Frequently
Asked Questions
Q:
Is there a Birkenstock lifetime guarantee?
A: Occasionally we receive consumer questions about a Birkenstock
lifetime guarantee." Our Footprints Collection of shoes
carries a 30-day satisfaction guarantee, but no Birkenstock
footwear comes with a lifetime guarantee. Perhaps this misunderstanding
comes from the fact that with proper care, Birkenstock sandals,
clogs, and shoes can last a lifetime. They also have replaceable
parts and are almost entirely repairable. But even without
a specific "guarantee," we do believe in the long-lasting
attributes of Birkenstock products and stand behind the healthy,
high-quality, and durable craftsmanship. |
Q: Do
you repair a dog-chewed sandal, or can I buy a single sandal
to replace it?
A: We do not repair Birkenstock "uppers" that may
have been chewed or damaged by animals, machinery, etc.
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Q: I
just bought my first pair of Birkenstock sandals, and after
wearing them for only one day, my feet hurt! Is this normal?
What should I do?
A: Break in your new Birkenstock footwear gradually, as they
may introduce new movements to the muscles in your feet and
legs. Although your shoes may feel rigid at first, their flexibility
will increase with wear. Leather straps will become more supple
and the footbeds will adjust slightly to your feet.The first
week, wear them around your house for only an hour or two every
day. The next week, start wearing them a little longer, and
maybe go out and run an errand or two in them. The third week,
you can start wearing them an hour or two longer. Continue this
gradual progression until youÍre confident that your Birkenstock
footwear is broken in enough to no longer cause you discomfort.
Wearing Birkenstock footwear is a different kind of experience
because the new, healthy posture encouraged by the orthopedic
footbed may take some time to adjust to. We strongly recommend
that you approach new Birkenstock footwear with complete care
and respect for your feet. |
Q: I
just bought my first pair of Birkenstock sandals and I thought
they fit okay until I read the information that came with the
shoes. The information says there should be an eighth to a quarter
of an inch of extra space around my feet within the footbed.
If my footwear doesnÍt have this much extra space in the footbed,
but they feel okay. Do you think I bought the correct size?
A: We recommend that you start by trusting yourself. The information
in the Birkenstock box is simply a guideline. If the arches
feel supportive in the right places, that's an indication of
a good fit. If your toes fit within the footbed, and do not
rub against or go over the edge of the footbeds, itÍs really
your call about how well they fit your particular feet. If you
feel comfortable in the Birkenstock footwear you purchased,
don't doubt your own sense of comfort and well-being! |
Q: I
think I bought Birkenstock footwear thatÍs the wrong size. What
should I do?
A: Start by trusting your own sense of fit. If your Birkenstock
footwear feels too snug or too large on your feet, stop wearing
them and immediately contact the retailer where you purchased
the product. Tell them you think youÍve been mis-sized and would
like to exchange the footwear for the correct size. Naturally,
the less wear the shoes show, the easier it will be to negotiate
this type of exchange. And keep in mind that Birkenstock footwear
is meant to be worn loosely. Your feet are your hard-working
friends, and youÍll know whether they are experiencing a good
footwear fit. |
Q: Can
I buy just one Birkenstock sandal or shoe? (For example, I lost
one shoe; or my feet are different sizes.)
A: Birkenstock does sell single shoes in a limited number of
styles we call it a "split pair." To find out the
styles and colors currently available as split pairs, you can
contact us at sales@stepinbirkenstock.com.
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Q: My
Birkenstock footwear squeaks when I walk. What can I do?
A: If you determine that the squeaking is caused by a buckle
rubbing the leather, try rubbing the underside of the buckle
with candle wax. Or try spraying only the inside of the Birkenstock
footwear with Cadillac Liquid Silicon. |
Q: Sometimes
my socks twist or "travel" around my foot when IÍm
wearing my Birkenstock footwear. How can I prevent this from
happening?
A: A customer named Elizabeth Turk solved this problem and shared
her ingenious solution with us. Elizabeth told us she simply
sprays her socks with Static Guard to stop them from twisting
while wearing her Birkenstock footwear. Thanks, Elizabeth! |
| Copyright
© 1999 Birkenstock Footprints Sandals, Inc.; used with permission |
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