Birkenstock Authentication

Birkenstock makes many models, and its site lists models such as the Arizona, Boston, Madrid, Gizeh, Kyoto, Mayari and Florida. Fashion press describes the Boston as a clog, so compare it only with Boston references.

Many models come in more than one footbed and material. Birkenstock says its Soft Footbed has the same supportive properties as its original footbed, with an additional latex foam layer for extra cushioning, and its site lists soft footbed versions of models such as the Arizona, Boston and Gizeh.

Record the model, footbed version, upper material, color and size before judging details. A detail that is normal on one version can look wrong next to another, which is a common cause of false alarms.

Birkenstock's annual report lists leather, EVA, cork, natural latex, jute, wool felt and brass buckles among the raw materials it sources, mainly from suppliers in Europe. Birkenstock says all its sandals and footbeds are made in Germany and its shoes and boots in Europe, and its annual report also names a manufacturing facility in Arouca, Portugal.

Birkenstock's product piracy page says counterfeits usually show fairly obvious defects, often give off an acrid chemical smell, and may carry labels with unfamiliar logos or plainly false information. Reviewers compare the footbed shape and lining, the upper, the stitching, the buckles and the sole with references for the same model, footbed and material.

Wear, cleaning, resoling and repairs all change footbeds, uppers and soles. Record condition and history rather than treating one difference as a verdict.

Birkenstock's product piracy page says that on counterfeits the sizes stated on the product are often wrong, and that labels may show unfamiliar logos or false information. Check that the size and model on the footbed, any labels, the box and the receipt agree with each other and with how the pair actually fits and measures.

Because Birkenstock says all its sandals and footbeds are made in Germany and its shoes and boots in Europe, an origin marking outside Europe on a Birkenstock sandal is a reason for closer review. We found no Birkenstock code, scan or serial check, so labels and packaging are supporting context that must agree with the pair itself.

Birkenstock says to buy only from its website, Birkenstock retail stores or its authorized retailers, and that the only way to be absolutely sure a pair is genuine is to buy from Birkenstock.com or an authorized Birkenstock dealer. Its US counterfeits page says Birkenstock does not authorize any product sales at Amazon, Gilt, Rue La La, Walmart, Sam's Club or Costco.

In 2016, Birkenstock USA decided to stop selling through Amazon over counterfeiting concerns, according to trade press and public radio coverage. Birkenstock also says any website offering to ship its products from another country into the US is operating illegally, and warns against sites offering sale prices or deep discounts.

Birkenstock's product piracy page adds that disreputable sellers use supposed brand websites and original product photos while hiding behind the anonymity of popular sales platforms. Its fake website checklist covers the points below.

Birkenstock says products bought from its website or its own stores should be genuine, and that if you are unsure about a pair, you should return it to the place of purchase, which can clarify whether it is genuine.

If you bought from a website that is not an official source, Birkenstock asks you to contact its customer service with the website's domain, the purchase date and price, the merchant name on your invoice or bank statement, your card type and pictures of the product. Keep the listing, messages and payment record, and ask your payment provider about disputing the charge.

Get an item-level review when you bought outside Birkenstock.com, a Birkenstock store or an authorized retailer, when the size, labels or origin do not line up, when the pair smells strongly of chemicals, or when the seller cannot show the footbeds and soles.

Vereev is independent of Birkenstock and reviews the model, footbed, materials, construction, labels and seller evidence together, recording what the photos can and cannot show. Its result is not a Birkenstock determination.