Birkenstock Blue Footbed-Arch Support Flat

Update: 8-21-24:Planters pain is now 98% relieved by wearing these inserts. Forward toe box discomfort has been 100% relieved due to the 3/4 length not adding more stuff to the front of my shoes. For my running shoes, after the first use I experienced ZERO post run discomfort in my heel or toes. I went to bed- and woke up feeling no pain upon the first step onto a hard floor in the morning. I do consistently wear Birkenstock Arizona sandals throughout the house- taking advantage of the cork footbed healing benefits, but the discomfort I typically feel after a long day on my feet in a classroom or after any length run, has all but disappeared. I will not use another product. This beats out every other option out there, for the cost and convenience and the versatility.Upon 1st use:I prefer these over the two part system. My planters pain comes from my heel. These specifically give the needed support and cushion that changes everything in my foot. These give me the immediate comfort of sliding into a pair of Arizona Birkenstock sandals, but in my work shoes and boots. I love that they do not crowd the toe box, as I get uncomfortable with other full length inserts in my right toe box- things just get too crowded. The 3/4 length insert by Birkenstock is the only product I’ve found that replicates the comfort of the full length sandal.

my foot doctor recommended these for me for my bunions and weak arches. They easily fit in my different tennis shoes and sneakers, snuggly, but easy to remove. I’ve also noticed less foot pain or aches when I wear them especially when I know I’m gonna be walking around a lot or on my feet for most of the day at work.

I've used this type of Birkenstock insert for over 20 years....possibly as long as 25. I have at least a half dozen pairs two of which date to my first purchases of them in the 1990's. The oldest are so worn the blue cloth that gives them their name is gone entirely from the tops. All that is visible is the cork lining material which is slowly thinning at the heel. As they thinned I noted that they also became somewhat more flexible but they still get use in my least worn shoes and slippers. The arch remained intact. I have never seen the need to throw a pair away. The newer sets get switched between shoes all the time as needed. I have used them in styles of footwear ranging from slip-ons to hiking boots and though they are pricey their durability compensates for the initial expense. They have seen service in both long hours of standing at work as well as during many miles of long distance hiking. I am habituated to their feel after all these years and consider them essential now given that the typical pair of shoes these days comes with little or no arch support. When I put a pair of these in a brand new shoe it feels exactly like all the rest of the shoes that preceded it. I usually just insert and wear these on top of any padded lining already in any new pair of shoes but I suppose one could put them under those linings for a bit softer feel. That said--and though they are very stiff especially when new--it has never bothered me to have them in direct contact with my feet even for long periods of time. I regularly hike wet areas in which my boots and socks become saturated. Apparently these are entirely waterproof because once dried on my boot dryer they appear none the worse for wear. One pair has been through many such wet dry cycles and still shows no signs of deterioration.

Great support for my feet

Never knew how good this would work. It is perfect. Has relieved all of my foot pain and allows me to walk without feeling the cramps in my legs.

Listing says they are womens, but I've bought the same ones elsewhere. They are unisex. Works well for me (male)This is my second set. I bought the first one at an orthopedic shoe store. One of the best inserts I've found for the price. Scholls charges the same amount for what they call premium inserts that softens in 2 weeks. But the hardcore shoe insert fanatics will say Scholls are crap and don't address the real issue of arch support.I've tried metal plate reinforced inserts, solid plastic, but this one provides good support for my flattening arch and stays in place pretty well in the shoe. Good arch support. Feels a little narrow for my feet. Maybe they are for women!! but it softens up a bit as you wear it but the arch support remains.If you try this insert and are not used to the stiffness do not give up on these. Give it a week or so for them to soften up/your feet to adjust. I weigh about 220lbs. If you are lighter than me the inserts might not soften up as fast.

I have a pair of these that are about 10 years old and wanted an additional pair since my old ones were getting a little flattened out and I also wanted to avoid constantly switching them from my dress shoes, athletic shoes, motorcycle boots etc.When I got my first pair, I had been suffering plantar fasciitis in my right foot for about 18 months or so. I picked them up at a local shoe store and walked out of the place with no pain for the first time in a year and a half. I was amazed.Recently, I've had plantar fasciitis in my other foot but in a different spot (more toward the heel). I wasn't sure these would help that area as much as it did the other time where the pain was more toward the front of my foot. But they once again amazed me. Honestly, I have absolutely no pain when I walk with these. I avoid going barefoot in our house now due to the fasciitis so I wear some beach style canvas shoes on the hard wood floors. I keep my old pair in those shoes and just move the new pair to whatever shoes I will be wearing. Because of these inserts, I can even wear cheap $20 Fila running shoes from Costco and they feel like a dream. I will be getting another pair at some point from Amazon since I haven't found them locally and they are the same price everywhere.$60 may seem expensive but, as I stated, my original pair are years old and still work great so the investment is worth it. The bottom is cork with a circular area of taller cork in your arch so they don't break down like gel inserts.