Birkenstocks

panda · Post by **panda** » Tue Aug 10, 2004 11:39 am

This is a really silly question.

I have birkenstocks, which I LOVE, and want to bring them to the playa, but don't want to ruin them. Don't know if the alkaline does anything negative to the leather...anyone else bring birks and have any problem keeping them in good condition? I don't want to have to sacrifice comfort if I don't have to.

DVD Burner · Post by **DVD Burner** » Tue Aug 10, 2004 11:44 am

Last I knew it was ok but I could be wrong. All I know is dont dance in a Mosh pit with them. Right Ring?

ibdave · Post by **ibdave** » Tue Aug 10, 2004 5:42 pm

I love mine also... But for the last 6 yrs mine have stayed at home... I get cheap river type shoes or old running shoes for my walk around time...

ibdave · Post by **ibdave** » Tue Aug 10, 2004 5:43 pm

I love mine also... But for the last 6 yrs mine have stayed at home... I get cheap river type shoes or old running shoes for my walk around time...

Stormy · Post by **Stormy** » Tue Aug 10, 2004 5:54 pm

Well from a former leather queen, yes you can take leather to the playa. It will get a bit weathered or conditioned. You can neutralize them a bit by wiping on vinegar, then cleaning with a good leather cleaner. They will still be quite wearable but you will have accelerated the well worn look.

Hotspur · Post by **Hotspur** » Tue Aug 10, 2004 11:51 pm

More than the birkenstocks, I'd be worried about what wearing open shoes will do to your feet.

Vinegar and lotion are your friends if you want to be able to walk comfortably and you're wearing stuff like that.

headquarters · Post by **headquarters** » Wed Aug 11, 2004 12:52 am

i've taken my doc martin leather sandels the last 2 years, these sandles are like 6 years old. they get pretty caked with playa but i just clean them up when i get home and they are good for another year. i'll be bringing them agian this year!

Post by **AntiM** » Wed Aug 11, 2004 4:31 am

Do Not however, bring suede leather sandals. Mine are never, ever going to be free of playa dust.

Yeah, I'm a nerd, I wear socks with my sandals ... at least they're colorful socks.

panda · Post by **panda** » Wed Aug 11, 2004 10:50 am

I guess I'll bring them. I'm not worried about the wearing sandals part, I've brought tevas every year and been fine foot-wise. Everytime I've tried wearing shoes during the day I've broken down and put my sandals on cos of the heat. :)

Thanks for all the input.

MissNev · Post by **MissNev** » Wed Aug 11, 2004 10:57 am

I've brought my beloved Birks to the Playa for the past 5 years and they look just as beautiful as the day I got them....as do my feet! For my Birks, I clean them well when I return. For my feet, cheapie (beauty school) pedicure before leaving, and luxurious pricey pedicure upon my return. Vinegar on the playa is your friend! So is Dr. Bromer (sp?) liquid soap, and plenty of lotion. I clean my feet and lotion up at night before putting on my socks. I've never had a problem with my feet.

RingO'Fire · Post by **RingO'Fire** » Wed Aug 11, 2004 2:17 pm

DVD Burner wrote:Last I knew it was ok but I could be wrong. All I know is dont dance in a Mosh pit with them. Right Ring? :lol:

Word, bro!

The consensus among all these other more experienced burners seems to be that your Birks and feet will be ok.

However, as my buddy DVD Burner pointed out, whatever you do, DO NOT wear them in a mosh pit - You're subject to getting your big toenail peeled off by someone else's boots (although I was dancing so hard and was so buzzed that I didn't even notice what had happened until I got back to the hotel and noticed my toe was covered with blood).