Hello. Yes, you can - or if you want you can do a leather balm or balsam to start. What it does - is seals the leather pretty good. Also, with Black Oiled they tend to have a washed out - almost chalky - look to them most of the time. Doing this will pop the black to a little richer color and then you can always re-oil when you clean them up. Of course, there are a few things that may dirty your leathers - like chicken noodle soup - or oily based things - but with them being black not such a huge concern for staining. Anything lighter - use the sandpaper and then re-oil - will look good as new. Thanks for the question. Amy

Hello. We do have a video for the footbed cleaning. Unfortunately, they are doing what they are supposed to do. The suede lining is designed to absorb your natural oils and sweat. That's what is making the footprint in your shoe. You can clean it but they will eventually come back. ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/m6mxZYiZr6dol8U ) Thanks for your comment. Amy

That works too. The only problem can be the water. Your liners are leather and the water can make them hard and stiff. Many of our customers are all about trying to get the footprint out of the footbed. The sandpaper does dislodge skin and stuff that are stuck to the footbed that could be causing the sweaty foot smell. And honestly sometimes the vinegar smell can be a bit much for some. But if it works for you - I'm glad. We are just offering how to alternatives. Thanks for the comment. Amy

Thank you for the feedback. Glad to be of service! Amy

Hello. This was one of our first videos. We do have a more recent version that does go thru the whole process with the water & stain repellant. Ideally oiled leather won't need the repellant until you actually clean the leather. If you sand them and remove the oiled finish, it will then require the water repellant, if you don't want to re-oil them. The repellant is best used for the suedes and nubucks. Because of the porous nature of the materials, they tend to ABSORB dirt and stains without even trying. Depending on how you want your sandals to look, you may opt to oil them. This is the link to the newer video - might be a little more detailed. ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZCwgXR6pbCLfac ) Thanks for the question -Amy

Hello. No, it won't compromise the leather at all. Tobacco is an oiled nubuck which means that it was oiled after they were nubuck (which is a sanded finish leather). We do have a more current video to go over what you can do on oiled leathers. The leather protector is definitely a good thing to do especially with the lighter colors. (unless you want to oil them again?) Check out one of the more current videos - maybe might answer your question better and show you options on what you can do. Tobacco can be a weird color to oil sometimes depending on its base color. Many times, it will get very honey colored when oiled. ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/bZCwgXR6pbCLfac ). Thanks for the question. Amy

Hello Without seeing the shoes for sure - I can tell you that Birkenstock dyes the leathers all the way thru. So if you look on the underside of the strap should also be that pink color. You can do and/or use any of the methods we showed. Should not be an issue. Thanks for the question. Amy

@@desertbirk thanks, Amy! I’ll follow your instructions!

Hello. Ideally because they are oiled leather the waterproofing spray is sitting on top - that's why the spots. I really don't know what to tell you. After you buffed out the spots - did you respray?? I would assume it would then go into the leather better because the pores would be open and not filled with the "oil". With oiled leathers you really don't need to waterproof - but when you clean them you could always spray - let it dry - then oil them to make sure the finish looks the way you want it too. I actually haven't had this question before. Let me know how it works... Thanks for the question - sorry I wasn't more help. Amy

@@DesertBirkenstock I did not respray them. I buffed them a lot ( so many spots!) and then used a leather conditioner. I am now afraid to spray anything on them. I am going to get a leather cleaner and conditioner ( about out of the stuff I have ).

Hello. If the material is the same - you betcha! Thanks Amy

Hello. SO we do sell these liners that you can put in your Birkenstocks to protect the insides. We have a bunch of information on our website. Currently we don't have all the sizes in the tan color - but hopefully we will in about a month or so. Check out the link and maybe this will solve your issue! ( www.desertbirkenstock.com/product-page/soxsols-footbed-liners ) Thanks for the question. Amy

@@DesertBirkenstock thank you so much.. Do they make the inside of the birks sticky when you remove them?

