If there is one shoe that you see very often on the street in the summer season, it is sandals. They are comfortable, easy to combine with other outfits and suitable for everyday use. But not all sandals are suitable for every day. There are sandals that are preferred for long outings with friends. We’re talking about the classic (and well-known) Birkenstock sandals. A model that many celebrities own and that, despite the many years, never goes out of fashion. You can find out here how to properly care for your favorite sandals and how to clean the Birkenstock footbed.
Sandals that never go out of style
When did the Birkenstock sandals come about?
While it may seem like a new trend, it’s not. The history of the brand goes back centuries. Thanks to Johann Adam Birkenstock, the first prototypes of the sandal as we know it today were created in Germany in the 18th century. In 1897, Konrad Birkenstock, the great-grandson of Johann Adam Birkenstock, developed the first profiled insole for use in bespoke shoes. In 1964, Karl Birkenstock, Konrad’s son, developed these insoles for a serial shoe. Although the Birkenstock family’s shoemaking history dates back to 1774, the Birkenstock sandals as we know them today didn’t emerge until 1964.
The history of the brand goes back centuries
Why are Birkenstock sandals so popular?
Birkenstock sandals are famous for their comfort. The brand has developed a profiled footbed that adapts to the shape of the human foot, providing excellent support. This is especially useful for people who spend a lot of time on their feet or running. In the ’60s and ’70s, Birkenstocks became a hit with the hippie movement. Today, Birkenstocks are a popular and versatile fashion piece that can be combined with a variety of clothing styles.
The brand has developed a profiled footbed that adapts to the shape of the human foot
Everything you need to clean the footbed
Because this area is in direct contact with the foot, it is one of the most stressed areas and, in addition to dirt, can also be a source of unpleasant odors. It is therefore important to clean them with leather soap mixed with a little water. After lathering, rub in circular motions. It is best to use a small, handy toothbrush that is easy to use and gets into all nooks and crannies. Some people prefer to rub with sandpaper or, if the footbed is made of suede, gradually remove the blackened layer with a flat screwdriver. However, it is important not to hold the sandals directly under the tap or over-wetting them.
Summary:
- a brush
- an old toothbrush
- a rag
- a leather soap
- Water
Cleaning the Birkenstock footbed: This is what you need for cleaning
Birkenstock footbed cleaning step-by-step
That is how it goes:
Step 1. Use a dry brush to remove the dust left on the sandal.
Step 2: Remove the remaining dirt with a slightly damp cloth.
Step 3. Open the straps of the sandals and clean them with a wet brush.
Step 4: Mix some water and leather soap and clean the inside of the sandal with an old toothbrush.
Step 5. Remove the remaining foam from the sandal with a cloth and lukewarm water.
Step 6. Clean the sole of the sandal with a damp brush.
Step 7. Let the sandals dry. Once they’re done, you can wear them again and enjoy the summer with them.
Remove the remaining foam with a cloth
Tips for protecting Birkenstocks
You want your Birkenstocks to last for many years. After all, these shoes will never go out of style. To protect your shoes, consider some of the following care tips:
- Regular Cleaning: We recommend cleaning the footbed every few weeks. It gets dirty quickly if you wear the Birkenstocks without socks. Try to thoroughly clean the straps and other parts of the shoe at least twice a year.
- Avoid Extreme Temperatures: Do not wear Birkenstocks in cold or extremely hot weather. Only leave them on on milder days.
- Avoid water: Too much water can damage your Birkenstocks. Avoid wearing them at the beach and preferably on rainy days. Too much water can damage the leather. It can also weaken the glue in the shoe.
We recommend cleaning the footbed every few weeks
- Test the cleaning products first: Regardless of whether you clean with household products or a commercially available leather cleaner, always test the cleaner on an inconspicuous area first. This can be the inside of the strap. If you notice stains or discoloration, try a different detergent.
- Birkenstocks cleaning kit: While this is another item on your shopping list, it is specifically designed for your shoes. This cleaning set contains a cleaning and refreshing spray, a cork seal and a water and dirt repellent.
Too much water can damage your Birkenstocks
Let the sandals dry well