All products that we purchase have a shelf life. Watches stop working, pens are exhausted of their inks, clothes may get torn and shoes get worn out. It is but natural for goods to expire. You may purchase the articles from the best known brands in the market but one day or the other the goods will need replacement. It can be very difficult for some people to part with their favorite shoe and thus they either try to repair their worn out shoes with glue or send it to the nearest cobbler to salvage their favorite shoe.

It is quite unreasonable to demand perpetual service from shoes which have a certain shelf life. However with proper care and periodic Birkenstock repair you can expect to wear your Birkenstock shoes for quite a long time. Here are some tips to keep your footwear in good shape for years to come.

Extreme temperature and concentrated heat can damage the cork foot bed or EVA soles of Birkenstock shoes. If you happen to possess one of these shoes make sure that you do not leave these shoes in direct sunlight or in closed cars on warm days. It is advisable to keep your Birkenstock shoes away from camp fire, fire places and indoor radiators. If by chance your shoes get wet, allow them to air dry slowly rather than heating it directly.

Not many people are aware of the origin of the term ‘footbed” and neither are they aware of the fact that the term originated with the revolutionary sandal maker Konrad Birkenstock who was a 19^th century shoemaker from Germany. Earlier the Birkenstock brand produced shoes that were completely flat and had no arch support. However with time and with the advancement of technology they took shoe making to a completely new level. With their introduction of shoes that can take the shape of your feet and hence guarantee utmost comfort, they helped revolutionize the world of shoemaking.

In the beginning their concept of footbed was used only as an insert in other shoes that did not have any shape. The Birkenstock Company started off as a major manufacturer of orthopedic inserts. They came to be known as “footbed” supports and gradually the term “footbed” became the trademark of the Birkenstock Company.

The exposed cork edge of the Birkenstock sandals and clogs are well protected with a light coating of cork sealant. This works as a protective barrier and prevents the cork from drying out. When the cork no longer appears shiny just apply a thin coat of Birkenstock Cork Life® to protect the cork from damage.

It’s very easy to prolong the life of your Birkenstock shoes by using Birkenstock repair materials. You can prolong the longevity of the soles by using heel and toetaps. Use the heel and the toetaps when the EVA soles have been worn down to about ¼ of the cork footbed. Replace the soles if it wears down more than this. In case your shoe soles wear out unevenly make sure that you have it repaired as soon as possible. You can avail of original Birkenstock repair materials from any authorized Birkenstock repair center.