Repairing My 10 Year Old Birkenstocks!

[@kchhay]

Chin’s my dad! It’s actually Chhim 😂. Thank you Levi for capturing his personality in this video. LOL ❤️

[@LeahandLevi]

What!? This is amazing! My apologies for the mispronunciation. He’s such an awesome guy. Thanks for leaving this comment 🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼

[@Noukz37]

You're lucky to have such an awesome dad!

[@kchhay]

@@Noukz37 He is the best dad and grandpa😍 We are always laughing together.🙏🏼

[@fasteddy07]

Your dad’s a true Gem!

[@nhimsopheak]

Are you Cambodian sister? Your name does sound like one

[@theladyinthetinymanor]

Chin is just so cheerful and kind… We just need way more people like him in stores. It would be such a great experience for customers ! I hope this video will bring him even more recognition for this work ! ♥️

[@DownieLive]

WE NEED MORE CHIN!!!!

[@Swimdeep]

Double Chin!

[@Nicole-gt7nv]

Yeah. What else can Chin repair? What a wholesome man. protect him at all costs

[@jenohogan9254]

No socks. That man seems like such a sweetheart. Also, you two are adorable.

[@LeahandLevi]

Right?! Thanks for the nice comment Jen. 🙋🏻‍♂️❤️

[@ashchinda179]

Okay Chin!!!! I need to find him! Breathing life back into my soul!

[@nathanturner8761]

*sole 😜

[@danielsykes7558]

This was badass, such a good repair job (and upgrade). That man is the kindest of gods, and so talented. And finally, y'all are adorable.

[@LeahandLevi]

Awe spanks Daniel. ❤️🙋🏻‍♂️

[@SAJ_2021]

@@LeahandLeviwhere is Chin I need to send him some business! 😆

[@groofay]

That conversation with Chin just made my day. So delightful! And what a legend, not just repairing but *improving* your birks like that. That right there's a man who deserves business.

[@LeahandLevi]

Right!? Dude made the whole experience awesome.

[@michaelford1810]

Chhim needs a KZbin channel. This man is full of happiness and genuinely loves his job.

[@PWatts-ff2fd]

I love this cobbler's sense of humor and personality! What a fun guy!! ❤😂🎉

[@Fuksiia]

That interaction with Chin really made me smile :)

[@nutsbutdum]

Fun fact: I bought my first pair way back when you did your first video on Birkenstocks. They've become my favorite shoes to wear around the house.

[@LeahandLevi]

Whaaat that's so cool! Glad you're enjoying them!

[@Lilusiaa]

Same! I actually found this channel because of that video :D

[@myamichellee]

I’ve had my Birkenstock’s for 5 years now and they’re still holding up so well! I’ll definitely get them repaired when the time comes instead of buying new ones

[@LeahandLevi]

Heck yeah! That's amazing!

[@chongthamgoutam2434]

Chin is a treasure to this world, man. im watching this from the opposite side of the globe. he just made me smile nonstop. such a gem of a person!!! i hope one day i become a Chin.

[@rayneandchristine2262]

That old Birkenstocks video is the reason why I discover your channel.

[@brendakelley3150]

I'm 63 and just bought my first pair about a month ago. I am in love! Didn't realize what I was missing out on. Oh yeah, NO SOCKS!❤

[@blckblt85]

Winter: Team socks. Summer: Team NO socks.

[@galen.g126]

Birkenosocks

[@georgesmith8241]

Bostons with socks for the winter. Arizonas no socks for the summer.

[@bricesechrist6438]

I’m team socks so much! I call them my birken-socks. Repairing, even if it’s just the foot bed is an amazing idea. The leather is what you want to patina and age with you, and I only got blisters from the leather straps on the top of my feet, never from the foot beds.

[@Sassysonia1234]

You guys seem to have an absolutely beautiful relationship. Stay happy, healthy, and blessed. I’m 23 and seeing people so happy together always shows me that what I’m looking for exists.

[@jesmatgin]

This video made me smile from ear to ear..I am a shoe repairman for over 50 years...my job title now is Vibrams Master Cobbler...you truly found a gem in Mr Chin...great personality and great work! Of course I was impressed that he went as far as upgrading to Vibram...they will last so much longer...and by the way young man..you are a delight...good luck on the next ten years...by the way get yourself some cork renew and apply once a year...the cork won't break down and will always look like new.

