Care tips:
During the course of a lifetime, no other part of the body is subject to so much strain as our feet. They maintain the body's balance, absorb impact and bear the entire weight of the body. Birkenstock® footwear is designed to offer optimal support, but they also need to be kept in good repair.
1. Apply cork sealant
Your new sandals already have a light coating of rubbery sealant to prevent the exposed cork from drying out. If the cork no longer looks shiny, apply another thin coat (or two) of a flexible sealing material - we have cork sealant available for purchase. Done periodically, this application will prolong the life of your Birkenstocks®. We recommend checking the cork regularly for any cracks - use cork sealant and/or a flexible glue to seal and protect.
2. Clean and protect uppers
Apply water and stain protector to leather, suede and nubuck uppers before wearing and after each cleaning. Keep suede uppers looking fresh with a suede brush. When the uppers become soiled, use mild soap on a clean cloth or use a commercial suede cleaner. For nubuck, use a nubuck block or spray. Clean and condition leather with high quality neutral leather creams; use matching leather polish to cover scuff marks. Wipe Birkoflor (synthetic) uppers with a damp soapy clean cloth.
The top side of the footbed (usually made of suede leather) may also be washed with mild soap suds and a soft brush. Dry slowly, away from intense heat, to prevent cracking.
3. Avoid extreme heat - and too much water!
The Birkenstock® sole of EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate) has been carefully selected for its superior qualities. It is lightweight, flexible, durable and shock absorbent. However, both the cork footbed and soles can be damaged by exposure to excessive heat. Keep your sandals away from radiators and fireplaces. Never leave them in a closed car on a very hot day, or on the beach exposed to direct sun. The EVA sole may harden and shrink, and pull away from the cork as the glue between cork and sole is dried out.
Conversely, if your sandals become soaked, let them dry slowly, away from direct heat. Try not to wear them again until sufficiently dry. Once dry, to protect from more moisture, reapply cork sealant before wearing again if the cork surface is dull.
If the soles are heat or water damaged, they can be replaced by a Birkenstock®-trained repair person.
4. Colour fastness
Although Birkenstock® use the highest quality leathers and test them for colorfastness, any dyed leather may shed some colour. Please be careful with delicate or light-coloured socks, especially when your footwear is new. Take the sandals off if using spray insect repellant and make sure the skin is dry before putting sandals back on - some colour leaching may occur if straps are sprayed with some repellants..
5. Repair
Birkenstock® footwear has been constructed using only the highest quality materials and can easily be refurbished.
Protect your investment and prolong the life of your sandals with Birkenstock® heel and toe taps. Repair your sandals with original Birkenstock® soles before they have worn through the cork footbeds. Cracked cork is easily repaired as well (see above - cork sealant). Contact us or see your local shoe repair shop.
With proper care and periodic repair, Birkenstock® footwear can provide you with years of comfort.
"Quality means doing it right when no one is looking." Henry Ford
During the course of a lifetime, no other part of the body is subject to so much strain as our feet. They maintain the body's balance, absorb impact and bear the entire weight of the body. Birkenstock® footwear is designed to offer optimal support, but they also need to be kept in good repair.
1. Apply cork sealant
Your new sandals already have a light coating of rubbery sealant to prevent the exposed cork from drying out. If the cork no longer looks shiny, apply another thin coat (or two) of a flexible sealing material - we have cork sealant available for purchase. Done periodically, this application will prolong the life of your Birkenstocks®. We recommend checking the cork regularly for any cracks - use cork sealant and/or a flexible glue to seal and protect.
2. Clean and protect uppers
Apply water and stain protector to leather, suede and nubuck uppers before wearing and after each cleaning. Keep suede uppers looking fresh with a suede brush. When the uppers become soiled, use mild soap on a clean cloth or use a commercial suede cleaner. For nubuck, use a nubuck block or spray. Clean and condition leather with high quality neutral leather creams; use matching leather polish to cover scuff marks. Wipe Birkoflor (synthetic) uppers with a damp soapy clean cloth.
The top side of the footbed (usually made of suede leather) may also be washed with mild soap suds and a soft brush. Dry slowly, away from intense heat, to prevent cracking.
3. Avoid extreme heat - and too much water!
The Birkenstock® sole of EVA (ethyl vinyl acetate) has been carefully selected for its superior qualities. It is lightweight, flexible, durable and shock absorbent. However, both the cork footbed and soles can be damaged by exposure to excessive heat. Keep your sandals away from radiators and fireplaces. Never leave them in a closed car on a very hot day, or on the beach exposed to direct sun. The EVA sole may harden and shrink, and pull away from the cork as the glue between cork and sole is dried out.
Conversely, if your sandals become soaked, let them dry slowly, away from direct heat. Try not to wear them again until sufficiently dry. Once dry, to protect from more moisture, reapply cork sealant before wearing again if the cork surface is dull.
If the soles are heat or water damaged, they can be replaced by a Birkenstock®-trained repair person.
4. Colour fastness
Although Birkenstock® use the highest quality leathers and test them for colorfastness, any dyed leather may shed some colour. Please be careful with delicate or light-coloured socks, especially when your footwear is new. Take the sandals off if using spray insect repellant and make sure the skin is dry before putting sandals back on - some colour leaching may occur if straps are sprayed with some repellants..
5. Repair
Birkenstock® footwear has been constructed using only the highest quality materials and can easily be refurbished.
Protect your investment and prolong the life of your sandals with Birkenstock® heel and toe taps. Repair your sandals with original Birkenstock® soles before they have worn through the cork footbeds. Cracked cork is easily repaired as well (see above - cork sealant). Contact us or see your local shoe repair shop.
With proper care and periodic repair, Birkenstock® footwear can provide you with years of comfort.
"Quality means doing it right when no one is looking." Henry Ford