![]() Since the 1980s, Birkenstock shoes and sandals has become popular among medical professionals (e.g. dentists, nurses) and others who work on their feet. In Germany, the sandals are most often used as house slippers, but in the United States they have become a part of everyday clothing from professionals to blue collar workers, even to the entertainment industry. Heidi Klum designs footwear for Birkenstock and wears them as well. While no shoe lasts a lifetime, with proper care and periodic repair, Birkenstock sandals, clogs, and shoes can provide you with years of comfort. Here are some tips to keep your footwear looking good for years to come. If your Birkenstock footwear has cork footbeds or EVA soles, both can be damaged by exposure to concentrated heat or extreme temperatures. Do not leave your shoes in direct sunlight, or in closed cars on warm days. Keep Birkenstock footwear away from campfires, fireplaces, and indoor radiators. If your shoes become wet, allow them to air dry slowly, away from direct heat. Birkenstock sandals and clogs come with a light coating of cork sealant on the exposed cork edge. This protects the cork and prevents it from drying out. When the cork no longer looks shiny, apply a thin coat of Birkenstock Cork Life (registered trademark) to protect the cork from the elements. Prolong the life of your Birkenstock footwear with heel and toe taps. They should be applied when the EVA soles have been worn down to within about ¼” of the cork footbed. When worn down more than this, replace the soles. If you soles tend to wear unevenly, repair them promptly to ensure your feet remain correctly balanced. Visit your local authorized repair center for original Birkenstock repair materials. |