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5 tips for distinguishing fake Birkenstock sandals

  • 30 March 23

Created in the 1700s, Birkenstock was an instant hit thanks to the comfort and support the sandals offer. Today, they are seen on the feet of countless people in summer. Their comfort comes from the materials from which they are made, namely cork, leather and a rubber sole to fit the feet perfectly. The colour palette ranges from classic shades such as black to snake patterns and metal. Whether you're looking for a casual look or a chic combination, these shoes are perfect for any style. However, this popularity makes them a target for counterfeiters. How can you distinguish fake Birkenstock sandals from the real thing? Our guide will outline the various key factors and clues to help you avoid being ripped off by counterfeiters.

1. Inspect the Birkenstock logo on the insole

The insole is perhaps the most important element in verifying the authenticity of Birkenstock shoes. Known as the "heart" of every Birkenstock shoe, the insole should have a suede lining, a deep heel cup for natural cushioning under the heel bone, longitudinal and transverse arch support and a raised toe bar.

In addition, the insole of an original Birkenstock shoe must display the following information:

  • Size (German shoe size, large in millimetres, character code)

  • Impression (edged at normal width and filled at narrow width)

  • Birkenstock logo or lettering

  • Made in Germany (Birkenstock does not produce in China)

  • Leather nameplate (only edged or printed with "Brand Sole Leather")

Only for soft soles:

  • or on the far left, the words "flexible sole" with an angular outer line or

  • "Soft Footbed" under the "Birkenstock" inscription

If you run your finger over the information, you should feel that the information is easily etched into the leather. If the information is printed in colour only, it may be a fake Birkenstock sandal.

In addition, a counterfeit Birkenstock may misspell a word printed on the sole, use the wrong colour lettering or not include the "Birkenstock" logo at all. So check the colour of the lettering, the spelling and the placement of all the words on the sole carefully to avoid buying imitations.

On the left a fake Birkenstock sandal, on the right a real Birkenstock sandal.

2. Check the outsole of the sandal

The majority of Birkenstock insoles are made from EVA material. The exception is sandals with sports soles. The soles of Birkenstock sandals are available in different colours. Regardless of the colour (brown, black, white, red, navy, green, pink, purple, etc.), Birkenstock soles are patented and feature the brand's unique hourglass pattern.

The sole of the shoe should have areas with the word "Birk" in the design. Birkenstock sandals may look like the photos below, but the "Birk" print is missing from the sole or printed in the wrong size. The "Birk" pattern on the sole is certainly the correct shape, but genuine Birkenstocks have a much thinner/smaller size for each patterned segment.

On the left a fake Birkenstock sandal, on the right a real Birkenstock sandal.

3. Look at the buckles and buttons

Check the buckles and buttons. The name "Birkenstock" should appear on every buckle and button. On smaller buckles you might just see "Birk" or "Birken". This is because Birkenstock offers a wide range of buckles for their sandals, including "BIRK", "BIRKEN" and "BIRK". BIRKEN" and "BIRKENSTOCK". Birkenstock uses buckles of different sizes for different thicknesses of straps, etc. The buckles adapt to the size of the shoe. 

On the left a fake Birkenstock sandal, on the right a real Birkenstock sandal.

4. Check the high-quality equipment

Genuine Birkenstocks comply with strict manufacturing standards and are guaranteed to be of the highest quality. Birkenstock uses only the highest quality materials. Leather Birks are made from high quality, thick, split-free leather, and synthetic Birks are made from durable, skin-friendly Birko-Flor, which must be thick and strong. The outsole, cork and sole must be perfectly aligned and there must be no excess glue.

Fake Birkenstocks are usually made from thin leather or poor quality materials without a fleece lining.

5. Pay attention to weight and price

Sometimes if a deal seems too good to be true, it's because it's hiding something. Don't fall for too good a deal. If the price of the pair of Birkenstock sandals is significantly lower than the price of the pair sold by the brand, then you are most likely looking at a counterfeit.

You should also pay particular attention to the weight of the shoes when you buy them. Birkenstocks are renowned for their comfort, so they need to be light. A fake pair of shoes will generally be heavier than a genuine one.

Buy your second-hand Birkenstock sandals with Obvy

If you too want to enjoy Birkenstock sandals with the arrival of summer, while taking advantage of a reduction in price, then second-hand is the solution for you. All you have to do is visit resale websites such as Leboncoin or Vinted and look for the model that appeals to you. You'll be able to see just how new or in very good condition the items on sale are. What's more, you can take advantage of the offers in the ads placed by private sellers, who often put their sandals up for sale at half price.

Of course, you are not immune to falling into the trap of counterfeiters. To avoid this, follow our guide to distinguishing a fake Birkenstock sandal from a real one, and ensure your transaction using a secure payment method like Obvy. Thanks to Obvy, you have 72 hours to certify the conformity of the parcel once you've received it.