[@cassietayler6622]

Your dancing at the end is adorable...love Leah's Princess Diaries foot pop

[@dittesque]

This is such a cute interaction with Chhim, made my day 😊 I feel so bad that I didn’t know birkenstocks can be repaired, I’ll definitly look into it with my local cobbler when the time comes for my current pair! It’s incredible how few shoes can be repaired these days.

[@kriscox4019]

Ditch the socks immediately. Treasure Leah forever 😉

[@sunnie19]

Everytime I see this video it always makes me smile. Long live Mr. Chhim and Birkenstocks. 🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@BtStrange]

Loved the ending :)

[@marycharlebois6627]

In the past 40+ years I have owned 2 pairs of Birks… and I wear them everyday!! Now, to me, that says a lot about the quality of these amazing sandals. (Unfortunately, I let the first pair get so trashed that they were beyond repair.) One thing about repairing your Birks Levi, is that you kept a good quality pair of shoes out of the landfill. BTW… Chin is freakin’ awesome!!!!! The world needs more Chins and more cobblers!! I think our colleges and technical schools need to offer post-secondary programs in shoe repair/cobbler. Everybody has shoes, right?

[@diavergediabetes]

I've had the same pair of Birkenstock Bostons since 1996 (almost 30 years) and they're still going strong. They've had full soles, partial soles, and one footbed replacement. They're due for their second full footbed replacement. I love Birkenstocks and think they're one of the best investments around.

[@hideki1064]

I've never owned a pair of Birkenstocks but this makes me want to buy the Milanos even more.

[@Autumn1988]

awww Levi's new best mate is a cobbler :)

[@LeahandLevi]

OK team, let's settle it. Comment for #nosocks, LIKE for #birkenstocksanssocks.

[@bene2944]

Team no socks! ^^ 🧦🚫

[@Swimdeep]

I’m more pr less neutral. If men wearing socks with sandals covers up the often terrible foot maintenance of many men, then I vote for #sockswithBirkenstocks

[@eleanormansfield34]

No socks 😆

[@alina5374]

No socks!

[@BillyHargrove707]

this persona lasted for a while too :) kzbin.info/www/bejne/gnSVqIGreNGdis0

[@tarynbuskard1738]

Leather is also the least sustainable part of the shoe to buy new, but it’s the most durable and biodegradable, so the more use you get out of it the better!

[@Sivah_Akash]

I always have had a bit of trouble using old or second handed stuff. But this Levi's determination has encouraged me much more!

[@TheItsmeeamanda]

I bought my birkenstock, because of you video, it is my second year, and I hope I will wear ten more years like you did☺️

[@mikkie58]

Always loving your videos ❤️ When I lived in Germany for six years, I was never interested in Birkenstock but surprisingly watching your video now in the States convinced me to buy a pair a few months ago and I’m loving them ever since. I will be looking forward to cherishing them for a long time like you have🤗

[@LeahandLevi]

Haha that's hilarious... I convinced a german to buy birkenstocks 😂

[@eileahfrye-edmonds413]

Thank you Levi for sharing your journey! I got a pair of birks because of you and shelbizlee and I’ve had them over 2 years and they’re still going strong. I hope mine live as long as yours have. ☺️

[@rossellamiccoli9874]

I watched your first Birkenstocks video some time ago. After watching it, I completely broke one pair of (fake) stocks after 10 years or so of wearing them and then decided I'd buy another pair, used, but in good condition because of everything you said in your video! Well, I only found found one pair, 2 numbers smaller than what I wear but decided to buy it anyway. I love it 💓 I was so surprised I couldn't find a decent used pair, but at the same time I understand why: they're amazing and always fashionable, especially in Germany, where I live now 😁 absolutely yes to socks!!! Yes yes yes. We need more shoe repairs shops!! I had a pair of trainers repaired in March and I was so impressed with their job! Everyone told me it wasn't worth it, I'm glad I didn't believe them

[@DownieLive]

I'm waiting for the follow up video in 5-10 years when you need to go in to replace the leather, but the soles are still 👌🏼. If that happens, are they still the original Birks?

