Flip flops are too dangerous to wear in the city. A pair of dress shoes with the heel aren’t comfortable. Those sneakers you saved from high school gym classes are beyond repair.
So, what can you wear for those weekend dog days of summer? That’s easy to answer: a pair of Birkenstocks!
These sandals are the best of the best in summer footwear that can help keep your feet in great shape, healthy, and able to enjoy the summer sun. But you should know a few things first because Birkenstocks aren’t like any other footwear on the market today.
Here are five wearing and buying tips for your next pair of Birkenstocks:
1. Always Use the Sizing Charts
A lot of shoes manufactured these days are not produced with a true-to-size fit. Therefore, after you acquire a pair of shoes, they will either be too small or too big. Indeed, you want shoes that are just right, otherwise you will walk around uncomfortable and arrive home with aching feet.
When you’re purchasing some Birkenstocks, it is important to buy a pair that definitely comes with a true-to-size fit. Whether you purchase them online or in store, you need to consult to the size chart.
These are accurate and will ensure you have some Birkenstocks that are really comfortable.
2. Don’t Worry: It’ll Take Time to Break In
Like most other shoes, it takes time to break in a pair of Birkenstocks. To get a fully comfortable feeling, you need to wear them more often, go for long walks, and become accustomed to their fit. Once you do, you’ll never want to take them off. It’s like walking on air!
3. Choose Your Material Style
Believe it or not, but Birkenstocks come in a wide variety of materials and styles. Some are even manufactured for vegans in mind.
So, what are your options?
You generally have two types:
- Animal hide-based materials: leather, nubuck, and suede.
- Synthetic materials: Birko-Flor and Birkibuc.
But you will need to take care of them differently. Some Birkenstocks need more care than others.
4. Beware of the Extreme Heat
Although Birkenstocks are put together with the best of qualities that makes for a light, flexible, and durable shoe, experts say that they are vulnerable to the extreme heat.
Ostensibly, both the cork and soles can experience severe damage from prolonged exposure to extreme heat. Simply put: your Birkenstocks need to avoid radiators, be kept away from fireplaces, refrain from leaving them in a closed automobile on a hot day, or even left in the direct sun on the beach.
Moreover, should they get wet, they need to dry slowly but kept directly away from the heat.
5. Need a Repair? They Can be Refurbished
Again, this branded footwear has been manufactured with high-quality materials. Because of this, Birkenstocks can be refurbished. Since you will be putting forward a hefty investment, you should want to expand the lifespan of your footwear, whether it is the heel or toe taps.
Here are a few tips to remember:
- Bring them in for a repair before the sole wears through the cork footbeds.
- Stitch your sandals before a hole becomes too big.
- Worried about wear and tear? See your nearest Birkenstock retailer or repair shop.
And that is all you need to worry about.
It’s getting hot out there. The sun is shining, the temperatures are heating up, and birds are chirping. Yep, it’s that time again.
You may need to sport your professional dress shoes to the office or you need to wear your running shoes for your daily, er, weekly trip to the gym, but you can put on your Birkenstocks as soon as you get home, or once Friday makes its triumphant return.
A pair of Birkenstocks is just what the doctor ordered when you’re sick of heels, athletic wear, and loafers.