How Birkenstock Sandals Are Professionally Restored | Refurbished

Rio Jongsae Kim is the owner of Kim's Shoe and Bag Repair. He shows us how to restore a pair of Birkenstock Gizeh Birko-Flor women's sandals that retail for about $100. This includes cleaning the footbed, which is black and worn, back to its original leather color; replacing the soles entirely; filling the cracks in the cork, and sealing it to make it look brand new again.
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How Birkenstock Sandals Are Professionally Restored | Refurbished

[@gutobernardo7457]

I have no idea why, but this video is so satisfying!!

[@lauramessy]

goog ol asmr, not those bad forcing ones

[@luvmifro1003lovesfamily]

It's not asmr for me, it's actually calming for me. I think it's because I like to see things renewed, may it be from cleaning or repair..this was definitely calming

[@ericowensnyc]

Riiiight!!!!

[@shallnotbeinfringedamerica1683]

Really?! Really ???? 99 people don't have any Idea why this video is so satisfying ? Maybe it's because you're learning something. You're expanding your knowledge above the mundane stuff the so-called educational system taught you. Maybe it's showing that you're not completely useless.

[@ericowensnyc]

@@shallnotbeinfringedamerica1683 WOW sounds angry lol #getlaid 🥂

[@lacrimosa5213]

watching him brush on the adhesive is one of the most satisfying things to watch

[@MandaS1986]

You bugging 😂.

[@lacrimosa5213]

@@MandaS1986 but it isssss tho lmao

[@lara-ce2kg]

So I'm not the only one who would pay to have my favorite pair of Birkenstocks repair

[@cornycorny2952]

Just brought a pair of Birkenstock boots to the cobbler for a resole as I find the Birkenstocks are the only shoes that fit me properly. I use them for working around the farm so a sandal would not be appropriate but I can understand the popularity though. I find the sole design in the video to be too slippery so the repair technician is going to install a cleated design which will better suit my needs. Cannot wait to get the comfortable old boots back.

[@Jennapeters144]

Venture Capitalists Bernard Arnault and his peers have swooped in on the opportunity to reap off the masses once BIRK begins appreciating. The sandal is a personal favorite though.

[@westgibbs]

I know of a Birkenstock shopper in Berlin that owned equity under L Chatterton that privately manages the now publicly listed BIRK. She asked me if I was interested in getting shares early so as to earn a carry when they float the company

[@Muller_Andr]

Interesting. I would have swallowed up that offer. Are you fr? What do you do? Are there tools that allow investors to invest in companies before they hit the stock market, multiplying those potential gains that otherwise wouldn’t be available after the initial public offering.

[@AnkurYo]

I have used the same money manager for close to 10 years. We got in fairly early with a modest amount of money. Then it mushroomed like an atomic bomb. We had over 4 million dollars after GameStop profits in 2020/2021. Inflation has eaten away at the nest egg but we are lucky to have Loren look after it diligently like she has done the past 8 years.

[@benalfredo]

Wow that impressive, who is this Loren? You really are lucky.

[@_davidturner]

Wow! wow! please is there any way to reach their services?

[@icanneverunderstandme4017]

"The more you wear them the more comfortable they become" I need that :((

[@LomalaMalet]

Like the Samurai plus In "The Plateform", becaume sharper when you cut things

[@papaninewinds]

I have mad respect for cobblers. It's such a cool skill to have.

[@savedfaves]

You know what to do.

[@benitohernandez7585]

I bought my first pair of Birks maybe 2 or 3 years after high school. My parents never would have bought me sandals at their price. Fortunately I’ve always taken really good care of things I buy since I like quality. I still have that first pair and I’ve kept them in great condition and have yet to have any repair done to them. Nobody would guess they’re at least 20 years old!

[@RFM-]

I just threw away a pair from 1988. Bought in Burlington Vermont. Yes a tear was shed.

[@Ponnybit]

my birks last two years tops, tell me how you guys have been dealing with the "new" ones please.. haha Im only a user for 6 years now

[@marcusv7881]

YESSSSS! Please tell us how you take care of your Birks?!?!

[@dudeonbike800]

I just had a 30 yo pair renewed with new footbeds & soles. Was THIS close to throwing them out. So, so glad I learned about full renewal for my favorite pair that isn’t made anymore. My Birk rules: 1. Do not wear outside. This is too much for these sandals IMO. Especially when wet. They just get trashed. 2. Wear socks. Yup. If you don’t want your suede stained, stinky & gross, wear clean socks. They will never get gross. 3. Use cork renew. I put it on a new pair first thing. Then every 6-12 months. Keep that cork happy! 4. Don’t squat while wearing. I know this sounds weird, but I’ve noticed doing this and going up on the balls of your feet bends Birkenstocks too much that it cracks them where the cork & leather at the ball of your foot meet. Mine always crack here. So bad that after the cork cracks, the leather did too! I now have three new & renewed Pisas that will last the rest of my life!!!

[@NoraVonYT]

I hope this series of videos brings shoe and bag repair professionals to the front. I (somehow?) never heard of shoe repair growing up, but now I only have shoes that go to shoe repair. It’s the best!

[@mariagalluzzi69]

I remember decades ago when they would resole your Birkenstocks for free.

[@ogadlogadl490]

🤯

[@kcojco]

They don’t do that anymore? My first pair lasted ten years before I left them in my garage and they got infested with mold, sad day.

[@ParanoiaGentlman]

Now its 75$ 😬

[@guppy9161]

@@portifinot1978 DOH

[@valeriag9443]

@@portifinot1978 it’s Homer from the Simpson’s catchphrase

[@azsunburns]

I'm highly entertained by this popping up in my feed. I had that same style of Birks back in the late 1980s. I loved them. They were red & some of the best shoes ever. Even back then they were over $100. I used to wash the bed & reseal the cork myself.

[@jenniferpalacios946]

I also am a birkenstock addict when I was in 8th grade I remember my birken needed to repair and I remember taking it to a place just like this. Ugh how satisfying 😫

[@solluna4378]

I didn’t even know they can be repaired and restored...!?! I threw out my old as I’m grossed out by the suede base getting yucky... (now I know... ) 🧡🙏💛

[@DimitrisKanakis]

The question is...what does he charge for the repair? Is it approaching the price of a new pair? What is the longevity of the repair, meaning how long till the next repair? Birkenstock are notorious for cracks near the toes, where the cork gets the most twist and stretch.

[@savedfaves]

The repair costs $800 and needs to be done once a month, but the good news is when you are under that bridge drinking from a brown paper bag starving you know for sure that your cobbler is not. Cobbler's Lives Matter.

[@doomsdayzalinsky7910]

Thank you. I loved watching you share your process. Almost a tactile experience.

[@paolabueso]

Great work! This is so satisfying to watch too. Thank you for sharing the video! 😌

[@minisun7410]

Someone stole mine out of my gym locker my junior year in high school. They were so comfortable 😭

[@taylorstep1413]

That sucks.. these shoes can be expensive depending on when you buy them

[@97PEACHYLOVER]

That sucks:/ But they were molded to your feet so the thief probably didn’t find them that comfortable!!

[@sammylove14]

Aw that sucks. Someone stole my CD Walkman out of my locker freshman year and I never forgot it. It was the saddest thing because we literally didn’t even have enough money for that CD player, not mention replacing it.

[@jayjaral]

I adore my Birkenstocks! I'll try to have them renewed.

[@adamh4530]

My man brought the Birk’s back to life!

[@brittanyfarias5211]

Oh no why didn't we get to see customers reaction to her restored fav shoes🙏😳😞

[@daisymayla]

Because they didn't like the fact that the cork is now super shiny and the gold logo is now gone 😬

[@mathildamurray2622]

@@daisymayla I'd rather have clean shoes than a bit of paint on the sole that no one sees. It's still on the leather, and she would still know they're real.