[@reylavienna1318]

The shoes of thesues

[@anthonymiller8979]

Yes they are. Like the story of the axe that has been in someone's family since the Mayflower landed. It has had 3 new heads and 5 new handles but it is the same axe LOL

[@matteak2514]

What a precious interaction, he's awesome! I'm repairing mine after 7 years.Thanks for your great channel!

[@gfa4267]

I’m here for Chim. His personality is so bright.

[@jess3824]

Chin was such a delight! I hope his business is still going strong!!

[@L33151]

I used to hate seeing socks with birks .....and then I tried it 😁 team socks all the way! Especially in the winter and fall

[@sheamoe7488]

3 minutes in and I cannot. This is the cutest little thing

[@johnnybyup]

It's videos like this one and a wife that has her own birks for close to 10yrs, that encouraged me to purchase my first pair. To be honest, I purchase the EVA model, but I will eventually purchase a leather cork model. Thanks Levi. Incredible repair job

[@LeahandLevi]

Thanks for leaving this comment Johnny!

[@b2h316]

Cork sealant and leather conditioner and you can keep them kicking for a long time

[@paigebrady8441]

Super amazing that Birkenstock’s can be so easily repaired! Chin did an amazing job! It almost makes me wish I had a pair, but unfortunately they’re just too uncomfortable for me to walk in, but I’ll definitely be searching out a local cobbler to repair some of my other shoes when the time comes.

[@marolle15]

Watching your first Birkenstocks video made me buy mine, and 3 years later I’m wearing them today as I watch this! No socks because it’s summer but I do wear them with socks at winter 😂😂

[@strauskp]

Over time I have sold or donated all of my shoes and transitioned to barefoot/minimalist ones. But I have not given up my Birkenstocks! Our adult son just bought a pair in our local home town, and the shop person told him right off the bat that he can bring them back to have the soles replaced for $40 and the cork footbed for $80. I mean, wow! I love that! Basically a new pair of shoes for less than the original price and saving resources! Great video!

[@LeahandLevi]

That's awesome! Hopefully he gets a bunch of years out of them!

[@forceninewinds]

I love my minimalist shoes! Wildlings are the best ones I've tried so far although Vivobarefoots are also pretty good!. But like you I haven't given up on my Birkenstocks because once broken in they are just so comfortable and versitle!

[@strauskp]

@@forceninewinds I follow Wildlings on IG but haven't taken the plunge yet. I have Xero shoes, Vibram, Earth Runners and a cool pair out of Canada called Posh Panda!

[@forceninewinds]

@@strauskp I have a pair of the flying fox shoes from Wildlings…highly recommended! Like wearing a pair of comfy socks

[@adrian_theexplorer]

Please protect Mr. Chin! We need more of him! Haha.

[@fjyl]

THE ENDING WAS SO CUTE

[@christopherdurnil6747]

That video was the very first video of yours I’ve ever watched. Been subscribed ever since.

[@AmmaSoelberg]

Chhim has such a great attitude! What a wonderful person!

[@JeremyWhy]

Yooooooooo!!! Chin is the best! I wish I was in Canada. I would definitely go to him.

[@monicajaramillo1384]

This is amazing, I actually have the same pair that I have kept in a box since purchase because I am too addicted to my black painted leather ones, and unfortunately whenever I decided to take them out of the box to use them for summer they did not fit! I use to wear a size smaller and have since graduated to sz39 from 38. Watching this video I am hoping I can just have the footbed replaced being that it’s in almost brand new condition maybe the cobbler will give me a smidge of break on the replacement sole if he keeps the one that already on it🙏🏽 I have been aimlessly pondering what to do about this until I stumbled on your video, you have been a great help! Thank you 👍🏽

[@just.donutssss]

This video shows we need to appreciate cobblers some more. Especially Chin. He did an amazing job on your birkenstocks

[@crystalynjensen247]

You convinced me. I'm buying one. I always wanted one as a kid in the 90's, and I'm just now going to get one.

[@iamsnowfox5819]

I just wanted to add - here in Germany you can also take your Birkenstocks and either hand them over to a Birkenstock store, or send them in to their repair department and they will replace the footbed with another original Birkenstock footbed/sole. Especially for the real leather models this is considerably cheaper than buying a new pair. Not sure if this is available internationally, but worth a try! Cobbler is of course a great and local option too, but usually they do not have the original footbeds/soles. It‘s a lot better than throwing your shoes out when they have a whole new life cycle ahead of them though!

