Repairing 16 Year Old Birkenstocks: Total Transformation by KW Shoe Repair

[@KWSHOEREPAIR]

We made another Birkenstock Repair Video. Watch Here >> kzbin.info/www/bejne/e2rXd3VjZsaViqM

[@lalilalo06]

Great video too (the other video), but the cork sole is not so worn out than this. And i would have liked to see how you repair this one. ☹️ (In this video)

[@edz2974]

I’ve replaced the soles on two pairs of Birkenstocks using a heat gun to remove the soles. Gluing up was easy. Next the trim work then using a sanding wheel on a dremel to finish the soles. Finally a hand polish of the leather with a light scrubbing of the footbed. I love my Birkenstocks especially since I learned to extend their life expectancy.

[@KWSHOEREPAIR]

👍

[@meowjakx3]

Those were someone's absolute favorite shoes. They were very well loved. I bet they're glad to have them back to new again!

[@SocalRAB]

They were paying for sentimental value. Those shoes meant something to this person.

[@aleisterlavey9716]

Totally. Plus I takes while to get those walked in to a perfect fit. My dad even once send his beloved crops to repair the no longer existing sole. Now he got crocs with a better sole than most no-name sneakers.

[@LeonaRasalas]

Can understand. Best shoes I’ve ever owned.

[@AdamG1]

Not really sentimental, more practical. It takes about a month of daily wear to get the footbeds molded perfectly to your feet and once that happens, they're the most comfortable shoes you can get. I've got a pair that's 20 years old that get repaired every few years. It used to be cheaper than buying a new pair but the prices have stayed the same since I bought them. The standard Arizonas have always been $99.95. I bought a second pair 2 years ago for the same price. Labor has gone up. Recorking and new soles now cost $60, used to be $30. Better for the environment as well. Certainly worth the cost of the shoes. It's much more economical to buy one pair for $100-$150 and they last forever than spending $20 on a new cheap pair every 6 months if you wear them all the time

[@AdamG1]

I'll be honest, I was kinda disappointed that the recorking process is a trade secret. Always wondered how they did that. I'm assuming you're an authorized Birkenstock repair shop since you have the sole material, is it some sort of process that you have to learn in order to be an authorized repair shop? I guess the ultimate question is if I can get the same results at any authorized shop. I have 3 pairs of birks and always worried when they're in the shop, it takes about a month to wear them in before they're perfect.

[@TgWags69]

Not so difficult. It appears he used a synthetic cork eva sheet. Heat mold this over a last to create a heel cup. Skive and glue this into the original cork footbed. He grinds this down leaving it woefully wavy as crap then glues on a piece of real cork to make it seem like it was original. It will hold together but not top notch work either. Also you can buy the birkenstock outsoling pattern at any shoe repair supply house. No special training or anything required.

[@PotassiumOxide]

Same. I was waiting for that part 😩

[@CMQ824]

Yes they used multicork to repair the heel and then a layer of Birkicork to match the rest. you don't have to be an authorized shop to get hold of the birki soling material. Just in an industry that can buy from a supplier that carries it.

[@pedro-cp7pp]

I stopped when a read that!

[@xrl1193]

Nothing special.

[@Trooper738]

You must be the cleanest cobbler on the face of this earth. Nails are clean no garbage in the shop I’m amazed and impressed! You take pride in what you do!

[@TERRENCEJJR]

Goes along With the pink razor.

[@mascarenhas9624]

@@TERRENCEJJR well say, and his hands🤔 wow...fantastic

[@TERRENCEJJR]

@@mascarenhas9624 Yup finely manicured lol.

[@TERRENCEJJR]

@the bronze james I'm making assumptions and also using stereotypes. I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings so I'll leave it at that.

[@YouStinkFather]

He probably shaves every hour.

[@yanz6739]

For some people, it's not about the price to fix the things compare with buy the new one. It's all about "values" that stuff. History's defeniately priceless..

