Why is the cork dry and crumbling?Updated a year ago

Birkenstocks with an exposed cork footbed, may require cork repair due to general wear over time. This is achieved by using heat-moulded cork, which we re-build and grind back to the original shape of the footbed. To extend the life of your cork footbed we suggest you maintain the light covering of cork sealant around the edge, which protects the cork from the elements and prevents it from drying out.

Please note that both the footbed and soles of Birkenstock shoes can be damaged by exposure to extreme heat and water. Australia’s extreme summer temperatures can be harsher than cooler European climates. Do not leave them in direct sunlight, even inside under a window, right beside a fire or in a hot car in summer, and if they become wet, dry them out slowly, away from direct heat, never directly in front of a heater.