[@TrudyDraskovic]

Love this video! I have been considering repairing mine due to all the reasons you listed. I am convinced now it is the right thing to do. Love this guy! Thankful we have a shoe repair fellow in our local town also. Will be visiting him soon:-)))

[@marlenakauer5262]

I agree no socks and sandals. Lol great video! Loved that you featured the cobbler!

[@grewwyy]

Dude, I choose Klean Kanteen over Hydroflask because of your vids. And now I'm seriously considering to get a pair of Birkenstock. Your views are a realistic representation on how doing the simplest of things can create a better way of living. Kudos dude!!!

[@justjoelee]

Leah is correct, you need to be wearing tube socks 🧦

[@LeahandLevi]

Joe… I really didn’t expect this from you.

[@amaliagrassi6870]

I was getting excited about repairs. I had no clue you could get them repaired. And I get what you're saying about reasons why to repair but goodness me, for that price I've ordered a new pair. I've had mine for about just over ten years too and they've been worn so very much. However, with my new pairs I'm going to make sure I never let them get so worn down like the pair I was referring too, thanks to your video.

[@daniquegodwin]

I actually bought Birkenstocks after I had seen your other video. They’re my daily drivers in the summer! Freaking love them.

[@rodgejdu]

There's one additional reason to repair traditional Birkenstocks that you didn't mention in the video: Birkenstock was bought out by LVMH (the fashion house behind Louis Vuitton) earlier in 2021 and there's been increasing amounts of anecdotal evidence on social media that the change in ownership corresponded with a drop in quality and QC as Birkenstock moved its manufacturing out of Germany to Portugal and other countries.

[@achnix3167]

Its definitely true... Theyre getting worse

[@Julie-sw8xv]

I rebuilt two pair. You'd be surprised how easy it is, and saves you a good amount of $$. Plus, it's REALLY fun to do!

[@elainepowers5064]

Love that your supporting LOCAL business ❤️ If we can all do are part for a better world 🌈

[@crazysavvyloverlee]

I just had the heel-wearing down to the cork so Both Feet on Main st. was able to replace the heels for $30! He uses a better rubber that's non-slip, unlike the normal Birkenstocks. Other shoe repair shops quoted me 60-65 and wanted to replace the whole sole even though the front only had minimal wear. If you're in Vancouver I recommend checking them out!

[@forceninewinds]

I brought my own pair of Birkenstocks after seeing your last video on them, I had been mulling over buying a pair for a while but I was finally convinced. I now have two pairs, the Arizonas and the Madrids. Perfect for my diabetic feet (along with my Wildlings minimalist shoes) and even better that they are repairable...now just need to find a cobbler in Exeter (UK) who can repair them when the need arises!

[@athenadia4743]

chin is just the best! i would love to see a video where you talk about repairing clothes and things too. or maybe a vid where you tell us a list of things that people didn't know could be repaired

[@Jay-o4m2n]

great vid, with that kinda of service from Chihim ,its priceless !

[@kiaanee]

aww I hope to see Chhim again when yall go to repair Leah's shoes! this video just inspired me to start going to a cobbler ♡

[@Sirsockbuddy]

omg the ending, y’all are so cute ♥️

[@markiecubos]

Mr. Chin is sooooo adorable! You two are also adorable. ❤️

[@TH-eb5ro]

What a great cobbler. My husband had his first pair of Birks, not in bad shape but in need of repair. Could easily be sold on EBay. I told him to go out to check if they could be repaired. He went to a shoe shop that sold Birks and the man told him that a new pair would be cheaper and took his old pair. He came home and showed me his new shoes. I was upset, his repair was more of the $50USD level and we never went to that shoe shop again. Just last week I did some of the repairs on that newer pair still feeling that someone had stolen something. Anyway, in San Diego socks with Birks are winter shoes. Looks fine but I'm used to it.

[@bene2944]

Haven't watched the video yet but already love it! Levi and Birkenstocks!

[@LeahandLevi]

Haha thanks for being here!

[@danielboulton922]

I love Chin. What a legend and super talented!

