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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:
Thread gallery
14
DuckyLuck · 13/07/2026 17:19

Photo for comparison!

Birkenstocks starting to come apart after less than two weeks
Original poster
heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 17:19

DuckyLuck · 13/07/2026 17:18

Some people (me included!) just have sweaty feet! My partner and have the same pair of Birkenstocks bought at the same time but mine have a dark/black sole that I can only put down to my sweaty feet! His still look new despite us probably wearing them the same amount.

Don’t mean to insult you OP by suggesting you have sweaty feet but explaining that the soles do blacken and look worn quite quickly on mine.

They’ve never come apart like that though ..,

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I think it probably is sweaty feet causing the black sole, which I’m fine with - I don’t care how they look as long as they’re comfortable. I’m more bothered by the fact they’re falling apart after two weeks! If they can’t handle around 70k steps how can I wear them on holiday etc?

OP posts:
Flickitspinittwistitbopit · 13/07/2026 17:18

3luckystars · 13/07/2026 17:17

The footbed of those shoes can’t be 2 weeks old! Not possible, they look wrecked. Filthy.

Edited

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 🫠

Original poster
heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 17:18

EarringsandLipstick · 13/07/2026 17:16

That’s exactly the info DD received. We sent them off, heard in a couple of weeks, refund followed quickly.

Not sure why OP is making it so complicated.

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

OP posts:
DuckyLuck · 13/07/2026 17:18

EarringsandLipstick · 13/07/2026 17:07

Mate, I’m not accusing you of anything 🙄

Just saying I’ve never seen a pair of Birks look so worn after 2 weeks.

I’ve told you what to do - if my DD got a full refund for a lesser problem after 6 months wear, you’ll surely have no issue.

Show quote history

Some people (me included!) just have sweaty feet! My partner and have the same pair of Birkenstocks bought at the same time but mine have a dark/black sole that I can only put down to my sweaty feet! His still look new despite us probably wearing them the same amount.

Don’t mean to insult you OP by suggesting you have sweaty feet but explaining that the soles do blacken and look worn quite quickly on mine.

They’ve never come apart like that though ..,

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

3luckystars · 13/07/2026 17:17

The footbed of those shoes can’t be 2 weeks old! Not possible, they look wrecked. Filthy.

Edited

Yes. They are. I have already provided my proof of delivery. If anything that’s testament to the fact they’re not fit for purpose.

OP posts:
3luckystars · 13/07/2026 17:17

The footbed of those shoes can’t be 2 weeks old! Not possible, they look wrecked. Filthy.

Flickitspinittwistitbopit · 13/07/2026 17:17

To add, I have also heard that in the last year or two they've been taken over and quality has dropped ☹️ i have a couple (older) pairs and love them but am loathe to expand my collection now!

Lathemistress · 13/07/2026 17:16

If you google Birkenstocks refund policy for faulty goods you will find the info you need. I did a screen shot but haven't been able to attach it.

EarringsandLipstick · 13/07/2026 17:16

Flickitspinittwistitbopit · 13/07/2026 17:15

"We’re sorry to hear there’s an issue with your BIRKENSTOCK product. We conduct thorough quality checks to ensure every item meets our highest standards. If you believe your product has a defect, please contact our customer service team as soon as possible. To help us assess your claim, provide the following details.

  • Your order number
  • Clear photos of the issue
  • A brief explanation of the problem

You can reach our team here. Please note that we cannot guarantee a refund or replacement until we have reviewed your claim. Our team will be happy to assist you with the next steps!"

Try that :)

That’s exactly the info DD received. We sent them off, heard in a couple of weeks, refund followed quickly.

Not sure why OP is making it so complicated.

micantspelljack · 13/07/2026 17:16

did you buy from a reputable shop. had my birkenstocks for years. is there possibilty they are fake ?

Original poster
heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 17:16

Harrietsaunt · 13/07/2026 17:15

I have had mine ten years and they don’t look like that! Are you sure they are genuine?

