How to Get the Stink Out of Your Birkenstocks

If you are thinking that the easy solution to smelly shoes would be to go out and get a new pair, think again. Birkenstocks take a little bit of time to mold to your feet. In fact, according to the website, "Birkenstock invented the world's first contoured cork/latex foot bed. The shape of the Original Birkenstock Foot bed enables body weight to be distributed evenly over the whole foot, providing it with optimal support." You don't want to give up that custom fitted orthodic feel of a Birk just to have to start all over again with a new pair. The Birkenstock family has been shoemakers for over 225 years, and they know what they are doing. Breaking them in then tossing them, it just isn't worth it.

Secondly, Birkenstocks are not exactly dollar store diva footwear. They have a wide range of prices, but you are going to pay $110 for a pair of Arizona's, the most popular Birkenstock with two nubuck straps. I have been wearing my current pair of Arizona's for the past two years. They were my favorite shoes throughout my pregnancy. These shoes are well worth the price.

At first I thought that I just had stinky feet. Then after doing a little more research I found that Birkenstock's just seem to small a little more then other shoes. Blame it on the cork/latex foot bed.

Once a month I like to take my Birks and clean them. One thing that I have learned in my ten plus years wearing Birkenstocks is that they don't respond well to water so scrubbing them down or throwing them in the washing machine, not going to work.

I start out my monthly routine by putting my Birks in the freezer for at least three hours. It really works well to kill the odor. I usually put them in a plastic bag and then place them in my deep freezer.

After the deep freeze I spritz my Birkenstocks with febreeze or any other fabric freshening product. They are good to go for another month.

If you do not have a deep freezer, or are just grossed out by the thought of your Birkenstocks in the freezer in general you can take your shoes and place them in a plastic bag. Place a sheet of Bounce in the bag with the shoes, tie up the bag so no air escapes and leave your shoes in the bag for a minimum of twelve hours. This does not work as well as the freezer, but it does work. You will not need to spray the sandle with febreeze.

Another tip to keep your birks from smelling is to dust your feet with baby powder before putting on the shoes. I am just not diligent enough to do this, but anything that prevents sweaty feet will prevent smelly shoes so it should work very nicely.

Now that you have sweetened up your Birkenstocks put them back on and enjoy!