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Original poster

Birkenstocks starting to come apart after less than two weeks

165 replies

heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 16:07

I bought a pair of Birkenstocks less than two weeks ago. I have looked today and there are two patches on each shoe where the straps are starting to come away from the footbed on each shoe. It’s not insignificant wear.

AIBU to contact their customer service and ask for a replacement pair?

OP posts:
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14
Original poster
heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 19:28

Mumwithagreenhouse · 13/07/2026 19:26

Just a tip, crop out the stained part of the footbed on the photos when emailing them, to hopefully avoid them trying to falsely accuse you of swapping old for new. Just saves the headache.

I’ve already emailed them, the footbed gets stained and they can’t really deny a manufacturing fault on a pair of shoes that otherwise looks brand new!

OP posts:
Mumwithagreenhouse · 13/07/2026 19:26

Just a tip, crop out the stained part of the footbed on the photos when emailing them, to hopefully avoid them trying to falsely accuse you of swapping old for new. Just saves the headache.

FeltCarrot · 13/07/2026 19:17

DH and I bought Merrell walking shoes for a holiday around Asia last year, wore them for another couple of trips then noticed some stitching had come away. As they were gore tex I was concerned they would no longer be waterproof. Emailed the website I bought them from and they refunded immediately and said to keep the shoes! I’m going to buy a new pair for another trip later this year as they were so comfortable and DH hasn’t had any trouble with his, the old ones will be fine for dry days.
YANBU to request a refund or replacements, mine couldn’t be replaced as they were OOS on that website.

Original poster
heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 19:07

Swiftie1878 · 13/07/2026 19:02

I just checked my 6 year old Birkies, and mine look younger than yours! Worn most days throughout the summer for 6 years.

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Sure thing!

OP posts:
Swiftie1878 · 13/07/2026 19:02

heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 19:01

No they don’t 😂😂😂😂😂

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I just checked my 6 year old Birkies, and mine look younger than yours! Worn most days throughout the summer for 6 years.

Original poster
heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 19:01

Swiftie1878 · 13/07/2026 19:00

Tbh, the soles look old too! Not that I don’t believe you, but Birkenstock may not.

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No they don’t 😂😂😂😂😂

OP posts:
Swiftie1878 · 13/07/2026 19:00

heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 18:25

Just for everyone saying they’re old and I’m trying to scam Birkenstock - they’re literally in pretty much perfect condition bar the straps pulling away!

Tbh, the soles look old too! Not that I don’t believe you, but Birkenstock may not.

Ralphinadress · 13/07/2026 18:59

heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 18:44

My feet have definitely got a little puffier towards the end of the day but never bad enough to break shoes!

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They will refund you, don't worry.

Pinkgin00 · 13/07/2026 18:46

MyCatPrefersPeaches · 13/07/2026 17:24

I think standards of everything have just dropped. I’ve had a problem with two pairs of New Balance trainers in recent years - put the first down to bad luck but two pairs is a wider issue. Neither lasted 12 months.

I did wear them most days, which was apparently where I went wrong - the manager of the shop I bought them from told me they were fashion trainers, not for walking in. Wasn’t aware there was such thing as a trainer not for walking or running in but there you go. After two weeks it’s a bit more clear-cut, though.

I have had ths new issue with New Balance, bought a pair a few years ago and after 3 wears, they had a hole in them! I had literally worn them to and from the school run, clearly a faulty item but NB refused to refund. Haven't bought anything from them since

Original poster
heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 18:44

Ralphinadress · 13/07/2026 18:28

This happened to my Mum but I will say she is very overweight and gets swollen feet but they refunded her no problem.

My feet have definitely got a little puffier towards the end of the day but never bad enough to break shoes!

OP posts:
Pinkgin00 · 13/07/2026 18:43

Sadly I the quality of birks have declined over the last few years. The first ones I bought lasted for years, but when I finally replaced them, the newer pair wore down really quickly. I love them, but it put me off buying them again as they aren't exactly cheap either. I also had a the dark line from my feet. Hopefully they do the right thing and agree to a refund or replacement pair.

Ralphinadress · 13/07/2026 18:28

This happened to my Mum but I will say she is very overweight and gets swollen feet but they refunded her no problem.

GisGasGus · 13/07/2026 18:26

Payakan · 13/07/2026 18:11

Those look old. I would decline a refund based on those pictures.
Are you using MN to test if the customer service would believe you if you returned your old pair?

How would that work? Is part of the Birkenstock customer service protocol to check mumsnet? That makes no sense

Im guessing the refund without too much trouble, do coem back and update

Original poster
heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 18:25

Just for everyone saying they’re old and I’m trying to scam Birkenstock - they’re literally in pretty much perfect condition bar the straps pulling away!