@@patriciaturner_83 Actually they don't leave any residue which is why they are AWESOME!! The backing feels like silicone stick - when it gets too dirty - starts to unstick. Wash them in the laundry or rinse them out in the sink - let them dry naturally and BINGO they're sticky again. We love these things. I have a lot of black liners right now - the brand was having manufacturing issues for the last year - but I hear they are coming back in the next couple months. If you want the tan color (which is easier to hide generally in your Birks)- hopefully I'll have them pretty soon. That's the scoop. Amy

Hello. If a little gets on - it's no big deal. You just really don't want to purposefully spray the footbed. I usually recommend putting down a paper towel or something so you can really get the straps and not worry about overspray. Yep - just let it dry - no harm - no foul :) Amy

Hello. The first thing we used was sandpaper. Fine/Super Fine sandpaper (180 - 220 grit). The next thing we used was the combo brush which we sell on our website ( www.desertbirkenstock.com/product-page/suede-combo-brush ) . If they are stinky then you can also use the footbed cleaner which cleans and deodorizes for tougher pairs. ( www.desertbirkenstock.com/product-page/footbed-cleaner-deodorizer). Hope that helps. Amy

Hello. I think I spoke to you on the phone. I need to see the pictures to see what is going on. Thanks. Amy

Hello. Everyone is different so how often you clean really has to do with how hard you are on your shoes. If you only have 1 pair maybe every 3-6 months - not that it would need a huge overhaul just a touch/clean up. The microfiber liner you can clean with a damp rag and any type of shoe deodorizer. If you get something that won't come off can use the sandpaper on it - just don't go crazy and scrub thru the material Just might help get off the stubborn stuff. Thanks for the positive feedback. We try to be comprehensive and easy. Have fun with your new pairs! Amy

@@DesertBirkenstock thank you so much!

Hello. Honestly, I am no fan of suede. It stretches and gets dirty very easily. The oiled leather is a full grain leather - so unless they are VERY tight, they are not going to stretch. Plus, the cleanup is generally much easier, and you can see the difference. Tobacco Oiled leather can be a hard color just because it is light. The Habana is a great dark brown and I love the Iron, it's a great neutral If you do the tobacco color - just make sure to weatherguard it really good so that it won't stain as easy. The suede Bostons - feel like slippers - for many that's the big plus, but to me the durability and "nice looking" factor in more. Thanks for the question - of course this is MY opinion. Please try to try them on somewhere before you buy. The sizes in the Boston really needs to be correct. Some people will need the narrow. It's a very un-adjustable style so you want them to be right. Thanks for watching the videos. Amy

@@DesertBirkenstock Thank you for the answer. I’m glad that I finally got a proper explanation. I’ll definitely gonna try them on. 👍🏻👍🏻

200 - 220 (fine -super fine) we use in store seems to work best.

Hello. We only use sand paper for synthetics on the liner of the footbed - never the straps!!. You have to be careful as you don't want to puncture the suede liner (as it is thin) or if it is a vegan model the liner is microfiber. Thanks for the question. Amy

What grit sand paper are you using? ​@@DesertBirkenstock

@@Bsrom7 200 - 220 Fine/Superfine. You have the most control and it will not leave such big scratch marks. Just have to scrub - so it looks even. Thanks Amy

Hello. I'm not sure what you mean. There are two type of material that they use for metallics - the leather which can be very stiff and shows marks fairly easy or the birko-flor which is a synthetic. Generally, neither fades. If you send us pictures, I might be able to give a better answer. Sorry, that wasn't much help. Amy

Hello. Sorry for the delay. Yes, it sure does. All new Birkenstock sandals (and clogs) have a coat of sealant on the shoe to start. We try to let people know that when it wears off it will look like raw cork - that is when you're going to want to reseal them. It's an easy way to tell. Everyone is different so it could take 3 months, 6 months and sometimes it may just be a spot - like how you rest your foot when you drive or something like that. I usually clean them off with a damp rag before resealing so you are not sealing dirt on. Thanks for the question. Amy

Thank you. We're just trying to help people take care of their expensive shoes. Amy

Hello. Personally, I like the Kellys better. Here's why. 1) Brush in lid applicator. Makes it much easier to apply. Goes on - no fuss no muss. 2) Goes on shiny. Birkenstock had changed their formula and it looked dull. I am told it may have changed. I do not have any evidence of that yet. The reason that is important is that it makes it easy to tell when it's time to reseal your cork. They start out shiny from the factory and when it wears off, then you need to reseal. Makes this whole process much easier to see. That the scoop. Hope that helps. Thanks for the question and watching the video. Amy

@@DesertBirkenstock thank you so much for your detailed suggest!!!

@@DesertBirkenstock Hi, I have another question. Should I use suede protector (water/stain repeller), as well as other treatment like suede conditioner, on the footbed?