[@Hermanb1915]

The only part worth seeing, wasn't shown! Why make a " repair" film then anyway?

[@lydiaanderson3312]

@Hello Herman B, How are you doing?

[@theTurtleChiropractor]

I should have read this comment before watching

[@RichieLanderos]

Thanks for the heads up

[@peadookie]

Which part was the part "worth seeing"?

​@@peadookierestoring the heel

[@ReneAlexisPenalozaMunoz]

I have a pair of B sandals and the rubber wore off on the heels because of my supination. Took them to my local cobbler and the rubber he used is such good quality that they’re still going strong like after 5 years plus. I have another brand new pair still in the box for when the final day comes to throw them away but looks like it’s gonna be some time. Great video.

[@nancyoffenhiser4916]

I guess you could say this is a well-loved pair of Birkenstocks but dear God in heaven I never let mine get that bad I'm too afraid that the person who's repairing them Will say: " I can't help you".. I have old style Londons in black and brown that I purchased in 1995 and they're still going strong, they've been resoled but I've never let that sole get down to the cork.. yikes.. Well Done!! Great Job!

[@KWSHOEREPAIR]

Preventive care is key. These were difficult to save but we're always up for a good challenge :)

[@nancyoffenhiser4916]

@@KWSHOEREPAIR You did a fantastic job!!

[@knitrelax]

Great video! My cobbler is a miracle worker and has kept me happy and my Birks up and running.

[@2degucitas]

Doesn't the Birks company repair them anymore?

[@chandarussell]

Birkenstocks are my favourite types of shoe. I’ve got quite a collection. I’ve wanted to get them repaired but I’m always told they’ll resole them but not recork them. Not even Birckenstock will recork them. This is great.

[@cradlemonsterp9309]

Reasons for repairing that I can immediately think of: 1. Use less leather = killing less animals. 2. Possibly less CO2 emission and pollution (no need for tanning etc) 3. Supporting local craftsmen and business. (New shoes are usually made other countries) 4. No or less break-in and leather already shaped by your foot 5. Sentimental value

[@whitegoodman7465]

The leather used is a by product of the food industry in most cases if sourced ethically, the animal isnt used for its leather then throw in a ditch.

[@thecheshirecat999]

@@whitegoodman7465if you do your research, you will find out you are wrong.

[@michaeldbhawker3556]

@@thecheshirecat999 Actually you are wrong and he said "most cases".

[@jackboysen2373]

Pretty shure that we eat whats under the skin. Using the skin is a bonus.

[@thecheshirecat999]

If you tipe "Is meat a byproduct of the meat industry?" on google, you'll find out it is a more complex topic. Like I said, do your research

[@joannabuchanan3287]

So glad it could be repaired; the uppers of the shoes is beautiful and in excellent condition. If I had foresight at the time I would have saved my father's shoe making and repair tools he had every equipment necessary it was one of his hobbies and I find myself so inclined too, been known to fix my own shoes also a few of my friends in the past 👍

[@2degucitas]

I would LOVE to have a heavy duty sewing machine for leather and shoe making/repair

[@kathryndeloria1834]

Nice job. I worked in a shoe repair shop for awhile on the sewing machines and dyeing shoes. Loved it.

[@shereemorgan1430]

I own a few pairs of Birkenstock's. They are so comfortable once they are broken in.

[@YouSeeSorrows]

Trade secret - threw them in the garbage and got some in better shape 🤣 Joking of course. But man those things were gone. It's amazing he saved them. The upper was pretty much all that was salvageable.

[@PolySammo]

I have taken my Birkenfakes in and had Birkenstocks footbeds put on. It's $100. So worth it to have bright pretty Shoes with the support of Birkenstocks o

[@toms6292]

You really deserve the best Sir you are putting in hard work re crafting these shoes. Your page is very under rated. Your page will be huge in no time!

