​I stepped away from all my Birkenstock sandals for more than a year and a half due to heel pain.  I have been living in and loving my Hoka Bondi.  Now that my heel is on the road to recovery, I have been dipping my toes into the world of Birkenstock ever so slowly.  When I recently browsed the Birkenstock USA webpage, I was SHOCKED to learn that the "Last Chance Items are Final Sale.  No Returns or exchanges” are allowed.  This stopped me in my tracks. 

​Really Birkenstock?!  You are not going to accept returns on deeply discounted Birkenstocks no matter what?  Isn’t it bad enough that you have increased prices and charge shipping on regular sale items?  Now you are not going to accept returns on your Last Chance items, even if there is a defect or quality issue?  What about sizing?  Width?  Or colors not displaying accurately online? 

​A number of my previous blog posts have highlighted issues surrounding quality over the last several years.   Just to name a few:

Do Better Birkenstock
Birkenstock Shearling Lined Shoes
Birkenstock Exquisite Leather
Houston, We Have a Problem
 
As a customer of more than three decades, I find your “No returns or exchanges” on final sale items disappointing.  I personally, don’t make online purchases of items that are marked “Final Sale” because it’s too much of a gamble.  Some people might think that the deep discounts are worth the risk, but given the recent history of defects since Birkenstock "sold out", I would not take that chance.  These days I look at Birkenstock quality, like Forrest Gump looks at a box of chocolates “you never know what you’re gonna get”. 
 
If you are looking for a pair of Birkenstocks on sale, avoid the Last Chance section at Birkenstock USA.  Instead, wait for end of season sales from Zappos or Nordstrom, both sites accept returns on sale items and their sales usually happen twice a year in February and August.  
 
Don’t take a chance on Birkenstock Last Chance items.  Rather, buy your Birkenstocks from small local businesses.  It's worth the difference in price knowing that you will get a quality item and knowing that you can return or exchange an item if something is asmiss.  Some small business owners are even willing to send you a picture of the actual pair that you are going to purchase.  My favorite small businesses that sell authentic Birkenstocks are Custom Made Birkenstocks / Repair My Birkenstocks, Birkenstock Attitudes, Footwise, and Footprints.

 There.  I said it.  And I mean every word!

I have never owned a pair of taupe suede Bostons, Arizonas, Gizehs, or any other model of "taupe" Birkenstock for that matter.   Taupe suede is way too "Berkeley-crunchy-granola-hippie-dippie" for this Berkeley raised girl.  If you don't believe me, call Birkenstock and fact check my order history. 

The only way you might catch me in a pair of taupe suede Birkenstocks, is if the uppers are covered in the limited edition paint splatter from years past.  Or, if Birkenstock comes up with some amazing rivets to add to a very mundane core color.  In other words, Birkenstock would need to jazz the hell out of taupe suede to ever get me to consider wearing a pair.

In my opinion, taupe is so drab and there are many other beautiful colors of suede from which to chose.  Why taupe?  I am literally blown away by the hype of taupe suede Bostons from a stinkin' TikTok video.  Taupe suede Bostons have sold out fast in the last few weeks and Birkenstock is not going to restock them until 2023.  People know this and are flipping them on resale sites for inflated prices of $300+. 

I don't care about the flipping, people can do whatever they want with the items they buy.  What I do care about is people paying more than double for a pair of taupe suede Bostons that will NOT live up to the hype.  DO NOT PAY $300 FOR TAUPE SUEDE BOSTONS......YOU WILL BE DISAPPOINTED.  And you won't get your money back when you try to re-sell them on on eBay.

What do I mean about not living up to the hype?  Simple.  They will stretch out and you will not be happy in a few months.  The suede that Birkenstock uses today is nowhere near the quality of the suede they used is years past.  Believe me, I have been wearing Birkenstocks for 30 years.  I know a lot more about Birkenstocks than your millennial TikTok influencer. 

If you can find taupe suede Bostons at retail, then by all means grab them while you can.  But don't go throwing money out the window on a resale site just to get that specific color suede Boston.  There are a number other wonderful choices of Bostons available that deserve your attention and I think you will be much happier with in the long run.

