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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:
Thread gallery
14
Happyjoe · 13/07/2026 17:33

Birkenstocks are my fav shoe as they help with foot pain. But they are shockingly made now, really bad and at around £100 it really annoys me because I've never found anything else in comfort wise. Sorry OP, most certainly worth a complaint. Good luck!

3luckystars · 13/07/2026 17:33

DuckyLuck · 13/07/2026 17:32

😂. They do! About 4 years old I think

See I knew you would laugh at that. 😂slag well taken, fair play 😁

Flickitspinittwistitbopit · 13/07/2026 17:33

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

PuppyMonkey · 13/07/2026 17:32

heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 17:30

You’d think so wouldn’t you?! I can’t really be without them at this point so I’ve ordered a replacement pair but I’ve done it through gritted teeth. Hopefully I hear from them tomorrow with approval of my refund

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

DuckyLuck · 13/07/2026 17:32

3luckystars · 13/07/2026 17:20

How old are these? They look like one of the apostles wore them they are that old.

😂. They do! About 4 years old I think

DeftGoldHedgehog · 13/07/2026 17:30

heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 17:12

There isn’t a faulty item option on the website for returns, how do I find that?

Usually you need a webchat or phone call to sort it out.

heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 17:30

BangBangBangBangBang · 13/07/2026 17:27

I wear mine all summer for years. I would definitely complain- they should last much better than that.

You’d think so wouldn’t you?! I can’t really be without them at this point so I’ve ordered a replacement pair but I’ve done it through gritted teeth. Hopefully I hear from them tomorrow with approval of my refund

OP posts:
Nighttimenoise · 13/07/2026 17:27

heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 17:06

I can’t return them. They have to be in re-saleable condition.

But they're faulty and not fit for purpose.

BangBangBangBangBang · 13/07/2026 17:27

I wear mine all summer for years. I would definitely complain- they should last much better than that.

BeDandyDenimSloth · 13/07/2026 17:26

My last pair of Birkenstocks , the rubber part of the heel wore down very quickly and I had them resoled. I think their quality has definitely deteriorated. I’ve now given up and have bought a couple of cheap dupes which have been every bit as comfortable as the real thing and so far wearing well.

heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 17:26

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.

That’s crazy! I’ve got new balances I used to wear everyday that are almost brand new, besides some mud staining!

OP posts:
heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 17:25

Swiftie1878 · 13/07/2026 17:24

Well then you are very heavy on shoes. That’s crazy. I’ve had mine about 6 years and they are cleaner than yours!

If the strap is detaching, they’re either fakes or you’re due a refund.

I’ve got sweaty feet and I knew I did before I bought them, but seeing as they came direct from their website I am quite shocked!

OP posts:
Swiftie1878 · 13/07/2026 17:24

heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 17:22

Yes. They are. Apart from where they detach from the soles you can see that the straps are absolutely pristine.

Well then you are very heavy on shoes. That’s crazy. I’ve had mine about 6 years and they are cleaner than yours!

If the strap is detaching, they’re either fakes or you’re due a refund.

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.

heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 17:24

3luckystars · 13/07/2026 17:23

I’m not saying anything about their feet, just their shoes.

It’s not the point of this thread.

OP posts:
Flickitspinittwistitbopit · 13/07/2026 17:23

Swiftie1878 · 13/07/2026 17:22

Those shoes are not only two weeks old!

Don't engage, Op 🙈

3luckystars · 13/07/2026 17:23

heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 17:22

Do you need to be rude about everyone else’s feet? Some people have sweaty feet and that’s not the point of this thread

I’m not saying anything about their feet, just their shoes.

heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 17:22

Swiftie1878 · 13/07/2026 17:22

Those shoes are not only two weeks old!

Yes. They are. Apart from where they detach from the soles you can see that the straps are absolutely pristine.

OP posts:
Flickitspinittwistitbopit · 13/07/2026 17:22

heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 17:18

I’m not willing to risk £100 if they’re not going to authorise a refund.

They'll have to just return them to you if they don't authorise it? But they almost definitely will return them ☺️ they rely too much on their reputation

heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 17:22

3luckystars · 13/07/2026 17:20

How old are these? They look like one of the apostles wore them they are that old.

Do you need to be rude about everyone else’s feet? Some people have sweaty feet and that’s not the point of this thread

OP posts:
Swiftie1878 · 13/07/2026 17:22

Those shoes are not only two weeks old!

EarringsandLipstick · 13/07/2026 17:20

OP, my DD was a bit nervous too. But I can’t see how they wouldn’t authorise a refund.
they are only two weeks old and falling apart.

My DD’s were over 6 months old & had a much less significant issue. There was no problem.

3luckystars · 13/07/2026 17:20

DuckyLuck · 13/07/2026 17:19

Photo for comparison!

How old are these? They look like one of the apostles wore them they are that old.

heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 17:20

DuckyLuck · 13/07/2026 17:19

Photo for comparison!

Haha, sweaty feet gang

OP posts:
heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 17:19

Flickitspinittwistitbopit · 13/07/2026 17:18

I don't think they do? You can see the outer of the straps which look pretty much brand new just the soles are darkened and probably in this heat from sweat 🫠

Yeah surely the absolutely pristine straps show it’s just sweat? Which is fine, it’s been hot.

OP posts: