How to Turn Birkenstocks into Barefoot Sandals

[@barefootstrength]

Check out our new Barefoot Shoe Finder: bfs.fit/find-my-shoes

[@hirgcola]

After trying this on an old pair, I decided to take another pair to a shoe repair place and had them redone there. It took a lot of explanation. I know they thought I was crazy, but they did a much better job than I did.

[@hirgcola]

This only cost $25 and buying barefoot sandals is very expensive

[@MrsMMcG]

I understand your point about framed out shoes. Yes they are a crutch, so to speak, and over time our feet weaken because we aren’t doing the job ourselves as we should. Never thought about this before! Thanks for the info ✨🙂✨

[@amyharris7337]

This is brilliant. I've been wearing Birkenstocks for over 30 years and just started wearing barefoot shoes a few months ago, but my go-to is still Birks. I always keep an old pair for gardening shoes when I buy a new pair. I am going to give this a shot with some old ones. Thanks for the detailed tutorial. Great video!

[@HansenFT]

According to barefoot friendly podiatrists any kind of slide or flip flop is very damaging btw. They massively alter one gate, so it's impossible to move/walk in a natural way. Barefoot youtuber "grown and healthy" for instance blame flip flops for many his mobility issues, like flat feet/over pronation. He looks to have knee valgus also.

[@marcusparsley1770]

I love your videos mate. They really help explaining to others they should go barefoot. That modern touch, on barefoot shoes, really needs to be generalized. People think they have to look crazy, and are struggling to become popular enough to make a difference globally.

[@Billy-ho5ms]

Thank you so ingenious! These diy are giving us so many options for minimalist footwear. We need some true dress shoes on board next!!!!

[@toogiibayaraa750]

😊😊😊😀😆😆😆😆😆😀😁😂😆🤣🤣🤣🤣😂🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@aselle1709]

For dress shoes I'd recommend ZAQQ shoes or Groundies.

[@erikamendez4051]

Check out angles fashion. They have great dress shoes for men and cute ballet flats for women. For women I would also check out Lisbeth Joe shoes. They have beautiful sandals.

[@xcisnerosx]

Just did this, feel great, been wearing barefoot shoes about 5 years. I used the Milano so it has a back strap for the heel.

[@josueestrada9522]

Any ideas on how to make the Birkenstock Clogs into barefoot shoes? I love the look but hate the cork

[@foundedbynature]

Same! Let me know if anyone has any good ideas.

[@XeniaAidonopoulou]

what a great idea... Thank you for all the very detailed and clearly demonstrated information as well as links to all the tools needed!

[@idoramon]

That is awesome !! I just tried it with an old pair of Birkenstocks and the separation part was too easy. 😂 i could separate it with my bare hand and no sanding needed the glue was very weak. Now i need to find the right fabric to cover it and it will be perfect.!! Thank you for the great Idea!!

[@dylanlee9191]

Did you find them too big or should I go with my traditional size still? Thanks!

[@idoramon]

@dylanlee9191 hi, I did use a smaller size. But after walking with it for a long time, I can say that it was hurting my knees and heels. I feel that with that type of foot strap, it isn't really good for barefoot. It is great to go around the house, but more than that, for me, it was painful.

[@dm2836]

@@idoramonBecause for proper ergonomics you need to add a back strap around the heel. Most barefoot sandals have a strap around the back of the heel.

[@gaylongraham077]

Birkenstock makes a "sock" liner for the footbed that attaches/sticks on top of the footbed for those that don't like the darkened oily footbed look once it breaks in - this might be a good/easier alternative to the leather liner as it is lasts a long time, is machine washable, and replaceable when it begins to wear out.

[@aylashank6629]

Is there any way to save an older pair that has worn out EVA?

[@chofagoyfrog7531]

People buy those sandals because the design is similar to barefoot shoes (space for toes) witch makes them confortable and they are good looking for everyone, they are made of natural materials that don't make your feet stink. However, the EVA foam is worn out easily and the cork cracks up and separate into pieces in a short amount of time. So what would be truly usefull is to upgrade them into barefoot sandals that would resist for a longer period of time. So you should've kept the leather footbed and stick it with glue to the new more resistant rubber sole and obviously keep the leather straps and buckles.

[@arturogranados1133]

I am in bare feet all day while I work from home and I run in minimalist sandals and shoes. But I have a giant soft spot for my Birkenstocks. They are the sandal I use all year round to run errands/step out casually for all months except February (to snowy) and when it is rainy (then is when I use my other non-minimal shoe the Croc). I like them because I can drive barefoot with them (which is how I prefer to drive to have more control of the vehicle) and when I wear them I am not walking or moving a lot so there is no need for the full range of feel/mobility that comes with wearing nothing at all or something minimal. I personally feel like people shouldn't ruin their Birks like this. They are shoes that can last 20+ years if they are taken care of, sealed, and resoled. If you want a barefoot sandal you can make one fairly cheaply using many of the materials shown in this video, or simply buy a barefoot sandal from Xero or Luna. Plus, if we are being *super* technical, a "barefoot sandal" should not be open backed like this. Because one of the ergonomic flaws of this type of sandal is that it causes your toes to clench unnaturally which can cause issues if one is walking with them for an extended time. So the end result of destroying a pair of Birkenstocks is a shoe that is no better for your foot health, unless you add a back strap that keeps it secure on your foot--and then the only original parts of the sandal are the plastic sole and the leather straps--what is the point of this again?

[@gsherk6978]

Amazing..I can’t wait to do this to my knock of pair🎉 Thank you for precise, clear instructions and tips❤

[@johngaspar4425]

for the holes on the straps use a very small socket (1/4 drive on an extension) to punch out the holes, you'll be amazed at the clean hole. It's the outside size of the socket that will make the hole. If you don't have that then you could look for a very small hard steel tube somewhere - worth it in the results. They do make hole punches if you think you'll get mre use out of them.

[@evoo6]

amazing job ha ha . Great great points about foot and walking in this vid mentioned as well. Wow respect :)

[@eleonoramatok]

thank you so much for this video. All my shoes are barefoot, but somehow you can not get nice barefoot slippers. I had my eyes on Birkenstock recently, and had the same idea of taking the cork out.. and here you are showing it step by step!!! thank you again. !!!!

[@anotherhumanoid]

This has to be the best idea ever. Thanks!

[@nancytait6650]

Have you done a pair with a toe strap? I have Yara’s that I would like to try

[@davidlaksa]

That is incredible. I was wondering how to do this. I got a good imagination with modifications but I didn’t think about what you did. I’ll practice with used auction Birks.

[@fabulously695]

the only thing I would maybe change, is the cut the leather for the inner sole a bit too big and then cut it after its glued with a razor, as close to the sole as possible

[@thatzevy]

Awesome Work Sir, THANK YOU FOR UPLOADING! I love the quality & durability of my Birkenstocks but that cork is so painful to break into!

[@sparra3819]

Interesting! I'm 60 but for decades I find I don't do terribly well walking on concrete sidewalks, mall hallways, etc as there's no natural give or spring to those terrains. Pavement is actually more forgiving, I truly feel the difference. My left foot is a tad flat and my right hip is "loose" giving me additional problems. I do rely on a gel or sturdy foam or cork footbed or stacked leather.... for cushioning the impact. I am barefoot all summer or crocs with socks all winter while home. Would love to try this for a pair of trail walkers, camp shoes.... that kind of thing. Nice work!

[@sparra3819]

omygosh.. am checking out your full channel now... how to fix flat feet!!!! yay... will give it a go : D

[@davidlaksa]

I’m 65 so I use a shoe for running for that day. If my foot is tired, soft shoe, if not ‘socks’. Everything in between. So it’s a dynamic shoe show for now. I want too try this video, my feet are getting stronger so I need more earthly shoes.

[@lonestarrredrogue93]

Thanks a lot! Where was this 2 months ago!! 🤣🤣🤣 Just gave away all my Birkenstock because I'm into barefoot shoes only now! Wait! I've got 1 pair still left.😃 Too bad the original lining can't be reapplied. Thank for this info. Going to give it a go.👍

[@drygnfyre]

Since this video has come out, Softstar has released the Camino, which is basically a minimal Arizona. I've picked up a pair and really like them. Although I still prefer how yours looks aesthetically. If I had the technical skills, I'd probably do the mod myself.

