It’s summertime, and that can mean only one thing – dusting off your favorite pair of Birkenstocks! And if you don’t have a pair of your own, then it’s finally time to treat yourself. But wait… Birko-Flor or Birkibuc, which ones should you go for?
This is a serious dilemma, but one thing is certain: If you’re deciding which Birkenstock model to get for this summer, you’ve already made the right decision.
Because this brand is a summer staple!
So, let’s see what’s the catch with these two options!
What is Birkenstock Birko-Flor?
Birkenstock Birko-Flor is a synthetic material used exclusively by this brand. It is a double-layered, tear-resistant, easy-care material that constructs the upper of Birkenstock shoes, and for the most part, it includes smooth polyvinyl chloride (PVC).
The upper layer has a smooth and shiny appearance, which looks very stylish and is a great option for all those occasions when you need something more fancy yet still comfortable to wear. The material is also very easy to clean and maintain.
The inner layer of Birko-Flor is made out of soft felt fleece and is extremely skin-friendly. It serves as a great “interference” between your skin and the synthetic upper layer, which makes the sandals generally more comfortable and prevents pesky blisters.
When it comes to cleaning and maintaining sandals made out of Birko-Flor, all you’ll need is a damp cloth, some warm water, and a couple of drops of detergent of your choice. That’s more than enough to ensure your sandals stay squeaky clean.
Sandals made out of Birko-Flor are comfortable to wear right out of the box. They are stretchy enough and do not require much break-in time. These sandals are usually available in many fun colors, and they are fairly affordable, which is a big plus point if your budget is a bit tight.
What is Birkenstock Birkibuc?
Birkenstock Birkibuc is another famous material this brand uses. It is made to replicate the look and feel of natural nubuck leather but is actually made out of acrylic and polyamide felt fiber.
During production, this material is lightly buffed, so it can have a matte finish and velvety texture – just like its natural nubuck counterpart.
Sandals made from Birkibuc are a great alternative when the classic leather Birkenstocks are out of stock. They are also an excellent option for environment enthusiasts, or anyone looking for a more sustainable and vegan option.
These sandals have a classy and sophisticated look and serve as a fabulous addition to any casual, summery outfit. With their natural leather appearance, they can elevate any look and make it more chic.
On the inside, Birkibuc sandals boast a soft felt lining, making them incredibly comfortable on the skin.
Similar to Birko-Flor, Birkibuc is also super easy to clean and maintain. With a soft cloth, some warm water, and a mild detergent of your choice, you have your very own cleaning trio that can get rid of basically any stain on your sandals.
Birkibuc sandals are durable, too. And the best part is, they’re usually a lot cheaper than leather sandals. So, if you want a pair of fancy leather sandals for the summer, but your budget says no, Birkenstock Birkibuc is the answer to your prayers (and pocket).
Birko-Flor vs. Birkibuc: What are their main differences?
1. Comfort
With a brand like Birkenstock, comfort is never questionable. Throughout the years of its existence, this brand has come out with various comfortable footwear options for both men and women of all ages.
People wear Birkenstock as a part of their everyday casual summer outfits, and even when they are in desperate need of a comfy pair of shoes for a speedy recovery from various foot conditions.
Therefore, we can safely say that both Birko-Flor and Birkibuc sandals are in fact super comfortable. However, it all depends on the size and width of your feet and the size of the sandals themselves.
We always advise getting your regular size and paying close attention to the width of your feet. If you need some help, Birkenstock’s official site offers a handy size chart. Or go to the nearest store and try on some sandals in person, so you can be one hundred percent sure.
Bear in mind that Birkibuc sandals are a bit tighter in the beginning, which means that they need more time to break them in than Birko-Flor ones, which are comfortable right out of the box.
2. Appearance
We’ve already covered what finish both of these materials have. Birkibuc is made with the intention to imitate nubuck leather, which is why Birkibuc sandals are a bit plain looking, have a matte finish, and feel somewhat rough to the touch.
In contrast, Birko-Flor was never intended to be a leather replica. Sandals made out of this material are fun, playful, and shiny, and they come in various colorful options. Because of this, they attract more customers, especially those with a more creative side.
3. Durability
When it comes to durability, Birko-Flor sandals take the win. They are stretchable and tear-resistant, which is the main reason they do not need any break-in time.
On the other hand, Birkibuc sandals are quite stiff, but if you use enough force you can easily tear the material apart.
This means that Birko-Flor sandals would last you longer because once Birkibuc sandals start to stretch, it is only a matter of time before the material breaks.
Do these two materials have any similarities?
Now that we have gone through their differences, let’s see if these two materials have anything in common.
First of all, both Birko-Flor and Birkibuc are vegan materials. This makes them perfect for those who want to invest in a comfortable, quality pair of summer footwear without going against their principles.
Secondly, both have a similar price range. The price of both Birko-Flor and Birkibuc sandals ranges from $80 to $140, which makes them pretty affordable for those who are on a tighter budget.
Also, both sandals are suitable for both men and women, no matter their age. It’s not uncommon to see kids rocking their Birkenstocks along with their grandma in a pair of her own, chilling in their favorite ice cream shop.
Another similarity is that both of these materials are pretty long-lasting – they do not fade or wear out that easily. And as we’ve already mentioned, they are both pretty easy to clean.
Birko-Flor vs. Birkibuc: What material is better?
So, now that we have covered everything, it is finally time to answer the question you came here for. So, Birko-Flor vs. Birkibuc: Which material is better?
Honestly, as with many comparisons we’ve covered on this site, the answer depends entirely on your own preferences.
Both of these materials are good in their own ways. They are both comfortable, durable, stylish, and somewhat affordable. So, whichever one you opt for is entirely up to you.
As we were going through the differences and similarities between these two materials, you were able to form an opinion and decide what features are deal breakers and what can be tolerated.
For example, if you are someone who loves wearing colorful footwear, then Birko-Flor sandals are definitely the way to go. Or, if you are someone who prefers minimalism and leather knock-offs, then Birkibuc sandals are made for you.
No matter what you end up choosing, one thing’s for sure: You can’t go wrong with a high-quality brand such as Birkenstock!
Frequently asked questions
1. Will my feet get sweaty in Birko-Flor sandals?
The fleece lining of Birko-Flor sandals is there to keep your feet dry. However, if your feet are naturally more sweaty, then there’s pretty much nothing you can do.
2. Is Birkibuc a waterproof material?
Rather than being waterproof, Birkibuc is water-resistant. However, this material has a slightly porous surface, which is a feature that ensures the breathability of these sandals.
This means that the water might not cause any serious damage to your Birkibuc sandals, but it is still not advisable to expose them to excessive moisture.
3. Can Birko-Flor sandals get wet?
Just like Birkibuc sandals, the upper layer of Birko-Flor sandals is also water-resistant. However, their inner fleece lining can in fact get easily wet. The good news is that it also dries pretty quickly.
4. Are Birko-Flor and Birkibuc worth the splurge?
Both Birko-Flor and Birkibuc are definitely worth every dime. Both of these sandals are comfy, durable, and easy to maintain. And on top of all of that, they are both fantastic footwear options for warmer months.
Read more: Birkenstock Vs. Crocs: The Battle Of Summer Footwear
