Birkenstock fit and care tips

Product information

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.

Fitting tips

When doing your fitting, unbuckle all the straps and place your feet in the sandals. Make sure your heels are all the way back in the heelcups. The contours of the footbed should correspond to your own arches, and the toe grip should fit comfortably under your toes.

Your feet should sit embedded in the footbed, meaning that you must not be standing on either the inner or outer side of the footbed rim. In addition, you should have several millimeters of space in the heel and toe areas to allow your feet to move freely and naturally with each step you take.

Buckle Loosely
Beginning with the ones closest to your toes. buckle the straps. Birkenstock footwear is designed to be worn loosely. The support come from the footbed, not from tightly buckled straps. keeping the straps buckled loosely will allow your feet to lift slightly off the footbed, which in turn permits the air circulation necessary for healthy feet.

Comfort tips
Adjust to your new sandals gradually, as they may introduce new movements to the muscles in your feet and legs. Although your sandals may feel rather rigid at first, their flexibility will increase with wear. Leather straps will become more supple and the footbeds will adjust slightly to your feet. 

Care tips

Apply cork sealant

Your new sandals already have a light coating of sealant to prevent the exposed cork from drying out. If the cork no longer looks shiny, apply another thin coat of a flexible sealing material. Done periodically, this application will prolong the life of your Birkenstocks.

Clean and protect uppers
Apply water and stain protector to leather, suede and Nubuck uppers before wearing and after each cleaning. Keep suede uppers fresh looking with a suede brush. When the upper becomes soiled, use mild soap suds or clean with a commercial suede cleaner. For Nubuck, use a Nubuck block. Clean and condition leather with high quality neutral leather creams; use matching leather polish to cover scuff marks. Wipe Birko uppers with a damp cloth.

The inside of the footbed may also be washed with mild soap suds and a soft brush. Dry slowly, away from heat, to prevent cracking!

Avoid extreme heat!
The Birkenstock sole has been carefully selected for its superior qualities. It is lightweight, flexible, durable and shock absorbent. However, both the cork 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.
If your sandals become wet, let them dry slowly, away from direct heat.

If the soles should become damaged or worn, they can be replaced. Ask your Birkenstock retailer for assistance.

Colorfastness
Although we only use the highest quality leathers and test them for colorfastness, any dyed leather may shed some color. Please be very careful with delicate or light- coloured socks, especially when your footwear is new.

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. Remember, a stitch in time saves nine! 

The Right advise. The Right fit. The RIGHT Shoe.