[@KLTaylor]

Brilliant tutorial.

[@LizLow81]

This is great, thank you for making this! I have two pairs of Birkenstocks that are well worn but I don’t reach for because the cork bed hurts my feet. I’ll definitely give this a go.

[@88ifly]

Thank you so much for this video! I will definitely convert a few pair! Now I can replace my way too thick crocks with something much better!

[@trish3580]

I cannot thank you enough for this video!!!! I knew there MUST be a way to do this! Thank you so much for explaining everything so well, for being so concise without being overly technical. This is EXACTLY the shoe I've been wanting to wear in my home especially since my feet are very difficult to fit. Slightly different sizes like many, but the arches NEVER feel correct (plus beginnings of plantar f. Now off to get supplies. Wishing you all the best!

[@exactam0]

Excellent hack! I like Birkenstock sandals but have previously been unable to wear them because I only like to wear zero drop footwear.

[@jemrealalcaraz9593]

how have i never thought of this..? THANK YOU

[@starlifeforce]

I have the Arizona model and they're great. I'm going to look for some used ones for this.

[@jamierguillory]

Oh my goodness! This is amazing! I was looking up how to make my own shoes simply because barefoot minimal shoes and sandals are so dang expensive. I love my Birkenstocks but they are really bulky. I'm going to do this with them asap.

[@JamesdeRee]

Great Video. Very keen to try it with my old worn-out pair. Wondering if a thin flat layer of cork would be better than using a piece of leather for the new footbed. Keen to know if anybody has tried this.

[@fraconadventure1885]

Great job

[@Baleiric]

Two years ago I adapted to barefoot shoes. Last week I broke a toe, and I was told I needed support for it and Birkenstocks would work. I don't want to wear something so rigid and hurt my arches. Could you recommend minimalist sandals that I could add support to for a temporary time?

[@fraconadventure1885]

Be Lenka Flexi

[@InspiredByBrad]

How perceivable is the tread felt on the feet? I struggle badly with barefoot shoes that don’t have flat tread like Vivobarefoot Gobi. Even the Xero shoes bruised my metatarsal area on long walks where the vivos did not.

[@verb9602]

can this be done with the flip flop style birkenstock?

[@arcobalenonellorto8994]

Can I do it also with a pair of Birkenstock that are not open sandals?

[@kapitaninknickohr6359]

thanks for the video! i was browsing for great barefoot sandals as I only own my old birks but stopped wearing regular shoes 2 years ago. now I don't have to buy new shoes!!:))

[@xbeastly8764]

is this possible with the Boston birkenstocks?

[@Anton-zb9dc]

Its easyer to make diy barefoot shoes...

[@violetatio3224]

It is very helpful.thank you for sharing.

[@heyyitsandy]

I love my birks, but this looks like a great project….. Maybe I’ll get a beater pair and try it out!

[@evoo6]

Awesome!!!

[@sparra3819]

I am wanting to modify my Birkenstock footbeds but only to reduce the knoll that I feel below my exterior ankles. These knolls provide a pressure point to the outside edge of both feet and make my feet/ankles/knees even pronate more than they already do. I'm thinking of drilling multiple small holes into these knolls would allow them to flatten out and eliminate my issue with the sandals. I'm wondering if you have any thoughts re my doing this? I release you of any responsibility re my compensation should I blow it, whether I do or do not take any advice given : p

[@ArianaGrandeButeraVevoo]

Nice Idea 💡

[@tylersmyler]

I think this is brilliant. Can I ship mine over to you? how much do you charge?

[@shirleyanand7009]

Where to get this in India (Bangalore) please advise

[@mddeebp4445]

that is fantastic, thanks!

[@ChristysChannelYall]

I wear the smallest size in a narrow. I wonder if I can make this work.

[@jlcastanon86]

you could alway line them up with thin cork again no?

[@justkleedesigns]

Can you do this with converse?

[@HansenFT]

It's easier. Rip out inner sole. Outer sole is no more than 5mm approximately. I did this as an introduction to barefoot wile waiting for real ones to arrive in the mail. People say it works with vans also. BUT they are both way way to narrow in the foot box to be even close to actually barefoot friendly, just slightly better than most shoes.

