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In this article I am going to look at Birkenstocks the popular brand of sandals. Can Birkenstocks get wet, how to best protect and care for them. Birkenstock sandals are a premium brand for this style of footwear, so proper care is required before you start to wear them outside.
If you have a pair of Birkenstocks or are considering purchasing a pair, read on to find out our tips to look after your sandals. So, Can Birkenstocks get wet?
Are Birkenstocks Waterproof?
Birkenstock sandals are not waterproof. The Birkenstock company recommend that you keep the sandals clean and that you use either a waterproof spray or leather grease to protect them when they get wet. It is best to do this prior to wearing them outside.
What Are Birkenstocks Made of?
The main materials that make up Birkenstock sandals are suede, leather and nubuck for the upper of the shoe, leather for the insole, cork for the footbed and a EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) outsole.
These combination of materials make Birkenstocks comfortable to wear and with a lot of ventilated area for each foot to keep them cool. Although they can deal with some moisture they are not really designed to get wet.
Can You Wear Birkenstocks in the Rain?
Yes you can wear them in the rain and if Birkenstocks get wet leave them in a shaded place away from the sunlight and any radiators to naturally dry out. If you get caught a few times in the rain when out walking don’t worry.
My advice would be to waterproof your sandal before wearing them outside so that your Birkenstocks can get wet without worry.
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Can you wear Birkenstocks to the beach?
Yes of course you can wear Birks to the beach. Birks are a sandal that are designed for outdoor use and this includes the beach, where you can slip them off your feet with ease. Offering a good ventilated area for your feet along with a soft footbed, cork sole and arch support. They are perfect for a vacation in the sun.
Do Birkenstocks Get Smelly After They are Wet?
Birkenstocks can get smelly without getting wet, so it is important to maintain them and keep them clean. When you are walking around in them a lot your feet will leave an impression in the footbed and cork sole.
Sweaty feet and damp conditions over a long time of wearing Birkenstocks will cause the sandals to omit bad odors. Moisture and sweat from your feet will be the main cause of any bad smells from your Birkenstocks.
What should I do if my Birkenstocks get wet?
If for whatever reason your Birks do get wet it is best to let them air dry in a shaded area. Just ensure you keep them out of direct sunlight (don’t leave them outdoors) and keep them away from a direct heat source such as radiators.
Allow a full 24 hours for them to dry and they should be ready to wear again.
Can I Waterproof My Birkenstocks
Yes you can waterproof Birkenstocks to protect them on occasions when they might get wet. Before you do this though you should ensure they are clean. You can take a look at the steps below to find out how to clean the different materials and styles of sandals.
Cleaning Birkenstock Suede Sandals
- Brush any loose dirt and grime off your shoes with a soft-bristled suede brush.
- Open up the sandal straps and clean with your brush.
- The footbed can now be cleaned with a little water and some leather shampoo. Using an tooth brush in circular motions is the best way to massage in the shampoo and remove stubborn stains.
- Use a wet cloth to remove the soapy lather. Do not rinse your sandal under running water.
- Leave your sandals to air dry at room temperature for 24 hours. Do not leave them out in direct sunlight or near a radiator to dry.
Cleaning Birkenstock Leather Sandals
- Remove any surface dirt with a lint free cloth. Use a slightly damp cloth to do this.
- Clean the sandal straps with a damp brush.
- The footbed can now be cleaned with a little water and some leather shampoo. Using an tooth brush in circular motions is the best way to massage in the shampoo.
- Use a wet cloth to remove the soapy lather. Do not rinse your sandal under running water.
- If required you can clean the soles with a damp brush.
- Leave your sandals to air dry at room temperature for 24 hours. Do not leave them out in direct sunlight or near a direct heat source such as a radiator to dry. The materials do not like extreme heat of any kind.
How to Waterproof Birkenstock Sandals
Below are the best options to protect your Birks. Depending on what materials your sandal is made of will decide which products you should use to ensure you take proper care of them. Let’s take a look at what care kit products are required.
Waterproof Shield Spray for Birkenstocks
For many years in my household we have used Crep Protect to protect and waterproof all of our shoes for both my Wife and I and our children. This waterproofing and stain shield spray is great and can also be used on suede leather nubuck, linen shoes and canvas footwear. It provides a strong layer of protection against moisture, water and is also stain repellent.
Spray two layers of this brand on your shoe and you will achieve waterproof and stain protection results for months. We love this product and use it regularly on all our shoes, this brand really does a great job. Spray them and after 24 hours you’ll have great protection.
Leather Grease to Maintain the Upper
To protect the leather upper of Birkenstocks sandals you can use leather grease. Apply a good quality leather grease instead of a waterproof and stain repellent spray to your new Birkenstocks. Only grease the outside of the leather and cover the footbed with paper for protection.
Cork Sealer to Maintain the Footbed of Birkenstocks
Applying Cork sealer all over the mid soles of your Birks to waterproof the cork material that makes up the footbed of the sandals. Cork sealer will eventually wear off and you will need to apply it to the cork footbed more than the other products mentioned above.
Final Thoughts – Can Birkenstocks Get Wet
Birkenstocks are a comfortable sandal to wear with a really nice soft footbed from the cork soles. They can also be seen as expensive option when it comes to choosing a sandal but they are a high quality option too. In my opinion they are great sandals to wear with a great range to choose from.
They are great for wearing in the summer and when on vacation. With good arch support for a sandal, wearing them is not a chore even when walking for a long time in the heat. The cork sole is very comfortable.
With a Birkenstock Sandal it is important to understand how to maintain and properly care for them to get as much use and value from them . Yes they can get wet after correct protective treatments from the products detailed above.
More on Sandals
For more information on alternatives to Birkenstocks and other sandals take a look at some of our other articles using the links below. I hope you have found this one to be a helpful resource on how to maintain your own sandals to get the most wear from your Birks.
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