Can Birkenstocks Be Repaired?

Can Birkenstocks be repaired? I know that Birkenstock sandals can be so incredibly comfortable once they are broken in that people want them to last forever but what happens when they start to deteriorate?

Birkenstocks aren’t the cheapest of sandals but they are very durable and can last for years in some cases justifying their price. However, it is inevitable that at some point they will start to fail.

The cork footbed may start to crack or the soles start to wear down and many people may think about throwing them away at this point. Yet Birkenstock repairs are very possible.

Also in this age of sustainability, it makes sense to repair them if the price is right rather than treating them as disposable fashion. So here is what you need to know about getting a Birkenstock Repair and maintaining your sandals so they last longer.

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Do Birkenstocks Have a Lifetime Warranty?

Firstly Birkenstocks do not have a lifetime warranty for their shoes and sandals.

Whilst their footwear is long-lasting in comparison to many other footwear brands it cannot be expected to last forever.

If you do have problems with your shoes in the first 30 days of buying them you can usually return them but don’t expect guarantees or warranties to last longer than this.

Birkenstock Repair Policy

Can your repair Birkenstocks directly with the company? Well, the answer is yes but it depends.

Birkenstocks ask you to send in pictures of the problem and then they will quote you a price for the repair if it is possible. They will not repair EVA sandals, Papillio models and shoes.

If they can repair your shoes expect to pay the price of the repair in advance.

Worn Out Birkenstocks Can Be Sent For Shoe Repairs At A Cobbler

So if you have a pair of worn-out Birkenstocks you can contact the Birkenstock repair team or alternatively you can see if there is a cobbler near you willing to take on the job.

Can cobblers fix Birkenstocks? Well, the fact is not every local cobbler may be prepared to take on the job so be prepared to shop around. Alternatively, see if there are any who you can send your shoes to as that may also be an option if there is nobody near you who can do the job.

It is also worth checking the price of the repairs. Sustainable fashion is great but not when it costs as much to repair the item as it does to buy it new. Minor cork repairs may only cost a little and are well worth the investment but costs to replace the sole of the shoe or suede lining can be much costlier.

Repairs only make sense when the price is right so don’t spend a fortune getting your old Birkenstocks repaired if the price is prohibitive.

Can Birkenstocks Be Resoled?

One of the first areas where you might see a problem with Birkenstock sandals is the soles. This is hardly surprising as this is part of the sandal which is hitting the ground and which will naturally wear down over time. Usually, the heel section of the sandal is where the general wear and tear is spotted first.

Normal wear and tear are to be expected with any shoe or sandal and providing the soles haven’t worn into the cork footbed they should be easily fixable.

A cobbler will be your first port of call but you can purchase new soles and install them yourself if you have the knowledge. Replacement soles aren’t that easy to find but I have found this repair shop that sells them.

Birkenstock Footbed Replacement

Can you repair Birkenstocks footbeds? Well, they are also very much replaceable and you can buy genuine Birkenstock parts either from the company itself or places like Amazon.

As an example, this is a cork footbed and upper that you can purchase if you are looking to repair your sandals yourself or if you want to give the spare parts to a cobbler.

Remember you may need specialist equipment to do this so only tackle the job if you feel that you have the expertise.

Recork Birkenstocks

Another problem that you may find over time with Birkentocks is that the cork footbed can start to crack. This is why it makes sense to look after your footwear by using a cork sealant to prevent this from happening.

Red Moose Cork Renew is a great example of a cork sealant that you can brush onto the cork sections of your Birkenstock sandals, clogs or shoes.

Cork sealant helps stop the cork on your footwear from becoming dry or brittle which causes the cracking. All you need to do is brush it on the cork leave it to sink in for 20 minutes then apply a second coat.

If your sandals have a small crack in them then using shoe glue can often help to repair the problem however if the crack is large it is likely that the glue won’t be enough to solve the problem long term. This is when you would need to get the entire footbed replaced.

Maintaining Your Footwear By Storing Correctly

Taking time to care for your shoes will help to prolong their life. Don’t neglect this as otherwise, you are going to experience a problem with your expensive Birkenstocks much sooner.

When your Birkenstock sandals are not in use make sure you store them somewhere cool and dry. This can help to stop them from going moldy or getting damaged.

Keep them away from direct heat or storing them in a hot car because that can dry out the cork footbed much faster which causes cracking.

Rotate Your Footwear

Whilst it is tempting to wear the same comfortable sandals every single day you are never getting your Birkenstocks a chance to dry out from the sweat that is on your feet.

Rotating your footwear means they have time to recover plus is will prolong the life of your sandals.

Clean Your Footwear Regularly

Also, don’t forget to clean your Birkenstocks regularly to keep them looking good.

Cleaning and treating the parts of your footwear that gets dirty can make a big difference in how long they last. It will also help to keep them looking as good as new.

A paste of baking soda and water is usually enough to clean the footbeds whilst the leather can be cleaned with a damp cloth or treated with a leather conditioner.

So can you repair Birkenstocks? Well clearly yes you can but only do it if it makes economic sense. Some repairs can be costly and it can often be difficult to find cobblers to carry out the repairs without sending them to a specialist. Instead, look after them as carefully as you can and you are going to get significantly more wear from your Birkenstock sandals and shoes.

Learn More About Birkenstocks

How to Stop Birkenstock Blisters

Do You Wear Socks With Birkenstocks?

Benefits of Birkenstock Sandals and Shoes