[@Kingzquestofficial]

Has anyone done this successfully with the birkenstock gizeh model?

[@Gr33nHerb]

much easier to just buy some eva foam sole , some leather and make them yourself !

[@paulrey8036]

Can You make "barefoot mattress" ?

[@cindyriehm7411]

Why would I take out of the cork!

[@donnahamilton253]

I would prefer to buy a barefoot walking shoe then create one myself. What is the best brand you can recommend?

[@aselle1709]

Your content is so useful and interesting. Thank you!

[@TheLuxeLifeCollective]

But why buy these sandals if you have to destroy them?

[@anitahensley720]

Because we own the birks already and want to only have barefoot style shoes!!!

[@ce_rouse]

Maybe you should call them "Barekenstocks". 🤔😏

[@Denvercoder]

Bro, you can get a pair of Xero Genesis sandals for $19.99

[@louisamann7261]

Yes but it's more sustainable to make adjustments to what we already have instead of always buying new

[@boygenius538_8]

@@louisamann7261 It's more sustainable to not gut a perfectly good shoe. Just sell it then, or donate it.

[@dharmapunk777]

y'all are nuts

[@EricHanefi]

Throughout the entire video, my brain was like; why would you do that?

[@laurenstorck8417]

Forget the knife just wear them for a couple years straight in all kinds of weather and they'll come right apart!

[@wimm1392]

Great idea, they really look good. I never liked the Cork but will add silicone arch support. Thanks very much.

[@smilingdog54]

The soles are rubber so it is not for grounding

[@wyodino6245]

Wouldn't it be better to use the cork for the sole instead of the eva foam. Cork is a natural substance and can transfer earths frequency instead of blocking it with foam,..a synthetic.???

[@barefootstrength]

The first issue is that the cork sole contains arch support, which is not barefoot esc. Another issue pertains to the thickness of the cork which is 3x that of the EVA under sole. So, leaving the cork in tact would leave the shoe too thick to be called ‘barefoot.’ Further, the cork is less durable than the EVA foam, so it would quickly wear out. Finally, the upper straps attach to the EVA foam… so by removing it, there would be nothing holding the straps to the sole. All this being said, you make a great point about the cork being a natural material that is more conductive of the earths frequencies. I definitely see a great opportunity for barefoot shoe manufacturers to produce a Birkenstock style sandal with 100% natural materials

[@wyodino6245]

@@barefootstrength Your video was super interesting and innovative. Thank you for your very thoughtful and thorough explanation and reply. Cheers

[@barefootstrength]

@@wyodino6245 thank you for taking the time to watch it through and comment 🙏 really appreciate your feedback and support 😁

[@arturtwardowski8537]

It's much easier, to buy bearfoot sandals...

[@Carlie_flower]

My Birkenstocks are like 10+ years old and the cork sole naturally fell out of both the other day 😅 i love them too much to let them go and im barefoot 90% of the time. This is great to see because now i can keep wearing my birks and theyll be even closer to barefoot haha

[@rojioyama248]

Defeats the purpose of the sandal: great arch support to prevent fatigue. Why would anyone do this?

[@kevincremin4057]

It's the arch support in shoes that is making the feet weak. At least that is the idea behind barefoot/minimalist shoes. It does feel weird to rip apart a well made(not cheap) sandal. I have berkinstocks that I like but have started wearing other barefoot shoes recently and feel much better in the barefoot shoes, so I am considering doing this to my birkenstocks as well.

[@boygenius538_8]

This is honestly a waste, jus buy actual barefoot sandals, there probably better and don't require you to butcher a high quality shoe that lasts years.

[@ArialTheCat]

This is great for people who own Birkenstock but want to transition to barefoot shoes. I have been wearing barefoot shoes for a few years but still keep my Birkenstock. I don’t wear them anymore but don’t want to get rid of them. I might try this.

[@davidrosenthal5795]

Better idea, don’t.