@@seirado1148 I don't recommend it. The repellent is to seal and protect the leather from water- etc, ideally for the straps not the footbed liner. If you seal your liner - then it can't absorb your natural oils and sweat - which it is supposed to do. I know it gets dark and everyone thinks that bad - but it's supposed to do that. Then your feet sweat more if sealed. Kind of defeats why there is a suede liner on most of their shoes. Thanks for the question. Amy

Hello. As long as it's the same type of leather - doesn't even have to be a Birkenstock! These are just cleaning tricks and tips that can be used on any shoe. Glad you found the video helpful. Thanks for watching. Amy

Hello. Not exactly sure what you mean. If you're talking about the services we do, no we generally do not clean the footbed. Between personal sweat etc - there can be all sort of nasty stuff that you could've gotten in under your foot. As the material will become airborne if cleaned, I don't subject myself or my staff to that. We have been brought shoes covered in gas, blood, bird poop - just to name a few - over the years. That's why we show you how to do it yourself. Except for the actual repairs we want to show people how to take care of their Birkenstocks. There's no magic and anyone can do it. When we do clean the shoes, generally it's the cork and the straps. Sometimes that can make a huge difference in the appearance. Hope that answers your question. Amy

Every season you should be cleaning the leather, resealing the cork, and oiling the leather. This helps them last longer. You can also use a odor eliminator spray on the footbed. And waterproofing for the leather straps. Lots to do besides just cleaning the footbed.

@@annacataldo4905 You are correct! That's why we have a series of videos that addresses different leather types so you can tailor your cleaning properly. Depending on how hard you are on your shoes - yes you do need to give them a little love on a regular basis. Thanks for watching. Amy

Hello. Yes Home Depot, Lowes or any hardware store, I find just WAY less expensive than grocery store purchase. 200-220 grit. Fine or Super Fine. Ideally you want a higher grade so when you do sand it - it doesn't leave scratches - or at least you can buff them out. I also recommend using a neutral color paper. There are so many kinds now - if you do black or dark color I have found that it may leave color residual on the leather if it is a light color. Thanks for the question. Amy

Hello. Ok So I would recommend a leather cleaner of some sort. Ideally you could use a nubuck block (if that doesn't work the super fine sand paper) and buff it out. Then use a very little amount of vaseline to even out the finish after you get the blood out. You may have to sand the whole thing - both sides so they match. The cognac is an oiled nubuck so this should work. Clothing stuff - not great for leathers.... Good Luck. Amy

OH NO!!! But I can tell you - we've had more than a few people do this. Some -AFTER they watched the tutorial. I've actually had more people do this since we put out the videos and blogs, than the 20 years before we had such things. Don't feel bad. One of my customers did it so thick you could see the brush strokes in the sealant on the footbed and then wore them....needless to say, tore her feet up - walking on glue!! Well now you know - it's all good! Thanks for sharing. Amy

@@DesertBirkenstock I also put the sealer on my new Arizona Birkenstock. What do I do? Did I ruin them? Should I use the brush to try to scrap it off? It is a very light coat and looks shiny.

@@diannegruber685 We are talking about the liner - where your foot sits?? IF its on the liner - yes try to peel it off. If that doesn't work, try some sandpaper (180 - 220 grade). Not ruined per se but you really want it off your footbed. Amy

Hello. A mild detergent would probably be no problem. Ideally you just don't want something that requires you to rinse out/off - the less liquid the better. So a detergent that foams or bubbles might take extra effort. Anything like - 409, Windex or an eco-green comparable item would work on a soft cloth or with a brush would work just as well. Hope that helps. Thanks for the question. Amy

Hello. A mild detergent would probably be no problem. Ideally you just don't want something that requires you to rinse out/off - the less liquid the better. So a detergent that foams or bubbles might take extra effort. Anything like - 409, Windex (kitchen type counter cleaner) or an eco-green comparable item would work on a soft cloth or with a brush would work just as well. Just nothing with bleach. Hope that helps. Thanks for the question. Amy

Thank you for the comment. We're glad the video was helpful. Amy

Hello. Sorry to say once the Birko-flor material cracks there's not much you can do. If you've had them a long time - it happens eventually. My 15-year-old Mayari's in Black Patent finally bit the dust - I was very sad. If it happened relatively quick (and normally at the flex points) it usually is an indicator that the front strap might be too tight. This doesn't happen with leathers - only the synthetics. Sorry if it's a beloved pair or something un-replaceable. Hate being the bearer of bad news! Amy

