How to Clean BIRKENSTOCK Footwear

1. Gather Supplies

We recommend the following supplies for cleaning your BIRKENSTOCK footwear:

• A suede brush

• A cloth

• An old toothbrush

• Leather/suede shampoo

2. Clean the Straps or Upper

Depending on if your BIRKENSTOCK shoes are leather or suede/nubuck, cleaning them will look slightly different.

Leather:

Unbuckle the straps and use a slightly damp cloth to remove dirt from the leather outer. For the inside of the straps or upper, use a damp suede brush.

Suede/Nubuck:

Use a dry brush to remove any loose dirt. Unbuckle any straps and make sure to clean both the inside and outside of them. If there are remaining stains, dampen the brush and go over the suede again.

• Expert Tip: For especially stubborn stains, using the brush with a suede or leather shampoo can do the trick—just be sure to not saturate the material with too much water. Rather than run the straps or upper directly under water, use a wet cloth.

3. Clean the Footbed

When cleaning any part of your BIRKENSTOCK sandals or clogs, you'll want to avoid saturating them with too much water. This is especially true for the footbed, as water can cause the cork to break down and separate from the shoe. Start by using a damp toothbrush to massage suede shampoo into the footbed in circular motions until it lathers. To remove the suds, use a wet (not soaking) cloth.

4. Clean the Outsole

To clean the outsoles of your BIRKENSTOCK shoes, simply take the damp brush to dislodge any loose dirt, then follow up with a damp cloth.

When you've finished cleaning your sandals or clogs, allow them to dry at room temperature. Avoid sun exposure or heat to prevent dehydrating the leather or suede. Once your sandals or clogs have dried completely (this can take up to a day), you can close any straps. You may want to take a coarse brush to the dry footbed to re-fluff the suede.

5. Protect Your BIRKENSTOCK Sandals or Clogs

Using a cork sealer is recommended for all BIRKENSTOCK sandals and shoes. This comes as part of the BIRKENSTOCK Deluxe Shoe Care Kit along with a cleaner, brush, and water/stain repellent.

Leather:

Regularly use a cloth to apply a leather grease or conditioner in small circular motions, avoiding the footbed. This rehydrates the leather after cleaning or wear and prevents cracking.

Suede/Nubuck:

Regularly spray with a colorless waterproof spray; avoid getting any product on the footbed.

Now that your BIRKENSTOCK sandals or clogs are clean, fully dry, and protected, they're ready for daily wear again. If you have any additional questions about caring for your BIRKENSTOCK shoes or other footwear, you can visit your local SCHEELS or reach out to a Footwear Expert.