Today's suede stretches A LOT and mattes down way too easily.  One ends up with a very floppy shoe in no time.  If you buy these "hot🥴" taupe suede Bostons, you will also need to invest in a leather hole punch so that you can keep adding holes to the straps.  This will be the only way that you can tighten the straps as the uppers stretch.  This is especially true if you plan to wear your suede Birkenstocks with socks.   The thicker the socks, the quicker the suede will stretch.  Be warned.

If you are still jonesing for a pair of suede Birkenstocks after reading this,  I recommend that you consider shearling lined suede Bostons or -- even better --> oiled leather Bostons.  The shearling lined Bostons have the shearling backing on the suede to help the clog keep its shape, so they won't stretch out like the unlined taupe suede Bostons that your influencers are wearing.   However, if you are going to buy shearling lined Bostons....be sure to check the quality of your shoes before you wear them out of the house!  Birkenstock has had a lot of quality control issues since they sold their company.  Read more about the quality issues in this blog and also read this blog.

Oiled Leather Bostons are simply the BEST Bostons ever!  Oiled leather will mold to the shape of your foot, won't stretch out like suede, and takes on a beautiful patina over time.  Oiled leather Bostons will last for years and are a wonderful investment for any Birkenstock Boston lover.  Fun Fact: I wore the Zinfandel Oiled Leather Bostons (purchased in 2015), pictured below, to Disneyland one winter day in 2018 and walked 25,000 steps in them with no issues -- they are still going strong today and are my favorite Bostons.  

Be sure to check out your small, locally owned Birkenstock retailers to find the Bostons of your dreams.  I always recommend shopping with  Custom Made Birkenstocks / Repair My Birkenstocks and Birkenstock Attitudes.  I have had the great pleasure of meeting the owners of these stores and vouch that they are Birkenstock heroes!  Michelangelo at Custom Made Birkenstocks often has hard to find styles or he can make you a custom pair in any color!!  Birkenstock Attitudes has lots of great seasonal items in store that may not be on their webpage.  If you don't see the item or size that you are looking for on their webpage, give them a call.


WHAT TYPE OF BIRKENSTOCK BOSTONS DOES GINA MAMA RECOMMEND?

Does Gina Mama recommend taupe suede Bostons?  Not my first choice.  Prefer suede over synthetic uppers.

Does Gina Mama recommend shearling lined suede Bostons?  Yes, if you can find a pair without quality issues.  

Does Gina Mama recommend oiled leather Bostons?  Hell yes!  Best Bostons Ever!

Does Gina Mama recommend felt Bostons?  Nope.  The felt stretches far worse than the suede.  The only pair that I own are falling apart.  The felt uppers on my Bostons are the only pair of Birkenstocks that have literally fallen apart in my 30 years of wearing Birks.

Does Gina Mama recommend Birko Flor / Birkibuc Bostons?  Only if you are vegan or vegetarian and won't wear leather.  I always recommended oiled leather or leather Birkenstocks.  Leather will last ages and mold to your foot.  A synthetic upper will never mold to your foot in the same way as leather.  In addition, the felt on the underside of synthetic Birkenstock uppers tends to ball up and becomes irritating.  Finally, synthetic uppers can crack/break/rip if not cared for correctly.

Does Gina Mama recommend Amalfi Leather Bostons? Absolutely.  Grab them while you can because I hear they are being discontinued.  I just got mine yesterday and am breaking them in today.

Does Gina Mama recommend the Buckley when all the Bostons on the planet sell out because of TikTok influencers?  🤢 Nope.  Not only do I think the look of the Buckley is just AWFUL, the Buckley is a one and done shoe.  Unlike the Bostons, the Buckley cannot be recrafted.  Once that cork cracks on the Buckley, the shoe is done-zo and cannot be repaired.
​

I Love Birkenstocks and I am deeply concerned about their recent quality control issues.    Birkenstock has historically created shoes of the utmost quality and with the best natural materials possible.  However, something has changed.  It has been a year since I kept a pair of new Birkenstocks due to ongoing manufacturing defects.   These days, when you order a pair of Birkenstocks, you never know what you're going to receive in terms of quality.  

