Celebrating 2 Years of I Love Birkenstocks | Care Tips, Customization, DIY, & Honest Reviews

From care tips to customization, my Birkenstock journey in 2017 has covered it all.  In Cracked Cork, I explain why cracks in the cork footbed are totally normal and how to reseal them with products like Kelly’s Cork Renew.  Choosing the right support is another hot topic in Original vs. Soft Footbed: What Is Your Preference? where I compare arch strength, cushioning, and break-in ease.  And if you’re looking for practical maintenance tips, How to Clean Birkenstocks with Birko Flor Uppers proves how simple wipes can restore shine, while Birkenstock Cork Sealer vs. Kelly’s Cork Renew tests products head-to-head for the best cork protection.
Sometimes, the love of Birks pushes me into DIY adventures.  In How to Dye Leather Birkenstocks I transformed peeling gold Arizonas into vibrant red stunners, and in Bespoke Birkenstocks I painted my own metallic rose-gold pair using Angelus leather paint.  Footwear comparisons also play a big role in my stories: “Appropriate” Athletic Shoes vs. Birkenstocks shows why Birks beat out sneakers for long walks, while Birkenstock Shoes reveals my struggles with the brand’s closed-toe models that never quite measured up to the sandals.


Beyond the sandals themselves, some posts reflect bigger themes. North Bay Fires & Older Adults shifts focus to my work in healthcare, spotlighting how disasters impact vulnerable seniors. In Poshing My Birks I share the highs and lows of selling and buying Birks on Poshmark, while Gina Mama is Quoted highlights my feature in Footwear Plus Magazine. And for nostalgia, The ’90s: ’Stocks & Docs and How to Break-In Dr. Martens, the Birkenstock Way document my love for Dr. Martens, blending Birk wisdom into breaking in new boots.


I’ve also been unafraid to hold Birkenstock accountable. In Chubby Shaming I criticized the brand for releasing limited-edition collections only in narrow widths, leaving out loyal regular- and wide-footed fans. And authenticity matters just as much--Spotting Fake/Knock-Off/Counterfeit Birkenstocks: Part 2 provides an in-depth checklist of what’s real versus fake, from logos and soles to packaging and smell.
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Finally, some posts celebrate transformation and community. In Birkenstock Recrafts by Michelangelo I showcase how a certified pedorthist revived rare Gizehs I found on Poshmark, while guest blogger Hiker Beans shares her first Birkenstock experience in The Gift of Gizeh, proving it’s never too late to fall in love with Birks. And of course, I never forget the fun moments like Happy Valentine’s Day, a simple reminder that love—just like Birkenstocks—is timeless.

​2 Years of Blogging Birkenstocks 🎉 Join Me on Facebook!

It’ll be interesting to see what summer brings, what choices I make in footwear. Certainly for casual dressy occasions I’m grabbing those Gizehs.  No worries for me that I’ll have hot spots or tired feet. The break-in process was mild.  For around town, probably the Gizehs.  I can admit they are more stylish and TONS cuter than my Keen H2 sports sandals.  For adventure trips, that’ll be a tough choice. I can’t change the minimalist in me, nor the need to have exactly the right shoe for the job.  And there is one other factor to consider.  Would I want to risk ruining my Birks?  The answer is a resounding No!  Which brings me back to the beginning.  Is this a case of better late than never, giving Birks a chance?  The ruling is in and my feet say YES! ​

NOTE: Hiker Beans did not use to be a Birkenstock wearer.  I first mentioned her in my blog on "How to Care For Your Birkenstocks".