Birkenstocks starting to come apart after less than two weeks

[heydorotheayoullgo]

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?

It’s not the point of this thread.

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 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’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!

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

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.

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

But they're faulty and not fit for purpose.

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

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

😂. They do! About 4 years old I think

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

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

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

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!

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.

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!

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

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.

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

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

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