“Extremely Disappointed – Poor Quality and Even Worse Customer Service
I recently purchased a pair of Birkenstock buckle sandals for myself after buying a pair for my daughter and being initially impressed. Unfortunately, after wearing mine for just a short walk down the block and back, they caused significant pain and tore up my feet.
Given the brand’s reputation and the price point, I reached out to their customer service expecting some accountability or support. Instead, I was essentially told that this kind of discomfort is “to be expected” — which I find completely unacceptable for a product marketed as premium and orthopedic.
Needless to say, I won’t be purchasing from Birkenstock again. I’m sharing my experience — photos and all — because customers deserve to know what they might be getting into.”
“Very expensive sandals have got splits in both soles. Birkenstock refusing to acknowledge responsibility and will not even open a complaint for me. Very disappointing experience I shall not be buying from them again that’s for sure.”
“I have over 20 pairs of Birkenstocks in my family currently being used between 5 people. I purchased a new pair and they leather ripped and even with pictures they told me it’s not a manufacturer issue. I wore them less than 5 times. This company has really gone down the tubes with their customer service and quality! I’ll never buy again.”
“I bought birkenstock high heel sandals about 1.5 yrs back. I hardly wore them and this summer I find them crumbling under my feet . Thankgod I noticed that in time . I went to the birkenstock showroom to ask to replace the sole for which I would hv gladly paid but the sales person said that they don’t repair . My 10k gone down the drain . Finally I asked my roadside shoerepairing man to change the sole . He is doing it for 500 rs , replacing it with a rubber sole . I would say pathetic after sales services from such a big company . I think the Indian climate does not suit the sandal sole so why sell in India . I hv given the sandals for repair now to the local shoemaker but definitely if u want i can put the pic of the repaired birkenstock so that people can get theirs repaired rather than throwing them in the bin . The upper portion however was almost new . Very sad experience .”
“I ordered the Arizona Big Buckle sandals in black patent, crocus pink patent, and white leather. All fit, very attractive, fast delivery. The "patent" is not really patent. It is actually a shiny polished leather which is much better than sticky patent. The big buckle is such a nice style upgrade!
I'm surprised at all the neg reviews. I've had 5 pairs and mine never seem to wear out.”
“Wrong order received. Customer services provided an Evri returns label. I took the package to the Post Office but it would not accept the parcel. I was not warned about this. Birkenstock say the package has to be returned before anything is done. They do not offer to refund my postage on the original wrong order. They will not exchange. The shoes have to be reordered. No compensation offered. Their mistake is, apparently, my problem.”
“They created a label but never provided the shoes from the plant in Ohio. I paid $25.00 dollars extra shipping to get them delivered for a trip for my daughter and they missed it. I don’t need them anymore. They charged my credit card and said it will take 3 to 4 weeks for a refund plus shipping. What an absolute joke. Nobody takes that long for a refund anymore and I’m a senior citizen who needs the money. Horrible company”
“Extremely disappointing return experience from a premium brand
I applied online for a return and received an automatic return label, but when I went to the post office, it didn’t work. Very frustrating. I had to contact customer service to get a new return label, which required printing, so I had to go back the next day.
After two weeks with no update, I had to contact customer service again. According to the tracking, the package was delivered, but the company had not confirmed receipt until I followed up myself.
Now I’m still waiting for my refund and I have no idea how long that will take either.
Honestly, this was a terrible online shopping experience, especially coming from such a well known brand.”
“Purchased a pair of their Bend Low sneakers in September 2024. I wear them sparingly and never when it's wet, and the decorative cork is disintegrating, the glue is horrible. Contacted customer service and they told me to go pay one of their recommended repair shops. I shouldn't have to go to a repair shop and spend even more than the original $160 price tag to fix a shoe less than a year old. AWFUL.”
“So disappointed! I bought these shoes thinking I was paying for the quality, but less than three months of wear and the soles of my Birkenstock sandals completely came off!!! The whole sole, and then I tried contacting customer service and they said they couldn’t do anything because it’s just “wear and tear”, in less than three months??? For that price ???? So so disappointing!”
“Poor quality after 60-90 days of wear. Ripped at the back and refused to replaced. I love how they feel but didn't even try to replace them. Lost a customer!! BEST TO BUY THE KNOCK OFFS. I am sure they will last the same amount of time for less or perhaps last longer.”
“We're at the Tanger outlet in Glendale, the two girls working at the store kept on ignoring all the customer, finally had to loudly ask, does anyone work here, before one of them walked towards us......
After quickly telling my wife it wasn't available in he size, immediately proceeded to go back to her co-worker to continue talking.”
“I have asked in emails and texts for Birkenstock to stop sending notices ALL THE TIME AND THEY REFUSE TO UNSUBSCRIBE! WHAT do I have to do to unsubscribe - driving me nuts!!!”
“I recently purchased the Mayari. I explained to the salesperson at Birkenstock what I needed and she assured me they would be great for everyday use. I wore them a few hours and was given blisters all over my feet. I am very disappointed.”
“I will never again purchase sandals from Birkenstock and wouldn’t advise anyone to do so. The sandals cork sole is falling apart in the exact same location on both and have only been worn a month and a half at the most. Birkenstock will not stand behind the quality of their product and will not repair or replace them. ”
“This is the worst purchase I have ever made. Please don't be deceived by the brand. They charge a high price but fail to deliver a quality product. I filed a complaint with images attached, yet they refused to replace the product, even after seeing its poor condition. I am extremely dissatisfied and will never purchase from this brand again, nor would I recommend it to anyone.”