[@cherokeehawkproperties3899]

I wondet if this is Kim's Shoe Repair in Columbus, GA. My hometown. If so, this guy is the TRUTH!!! Years ago (15+ years) I broke my favorite pair of stilettos. Now granted the shoes cost me $20 but I didn't want to throw them away. So I called his shop and was told to bring them in. When I say, he fixed them BETTER than before...I will ALWAYS recommend them. Matter of fact, I have another pair that I need fixing.

[@yrath5034]

No, this seems to be Kim's Shoe & Bag Repair in Vancouver, BC, Canada - his name is stated and if googled, this is what comes up.

[@SkipperJane]

If you own birks you will definitely do yourself a favor to buy a bottle of cork renew and apply it yourself periodically. It definitely prolongs the life of the sandals.

[@ImAnEmergency]

Weird that this shows up in my recommendations two days after I bought my first pair of Arizonas...still stoked to get them, though.

[@KTCC13]

They’re kinda ugly but usually the most comfortable footwear are. Lol

[@dellaquino2634]

Not ugly but plain I guess, but true, the level of comfort is insane from just a sandal/slipper

[@romynijland6392]

The same with crocks, but damn those shoes are the most comfortable and they have multiple “functions”. Heel strap up: you can just slide them on. Heel strap down: you can run.

[@MamaBanana]

Soooo comfortable. Ugg’s & Birkenstock’s are all I wore throughout my pregnancies. Heaven!

[@purity4all]

I you have a pair of Birkenstocks with a very comfortable foot bed and sole, but would like them to have a different upper, is that something a cobbler can do? If so, what is the cost likely to be?

[@anibalbabilonia1867]

Amazing transformation!👍

[@ryancabanas]

What knife, scissors, and glue are used in this video? Links would be super helpful. Thanks!

[@ayanwoyehezekiah492]

What do you apply to the edges of the Birkenstock?

[@Shaaay66]

Hey did you add eva sheet for the outsole?

[@anton938]

Hi there! I need some advise from you. The footbed (corks) of my Birks are no longer sticking to the actual rubber and to the strap. I got some advise from some shoe repair shops to just sew it instead. Is it advisable? Do you have a better suggestions?

[@ampa4989]

Just for reference, I "repaired" mine using something called Lexel from Home Depot. Super strong and water-impervious.

[@res1dentcyn1c]

I didn’t know I could get my birks restored! I only have one pair, I’ll have to do that instead of replacing them.

[@2JobsStillPoorUSA]

You need 2 pairs. On for wear one to repair. Then swap. And when repair is needed you have apair to wear while the other is in the shop.

[@tobiaslooser]

In the words of Kenny Rogers, you got to know when to hold'em, when to fold'em!

[@papercranes6886]

What do you use for the shampoo?

[@Jcrosay]

Hi! Do you have any recommendations for filling in the cracks on Birkenstocks? I only just learned you should reseal the cork every 3 months and my 1 yr old sandals have a big crack in the heel!:(

[@sammylove14]

Me too :( I have a pair that I’ve only had since the spring and they already have two huge cracks near where the toe bends - one on each shoe! Sucks!

[@ariepekar]

He used something in the video to glue the cork crack but didn't say what. I would really like to know what glue is used before I apply cork renew.

[@yoerivandevelde3550]

@@ariepekar I used wood glue for that, works perfect!

[@5K7WLKR]

Clear silicone

[@dudeonbike800]

Cork renew is the ideal product. Sold by Birkenstock & others. Or you can use contact cement that’s used to stick the sole & footbeds together. Barge cement in the US is what many Birk retailers recommend.

[@apobangposince2016]

Now where can I find/buy that suede cleaner 🤔

[@flandrum29]

My cobbler didn’t even clean my door bed when replacing my sole. It’s hard to find a good cobbler and tailed these trades are skilled

[@c_p1858]

Very nice video, it’s weirdly interesting to watch

[@user-mh6sg7jb8q]

what glue do you used?

[@davadu0_045]

Which cleaner did you use?

[@panharothchh]

I want my repaired birkenstock arizona brokens strap. but in Cambodia haven't repair shop. Can help ?

[@THEONEBILLY]

What are the material are used to make it

[@lauras5113]

That's awesome! I want to do that!

