Breaking in your Birki’s:
Birki’s footbeds are contoured to be anatomically correct. We recommend that you break-in your new shoes gradually as they may introduce new movements to the muscles in your feet and legs. Your shoes may feel rather rigid at first, however with wear they will become more flexible, supple and will mould to the feet.

	Smooth Leather Clean the smooth leather with a soft dry cloth and apply a cream polish regularly to help keep the leather soft and supple. For covering scuff marks a slightly thicker renovating polish is recommended.
	Suede and Nubuck Leather Apply a liquid colour conditioner to nourish the leather and a silicone based waterproofing spray to protect from staining. Use a suede brush to remove surface dust and dirt.
	Birko-Flor Birko-Flor is Birki’s answer for a great alternative to leather. It is a durable, non-tearing, and easy to care for material that is soft on the skin and can be wiped clean with a wet cloth.
	ALPRO® - foam (PU) This material is perfect for wet and dirty conditions such as in the kitchen, in the garden, and at the swimming pool. This material is flexible, durable, non-slip and can be washed at up to 60˚C
	ALPRO® - Cell (EVA) This material is extremely light, durable and can be washed down easily. Great for taking to the beach.

Super-Birki’s are designed for use in the garden. The cork footbed is removable in order to wash the shoes and a replacement is able to be purchased from your local Birki’s retailer. Please note that soles are not repairable on these shoes.

Profi-Birki’s are designed for use in professional kitchens, hospitals, laboratories or in places where a lot of water may be used. This shoe in fact meets the Australian safety standards for footwear in the kitchen (AS/NZS 2210.3). Both the footbed and the shoe can be washed. The clog is washable up to 60˚C and the insole is washable up to 30˚C. If you wear these every day of the week, the footbeds will retain a lot of moisture. It is recommended to remove the footbeds regularly for airing. Replacement footbeds are available from your Birki’s retailer giving you the option to alternate between pairs. Please note: Do not wash in a washing machine or dishwasher and avoid using harsh detergents.

Cork Collection: The footbed is constructed of layers of jute and cork covered in a suede lining. The footbed is designed to absorb moisture from your feet. It is recommended to air your footbeds regularly to prevent a build up of odours which occur from excess moisture.

Do NOT immerse in water:
Your shoes should not be immersed in water as the leather can become hard, brittle and the glues and sealants can dissolve. Salt water is corrosive so it is important to rinse the buckles whenever they have been exposed to salt water. The buckles and rivets can be replaced. Sandals and clogs come with a protective sealant called CORK LIFE. This sealant is water soluble and will wear off in time.

Cork Life:
Cork Life should be applied to prevent your Birki’s Footbeds from drying out. When the cork no longer looks shiny, apply a thin layer of Cork Life. Do not be concerned by small cracks which appear at the flex-point where the foot bends. This is an indication that the shoe is adapting to your walking pattern. These cracks are superficial and can be easily repaired.

Please inspect your cork footbeds regularly. If cracks appear apply cork sealant as described above. If small pieces of cork start to chip out, take your shoes to a Birkenstock workshop as this should be repaired immediately. If the cork breaks down too far the only option is to replace the entire footbed including the EVA sole unit. This is called recycling.

AVOID EXTREME HEAT:
Both the cork and the soles of your Birki’s can be damaged by exposure to extreme heat. Do not leave your shoes in closed cars on warm days and keep them away from radiators and fireplaces. If your shoes become wet, allow them to dry slowly, away from direct heat.