay - A slip-on mule with a closed toe and open back. True to Birkenstock sizing.
- Boston - The iconic closed-toe clog with an adjustable buckle. Crosses over well between kitchen and front-of-house. Fits true to size.
A few things worth knowing before you buy
- The break-in period is real. The cork-latex footbed is firm when new and takes 3 to 5 wears before it starts to feel comfortable. Wear them around the house for a few hours before your first shift rather than going straight into a 12-hour service.
- Measure your feet later in the day. Feet swell during long shifts. If you are buying for kitchen work, measure in the afternoon or evening rather than first thing in the morning.
- Enclosed styles fit trimmer than open ones. If you are moving from a Super Birki to a Tokio or Profi Birki, go up half a size from your usual Birkenstock size.
Returns
We accept returns on Birkenstock footwear. Shipping is at the customer's cost and a flat restocking fee is deducted from all refunds, which is why we recommend getting the size right before ordering.
The shoe box is considered part of the product. Pack your return carefully, avoid over-taping the box, and always return it inside a protective satchel or bag. Please note that damage to the shoe box during shipping is not considered a product fault.
For full details see our returns policy.
Browse the full Birkenstock Professional range at Chef & a Knife. If you are not sure which style suits your kitchen environment, get in touch and we can help narrow it down.