[@ericowensnyc]

WOW....had no idea 👀 Where is Kim’s located??????

[@mjcutie30]

What is the name of cork sealer?

[@nhevskie4203]

What adhesive brand did you use please love from Philippines

[@dudeonbike800]

Most certainly contact cement. Barge is available at US hardware stores and has been recommended by Birk sellers for years. Also used as cork renew too. But not as ideal IMO.

[@pattysouza2954]

They look great.

[@snehakottakkudy9286]

thanks KZbin for recommending this the day after I cleaned my Birkenstocks

[@jennifersimmonds2302]

Absolutely brilliant, wish you lived near me...

[@nazika7437]

Can I know what is the glue to seal the edge of insole?

[@nazika7437]

At 3:18

[@heathermoulton3221]

Does anyone know where to send your Boris for repair?

[@porcupineee]

Nice 👍

[@T.L.96]

The sanders. Wow. Sanders! I love your accent 😂❤️

[@midniteght-mnght4467]

Challenge: Take a shot every time he says "Birkenstock"

[@c_p1858]

*drunk cookie monster falling gif*

[@edgarb.nivera9073]

He says sandars

[@edwinsanchez2775]

Popped up on my recommendation

[@THEONEBILLY]

What is the name of the too part?

[@SuperBram77]

I am impressed!

[@martinshannon1339]

great skill!

[@michellee3880]

What is a typical charge for this type of repair?

[@Ponnybit]

Is the repair shoe they show in the end an actual new shoe?.. This appears to be right, keep in mind the craftmanship is not in question here, it's just a funny thing i noticed at 01:38 he says the EVA sole is very soft and that it "is the same as the birkenstock sole". He is right and he proves it by lifting the EVA Sheet to reveal the same pattern but no "BRK" emboss in the EVA sheet So why at 04:12 the repaired shoe is shown with the actually original BRK sole emboss?

[@ampa4989]

He must buy oem or something that has the logo embossed because you can see it as he trims it around 2:37.

[@M3gart0443]

I just buy new one...the old ones can not survived humidity and starting to fall of plus a lot of ants eating the wood base :(

[@nowornever81]

Im sure you dont know how much this brand sandals cost, those arent China made

[@DimitrisKanakis]

@@nowornever81 A new pair's price ranges between €35-€50 for the standard models. How much do you figure the repair costs? To that amount add the postal expenses and then you get an idea if it's worth repairing or replacing. Still, I believe that if a product has a tendency of deteriorating fast -fast enough compared to it's price at least- then it's not worth buying in the first place. People should be honest and say "I buy Birkenstock because they look cool. They break easily, butni do not care! I buy new ones every year!"

[@nowornever81]

@@DimitrisKanakis a classic model similar to the one in the video starts from 100-125$ before any store markup or shipping costs, i would assume that the repair service would be alot cheaper

[@christalkleva1228]

@@nowornever81 the prices in EU are probably lower for birkenstocks...

[@quinitawhitfield9541]

If you're running through natural shoes you should probably get synthetic. Its pretty much a waste if you continue to buy shoes that aren't lasting you a few years. Birkenstocks and other shoes made of quality materials are meant to last years. Definitely not a fast fashion item.

[@TerrenceChung]

Amazing

[@sjard97]

Where can I do this and how much?

[@hindsightpov4218]

Try a Google Search for show repair. Maybe there’s a local one in your neighborhood or in the city.

[@Saraseeksthompson0211]

Now I want to go out and get some used Birkenstocks from the local second hand store

[@loristrout4741]

Have bought 3 pairs in last year. Dog has chewed 2 of them while I stupidly had my feet on the couch. 3rd pair have not been out of the closet yet. They cost me $31.00 at a real charity shop here. Called Do Good Goods. First Birki's also came from there. Dog ate strap and the loops that the strap fit through. I have done some leather work my self so I bought a new pair of footbeds and 2 pairs of the outsole on Etsy and plan on making me a new pair myself. I am trying to find out what is the proper glue.

[@KrystelIvannie]

Safiya Nygaard might like this. I’d watch a video on how she restores her Birkenstocks. 😅

[@skystar6823]

como restaurar vinyl de mis spots prada

[@district12-]

Why?

