The Birkenstock break-in process is worth the effort to ensure your new sandals are as comfy as possible. Here are some tips and vital steps to help you break in your new Birkenstocks:

• Remove the sandals from the box and unhook or unbuckle all of the straps
• Bend and flex the shoes several times to loosen up the cork
• Put your foot on the footbed and place your heel in the cup
• Close the straps and leave enough room for your feet to move freely — you should have room for approximately one finger

Once you’ve completed these steps, wear your Birkenstocks around the house and make sure your feet aren’t hitting the edge of the footbed. If they do, you might need to switch to a different width or size altogether.

If your feet can move freely while you walk, your new Birks should be the right fit. On the first day, wear them for around a half hour to 45 minutes and then take them off. The following day, do the same thing again but wear them for one to two hours, then take them off.

Continue to wear your new Birkenstocks a bit longer than you did the day before — rinse and repeat as you increase the wear time. As you repeat this process over the next few weeks, you should completely break them in to experience the pure comfort of wearing Birkenstocks.

More Birkenstock Care Tips

Now that you’re enjoying your comfortable Birkenstocks, keeping them in great shape for years of wear is crucial. Here are some more Birkenstock care tips to keep your new sandals looking amazing.

Leather Birkenstocks

Clean your leather Birkenstocks with a leather balm to keep them soft and conditioned. Oiled leather can be maintained with an occasional application of beeswax. 

Nubuck or Suede

Spray your nubuck or suede Birkenstock regularly with a special stain protector to keep dirt and grime from messing them up. Brush them using a leather cleaning brush and a stain eraser to remove tough, stubborn stains. If you remove a stain, reapply the stain protector afterward. 

Other Materials

Birkenstocks made of wool felt should be lightly sprayed with Scotchguard. If your sandals are made of Birko-Flor (a smooth vinyl material with felt backing) or Birko-Flor nubuck, clean them using a wet washcloth.

If your Birks are made of polyurethane, gently clean them using a mixture of mild soap and water and a soft cloth. For EVA shoes, you may do the same thing. 

Say Hello to Your Favorite Shoes

Remember these helpful tips to break in your stylish new Birkenstocks and to keep them in good condition. With the proper steps and a bit of time and patience, you’ll find these iconic sandals are some of the most comfortable footwear options on the market.

If you’re looking for exceptional, high-quality shoes and more, check out the selection of women’s and men’s Birkenstocks and more at Feet For Life, and contact us today to learn more about our products.