After reading various online comments, reviews on Birkenstock social media accounts, direct messages on my Instagram page, and posts from members of my private Facebook group, I realized that I am not the only one that thinks the quality of Birkenstock has tanked.   Quality has been declining over the last several years.  But, it feels like things have gotten exceedingly worse since Birkenstock "sold out" and devoted Birkenstock fans are not happy. 

I first documented my issues with Birkenstock quality control and manufacturing defects in 2016, in the blog titled “Birkenstock Shearling Lined Shoes”.   This blog explored the exposed glue on shearling-lined Birkenstocks.  I could have reposted this exact same blog in the Fall/Winter of 2021 when I returned every pair of shearling-lined Bostons that I ordered due to exposed glue at the seams.  I got so fed up with the process of returning and re-ordering that I swore to myself that I would never buy another pair of shearling-lined Birkenstocks again!!!    (I ended up buying a pair of waterproof thermal Blundstones and could not be happier with my decision.)

​Also in June 2021, I was shipped a pair of exquisite leather Big Buckle Gizehs from an authorized dealer and the leather was completely crinkled on the t-strap.  These were brand new sandals that looked like they were bought second hand.  The most frustrating part about this experience was that  by the time I received my order and found the defect, the shoe had sold out in my size.  

​I absolutely adore the Birkenstocks in my collection that I purchased BEFORE Birkenstock “sold out”.  Sadly, I have not been pleased with the quality of Birkenstocks that I have received for quite a long time.  In fact, I took a break from adding to my collection for almost an entire year.  The main reason that I have not posted a new blog is because I have had nothing positive to share. 
 
During my Birkenstock break, I expanded my horizons and began exploring different brands.  However, when I saw a sneak peek of  the Fall/Winter 2022 release, I was quickly sucked in by the rich, vibrant colors being offered by Birkenstock.  After a long Birkenstock dry spell,  I went a bit crazy and ordered six pairs of Birkenstocks in one week.  I know, I know……I fell off the wagon…… but I had to see/feel/try on these new Birkenstocks.  I prayed that the quality had improved.
 
Unfortunately, two pairs arrived with misaligned soles and footbeds.  It was like a size 37 EVA sole was placed on a size 38 footbed.  The misalignment can be seen on my Beryl Arizonas and my Fuchsia Big Buckle Gizehs. 

​These Birkenstocks were ordered directly from Birkenstock USA.  How did these sandals get past quality control?  It’s hard to digest the recent Birkenstock price hike when I keep receiving defective shoes.  Two pairs of shabby quality Birkenstocks in ONE WEEK was such a disappointment.  It’s a pain in the butt to go through the return process, order a replacement pair, and receive a replacement pair that is also subpar, only to have to return those too.  That’s why I swore off shearling lined Birkenstocks last winter and that’s why I will no longer order  replacement pairs.  My time is too valuable to deal with this anymore and the items just get returned.  

Some people might think that I am overreacting with the misalignment showcased above.  But, I don't think I am.  Imagine if you went to the eye doctor and received a prescription that was just slightly off.   Would you be ok spending a few hundred dollars on a pair of glasses with the wrong prescription?  Probably not.  
 
I am not the only one noticing the shabby shoes being shipped out by Birkenstock.  Many people in my private group have posted pictures of the shoes that they have received with similar issues.  Members of my private Facebook group and followers on Instagram have messaged me saying that they too recently received misaligned footbeds and soles on their newly purchased Birkenstocks.  All different sizes and models then my examples pictures above.  Hence, the problem is bigger than Birkenstock might like to admit.
 
One member of my group, who is a long time Birkenstock collector, recently received these Pecan Francas from an authorized retailer....

​How these sandals made it out of the Birkenstock factory and halfway across the world -- unglued -- is incomprehensible.  It’s quite an embarrassment if you ask me, especially at the price point of $145.
 
Birkenstocks have always been on the pricey side.  But, back in the day, we were paying for high quality sandals.  Now customers are paying more and getting inferior craftsmanship. 
 
I think it is time for me to stop buying Birkenstocks again, at least until Birkenstock works out its quality kinks.  Don't get me wrong, I love my Birkenstocks....just not the new ones.  I am not willing to fork over $145-$160 plus tax (10% in California) for a pair of imperfect sandals.  Birkenstock quality needs to match its price point.  Otherwise, Birkenstock fans are going to start spending their money elsewhere...I know I have.  The rumblings are already there, is Birkenstock going to listen?
 
