With roots in New England, our team is partial to Birkenstocks. In fact, we get a lot of repair questions about Birkenstocks from friends, family, and customers! So we thought we would share a quick guide to taking care of your birks.
To ensure your Birkenstocks stand the test of time and continue to provide the support your feet deserve, proper care is essential.
In this guide, we'll explore the art of caring for your Birkenstocks to keep them looking great and feeling fantastic.
Regular Cleaning
The first step in Birkenstock care is regular cleaning. Depending on how often you wear them, dirt, sweat, and other debris can accumulate on the footbed and straps. Here's a simple cleaning routine to keep your sandals in top condition:
Remove loose dirt: Before cleaning, use a soft brush or cloth to remove any loose dirt or debris from the footbed and straps.
Wipe with a damp cloth: Gently wipe the footbed and straps with a damp cloth. Avoid using excessive water, as soaking the cork footbed can damage it over time.
Use mild soap if necessary: For stubborn stains, use a mild soap or a mixture of water and a gentle soap to clean the affected areas. Wipe away the soap with a damp cloth.
Allow to air dry: After cleaning, let your Birkenstocks air dry completely before wearing them again.
Protect the Cork Footbed
The cork footbed is a signature feature of Birkenstocks, providing natural arch support and molding to the shape of your feet over time. To protect and maintain the integrity of the cork:
Avoid prolonged exposure to direct sunlight: Extended exposure to direct sunlight can cause the cork to dry out and become brittle. Store your Birkenstocks in a cool, shaded area when not in use.
Keep them dry: While Birkenstocks are designed to handle some moisture, prolonged exposure to water can damage the cork. Avoid wearing them in heavy rain or submerging them in water.
Apply cork sealer: Periodically applying a cork sealer can help protect the footbed from moisture and prevent it from drying out. Follow the product instructions for application.
Leather and Synthetic Strap Care
Birkenstock sandals come in various strap materials, including leather and synthetic options. Proper care for these materials is crucial for maintaining their appearance and longevity:
Leather straps: Use a soft, damp cloth to clean leather straps, and apply a leather conditioner to keep them supple and prevent cracking. Avoid exposing leather straps to excessive moisture.
Synthetic straps: Wipe synthetic straps with a damp cloth to remove dirt. For stubborn stains, use a mild soap. Synthetic materials are generally more resistant to water, but it's still essential to avoid prolonged exposure.
Rotation and Storage
This is a tough but obvious one. We know how hard it is to rotate away from a favorite pair of shoes. But, give another pair of sandals a chance. Rotating your Birkenstocks with other footwear and storing them properly can prolong their life:
Rotate your footwear: Wearing the same pair of shoes every day can lead to faster wear and tear. Rotate your Birkenstocks with other shoes to allow them to breathe and recover.
Store them correctly: When not in use, store your Birkenstocks in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Consider using shoe trees to help maintain their shape. Coblrshop sends all repaired shoes back to you in a protective bag.
Recommended Supplies:
For Suede Birkenstocks:
A suede brush helps refresh the suede after cleaning. Here are a few options.
To remove stains, we recommend this suede eraser.
After cleaning and the suede is dry, we recommend a waterproofing spray.
Regular Leather Birkenstocks:
A horsehair brush: small round brushes, are easier for narrow straps.
Leather shoe conditioner: Saphir is the gold standard and will help clean and hydrate your straps, which prevents cracks. We are total fans of Saphir Renovateur and Meltonion.
And finally, finish with Protector spray: as with the suede, we recommended this waterproofing spray
Caring for your Birkenstocks is a simple yet important aspect of preserving their comfort and style. By following these tips, you can extend the life of your beloved sandals and continue to enjoy the unmatched support they provide. And if you don't want to take all of these care steps or have a pair of well loved Birkenstocks that need help, mail-in to Coblrshop and we will take care of your Birkenstocks.
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