How Long Do Birkenstocks Last?

If you are thinking about buying a pair of sandals and Birkenstocks are on your wish list, read on. I have owned several brands of sandals—including Birkenstocks—but my Birks still look as sturdy as they did when I first bought them, despite all the wear and tear they’ve endured. So, how long do Birkenstocks last, exactly?

You can expect to get several years of use and sometimes over a decade out of a pair of Birkenstocks, provided you take care of them. Don’t let them get too wet; replace the soles when they wear down. And maintain the cork footbeds properly.

You might have a love-hate relationship with your Birks at first because they can be painful to wear if you don’t break them in. But once you get used to your Birks, you’ll love them.

The longer you wear your Birkenstocks, the more comfortable they will become. Over time, the footbeds of these sandals will mold to the shape of your feet.

Since Birks aren’t going out of style anytime soon, they’ll take you through life’s ups and downs as long as you remain faithful to them.

It’s time to get a little more personal with Birkenstocks.

Lifetime Guarantee of Wearing Birkenstocks

You may have heard others asking if Birkenstock has a lifetime guarantee. Unfortunately, the answer is no.

In fact, the German brand doesn’t offer any warranties on their products. However, if you are unsatisfied with your Birkenstocks, you may return them within 30 days of purchase.

Although the rumor that Birkenstocks last forever is untrue, you can take good care of them to make them last longer. But no matter how well you take care of your shoes, at some point, you’ll need to get them resoled or recrafted.

Even though Birkenstock footwear won’t last a lifetime, they can still give you years of enjoyment and comfort. This is because they are made from the finest materials that are meant to endure and adhere to strict quality controls.

Boston Leather Birkenstock Clog

Sturdiness and Durability of Birkenstocks

Wildly popular, Birkenstock prides itself on being a trusted brand. Each product is carefully examined to ensure safety and minimum environmental impact before being sold in stores.

With their many variations, interchangeable leather straps, and durable soles, you can easily resole Birkenstocks so your feet will never run out of support.

Gizeh Birkenstocks

Birkenstocks Specialized Repairs and Sole Replacement

Because Birkenstocks are not made to last for a lifetime, it is inevitable for them to get worn down. If you purchase a pair of Birks and their soles wear out with use, you can rest easy, knowing that Birkenstock offers specialized repairs.

The soles of Birkenstocks begin to wear out when the tread patterns are no longer visible. Replacing the soles prolongs their useful life. If you doubt this statement, you can ask other Birkenstock owners about their experiences with replacing the soles. Many of them have confirmed that doing so extended the lifetime of their shoes by up to 15 years.

Madrid Birkenstock

Tips on Lengthening the Lifespan of Birkenstocks

The company understands that shoes are an investment and prefers to educate its customers on proper care and maintenance of Birkenstocks through the following tips.

If you purchased any shoes or sandals from the company, you should be careful about leaving them in extreme heat. The soles of these shoes are made of ethylene-vinyl acetate (EVA), a special foam that will shrink if left in high-temperature environments. On the other hand, you should not let them get wet either because this could damage the cork and cause it to dry out.

Birkenstock Women’s Mayari Sandal

Maintaining the leather and cork components is one surefire way to keep your Birkenstock sandals in good shape. Sealing the cork footbeds from time to time with a cork sealant also extends the overall lifespan of the sandals.

If your sandals have Birko-flor and Birko-buc uppers, use a damp cloth to wipe them clean. For stains that don’t respond to the first remedy, wash them away with water and mild soap.

When you clean your Birkenstocks, remember that even the simplest mistreatment can change their appearance. The above routine will help you avoid damaging your shoes and prolong their life.

Recommended Birkenstock Maintenance Products

Birkenstock recommends using a cork sealer to keep the cork footbeds of your sandals intact. This product makes the cork material last longer and prevents it from cracking or tearing as you wear the Birks over time. Apply it on your sandals’ footbeds monthly to keep them in prime condition until it’s necessary to replace or repair them.

Like most things, your shoes can get stinky if you don’t take care of them. If you want yours to be fresh all the time, use a Birkenstock Cleaner & Refresher. This product is safe to use on any material and comes in a spray bottle. Spray the product on the footbed to remove moist dirt.

You may need to clean or condition your Birkenstock sandals periodically. Use a brush to remove dirt and debris from the suede and nubuck, and then protect the leather from water and stains with the Birkenstock Water & Stain Repellent. Apply this product after brushing your sandals clean.

Here is a video of someone cleaning and repairing a pair of Birkenstocks:

The Bottom line

When it comes to the question of how long Birkenstocks last, it’s really up to the owner. Some people take great care of their shoes and sandals, and as a result, their footwear lasts for decades or even several years.

But people who don’t pay close attention to the condition of their shoes or protect them with the recommended products will find that their Birkenstocks wear out faster than expected.

In fact, Birkenstocks require some sort of investment. If you take good care of them, you will end up with a long-lasting pair of shoes. So when next you encounter the question, “How long do Birkenstocks last?” you know what to say!

In a nutshell, the longevity of Birkenstocks depends on two things: maintenance and usage. If you wear your Birks every day and treat them the wrong way, they’ll fade out of your life’s story quicker.

But as long as you have them repaired or resoled when the need arises for such, all’s good.