I doubt it.  Therefore, I have started a new hashtag on Instagram.  Please post pictures of the Birkenstocks that you have received with quality control issues.  Use the hashtag #dobetterbirkenstock and tag me @ilovebirkenstocks so I don’t miss your post.  Let’s start a revolution and bring back the high quality Birkenstocks that we know and love from the good ol’ days.  Who's with me?

UPDATE #1: I just posted this blog and created this hashtag and within a couple of hours, someone reported the haghtag to IG and content from the hashtag is not visible.  Do what you wish with this information.  

UPDATE #2: Less than 24 hours after posting this blog, I received a "brand new" pair of Birkenstock Big Buckle Gizehs from an authorized retailer -- they looked like this upon unboxing.  I cannot make this up. 

​Believe it or not, I have not purchased a new pair of Birkenstock in months.  Well, that’s not 100% true, I have purchased a few pairs and returned them all due to quality control issues.  While Birkenstock brand figures out how to go back to its roots and produce high quality products, I am enjoying my non-Birkenstock shoes and boots this Fall.
 
A couple months ago, I posted this picture of my Docs to social media.

One of the members of my private Facebook group asked if anyone had tried Solovair boots.   No one in the group had.  I got curious and began to research Solovair.  What I learned was astounding.
 
Solovair has been making boots in England since 1881.  A whole lot longer than Dr. Martens has been in business, but not quite as long as Birkenstock has been around.  Solovair made Docs from 1959 to the mid 90s, up until Dr. Martens moved their production to Asia.  Apparently my first pair of Dr. Martens (circa 1990) were made by Solovair!  To learn more about the Solovair company, read this article from Business Insider.

I still regret donating my first pair of Docs several years ago because they were fantastic boots (even though they no longer fit post baby).  After reading the Business Insider article, I now know why my first pair of Dr. Martens were so amazing, they were made by Solovair!
 
During my time researching Solovair boots, I came across Weston Kay's YouTube channel, Rose Anvil.  His videos helped me better understand the similarities and the differences between Dr. Martens and Solovair.  This guy literally cut a pair of 1460 Made in England Dr. Martens and a pair of Solovair Derby boots in half.  You got that right, he cut the boot IN HALF to see how it was constructed.  If you don’t believe me, check out his video  for yourself.
 
After watching his videos, I had to try a pair of Solovair boots.  While I absolutely adore my Dr. Martens – every single pair – none of them have ever felt quite like my first pair.   I took a peek at Solovair's webpage.  I was delighted to learn that Solovair offers free shipping and free returns to/from the US.  What did I have to lose with free shipping both ways?
 
Solovair shipped my boots in less than 24 hours from the UK and they arrived on my door step, in California, six days later.  How is THAT for service?!  When I order from Birkenstock USA, it takes 7-10 days (usually 10 days) to get my orders from their US based warehouse in Kentucky.
 
My beautiful Solovair Derby boots in cloud gray rub off were spectacular in person. 

​I had a Cinderella moment when I slipped my foot into the boot.  They felt exactly like my original Docs!  Thick leather, amazing soles, and enough room to add my half blue Birkenstock insoles.  Just for the record, I opted for a UK 5.5, which is equivalent to a EU 39 and US 8.   I think a UK 6 would work as well because sizing up would provide a little more wiggle room to add a full insole.  (To learn more about Birkenstock half insoles, read this blog).

​The Solovair boots fit perfectly.  The inseam was not too tight, like often is the case with brand new Dr. Martens.  Most surprisingly, I was not getting a heel rub like I do with almost all my Docs.   In other words, I did not have to put tennis balls in the boots to stretch the inseam or add heel pads to the back of the boots to prevent blisters. Two tips that I learned from my friend Marion in Germany who has the most incredible Dr. Martens collection that I have ever seen.
 
One of the biggest differences between Dr. Martens and Solovair is that Solovair uses a shank in their boots.  Since moving production to Asia, Dr. Martens no longer includes a shank in their offerings.  If you wear Birkenstocks regularly, you will likely have a hard time wearing Docs without a supportive insole.  A shank, like found in Solovair boots, provides a little extra support and structure right where one's foot craves it. 
 