[@KWSHOEREPAIR]

Thank you so much

[@tombjornebark]

Support your local cobbler! Reducing waste and keeping human skills alive!!

[@jevans6915]

I'll wager that the cork section that required replacing, is not solid cork but a more solid material wrapped in cork. This will provide a much more firmer bed thus preventing the collapsing effect which happened originally. That's just my guess. Great restoration.

[@g.s777]

Dude i love watching cobbler's work these shoes were destroyed he literally made them brand new again!

[@김세영-e7t]

수선의 달인이네요!!베리굿입니다.솜씨가 뛰어나요~^^

[@heatherm6105]

I’m also from Calgary and now I’m stoked. Maybe I’ll send him my partners Birkenstock’s too lol

[@yanniegrannie]

Hey me too, we could send many pairs from calgary!

[@mrandmrscorona8658]

Footbed repairs at 10:52, one second later heart breaks…

[@championkhamis12]

👍 I didn’t watch from that point, switched to the end to see the final result. Wasn’t too impressed really

[@mrandmrscorona8658]

Will re-watch

[@Nick-oq6bv]

The only reason I watched this video was the part he refused to show. Sad

[@thekreativekat1709]

how did you fix the cork? You skipped and suddenly there was more material.

[@Greyseason519]

Ahh my hometown. If those were sold at factory Shoe, i might have sold them. That was my very first job at 15.

[@AB-jm3iu]

Cleanest and neatest shoe repair store.

[@lauriehayes4591]

I wore B for years and years. Then I went to Crocs. Foot Doc said I need more support. Back to my B's. When I was living in Los Angeles, I knew where to go for repair. Now, so many places have closed. I am keeping this address for repair!!

[@bluegrassman3040]

@frd liem there made of rubber, so there’s nothing to repair. Just buy new ones.

[@rogerwilkoson]

I'm impressed! I didn't think they could be done.

[@teelesynclair5902]

Same

[@lydiaanderson3312]

@Hello Cris DeRaud, How are you doing?

[@VishKrish1]

My grandfather had an axe . I replaced the handle after it was broken . A few years later i replaced the head . Is it still my grandfather’s axe ?

[@AikeAlexanderSteentoft]

Great job! I love the patina of these Birkenstocks. Which current model and leather type would I have to buy to get something similar in a couple of years?

[@leeonmyscreen]

Excellent craftsmanship. Thank you for the education and showing me the art of shoe restoration. This was intriguing and “my ‘shoe’ off to you”.

[@paulorcrs]

what art did he showed? he even skipped the finish....

[@toussaintmary]

Good to know that there is a shop less then an hour away that does shoe repair. Ps Kitchener is my home town)

[@maharmusicstudio1733]

Very important craft we don’t think much about these days.

[@flamingvans1135]

For some reason, the cork in Birkenstock soles, as they age, does a magician's vanishing act. I've got a pair of Milanos where the cork is crumbling, and they're on borrowed time.

[@janerios3497]

You are a real craftsman. Great work!

[@mehdigayret1428]

What are that traditional secret steps.... Send me im from turkey repair shoes.

[@jesmatgin]

Hi...I use thermal cork...lasts so much longer and very easy to work with...personally I would have purchased a new footbed from your supplier....for $100 you would have still made a good profit and would have given the customer a new suede lining to boot....consider it in your future repairs...saves you so much time...and in this business time is money...good job though.

[@jimmycroce9902]

If the customer wanted new foot beds, she would've just bought a new pair. I'm sure she had them repaired because Birks are hard to break in and these already are. New suede lining would've been fine. Plus, thermal cork looks nothing like Birko cork.

[@aayotechnology]

How’s it save time ?

