Both the cork and the soles of Birkenstock® footwear can be damaged by exposure to concentrated heat.
Do not leave your shoes in a closed car on warm days and keep them away from radiators and fireplaces.
This is also important for the EVA/Essentials styles. If your shoes become wet, allow them to dry slowly, away from direct heat.
Birkenstocks with cork footbeds come with a light coating of cork sealant, which prevents them from drying out. When the cork no longer looks shiny, apply a thin coat of Birkenstock® Cork Life or Kelly's Cork Renew.
Loose material can be removed from the suede liner by using a small brush. More stubborn deposits may require scraping with a dull knife or the use of a suede cleaner.
Birkenstock produces a special footbed cleaner for its cork footbeds which should only be necessary for tough cleaning jobs.
If you use water during the cleaning or if your Birkenstocks get wet for any reason, allow them to dry gently. Do not apply high heat.
Apply a water and stain protector to all suede, nubuck, and leather uppers before wearing your new shoes and after each cleaning.
A commercial suede cleaner can be used to remove stubborn spots. Keep suede uppers looking fresh with a suede brush. Clean and revive nubuck with a nubuck block.
For cleaning smooth leather, just use a soft dry cloth.
Wipe Birko-Flor uppers clean with a damp cloth.
Prolong the life of your cork sandals with heel and toe repairs. This should be done when the soles have been worn down to about 1/4 inch. When the soles are worn more than this, the soles can be replaced.
If your soles tend to wear unevenly, repair them promptly to ensure that your feet will remain correctly balanced.