I could feel the shank support when I placed my foot in the shoe.  After I laced up my Solovair Derby boots, I took a quick spin around the house.  While my feet felt like they were in heaven, my heart began to sink with every step I took because all I could hear was squeak, squeak, SQUEAK!
 
The leather was squeaking so bad that it sounded like I was walking in wet rubber boots on a slippery wood floor.  This is what the boots sounded like when I first put them on.

Solovair Derby Boots Squeaking

​I really wanted these boots to work out because they felt AWESOME.  I just didn’t know what to do about the squeak.  I emailed Solovair customer service and guess what…..(are you sitting down??)…. they actually responded to my email with sound advice....

I followed the tips provided by the experts to stop the squeak.  ​I first started by adding some baby powder to the insoles.  The squeak was still there, so I opted to apply some leather conditioner.  I had mink oil on hand, yet was reluctant to try it.  The mink oil had darkened one of my lighter color leather boots.  However, the mink oil also worked wonderfully on all my dark color leather boots.  And then there is the whole animal rights issue with mink oil…..but that’s another story.
 
I was determined to make these boots work since it is not every day that someone with a wide foot can find something that fits well and feels comfortable right out of the box.  I tested a corner of the boot with the mink oil and there was no noticeable change in the color of the leather.  I decided to go all in with the mink oil, but before applying anymore of it, I placed the leather boots in the sun to warm up for about 10-15 minutes.  Warming the boots a little allows the pores in the leather to open so that the mink oil has a chance to really sink in and be absorbed by the leather.

​Once the boots were gently warmed, I took a deep breath, said a little prayer, and went to town covering the leather uppers in mink oil, both inside and out.  Please note that I only applied mink oil to the leather uppers of the boot, NOT on the leather soles.  I let the mink oil soak in and manipulated the leather on each boot for several minutes.  I figured out exactly where the squeaks were coming from and re-applied another layer of the oil, paying special attention to the noisiest areas.  I let the mink oil soak in overnight before a third application in the morning. 
 
About 10-15 minutes after applying the morning coat of mink oil, I buffed them with a cloth and I put the boots on.  I wore my Solovairs around the house for a few hours doing chores.   In the beginning I heard a few squeaks and was concerned the boots might be defective.  But, within a few hours the squeaking disappeared.  The mink oil worked. 
 
Here’s what they sounded like after a little baby powder, some leather conditioner, three applications of mink oil and a few hours of breaking-in.

After Mink Oil Treatment

It was like night and day.  My Solovair Derby boots no longer sounded like I was walking in rubber boots!    These beautiful boots were keepers and lived up to all the great reviews that I have read.
 
Check with a cobbler before applying mink oil, so you don’t accidentally darken your boots.  Or just use Dubbin or Dr. Martens Wonder Balsam on lighter color leather because these products do not tend to change the color of the leather.  I wrote a blog about Dr. Martens Wonder Balsam here.
 
I don’t know if this technique will work on getting the squeak out of your Birkenstock boots since I sold the few pairs of Birk boots that I did own.  Birkenstock boots never worked for me (too big, too small, no toe bar, lots of heel rub, tons of blisters) and I won’t recommend them.  

​On a positive note, Birkenstock does use a a shank in their boots.  If you would like to see exactly what kind of shank they use and what is really inside Birkenstock boots, check out the video on the Rose Anvil YouTube Channel.  Weston Kay cut a pair of Birkenstock boots in half just like he did with the Solovair and Doc boots.  Spoiler alert: you aren’t going to like what you see.

WHERE TO BUY INSOLES:
Check out Michelangelo's webpage for Birkenstock insole options

Facebook has deleted my original Page that had over 6,500 members.  I spent 6 years curating that page and it was deleted without notification.

I have created a NEW -- private -- GROUP on Facebook and would like to invite you to re-join. This new page will be PRIVATE and you will need admin (MY) approval to participate.
I have decided to keep my group private so "BIG BROTHER" cannot monitor my posts…..

If you would like to join this group, please search Facebook groups for Gina Mama’s “I Love Birkenstock” Blog.  Or click the link to the group below:

GINA MAMA'S "I LOVE BIRKENSTOCKS" BLOG

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Thank you for your continued support.