Birkenstocks starting to come apart after less than two weeks
Birkenstocks starting to come apart after less than two weeks
Birkenstocks starting to come apart after less than two weeks
OP posts:
BunnyLake · 13/07/2026 18:24

Flickitspinittwistitbopit · 13/07/2026 17:33

Their trustpilot is a depressing read 🙄 looks like we need to find a new go-to sandal

There’s lots of good dupes out there (not fakes, just other shops doing their own version). I bought a pair for £45 and they’re very good (so far).

Original poster
heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 18:19

Payakan · 13/07/2026 18:11

Those look old. I would decline a refund based on those pictures.
Are you using MN to test if the customer service would believe you if you returned your old pair?

I genuinely don’t know if you’re just on a wind up? They’re brand new. I’ve provided the confirmation and as other posters have said the actual straps are still in pristine condition

OP posts:
Payakan · 13/07/2026 18:11

Those look old. I would decline a refund based on those pictures.
Are you using MN to test if the customer service would believe you if you returned your old pair?

Original poster
heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 17:52

LaurieFairyCake · 13/07/2026 17:50

So shocked at what’s happened to them in 2 weeks, I’ve literally had pairs last a decade !

they absolutely will take them back Flowers

They better had! I really hope it’s just a blip because I don’t know what my feet would do without them 😂

OP posts:
LaurieFairyCake · 13/07/2026 17:50

So shocked at what’s happened to them in 2 weeks, I’ve literally had pairs last a decade !

they absolutely will take them back Flowers

Original poster
heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 17:43

Fiendishandfiery · 13/07/2026 17:42

Hopefully they take them back, to be honest op I’d look at them and think you were trying to switch out an old pair for a new pair as a bit of a scam. I know you’re not but They look done in and quite filthy.

here is an ai summary of how to clean the next pair

Clean the Suede Footbed
The suede-lined cork footbed absorbs sweat and can darken over time. 1]
Mix one part baking soda with water in a small bowl until it forms a paste that resembles toothpaste.
Apply the paste evenly across the footbed and gently scrub in a circular motion using an old toothbrush.
Let the paste sit for 30–60 minutes, then carefully wipe it away with a clean, damp cloth.
2. Clean the Straps
How you clean the straps depends on the material:
Suede or Nubuck: Gently brush away loose dirt with a suede brush. Use a dedicated Suede and Nubuck Cleaner if needed.
Smooth or Oiled Leather: Wipe down with a damp cloth and a drop of mild soap, then wipe away any soap residue.
Birko-Flor or Synthetic: Simply wipe clean with a damp, soapy cloth. 1, 2, 3]

Again. You can see from the outside of the straps that they’re pristine. The footbed isn’t the issue - straps detaching from the footbed is.

OP posts:
Fiendishandfiery · 13/07/2026 17:42

Hopefully they take them back, to be honest op I’d look at them and think you were trying to switch out an old pair for a new pair as a bit of a scam. I know you’re not but They look done in and quite filthy.

here is an ai summary of how to clean the next pair

Clean the Suede Footbed
The suede-lined cork footbed absorbs sweat and can darken over time. 1]
Mix one part baking soda with water in a small bowl until it forms a paste that resembles toothpaste.
Apply the paste evenly across the footbed and gently scrub in a circular motion using an old toothbrush.
Let the paste sit for 30–60 minutes, then carefully wipe it away with a clean, damp cloth.
2. Clean the Straps
How you clean the straps depends on the material:
Suede or Nubuck: Gently brush away loose dirt with a suede brush. Use a dedicated Suede and Nubuck Cleaner if needed.
Smooth or Oiled Leather: Wipe down with a damp cloth and a drop of mild soap, then wipe away any soap residue.
Birko-Flor or Synthetic: Simply wipe clean with a damp, soapy cloth. 1, 2, 3]

How to Clean Birkenstocks A Complete Guide | Foot Locker UK

Get step-by-step instructions to safely restore the cork footbed, remove stains from suede, and care for leather.

https://www.footlocker.co.uk/en/inspiration/a/how-to-clean-birkenstocks.html

Original poster
heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 17:37

PuppyMonkey · 13/07/2026 17:37

But aren’t you worried the same thing will happen again?

If it happens again I’ll return them and just accept it’s a quality issue. But I’m hopeful it’s a one off

OP posts:
PuppyMonkey · 13/07/2026 17:37

But aren’t you worried the same thing will happen again?

Original poster
heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 17:34

PuppyMonkey · 13/07/2026 17:32

You’ve bought another pair of Birkies? Even after your experience with this pair? Confused

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I’ve never, ever had a shoe fit like this right out of the box, let alone a pair of sandals! My feet are seriously delicate creatures and usually I spend weeks being rubbed to shit before they fit comfortably!

OP posts:
ramonaquimby · 13/07/2026 17:34

Curious as to why you'd ask the question in the first place? They are clearly faulty.
See this more and more where grown adults can't make a decision for themselves particularly with issues around faulty goods etc.