[@Zizou3663]

Why do u say what u use? He didn’t share the knowledge with anybody

[@jesmatgin]

Jimmy...the point is that the footbed sometimes has a point of diminishing returns and the customer would get so much more life and birks are not hard to break in at all...also the most important point is that building up the cork with regular cork won't make the footbeds last very long...time is money...when you are on the other side you would understand...all good man

[@jesmatgin]

aayotechnology...building up a very worn cork footbed takes crazy time...if you do it properly...taking the straps off a pair of birks takes no time at all...again...time is money

[@juliescott1504]

I had a shoes repaired and it was very expensive. I could have just bought new shoes cheaper. This was an amazing example of craftsmanship but why didn’t the person just buy a brand new pair. Probably didn’t cuz after all those years they were really broken in and probably sooo comfortable

[@gwarlow]

@Julie Scott I don’t think there is a “break in” period for Birkenstocks. ;-) I had a pair that I bought while travelling in Germany, and they were by far the most comfortable shoe I have owned. Cheers.

[@violetviolet888]

It can take a full month for the cork to form to your feet. And sentimental value of your experiences in a certain pair of shoes is priceless.

[@EdwardPike]

I really want to see the cork heal replacement. Thats the part that I cant find anywhere.

[@Rizziculous]

I've watched a lot of differed shoe repairs by different channels on here and I can tell you the amount of glue this man uses is GENEROUS to say the least lol

[@crumbsnatcher74]

what about the footbed? The suede wasn't cleaned and restored?

[@peterayls]

I had the same thought. I own a pair of the same model. I have had the soles and footbeds replaced twice, and each time the came with a new suede liner. I always just figured that Birkenstock made complete new footbeds that the uppers could be glued on to and then add a new tread.

[@christinaamcg871]

From Hamilton, Ontario. Watch a lot of Bedo Leatherworks, must've led me here! Super cool you guys are close by!!

[@SergioPena20]

So when you said “trade secret step” I’m assuming you got a new midsole, beveled the edge and then glued it to the original?

[@KWSHOEREPAIR]

hey there, we'll be making a new video soon to show details of this step.

[@SergioPena20]

@@KWSHOEREPAIR oh ok. It’s what I envisioned while I watched the video. I can’t wait to see it.

[@Chrisb8s]

Did the owner want to keep the footbed? I had a 40 year old pair of birkies redone and they were like new when I got them back

[@KWSHOEREPAIR]

Yes, they requested to use the same footbed. The reason is that, although they've already purchased a new pair, they can't get comfortable with it. Their foot has adapted to this footbed, and they find it difficult to use any other.

[@justrandom7799]

Honestly man, how much would the repair cost if i buy a new one?

[@patrickcousino7246]

I’m a little late to this video, but what is that sole material? The material that meets the ground. I’ve seen Vibram material for sandals and flops while researching other projects, but I haven’t come across the one in this video…

[@andreahallas5196]

That is what comes on birks from the factory. It's an EVA material.

[@patrickcousino7246]

@@andreahallas5196 Ahhhhhh, gotcha. Thank you

[@RobertLaussegger]

What's next? Resoling Flip-flops? Restiching espadrilles?

[@runit5772]

Wow 16 years old those things were saved from the trash you made them like brand new again I just so happened to like Birkenstock what's a repair like that cost

[@jc-xv2tf]

Why did you not show replacing the cork heel on the left one?

[@camilledavisrusso9509]

Took my 20 year old Birkenstocks to be re-soled for the fourth time and was told by two different shoe stores that it can't be done. I did not let them get worn down. Now, however, some of the cork is coming out from under the tips of my toes. What's the problem with these shops?

[@KWSHOEREPAIR]

There is time that they don't want to to this type of work. But there is also possibility that they don't know how!

[@gusmonster59]

I sent mine to a Birkie repair place. They put new Birkenstock footbeds on and cleaned up the tops. I now have 'new' birkies again.

[@aayotechnology]

They replaced the entire bottom? How much that cost?

[@garyh4458]

Those are some funky old shoes.

[@jonathanhaji-sadeghi4983]

The only thing I was interested in seeing how it got done after seeing the condition of the shoes was completely cut out lol. Genuinely wondering though, this much of a restoration process, why not jsut buy new ones? How much did this job cost?

