Can Birkenstocks Get Wet? If So, How to dry?

Birkenstocks are a kind of sandal that is comfortable and versatile to wear. People can wear it with any outfit due to its adaptability. If you are buying a Birkenstock sandal, you probably wonder if birkenstocks get wet or not. 

In short, it’s not waterproof; like any other footwear, the Birkenstocks also get wet while exposed to rain. But because of its durability, it will last longer even if it gets wet. The design of Birkenstocks is also fabulous and suitable footwear for any season.

Some people think if the sandals get wet more than once, moisture could ruin them. However, it’s not the reason for ruining Birkenstocks. Instead, due to failings of proper care, it can cause not lasting. 

Can Birkenstocks Get Wet
Can Birkenstocks Get Wet

Can Birkenstocks Get Wet

Yes, Birkenstock shoes can get wet if you wear them in the rain or shower wearing them. But they last longer if you take good care. You should not expose your sandals to rain or any other wet weather. 

But If Birkenstocks do get wet, you don’t have to worry because they are easy to dry if you follow some simple steps.  In this article, you’ll find out how to dry wet Birkenstocks.

How To Dry Wet Birkenstocks

No matter if you wear Birkenstocks or any other shoes, they are bound to get wet eventually. But it’s not a problem if you know how to fix them. First, you need to follow some procedures to help your shoes dry.

Sometimes footwear gets wet even if we don’t want it to happen. But it’s necessary not to let water build up inside. Generally, the first thought that comes to our mind is to heat them to make them dry. But it’s not a good idea. Because heating can damage and ruin the quality. If you don’t be careful while heating them, it could also destroy the materials by burning them. 

Also, you must keep in mind that the cork soles of the Birkenstocks are more vulnerable to heat. That’s why you must avoid direct sunlight to prevent damaging your shoes.  

You can also keep your shoes upside down to let the water get out from inside. Notice where you keep the shoes, Don’t keep your shoes where there’s not enough air and no sunlight. They need mild sunlight and enough air to dry.  

Can Leather Birkenstocks Get Wet

Leather Birkenstocks do get wet around water. We always try to avoid our shoes being exposed to rain. This is a good habit for those who want their shoes to last longer. Birkenstocks are far more durable. It can handle rain easily if you wear it in the rain more than once. 

Birkenstocks don’t have a guarantee of a lifetime. But it has a record of lasting even a decade if treated carefully. 

Can Suede Birkenstocks Get Wet

Birkenstocks are made out of suede, but it’s no problem if they get wet. The sturdiness and durability make them last longer. In addition, Birkenstocks are made using high-quality materials to prevent damage.

For the same reason, they are not suitable for rainy weather. That’s why the waterproofness of suede is not as good as the cork sole.

Can You Wear Birkenstocks To The Beach
Image Credit: Jonah M Funk

Can You Wear Birkenstocks To The Beach

Yes, It’s absolutely okay to wear Birkenstocks on the beach. Sure some sand and water will get into Birkenstocks while wearing them on the beach. But it won’t be much problem cleaning it after being used. The dirt can easily be removed from the shoes using the proper cleaning method. 

You can wear Birkenstocks with any outfit because of its customization feature. Also, you can wear it with confidence on the beach because of its unique design. Regular clothes like jeans or loose T-shirts will fit with the footwear perfectly. Birkenstocks are comfortable to wear on the beach. Walking in sand is not tricky wearing these shoes. 

The Birkenstock absorbs the natural sweat and oil from your feet due to the lining made of suede. Suede is a high-quality substance that makes a healthy environment for taking care of your feet while walking and wearing these shoes. 

Can We Wear It While Taking A Shower

No, It’s not a good idea to wear them in the shower. Most Birkenstocks are not waterproof, it’s recommended not to wear them in the shower. 

Gradually wearing them in the shower every day can damage the shoes. Regular entry of water can make them moldy and smelly. But regular maintenance can help not to damage them. 

Although it is not advisable to wear them every time while taking a shower, you should avoid water as much as possible to prevent further damage to your shoes.

Do Birkenstocks Turn Black After Getting Wet

Eventually, Birkenstocks become black only if you haven’t maintained them properly. The main reason is that the shoe failed, letting out the water from inside. It is made of a high-quality material which is great for our feet. Unfortunately, the manufacturers made Birkenstocks out of porous materials, which turn black due to exposure to contaminants outside. 

Also, if you wear the shoes for a long time, they could change color. Not taking care of your shoes can also be a reason. So, regular maintenance can prevent Birkenstocks from turning black.

Wiping Birkenstocks every week with a microfiber cloth can help not turn black. You should also avoid wearing Birkenstocks shoes with dirty feet. Keep in mind to clean your legs before wearing them.

Turning Black is not a significant problem for your shoes. It doesn’t mean that those are damaged. You can easily clean it and make it new by following the above steps. Those black marks are removable by using Birkenstocks maintenance kit.

What Happens When Birkenstocks Get Wet?

If Birkenstock sandals accidentally get wet while playing around water-wearing those, you’ll see it got heavy. The reason for them getting heavy is the material that Birkenstoke made off. Those shoes are made of suede leather which is a highly absorbing material. So the suede absorbed water to increase its weight.  

