What are the ways to tell fake vs genuine Birkenstock shoes and sandals? Our guide will outline the different factors and key clues to help you avoid getting ripped off by fakes.
From eco-shoes to trendy sandals, Birkenstock sandals are now seen daily in summer. With their comfortable footbed and modern colours, the shoes are an absolute trend.
With their comfortable footbed and modern colours, the shoes are an absolute trend. The real classic is the model “Arizona”. The colour palette ranges from classic tones such as black to snake patterns to metallic. And also the popular toe sandals or toe-separators are combined by celebrities like Heidi Klum not only for a casual everyday look, but also with a chic jumpsuit. However, this popularity makes them a target for counterfeiters, so we will exaplain the ways to tell fake vs genuine Birkenstock shoes.
Birkenstock counterfeits on Amazon
In December 2017, Birkenstock announced in a press release that it would no longer supply its shoes to Amazon. In doing so, Birkenstock draws the consequences from the fact that, according to Birkenstock, fake shoes of the popular brand are sold via Amazon Marketplace, without which Amazon does anything about it. In addition, Birkenstock said the announcement has generated a huge media response and put the issue of counterfeiting in the spotlight for many consumers. The Birkenstock homepage also explains what Birkenstock is doing about fakes and counterfeiting.
How do I to tell fake vs genuine Birkenstock shoes?
As with many popular products, There are many counterfeits in circulation for Birkenstock sandals. The following authenticity features show you how to distinguish Fake-Birkenstock from an original.
The Birkenstock shoebox
Original Birkenstocks are always delivered in a Birkenstock shoebox. The box of older models is white and blue, while the box of newer models is completely blue and only the logo and inscription are white. The box of children’s shoes, on the other hand, is white with a blue inscription. If your ordered shoes are a limited edition, the shoebox may be black and the lettering white.
On each carton there is a label, with a precise description of the shoe, as well as a model drawing.
Important TIP: Be sure to compare the details of the label on the carton with the goods you have purchased. If the information does not match, it is a fake shoe.
Information in the Birkenstock footbed
The footbed of an original Birkenstock shoe shows the following information:
- Shoe size (German size, large in millimeters, character code)
- Footprint (bordered at normal width and filled at narrow width)
- Birkenstock logo or lettering
- Made in Germany (Birkenstock does not produce in China)
- Leather sign (either only bordered or printed with “Brand Sole Leather”)
Only for soft foot bed:
- either on the far left the words “soft footbed” with an angular outer line or
- “Soft Footbed” under the “Birkenstock” lettering
If you slide your finger over the information, you should feel that the information is easily embossed in the leather. If the information is printed only with color and they do not feel a slight difference in height, then it may be a fake shoe.
The colour of the information depends on the shoe model and the year of manufacture:
Shoes with normal footbed,which were made before 2017, have a yellow print all shoes manufactured since 2017 have a black print.
For shoes with a soft foot bed, the information in blue
For vegan models from Birkenstock, the information is printed in the colour green.
The Birkenstock pattern of the sole
The colour of the sole of the shoe does not indicate whether it is original Birkenstock. These are available in a wide variety of variations, from white to purple to black. To detect fake Birkenstock, you need to take a closer look at the pattern of the sole. Note the size of the patterns and compare them, if possible, with Birkenstock shoes, which you can be sure are original. In addition, in real shoes, the lettering “Birk” can be seen in some of the boxes of the sole.
Birkenstock lettering or logo
Next to the birch train lettering on the footbed of the shoe, there is another lettering on the buckles of the Birkenstocks. Depending on the model and size of the buckle, either “Birkenstock”, “Birken” or “Birk” is written here.
Price and weight of shoes
Don’t fall for too good deals. If the shoes are offered for much less money than the normal price, they are most likely fake Birkenstock. You should also pay attention to the weight of the shoes when purchasing. Original shoes are usually much lighter than cheap fakes.
