What are
/r/Birkenstocks'
favorite Products & Services?
From 3.5 billion Reddit comments
The most popular Products mentioned in /r/Birkenstocks:
The most popular reviews in /r/Birkenstocks:
Did you waterproof them prior to wearing them? If so, that will make it a bit easier to get out. Do you have a suede cleaning kit (like this)? If not, get one as soon as possible and use it to clean them. If there is any excess butter on them, make sure you pat (not rub) with a clean towel to get off any excess, then use the suede cleaner and suede block to remove the stain.
Imo the best would be cork sealant. A thin layer over your cork every couple months (or monthly if youre a daily wearer) should keep your cork intact.
Heres an example of the product im talking about, although there are many variations of the same: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B072YF9SNW/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_tTOKCbYAWG5MC
Since you only need a thin layer, one order of sealant should last a while. DO NOT OVER SEAL IT. if you lay it on too thick or too often, itll become a gucky mess
Sprinkle cornstarch on the oily spot. Baby powder or baking soda will work if you don’t have cornstarch. If it is still wet, let the cornstarch pull up the oil out of the suede for a few minutes, brush off with a suede brush or a brush with nylon bristles, and repeat until it no longer seems “wet”. When it is no longer wet, let the cornstarch (or other powders mentioned above) sit overnight to soak up as much of the oil as possible. The next day, brush out the remainder of the powder with the nylon bristle brush. Then clean the stained area with a suede block like this. If that doesn’t get all of the oil out, then use a cleanser designed specially for suede such as this and be sure to follow the instructions on the label. I hope this helps!
I've put Profoot moleskin padding on the undersides of my straps, leather & non leather. Cut it to fit - it's sticky on one side & has made mine more comfortable. I'm sure it will work for the area you're on about. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B013AVRFO4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_glt_fabc_RZKHM9JGMSNT0M4B6NX8
I imagine a basic shoe stretcher from amazon like this would work
or you could put on multiple pairs of socks and cram your foot in there and bear the pain for a while so the leather expands. Ive heard some people get their shoe wet when they try to stretch them, but I wouldnt do that because it might damage the leather here. good luck
<strong>Honey Foot Peeling Mask</strong> first - Peel off the dead skin every 3 months.
Then, daliy apply <strong>Grocerism 40% urea cream + 2% Salicylic Acid</strong> which is my skin life saver！
WORKS! Also the 2 packs one, much cheaper! And it came with the moisturizing gel heel socks as gift, so I don't need to buy it for $6-$9 per pair.
Thick layer od urea cream with Gel heel socks, then go to bed!
Apply a coat of the Barge glue, let dry. Apply cork sealer over affected area and to the rest of the cork even tho they are new.
Be sure to put a TINY bit of oil on the threads of the cork sealer bottle, apply (TINY BIT) then wipe off. Much easier to open...the next time.
If you don't already have one, get a suede brush and eraser kit from Amazon. Maybe if you just brush the suede gently it may loosen it. Suede care kit - Amazon
I used Fiebing's Aussie Leather Conditioner on mine to break them in. I have the same Habana Birks.. It doesn't appear that I can reply with a photo, but I can send you a pic for you to see how they came out. For a couple days, they looked wet, a little glossy, but it soaked in and looks great again. Really helped to break them in.
https://www.amazon.com/Fiebings-AULC00T015Z-Aussie-Leather-Conditioner/dp/B001P45RAS/
Ouch. Let yourself heal up and maybe try something like this and see if it helps while you break them in:
BodyGlide Foot Anti Blister Balm, 0.80 oz (USA Sale Only) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00115UN9Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_X1HEGSNVVZRAX60GMZFH?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Nope there are fully covered ones that also have a back at the heel so your foot doesn’t slip out
I linked the Womens ones just because it was the first I found through Amazon and I didn’t feel like scrolling more.
I got this one on Amazon. You can also buy each product individually. Lots of choices. Shoe repair shops usually sell them too. You might also be able to locate them at places like Target and Walmart. GEAR AID Revivex Suede, Nubuck and Fabric Boot and Shoe Care Kit with Protector Spray https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002HH0PL8/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_XDXBRB1AN9GY4PC8GXJN?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Hmm on the inside? Could be tied to size and how tight he wears them. How long before it happens?
The link to the glue to fix it is below (tho I'd love to learn more about the issue and get to the root cause). Use a thin layer on both sides, keep the sides separated until the glue is dry, and then squeeeeeze together hard for at least 5 mins (longer if you have something to hold it together. Thin but thorough layers of glue
Barge Toluene Free All Purpose Cement ( 3/4 Fl Oz. ) https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B002JL2ZGA/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_i_NT57ZCB63DW6FCXZ2845?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Gotcha! I know exactly what you're talking about.
I recommend using the below sealant to stop the cracking and fill the gaps: Kelly’s Cork Renew, 2.4 Oz. - Seals and Waterproofs Cork Surfaces on Crafts, Shoes and More https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B008WC64E4/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_0JP33BJYHSCXZXPJTABA?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
You can also seal the rest of the cork on the shoe. Make sure not to overapply. Thin but thorough layer, once every 6 weeks maybe.
The cracked cork may require a quick recork job if deep, but that would actually only be about 5 bucks at a birkenstock repair equipped shoe shop. But that's only if it's severe. If it's shallow, sealant should be enough.
What type of hot glue did you use? If possible, scrape as much of it off and clean the exposed inside between the sole and footed.