Yes, I bought them direct from their website

OP posts:
Original poster
heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 17:16

Flickitspinittwistitbopit · 13/07/2026 17:15

"We’re sorry to hear there’s an issue with your BIRKENSTOCK product. We conduct thorough quality checks to ensure every item meets our highest standards. If you believe your product has a defect, please contact our customer service team as soon as possible. To help us assess your claim, provide the following details.

  • Your order number
  • Clear photos of the issue
  • A brief explanation of the problem

You can reach our team here. Please note that we cannot guarantee a refund or replacement until we have reviewed your claim. Our team will be happy to assist you with the next steps!"

Try that :)

I’ve emailed them

OP posts:
Learningdutch · 13/07/2026 17:15

They are not fit for purpose. Look up the law on Martin Lewis and quote it to them. Sale of Goods Act?

www.moneysavingexpert.com/reclaim/consumer-rights-refunds-exchange/#faultyrefund

Harrietsaunt · 13/07/2026 17:15

I have had mine ten years and they don’t look like that! Are you sure they are genuine?

Flickitspinittwistitbopit · 13/07/2026 17:15

"We’re sorry to hear there’s an issue with your BIRKENSTOCK product. We conduct thorough quality checks to ensure every item meets our highest standards. If you believe your product has a defect, please contact our customer service team as soon as possible. To help us assess your claim, provide the following details.

  • Your order number
  • Clear photos of the issue
  • A brief explanation of the problem

You can reach our team here. Please note that we cannot guarantee a refund or replacement until we have reviewed your claim. Our team will be happy to assist you with the next steps!"

Try that :)

Decacaffeinatednow · 13/07/2026 17:14

Their contact number is on the website. I’d call them.

Original poster
heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 17:12

DeftGoldHedgehog · 13/07/2026 17:10

You need to make it clear you are returning due to a fault rather than because of fit or colour. Then the return should be free or reimbursed.

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

OP posts:
AquaLeader · 13/07/2026 17:11

Surely, the answer here is very obvious.

Return them.

DeftGoldHedgehog · 13/07/2026 17:10

You need to make it clear you are returning due to a fault rather than because of fit or colour. Then the return should be free or reimbursed.

EarringsandLipstick · 13/07/2026 17:09

heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 17:06

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

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Nonsense

They are faulty if this is happening after two weeks. As I’ve said multiple times, you return direct to Birkenstock. If they are satisfied, they’ll refund you.

EarringsandLipstick · 13/07/2026 17:07

heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 17:04

So what are you trying to accuse me of exactly? I’ve shown you the delivery confirmation.

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Mate, I’m not accusing you of anything 🙄

Just saying I’ve never seen a pair of Birks look so worn after 2 weeks.

I’ve told you what to do - if my DD got a full refund for a lesser problem after 6 months wear, you’ll surely have no issue.

Original poster
heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 17:06

EarringsandLipstick · 13/07/2026 17:05

Why are you enraged? Return them, get a new pair.

As I said, my DD did this, posted them back with proof of purchase. Once they verified the issue, they refunded her in full. She had hers 6 months. (They were the closed toe version and she wore them most days). As she loves them she bought a new pair and so far, she’s happy.

Show quote history

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

OP posts:
EarringsandLipstick · 13/07/2026 17:05

heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 16:56

The more I sit and think about it the more ability enraged I’m becoming, surely this can’t be something they’ll just expect me to put up with? All I’ve had back from them is an automated email saying I can return them if I’ve changed my mind - I’ve not! I just want a pair of shoes that I can wear

Why are you enraged? Return them, get a new pair.

As I said, my DD did this, posted them back with proof of purchase. Once they verified the issue, they refunded her in full. She had hers 6 months. (They were the closed toe version and she wore them most days). As she loves them she bought a new pair and so far, she’s happy.

Original poster
heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 17:04

EarringsandLipstick · 13/07/2026 17:03

No I’m not?

I’m saying I’ve never seen a very new pair of shoes, specifically Birkenstocks, look as worn on the sole as yours do. It’s really strange.

The staining is particularly peculiar, that would normally take years to happen.

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So what are you trying to accuse me of exactly? I’ve shown you the delivery confirmation.

OP posts: