Birkenstocks are one of the few shoes worth repairing. The footbed molds to your foot over months of wear, creating a custom fit you simply can't buy new. When the soles wear out, throwing them away means starting that process all over again.
The good news: you don't have to.
Fred's Shoe Repair is an authorized Birkenstock repair center, and we resole Birkenstocks from all over the country through our mail-in service โ no matter where you live.
When Should You Resole Your Birkenstocks?
Most Birkenstocks need a resole every 2โ5 years depending on how often you wear them. Here's what to look for:
- The outsole is visibly thin โ you can see the cork through the bottom
- The tread is worn smooth โ you're losing grip on wet surfaces
- The footbed cork is cracking or crumbling โ it needs sealing or replacement
- The sandal feels flat โ the cushioning is gone
If you're seeing any of these, it's time. Waiting too long can mean damage to the cork footbed that's harder (and more expensive) to fix.
What Does a Birkenstock Resole Cost?
A new pair of Birkenstocks runs $130โ$200. Our professional resole package starts at $110 and includes:
- Professional removal of the worn outsole
- Replacement with a high-quality Birkenstock-style outsole built to outlast the originals
- Cork sealing included with every resole
- New footbed included when footbed replacement is selected
- Soles-only option available if your footbed is still in good shape
- Original Birkenstock outsoles available upon request
- Available in sizes 35โ48, regular and narrow widths
You get your broken-in footbed back โ plus years more wear โ for a fraction of replacement cost.
How Our Mail-In Birkenstock Resole Works
We've made it as simple as possible:
- Order your resole package at fredsshoerepair.com โ select your color, width, and size
- Ship your Birkenstocks to us at: Fred's Shoe Repair, 3033 N. University St., Peoria, IL 61604
- We contact you when they arrive and confirm the repair plan
- We resole and restore your sandals using genuine-quality materials
- We ship them back looking and feeling like new
Most repairs are completed and shipped back within 2โ4 weeks of arrival.
Why Choose Fred's Shoe Repair?
Fred's Shoe Repair has been a family-owned cobbler in the Peoria, IL area for over 50 years. We're an authorized Birkenstock repair center with access to genuine Birkenstock replacement materials.
We've resoled Birkenstocks for customers coast to coast through our mail-in service. Boot enthusiast publication Stitchdown has featured our work, and Thursday Boot Company lists us as a recommended repair center.
But the best proof is in the before-and-afters. Check out our Instagram @freds_shoe_repair to see what we can do.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you resole any Birkenstock style?
Yes โ Arizona, Boston, Gizeh, Mayari, and most other styles. If you're unsure, email us at fredsshoerepairil@gmail.com with a photo before ordering.
Do you use original Birkenstock materials?
We use high-quality Birkenstock-style materials that meet or exceed the originals. Genuine Birkenstock outsoles are available upon request.
What if my footbed is damaged, not just the sole?
Our package includes a footbed replacement option. If your footbed is still in good shape, you can choose the soles-only option. If there's additional damage, we'll assess it when your sandals arrive and contact you with options before doing any extra work.
How long does it take?
Typically 2โ4 weeks from when we receive your sandals. We'll keep you updated throughout the process.
What if I'm not happy with the result?
We stand behind our work. If something isn't right, contact us and we'll make it right.
Ready to Resole?
Don't throw away sandals that know the shape of your foot.
๐ Order your Birkenstock Resole Package
Questions first? Email us at fredsshoerepairil@gmail.com โ we're happy to take a look at photos and tell you exactly what your Birkenstocks need.