[@jackburkhardt7]

Well that just defeats the entire purpose of the Birkenstock sandal

[@deanponton93]

What a way to destory a good shoe, why even buy birkenstocks to begin with lol

[@heinrichresnick1196]

Kinda defeats the purpose of buying birks, and wouldn’t it be easier to just build it up from scratch instead of break an existing one down?

[@Snaketamer-w4y]

I was thinking the same thing. You can find really good deals on used and old stock Birks. You would have to compare the cost of a second hand pair vs the supplies to construct from scratch.

[@Snaketamer-w4y]

Maybe you can purchase new pieces from a Birk store and assemble yourself? I'm going to check out that option.

[@Fvrid]

U could of gave them to me bro😫

[@cristenc.7886]

They look way better lol

[@amyx231]

I’ll be happy to make you some barefoot sandals using rubber sole and leather straps, if you buy me a pair of Birks in exchange! The cork is the magic in these. Taking it away…😢

[@MrMt42304]

This defeats the purpose of owning Birkenstock footwear. You buy them, not for their style or anything else. Rather, you buy them for the footbed, which they invented. This is rather wasteful.

[@hazehaze0]

OMG and I throw mine away when they are falling apart 😢

[@moijesuismoi99]

What a waste of time and money - people could just buy a pair of thin rubber slippers

[@matthewelliottheinen]

This is insanity.

[@prapra15777]

can you make me a pair? I'll pay you!

[@flow9175]

swet

[@edwardeverett5627]

Why spend all that money when you can get a cheap pair or the final product on Amazon?

[@itsjustmellp2253]

I am NOT going to take a $160 pain of Berki's and putting THAT much work into destroying them when I can BUY a pair fr $40. 😂😂😂😂

[@johntay3831]

You guys need to chill. He is just doing an experiment.

[@marg857]

Still unhealthy!! You need a secure-strap around your ankle: "Flip Flops are bad! (Sliders/Mules)" by "Grown and Healthy"

[@williamsegalla4858]

How could you do this too a $200 fucking sandal? I worship mine!!

[@adorablegodzilla5628]

People aren't doing this to a new sandal. Just old ones in their closet etc. Once you go barefoot or get into barefoot shoes, arch support will irritate your foot.

[@Andrew-it7fb]

Where are you that they cost $200? I might do it with mine. I no longer wear any shoes with arch support.

[@ronaldcarr4271]

Lol

[@northernswedenstories1028]

Humans were also not meant to walk and concrete yet here we are. I don't think bare foot shoes are great on concrete

[@themonsterunderyourbed9408]

It's idiotic how expensive barefoot shoes are. Makes me think the entire industry is a scam. Especially when they have less material and a simpler construction/manufacturing process.

[@abu.hanifah1442]

Minimalism is so fake. Some of the most expensive things are "minimalist". This is a good project for really cheap knockoffs not a $150 to $200 pair of new Birks. Once the EVA is worn out, your kind of stuck though.

[@ymer2501]

it is cool & great video but....too much work, efforts & time consuming just to have a barefoot sandals. might as well get any barefoot sandals from real barefoot brands such as luna, xero etc.... people might says these brands are costly but comparing the energies, time & efforts to diy the birkenstocks, more or less it is just the same. the proper one, the cost is clearly the money but save the energy, time & effort where else the diy one, cheap for the money but gonna spend so much on time, energy & effort plus you need to have tons of tools just make a sandal.

[@nauheemang6854]

Such a waste of time and money. Birkenstocks are expensive and you just ruined it

[@frankytanky5076]

This really is just stupid. I personally don’t like birks because I don’t like forced arch support but there are much much worse things out there for your feet than the mostly flat hard footbed Birkenstocks. Just buy a cheaper pair of barefoot sandals and don’t ruin your birks. Maybe give them to someone else instead if you already got a pair.

[@ludwig8474]

Birkenstocks are cheaper than a lot of barefoot sandals. This is mainly a video aimed at people that have old Birkenstocks but have switched to barefoot shoes. So it’s saving them money.

[@ohcra]

Um….

[@cnavar532]

This is nonsense.... Destroy a birkenstock sandal just to keep the sole and the stripes.... Is like to buy a Mercedes to keep the wheels. And flexible sandals are not always the most confortables.

[@rudeboy7456]

Looks awful