[@gu5gu5]

ha! same here..."trade secrets" geez...im thinking hot cork for the core of those heels, some sanding and then it seems like a strip of cork sheet wrapped around!

[@soarindragon603]

@@gu5gu5 you should patent that solution! LoL 🤣

[@soarindragon603]

@@gu5gu5 would hot cork sand smooth? The heels looked really smooth post sanding. You can see the cork strip as a separate layer.

[@NilsAhrstrom]

So... this repair is cheaper than buying new a pair of Birkenborks? Anyhow, it is a very ecofriendly alternative, and now I'm a subscriber.

[@738polarbear]

Just WHY is this eco-friendly ?

[@spd3ictpro]

@@738polarbear less waste production.. Compared to throw away and buy new one method..

[@wiryawan2007]

the secret midsole step is the most important haha

[@tenchannel8895]

Where is the footbed part

[@stefanocassellasilva1036]

Hi, how much it would be to do the same repair but with a 2 strap sandals?

[@Thysillia]

No shade to the camera person, its not an easy job, but I think during closeups like the sole removal it might help if they moved around less, especially if you have to rely on auto-focus. Still a good job though.

[@mdhbh]

I wish we had a shop like this in America.

[@1sharewithu771]

I live in Tallahassee, FL and we have a wonderful place called The Cobbler Shop. I have to increase the height of my left soles as I have a short leg. He also repairs leather handbags. I would guess that most cities still have cobblers.

[@erikpedersen7843]

Now thats a craftsman🙂👌💪

[@evilish888]

I think the restore option should have been done about 10,000 foot steps ago and maybe a new pair would have been in order. But hey, the old foot smell is something some people just can't let go of

[@gabeah]

😂😂😂💯

[@lydiaanderson3312]

@Hello Mike Clements, How are you doing?

[@my6girlz]

20.14 the cork is cracked where the leather ends, hope it'll hold up?

[@AbuMalik10149]

How much would a repair like this cost? I can’t imagine it would be much cheaper than buying a new pair

[@funkingitup1805]

Skilled craftsman, probably 3-4 hours over a couple days, about $55 an hour. About $165-220 for full restoration. New shoe is $155 MSRP and cheaper on sale. Pretty much you'd have to have sentimental value or really hate breaking in leather. Any though of sustainability is a moot point as leather is a byproduct of meat production that happens anyway, and the shipping results in more net carbon emissions than the creation of a new shoe.

[@funkingitup1805]

Recrafting & Resoling Birkenstocks Prices (fair prices listed on their website) Original Birkenstocks Full Sole $75 EVA with welt and color blocking $175 Birkenstock footbed Restoration $35 Leather Welt $50 Zephir rubber welt $50 Rubber Mid Sole $20 Leather Mid Sole $35

[@picanha694]

I would just throw it away.

[@Andybruff]

I hope to one day have the money to just throw away expensive shoes

[@takminglee8108]

please tell me where can be repaired in Hong Kong ?

[@Knockout0512]

Instant hands down when you saw trade secret. I'm not into shoe repair trade but curious to how it is being repair. Else is standard technique restoring a pair of Birks.

[@marcoe.6987]

What does a repair like this cost in 2022? I have a pair like this that has the cork wearing out and also the bottom sole.

[@KWSHOEREPAIR]

$120CA

[@oz41R]

Super exacto knife skills !!

[@Joke79]

what's the name of the outsole?

[@takminglee8108]

which place can be repaired in hong kong?

[@fattmouth7715]

Cool video man

[@mikeyderbs]

I have a pair of maison martin margiela future high top with a hole on the inside of the heel From wear over the past 8 years. Could you fix them?

[@KWSHOEREPAIR]

For repair inquiries please contact us at [e-mail]

[@b122082099]

What’s the different if you buy a new pair?