For this, you'll want to use barge contact cement (Barge All-Purpose TF Cement Rubber, Leather, Wood, Glass, Metal Glue 2 oz https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00B5XDPLC/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_Z03RWQE91Z8831NCEMDB?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1)
Once the exposed portion is clean and dry, wedge something in between there (maybe using a paperclick or thumbtack) to keep it open and separated. Then, apply a very thin but all-covering layer of glue on both sides (footbed and sole), making sure the two don't touch. Emphasis on covering the entirety of both surfaces, but the layers being extremely thin. Too much will cause it to not work correctly.
Let both sides dry for a solid half hour. Then, remove whatever is separating the two sides, and squeeeeeze together as hard as you can for a solid 5 mins. Then you should be set!
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B088FZ54DM/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_api_glt_i_NE57XS20D73KG38HMJA9
I use this brush to clean the footbeds and my suede birks, you should be able to get it out w it
Gotcha. I sent you a dm with my email address if you wanna send pics of the shoe. I also sent instructions for the repair, but I'll re-share below for public viewing
sounds like the sole's heel started peeling off. I recommend buying barge glue and fixing as follows:
Find a way to make a clean separation between the sole and the footed. I recommend a broken popsicle stick, a toothpick, or any other small wedge. The hope is to be able to keep the area you want to glue exposed, and the two ends being kept from touching.
Next, use a popsicle stick or small paint brush to put a THIN layer of barge on both surfaces (the inside of the sole and the inside of the foot bed). Don't over glue, but also don't miss any spots. And importantly, make sure the glued parts don't touch each other.
Let the glue dry for 20 minutes. It should get to the point where you can lightly touch it without it getting on your fingers. Then, remove whatever you had keeping the separation open, and squuueeeeze the sole and the footed together. Continue to squeeze for five minutes, making sure to apply the pressure across the entire glued area. If you have any way to continue applying a squeeze for longer, that's a plus.
That should be it! The barge I recommend is linked below:
Barge All-Purpose TF Cement Rubber, Leather, Wood, Glass, Metal Glue 2 oz https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00B5XDPLC/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_i_9GGPJM9R86XV326JNH40?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
I should mention that these are different shoes from the pt. 1! The first pair was suede and these are leather. I have 4 pairs of birkenstock’s total i am attempting to make new again so i wrote part. 2 because i will hopefully have pair 3 and 4 up in the near future :) For those wondering i sanded and cleaned both the cork and foot bed and appliedcork sealer. I used rubbing alcohol on the straps anddark brown leather dye! That’s all hope that clears up any confusion!
here is the kit i bought for some old winter boots originally, but honestly i think any kit would work just read reviews and know how to finesse the shoe a little! this kit is just okay but it came with everything i needed Cleaner Kit (1) i also coated the cork with this after cleaning cork sealer
Use barge: Barge All-Purpose TF Cement Rubber, Leather, Wood, Glass, Metal Glue 2 oz https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00B5XDPLC/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_DCC9T2XGPYG7M3ZSXHD8?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
Apply a thin layer on both the cork and the leather, making sure it's not too much but covers all surfaces. Then, make sure the surfaces don't touch for about 20 mins while they dry. Then squueeeeeze them together for about 5 and you should be set.
I recommend using a popsicle stick to apply the barge
If possible, I would just order a cork sealer. Doesn't have to be birkensrock brand. It's usually ten bucks
Moneysworth & Best Shoe Care Cork Restorer , 2.64 Ounces https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00D8VV7W8/ref=cm_sw_r_apan_glt_fabc_743MQ6TENNKSHW1K3HNW
No real experience with epoxy, but the wrong material could really gunk up your shoe
I have two Nubuck leather Birkenstocks. When you first get them spray them with leather protector/waterproofer. Then to remove any later little scuffs, dirt etc. Get a little brush like this one
Is this the style you would recommend? Looking for something functional but also somewhat attractive. A lot of men's sandals look dorky lol.
https://www.amazon.com/Teva-Terra-Fi-Sports-Sandal/dp/B07DTFTW41/r
I use Jason Markk shoe cleaner on my shoes and they work great for scuffs like this. Works on pretty much all materials of footwear. I haven't gotten to use it on my birkenstocks but I'm pretty sure that'll be my go to when I need to clean them up. Hope this helps!
It will fade a bit over time, but depending on how wet they got, it may or may not completely disappear. The more that you wear them the footbeds will naturally darken over time and likely cover up any residual water stains. If it really bothers you, you could clean them with a suede cleaner block and a nylon bristle brush like the ones in the link below.
Re-knap the suede. I believe you can just use a suede brush like this one...
https://www.amazon.com/Shacke-Suede-Nubuck-Leather-Cleaner/dp/B00IIFFEPU
I got these when I first got my Mayari to wear while breaking them in. They’re not the best socks but they look cute though I almost never wear them. I’m in Florida so too hot for socks. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01AVI64OQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Sure! This is the Birkenstock care kit:
I can’t find the other kit that I purchased, but it is very similar to this one:
I also wanted to add, do NOT clean your Birkenstocks with soap & water! That’s one of the quickest ways to trash your brand new, beautiful, super expensive Birkenstocks. (With the exception of Birko-Flor uppers - the uppers can be cleaned with soap & water, but be careful to not get any on the suede footbeds.) There are different ways to clean your Birkenstocks depending on what material the uppers are made of.
Not sure if you have view amazon links, but I have this and it works fantastic. It is called Cadillac Cork Sealer - Waterproof & Protect Cork Sandals & Fishing Rods From Drying Cracking & Flaking if the link doesn't work.