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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Birkenstocks starting to come apart after less than two weeks

124 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
10
Hadalifeonce · 13/07/2026 16:09

If there is an email, send a photo.

DappledThings · 13/07/2026 16:11

Definitely not unreasonable. I've had Birkenstocks that lasted 10 years. You must have got a duff pair I can't i agine they'd quibble about replacing.

heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 16:23

I’ve emailed them! I’m really gutted as I was told they’d last years!

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
Birkenstocks starting to come apart after less than two weeks
OP posts:
MotherTuckinGenius · 13/07/2026 16:38

Blimey they look well worn. Have you walked Land’s End to John o’ Groats in them?

heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 16:41

MotherTuckinGenius · 13/07/2026 16:38

Blimey they look well worn. Have you walked Land’s End to John o’ Groats in them?

I’ve only had them for two weeks. I’ve worn them maybe ten times - probably for about five days all day and then for some short walks. If that’s what happens to them, I don’t see how they can last for a decade?!

OP posts:
EarringsandLipstick · 13/07/2026 16:46

My DD had an issue with her Birkenstocks too, the heel on one became excessively worn down.

She contacted them, they asked her to send them back and refunded her.
It was very straightforward. She bought a new pair immediately as she loves them.

I believe this is somewhat of a known issue with Birkenstocks.

However, I can’t believe how worn the inside of those sandals look. Mine didn’t even look like that after years of wear. It’s hard to believe that’s after only two weeks - and that’s not a fault with the shoe, it’s just how much you’ve worn them in.

heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 16:48

EarringsandLipstick · 13/07/2026 16:46

My DD had an issue with her Birkenstocks too, the heel on one became excessively worn down.

She contacted them, they asked her to send them back and refunded her.
It was very straightforward. She bought a new pair immediately as she loves them.

I believe this is somewhat of a known issue with Birkenstocks.

However, I can’t believe how worn the inside of those sandals look. Mine didn’t even look like that after years of wear. It’s hard to believe that’s after only two weeks - and that’s not a fault with the shoe, it’s just how much you’ve worn them in.

So you’re saying a pair of shoes can’t be worn day to day? To walk maybe 10,000 steps at most?

Thats absolutely an issue with the shoe. They’re advertised as everyday shoes, so I’ve worn them as such. I’ve not done any excessively long walks in them, if anything I’ve been walking less because of the heat!

OP posts:
CarbootJunction · 13/07/2026 16:48

Did you buy them new, or from a reselling site?

Rhaidimiddim · 13/07/2026 16:49

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?

Absolutelty you should! I practically live in Birkenstocks, and they last me forever
I have heard that they have been taken over in recent years, and the quality now is not as good as it should be, but I have Birkenstock sandals I bought last year thst are still sturdy and strong.

heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 16:49

This is the delivery confirmation by the way, so if they’re genuinely going to come back and say that their shoes can’t handle 10 days of everyday wear and tear, I’ll be doing a chargeback!

Birkenstocks starting to come apart after less than two weeks
OP posts:
heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 16:49

CarbootJunction · 13/07/2026 16:48

Did you buy them new, or from a reselling site?

Brand new, from them direct.

OP posts:
NoCommentingFromNowOn · 13/07/2026 16:50

There’s a woman on Instagram who bought some from Vinted and they looked like this but she’s since found out they were fake.

Edited - ohhh you bought them direct from their own site? Then 🤯🤯🤯🤯 is all I have right now.

heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 16:50

NoCommentingFromNowOn · 13/07/2026 16:50

There’s a woman on Instagram who bought some from Vinted and they looked like this but she’s since found out they were fake.

Edited - ohhh you bought them direct from their own site? Then 🤯🤯🤯🤯 is all I have right now.

Edited

I’d hope they’re not fake when they’re coming direct from their website?!

OP posts:
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

OP posts:
EarringsandLipstick · 13/07/2026 17:03

heydorotheayoullgo · 13/07/2026 16:48

So you’re saying a pair of shoes can’t be worn day to day? To walk maybe 10,000 steps at most?

Thats absolutely an issue with the shoe. They’re advertised as everyday shoes, so I’ve worn them as such. I’ve not done any excessively long walks in them, if anything I’ve been walking less because of the heat!

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

OP posts:
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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

AquaLeader · 13/07/2026 17:11

Surely, the answer here is very obvious.

Return them.

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:
Decacaffeinatednow · 13/07/2026 17:14

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

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 :)