Care Information

Caring for your Birkenstocks

Prolong the life of your Birkenstocks by following our care guide. Ensuring a proper fit is the first step.

Trying on a new pair

Open all straps and step into the footbed. The contours of the footbed should follow the curves of your foot. Close the straps comfortably, leaving enough space to allow your feet the freedom of movement. Stand up and make sure you have 5mm extra room in front of your toes and 5mm behind your heels. Read our size guide for more information.

Breaking in a new pair

For the first five or six times you wear your new shoes, limit the time to just a few hours. This allows your feet and body to gradually get used to the contoured arch support as well as the straps and buckles.

Air footbeds regularly

Birkenstock footbeds are constructed of layers of jute and cork covered in a suede lining. It’s designed to absorb moisture from your feet. Airing the footbeds prevents the build up of odours caused by excess moisture.

Don’t immerse in water

Water can damage the cork and dissolve the glue/sealant. If your shoes get wet, dry them slowly and away from direct heat, never directly in front of a heater. If the buckles are exposed to salt water, rinse them to avoid corrosion.

Avoid extreme heat

Exposure to concentrated heat can damage your Birkenstocks. Avoid leaving them in direct sunlight or in the car on warm days and keep them away from radiators and fireplaces.

Repair your shoes

Birkenstock footwear with exposed cork footbed may require cork repair due to general wear over time. The soles need repairing or replacement before you start wearing into the cork. Read more about repairs.

Birkenstock materials care tips

Birkenstock uses a variety of durable, high-quality materials. Protect and extend the wear of your footwear with these care tips:

Smooth Leather Natural Leather

Apply Birkenstock Leather Conditioner regularly using the Birkenstock Applicator Brush followed by the Birkenstock Polishing Brush. The Leather conditioner will nourish the leather and keep it supple and remove scuff marks. For more information on Shoe Care products, we have guides available here.

Oiled Leather

Use a brush or a damp cloth to remove surface dust. Apply Birkenstock Leather Conditioner regularly using the Birkenstock Applicator Brush. The rustic patina will be preserved while nourishing the leather and keeping it supple. For more information on Shoe Care products, we have guides available here.

Birko Flor Metallic

Use the Footbed and Shoe Cleaner with the sponge provided. Rinse the sponge well and squeeze out the excess water and wipe the shoe. The metallic finish dries to its original finish

Hi Shine / Patent Leather

Use the Footbed and Shoe Cleaner with the sponge provided. Rinse the sponge well and squeeze out the excess water and wipe the shoe. The Hi Shine/ Patent finish dries to its original finish

Suede Leather

Use a wire suede brush to remove surface dust. To protect, apply the Birkenstock Footbed and Shoe Protector using the Applicator Brush to spread the product evenly across the upper. For more information on Shoe Care products, we have guides available here.

Nubuck Leather

To clean, use the Birkenstock Footbed and Shoe Dry Cleaner to remove stains. To protect apply the Birkenstock Footbed and Shoe Protector using the Applicator Brush to spread the product evenly across the upper. For more information on Shoe Care products, we have guides available here.

Wool Felt

The Birkenstock Polishing Brush is a multipurpose brush which can be used for gentle cleaning and polishing. Gently brush the wool felt upper to remove dust and dirt.

Birko-Flor

Use the Birkenstock Footbed and Shoe cleaner with the Sponge provided. For more information on Shoe Care products, we have guides available here.

Birki Buc

Use the Birkenstock Footbed and Shoe Cleaner with the Sponge provided. For more information on Shoe Care products, we have guides available here.

Birko-Felt

The Birkenstock Polishing Brush is a multipurpose brush which can be used for gentle cleaning and polishing. Gently brush the Birko Felt upper to remove dust and dirt.

Microfibre

The Birkenstock Polishing Brush is a multipurpose brush which can be used for gentle cleaning and polishing. Gently brush the microfibre upper to remove dust and dirt.

Polyurethane

Use the Birkenstock Footbed and Shoe Cleaner with the Sponge provided.

EVA

Use the Birkenstock Footbed and Shoe Cleaner with the Sponge provided Please note: EVA can shrink at high temperatures.

Find out more about Birkenstock Materials.