Soaking is a feature that Birkenstock offers around a surface filled with water. 

And after the Birkenstock soaks water in, you must give it some time to dry off. Or you’ll find some squishing sound while walking wearing them. 

How To Maintain If Birkenstocks Get Wet?  

Although maintaining Birkenstocks is also essential for getting a more extended service from the shoes. It’s easy enough for you to keep the shoes if you follow the steps shown below:

birkenstocks maintenance kit

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  • Using shoe maintenance Kit

If you want the shoes to last longer after wet conditions, you must have a Birkenstocks maintenance kit for wearing Birkenstocks. 

In that kit, you will find a Birkenstock footbed cleaner spray. Before brushing out the dirt, you have to use the spray on the shoes. The spray will make it easier to clean sticky dirt. 

You will also get Stain repellent inside that kit. You can spray some stain repellent to remove excessive stains from affected areas. Then gently brush those sides of the shoes. 

  • Soft Brush & Soap

You can use a brush with soft Brussels to clean wet darts if you don’t own the maintenance kit. Use some soap and water to help clean sands from affected areas. Stains and dirt could be easily removed by brushing gently using soap and water. After that, use soft cotton cloths to make it dry.

  • Be Gentle: 

You must avoid using much pressure while brushing the edges. Much force can damage the shoes. To keep Birkenstocks features and finishes, you must clean them gently. 

  • Use shoe Cork Sealer

Cork footbed sealer is a thing you will also find in the maintenance kit. Again, it’s crucial not to enter water inside Birkenstocks. To make Birkenstocks waterproof, you have to apply Birkenstock cork sealer over the midsole. It will prevent water from entering through tiny holes of the Birkenstock. 

But the cork footbed sealer doesn’t last much longer. So you must repeat the process if the seals wear off. 

  • Cleaning The Footbed 

Sometimes dirt and sweat stack under our feet. So we need to wipe those before wearing the shoes. Also, wiping the footbed of the shoes every day will prevent stacking dirt on the shoes.

You can also use baking soda with water to clean sticky dark smudges. A clean toothbrush or suede brush will do good while rubbing baking soda. 

Wipe it up after removing the smudges on the soft footbed. 

  • Cleaning shoe Leathers

Leather is not so hard to clean. You will find a leather cleaner inside the maintenance kit. First, use some leather cleaner on the leather and wipe it with a soft cloth. 

If You don’t have any suede leather cleaner, it’s not a problem. Follow these steps:

  • Use a microfiber cloth, dampen with some water, and wipe across the leather to remove dirt.
  • Then use another clean, dry fabric to make the surface dry.
  • To remove the stain marks from the leather, dip it in olive oil. After a while, gently rub it with a microfiber cloth. 

These steps will come in handy while cleaning the Birkenstocks shoes. Here’s a video that we mentioned to help you clean Birkenstock sandals quickly.

Can Birkenstocks Be Washed

Yes. You can wash Birkenstock if they are covered in dirt. But you have to make sure that the shoes are dry before putting them back in the box; washing them will not ruin your shoes. But it’s recommended not to wash too much. To remove the dirt, you could wipe using a soft cloth. 

You can also use brushes with soft Brussels to clean those dirty shoes. Keep in mind not to use pressure while cleaning Birkenstocks. 

Washing Birkenstocks with water frequency can ruin those shoes. If you wash with water, you must give those shoes some time to dry off. Don’t walk wearing wet shoes. 

No harm will occur to Birkenstock if you wear it after letting it dry. 

Frequently asked questions

Do Birkenstock Shrink If They Get Wet

Not at all. Birkenstocks do not shrink after getting in contact with water. This is because the shoes are made with high-quality suede material. Which sucks the water inside and doesn’t let the shoes shrink.  

Can Cork Birkenstocks Get Wet

Cork shoes are manufactured using cork which is naturally water-resistant. It absorbs water and makes the shoes dry quickly. So you don’t have to worry about getting the shoes wet. Cork sole also helps in reducing the weight of the shoes. So if you wear them in the rainy season, you won’t feel the weight of the shoes. 

Can Vegan Birkenstock Shoes Get Wet

Most of the vegan Birkenstocks are waterproof. Waterproofing sprays are not recommended for these kinds of shoes. On the contrary, you should take care of the shoes to keep them dry. So you don’t have to worry about getting the shoes wet.  

Are Birkenstocks Waterproof Sealer

Birkenstocks are not waterproof in general. Birkenstocks are not waterproof in general, but they are water-resistant. This means that if your feet get wet, the Birkenstock will protect them from getting soaked through the bottom of the shoe.

Conclusion

Over a decade, Birkenstock has evolved and continues to deliver the best qualities of products to support our feet greatly. As a result, Birkenstock has earned our trust. 

So without any doubt, we can say that Birkenstocks are good for our feet.  You do not need to wonder anymore about ‘can Birkenstocks get wet‘.

You’ll also find waterproof Birkenstocks if you don’t want to worry about getting the shoes wet. The lightweight cork sole of Birkenstocks provides excellent support to our feet. It can be possible to get lifetime service from Birkenstock sandals by using them with care.

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