[@danjoe22]

Great job, you completely erased the toe imprints from the insole. Just like new now.

[@milsgarage]

Awesome 🤘🤘🤘

[@everready19373]

I had a pair of those. They hurt my feet so bad I threw them in the trash.

[@keaganm5315]

If you think these are bad you should see mine. Hahah mines literally have a hole

[@DanteAndTheTrees]

Mine too i have a new pair but i wont throw the old ones out. They’re still comfy 😂 the ones in the video look to be worn for one season

[@jamesbond1231]

I just assumed it would be a shot of someone throwing them in the trash...

[@vrankyrule]

Sticker lost its visibility

[@ericstratton7391]

I could not do that job. Just the thought that someone’s feet were there makes me want to gag. I’m very sensitive to feet. That guy restored them without gloves, so props to him for that

[@earth2ravenn]

If you guys enjoy shoe repairs I strongly suggest Vetiver who also does shoe repairs😁

[@PabloGonzalez-hv3td]

Birkenstocks are fancy crocs

[@dudeonbike800]

FIFY: Crocs are fake, plastic Birkenstocks. Birks came first by a LONG SHOT. Full disclosure: I own & wear both. “Idiocracy” rules!!!!

[@BORIS21610]

Good thing but it mostly costs same the price of a New

[@ianmiller2349]

Couldn't cope soaping off and filing down someone else's toe jam

[@the1theonly_princesseri934]

With no gloves on at that 🤢

[@isabelmelissah]

who would refurbish these felonies ?

[@sonofromel]

Only repaired the left one. Tsk

[@yup7323]

Now this is what a call oddly satisfying why isn't this shit in the compilations

[@win2024king]

I have this.

[@spacecadet2226]

Final cost: 450% higher than cost of new sandals. But at least they’re broken in 🤔

[@thegeekyelf]

Most shoe repairs make economic sense if you start with a quality pair

[@CrayonConoisseur]

But you've also helped a local business and lessened overall waste from buying new ones. This throwaway culture is toxic af.

[@debbieebbiebobebbie]

Repair, reuse, recycle ♻️

[@donatbeku6976]

@@CrayonConoisseur i agree. The "just throw it away and buy a new one" is a really toxic culture

[@GonFr14]

New pair of birkenstocks cost more than $100, doubt the repair cost more.

[@SpiderMonkeyy35]

Toy Story vibes

[@sergeybebenin]

These are $100 brand new. Unless this is a slave labor, I don't understand why not just buy new ones. But the workmanship is very nice 👍

[@ishhanda12]

Being eco friendly and even saving money!✨

[@dudeonbike800]

Also necause they stop making people’s favorite models and this solves that issue.

[@GGOWO]

What’s the point

[@batiyland]

Not Birkenstocks but BirkenSTONKS

[@kitcat4926]

Woow

[@jennglow4647]

😲

[@philvt18]

Isn't it more cost-effective to buy a new pair?

[@kaguillermo5767]

I wear them for comfort, not for style.

[@MicaRayan]

ASMR!

[@Rhabanaarum]

shooesssssssssssss

[@rexwall2000]

I find this ironic. But restore, reuse resell. That’s all that matters.

[@matreyles]

👏👏👏

[@fabrisoto]

👏🏽🌹🌹👏🏽🌹🌹👏🏽

[@nd6316]

early

[@xmdx733]

Why is there a need to do alot of work instead of just buying a new one

[@alisashohat6368]

Because it is less wasteful? You save money and resources which is environmentally a lot better.

[@gaj30]

@@alisashohat6368 and it'll be like new but still be super comfy and molded to your feet

[@dudeonbike800]

Sad that “throw-away culture” is so ingrained in people. A million comments like this explain why our environment & planet are suffering so badly!

[@bigseandawg1896]

Thongs

[@gregkrazanski]

i want him to do this to my feet

[@picanha694]

or just buy a new one

[@jonathanpasch6604]

The hippie probably demanded gluten-free soy adhesives.