These shoes will require more care then the shoes you pick up at DSW or Target, so I’ve put together quick tips for easy care to protect the shoes that.. PROTECT you!

1. Seal the cork. The cork soles come sealed however! This seal will wear away over time depending upon how often you wear them. So, look for spots where the sealant is wearing away (without a glossy shine) and apply a few coats of Birkenstock Cork Life seal. This halts all deterioration on the cork.

   

2. Clean the Uppers, realistically. This means when you decide to trek around at the park after a rainy day, don’t let it sit on there for days! Wipe the debris off with a damp paper towel. Also, there are leather conditioners for scuffs and stubborn spots. Not difficult but adds shelf life to your shoes.
3. Wipe the footbed with Vinegar. Just for kicks! But seriously, if you are anything like me then you enjoy wearing your Birkenstock’s everyday, even while visiting the Zoo in 100 degree heat. Result:  there will be a “stank”. Wipe the footbed with a vinegar saturated cloth and let sit out for a day. The vinegar acts as an antibacterial agent and destroys the germs that cause the “stank”. Bleach would kill the bacteria but for obvious reasons would only deteriorate the shoe worse.

FYI, Birkenstock shoe parts are easily replaceable! Sure you can buy a new shoe but what if your sole is the only thing wore down? Birkenstock soles can be taken off and a new sole reattached. Way cheaper. Check out your local or online Birkenstock Repair shops.

Birkenstock shoes can be completely replaced! Over time and wear and tear, your Birkenstock's will need a tune up. So, take them over to a local repair shop whenever a sole becomes too thin or a buckle is torn off.

For more information on other Birkenstock upper materials or how to ensure your shoes are healthy, CLICK HERE to check out our Birkenstock Shoe Care Information Page.

Versatility.

Men and Women can now return to barefoot freedom thanks to Vibram's Five Fingers.

You are walking barefoot.

Daniel Lieberman, a professor of biological anthropology at Harvard University, states:

“People don’t run barefoot any more simply because they don’t have to,” he said. “The barefoot running movement is wonderful evidence of how good the human foot is for doing one of the most natural and fundamental of all human activities—endurance running…” He continues, “ …barefoot runners can clearly do as well as shoed runners, but it takes time to develop the strength in the foot to use our natural arch fully.” courtesy of The Barefoot Route

You don’t have to possess a survivalist mentality. Sure, sporting the Vibram Five Fingers lets you climb up volcanoes, hike through caves, and walk over rocks without changing footwear. However, for the regular person, who doesn’t have two weeks of vacation saved to gallivant around the world, these glove-fitting shoes can be worn anywhere. For a weekend camping trip, a hot yoga session, or a simple jog, these shoes offer the protection you will need. All you need is feet and a brain to retrain.

Running Example: Vibram Five Fingers keep your heels elevated while forcing to you to land on the center of your foot allowing proper alignment. If you have a wide or narrow foot, these shoes let your toes spread out and have freedom, unlike a normal running shoe.

If you’re still curious, check out the following article detailing how Vibram’s Five Fingers helped one customer get back to their love of the outdoors:

Crunch Gear Article: Vibram Five Fingers Review

Odd looking, yes, but Vibram’s Five Fingers’ structure gives them a universal use. It’s so simple, creating a shoe that imitates walking barefoot, why are these now so hot on the market? My conclusion? Vibram opened a door where other outdoor shoe companies weren’t willing to take a risk. Huh. So people will go against the grain if it’s logical…