[@nullcrypt]

apparently you can use sandpaper to clean that dirt off of the footbed

[@cassieSP]

This is definitely making me want to invest in some birkenstocks now. Also the two of you are adorable and I love the little dance montage at the end! So cute! And so full of love!

[@pattgsm]

Great reasons to have shoes repaired rather than replaced. For a little under or the cost of the same shoe from manufacture you can end up w/ a better built shoe. In case of the Birkenstocks a more durable outsole. In GYW & Blake stitched shoes, options include a full leather heel stack, hidden channel stitching, fiddle back waist, leather insole, leather or cork midsole etc... All the things that the brand do to cuts corners in order to maximize profits, you can correct / upgrade when it's time to resole.

[@chandrixaranas3242]

10 yrs is a lot of birken memories definitely a goal!! I use a lot of EVA birkenstock I dont think its sustainable considering its plastic but definitely will do this with my cork birken pairs.

[@nicolefaith9972]

Watching while I reseal the cork on my birks. Will have to look into getting the more durable sole.

[@felixbechtoldt]

Seeing this, my next pair of sandals is absolutely going to be a pair of birkenstocks 👍🏻

[@cengeb]

They are superbly comfortable, and long lasting, high quality stuff. The shoes are the best shoes i have 5 or 6 prs..."harris" model, ain't made anymore though, I stocked up, and am getting 2 pr of sandals, and 3 prs of Harris shoes...good for another 15 years

[@gabriellap1996]

Chin was wonderful! He is veery skilled in his work!

[@forgetthatgirl]

Thank you for sharing the name of the cobbler. I will definitely check him out when i need to replace the sole of my Birkenstocks. Wish I had known about this from my previous pair!

[@LeahandLevi]

You are so welcome! Chin is the man!

[@jnthn7]

Saw that first Birkenstock’s video months ago when trynna buy a pair. Finally got a pair 2-3 weeks ago then u post this. Meant to be!

[@pumpkinomom4446]

I just got my first pair of Milanos for my birthday ! Your old video conviced me Levi, because of their durability! Can't waint to grow with them :)

[@LeahandLevi]

Glad you like them!

[@talabarzkar785]

Got my boots insole redone by him. Amazing job and now my boots feel like new again!

[@shoberlin]

Chin is a superstar. That conversation made my day!

[@amyhull754]

This was a true delight. Thank you!

[@adamherrmann3456]

The vibes were infectious!

[@clairecarlson5519]

Also, as Levi mentioned, you’re essentially buying a new shoe with the shoe repair because of how much material is getting replaced. Keeping the salvageable parts just make sense in a world where we don’t have infinite resources, and if you’re getting back a whole other lifetime of wear for your shoe and you still like the design, why wouldn’t you spend the same amount of money as you would on a new shoe? It’s as if you are purchasing a new shoe (as long as the cobbler does the repair justice). Going for the more sustainable option just makes sense.

[@lindatait5326]

I bought Birkenstock’s after watching your original video! I had them resoled this year and it cost £25, a replacement of the sole and footbed is £45, but it’s a UK website not a local cobbler as I couldn’t find one 😢 I’m planning on keeping them forever because now I have the straps nice and soft they are the most comfortable footwear I have ever had. Thanks for the tip 👍

[@Willzd]

Omg Chhim is the best!! What a legend

[@breauux]

I just ordered my first pair the other day! super excited for them to come in!!!

[@b2h316]

Mine were $90 to replace the footbed. Chin is pricey, but he does good work

[@Hipsael]

He also put new vibram soles, which will last much longer than the original soles.

[@YUNGREVV]

Another Levi tappin’ in! Just ordered my first pair of Birks!

[@TheMCvamp]

Oh my God them dancing at the end ❤️

[@fruiz879]

Love the story. I hold on to personal things that bring memories. I think it’s worth getting those sandals redone to remember how far you come.

[@savannah4439]

I agreed with Leah, if you’re gonna wear socks with birks, you gotta commit and go with ankle/crew socks lol

[@paisastic]

Your Birkenstocks are like the ship of Theseus.

[@chloe.hongan.nguyen]

I don't have a pair of flip flops/sandals because I don't wear them, but if I do in the future I'll definitely get a pair of Birkenstocks. Thanks for all the valuable information you put out!