[@KWSHOEREPAIR]

Not much difference.

[@sudan8300]

Awesome, waste not need not, doesn't it ?

[@Sampardhanani]

Well made , right from the video to the shoes . Amazing.

[@r3nzki30]

Is it ok to get wet in the rain in Birkenstock?

[@MrCoolbeanstogo]

what kind of glue do you use? what brand?

[@KWSHOEREPAIR]

Sar 56

[@imranraja2745]

Would have been nice if you changed the inner sole too. Overall a great finish 👍

[@missmyoldhandle24]

The inner sole is usually WHY people have these shoes repaired instead of buying a new pair. They're already formed to one's foot

[@Mint-cb2vc]

Dude wants to get another 16 years outta those Birkies 😂

[@Prasetyo112]

Brapa biaya perbaikannya?

[@Ponnybit]

what pissed me off, and i mean REALLY, it's that i am in europe, birks are made in germany and i can only find places overseas to repair them, that just beats me down like a dog. nice job, cheers!

[@chrisz.9974]

How much does a service like this cost? I think it would be cool to do a Vibram sole.

[@junkobison]

Awesome work

[@AlfredbNewman]

Birkenstocks are for a special sort of fella

[@TheAlientwilight21]

I see that Wood Filler in the Sole…lol sands well great repair

[@luceliarossi7712]

Good job!!! Congratulations!

[@bobshiruncle7746]

I've had my Birkinstocks for 18 years, only had three new soles and two new uppers....

[@audreymcleod4076]

Can they still be called Birkenstocks as they have been rebuilt?

[@JEEDUHCHRI]

Sandals of Theseus…

[@franziskasusli5055]

Tolle Arbeit🤔👏👏Aber leider wurde uns nicht der interessanteste Teil gezeigt , wie die Korksohle repariert wurde. Hätte mich jetzt echt interessiert😉

[@jillcrapo7159]

How much do you charge to resole a pair of Birkenstocks?

[@total2199]

I have Birkenstocks, probably, 10 years old, but worn out the same way….may I send them to you for repair?

[@KWSHOEREPAIR]

Hi Igor, please email us a couple pictures of your Birkenstocks to get started: [e-mail]. Thank you!

[@total2199]

@@KWSHOEREPAIR You got it! I will do it tomorrow first thing in the morning!

[@soq_space]

why u cut the video when replace the material ??

[@mbaker8554]

Fantastic, fabulous great job.👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾👍🏾

[@Korrsuchiang]

Nice work

[@MattyEyes]

What happens if the shoe rips while peeling the sole off?

[@KewpieGirl]

interesting I didnt know u can fix it. I have my 8 yrs old ecco women's sandal shoes and my back sole damage cracked just like 16 yrs old birkenstocks, similiar damage on the back. But mines still in good condition on my foot pad because its like new and clean but the sole is damaged on both....I can't find the right repair shoe shop here....

[@KWSHOEREPAIR]

Hi there, thank you for your msg! We might be able to assist you through our 'Ship-to-us' program. Feel free to email us direct to find out more: [e-mail]. Thanks!

[@mikehopkins4040]

Why didn't you put them under the heat lamp instead of pulling the shoe about like that . There is always the chance of ripping the upper or as you did when you used the solvent.You could see on the left shoe where you ripped the shoe at the toe, should have stitched a patch on as with wear the upper may slip away from the sole otherwise a pretty decent job.

[@yhonezjorsie7473]

How much was the repair? Pretty nice results🙌

[@johnny555]

An extensive repair like this usually ends up being about 2/3 the price of a new pair. Sometimes on par but even then, you usually end up with higher quality than the original.

[@yhonezjorsie7473]

@@johnny555 ohh.. I have an old birks too since I was in H.S. but it got destroyed coz I used it during a flood, i lovemy old birks, it lasted like 15yrs with me 😭 love the video I wish I had the money to have it restored 😞 love from the Philippines😘