Hello. What we are talking about are excesses. If the shoes gets too wet it can damage. Sadly we have people tell us they were told to get in the bathtub - get them wet and that helps them break in. Really NOT. If they get a little wet not a big deal - but not to go swimming in. Water expands the cork - can shred out of shoe - plus it makes the leathers all stiff and weird. Too Hot - this is a reminder especially during the summer months not to leave them anywhere they will bake. You can literally walk around all day in 110 degree weather and they will be fine. Sit in a car all day - not so much. We use a heat lamp to take the soles off for repair. Inside of car can get 160 - 180 degrees in the summer - makes sense not to leave them there. I've have shoes I have done all this to - sometimes they need repairs - it's just a reminder to be mindful and not intentionally do stuff that will degrade your shoes quicker. Hope that helps you feel a little better about your shoes. Amy

​@desertbirk Wow! I'm not sure what is happening with everyone with their birks, but I had no idea that I couldn't do this so no one scream at me for doing this, but I washed mine. Luckily for me they are still looking great and still feeling wonderful. I do air dry them. I just I learned about this cleaner kit recently, after washing three sets of birks. Now with my newer pair, I want to try and see if the sealer makes a real difference to me. This video is really good, wish I had this information earlier.

Thanks for the compliment. Trying to help people take care of their shoes. Amy

Hello. I am not sure about the sticker. We don't have any sticker on ours. It may be from where you bought them. If you can't lift it out with a knife (pulling up edge) carefully - I really don't know what to suggest. Otherwise I would contact the store you bought them from and see what they suggest. Sorry . Amy

Thanks for the heads up. Just a product we have used in the past. Something similar would be just fine. Amy

Sand paper for the tobacco will lighten it and lift some of the stains. Fine or Superfine is best. (200-220 grade) I would recommend after you're done cleaning that you weatherguard/scotchguard your shoes really good and that will help them not stain so fast. Thanks for the question. Amy

Sounds good, thank you!

Hello. That sucks!! Okay - the biggest hindrance in me telling you how to clean - is what type of leather you might have. If it is oiled leather sand paper should do the trick. If it is suede - sand paper might work - but then the water and dish soap probably made it worse. If it is suede you might need to get a suede cleaner to kind of get under the stain and lift it - need a suede cleaner in a liquid or a foam and scrub with a brush or rag. Can't promise it will come out. Suede is a hard material to keep looking nice. You can watch the oiled leather and/or suede leather cleaning videos. That is the best thing I can tell you without seeing them. Sorry. Hope that helps a little. Amy

@@DesertBirkenstock so nice of you for the info!

@@renepellissier2193 No problem - thanks

Hello. Super easy. You want to sand the leathers with fine sandpaper (usu 200 - 220 grit) this will refinish it to the original oiled leather finish and take off the polish. If you do want them a little darker (as when they get dry they tend to look a little chalky and gray) the best is vaseline . Just need a little and it will not make the leather shiny. Thanks for the question. Hope that works for you. Amy

Hello. Shoe goo is not sealant for Birkenstocks. It has its place. You could use it to fix the liner peeling away from the cork or reglueing straps to the side - BUT not as sealant. It flakes off plus usually looks weird. You would have to get it so thin, and it usually just does not come out of the tube like that. You want your cork to be able to breathe a little. It is all natural. I didn't realize it when I started many (many) years ago - but latex is tree sap and cork - well comes from a tree so you want it to be able to stay healthy. The cork seals do wear off - anything will - as it moves and gets wear. We have used Barge cement in the past. The trick is again SUPER thin. The reason being - as it gets dirty it kind of yellows - and literally - looks like snot on your cork. Many times, men and teenagers work better with barge just because they wear it off before you get the snotty buildup. You don't have to use Birkenstocks sealant - we like Kelli's the best. Birk had switched formulas a few years ago (very eco-friendly) and wasn't giving off the shine - I've heard they've changed back again. Also gone back to the brush applicator from the bingo dauber applicator, but those haven't come in yet. Hope that gives you enough info. Thanks for the question. Amy

Hello. Nope. Not a mistake. You can use that on the oiled leathers as well. Thanks for the question. Amy

Sorry about that. We try for it to be generic and upbeat.