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Birkenstock vs Betula

Birkenstock vs Betula

If you are a sandal lover, chances are you have one or both brands in your closet. People mainly associate Birkenstock and Betula with comfort footwear. The brands are both German and are similar in appearance but differ in quality. The similarities are because Betula is a brand under Birkenstock. Let’s take a closer look at the similarities and differences between these two brands.

Birkenstock vs Betula: Overview

Age

Birkenstock is Betula’s parent company. However, the two brands differ in age. Johann Birkenstock founded the Birkenstock brand in 1774, and Christian Birkenstock started Betula in 1994 as a Birkenstock branch.

Brands

Birkenstock hosts a couple of brands as their parent company, including Betula, Papillio, Birki, and Alpro. Betula is a brand under Birkenstock and does not have any sub-brands.

Styles

The brands have similar styles and have the bottom of the black rubber sole embossed with the same pattern. For almost every Birkenstock classic, there is a Betula counterpart. Birkenstock brand offers a wide variety of sandals, shoes, and clogs with a minimal but classic aesthetic relying on the brand’s nature. 

Betula brand carries traditional Birkenstock shoes that are up to date with trends and modern styles. They also release new monthly styles with studs, beading, prints, and flashy embellishments, showing outstanding craftsmanship. They also have new insoles models for more supportive footwear.

Quality

Birkenstock offers customization options and a choice between its three therapeutic insoles.

Betula does not currently offer customization because it is expensive.

Materials

Birkenstock is known for the wide range of materials that make their footwear, ranging from natural leather to synthetics and textiles. They use leather and fabric for their uppers.

Betula uses cheaper materials like faux-suede and uses synthetics for the uppers. 

Both brands have footbeds that offer the same support.

Pricing

Based on the material and artistry used to manufacture Birkenstock sandals, their products are relatively expensive. Natural leather and other premium materials used and a 17 step work process that requires over 100 skilled hand movements is no mean feat. The detail and artistry in the manufacturing process are bound to make the Birkenstock sandals quite pricey.

Betula offers low prices for models similar to Birkenstock styles because:

  • They use cheaper materials to manufacture their footwear, thus allow affordability of their footwear.
  • They are sold in high-volume retail stores that lack the top-notch services an authorized Birkenstock retailer offers.

Prices for these brands also vary depending on the style of the shoes.

Availability

Birkenstock is available in select department stores, licensed Birkenstock stores, and some independent stores.

Betula is more accessible, and you can find it in various retail shoe stores. It debuted on the Home Shopping Network, and you can find some of its products retailing on the HNS website.

Both brands are available in various online stores, like Beso and Overstock.

Water resistance

Birkenstock sandals are designed to be waterproof. Betula’s are not water-resistant. Some dissatisfied customers claim the Betula shoes’ soles fell off when the sandals got wet and their footbed peeled.

Others

  • Some customers claim that the sizing is different. The Birkenstock sandal size you would wear is larger than Betula by about 0.5. It is essential to look out for this difference in sizing on your next purchase. 
  • You can repair Birkenstock sandals, but not Betula.

Birkenstock and Betula have genuine footbeds made from cork. This feature makes them leaders in the health and wellness footwear industry. They make comfortable and stylish sandals for women, men, and kids and offer fun colors and exceptional styles. When you choose either brand, you are putting your feet first.

How to clean your sandals

Whether Birkenstock or Betula, it is essential to consider the material used in the upper part to clean it accordingly. You need to use a cleaning method that doesn’t damage the finish. Birkenstock has a one-fix-for-all shoe cleaner that you can use. It acts as a stain repellent and a cork sealer.

Also, allow your sandals to dry under shade. Direct sunlight makes them crack and wear out faster. It is not advisable to use a dryer to speed up drying as it may ruin your sandals. Also, ensure they are fully dry before wearing them again.

Birkenstock

Use a leather cleaner on your leather Birkenstock sandals to remove grime and dirt. Choose a leather cleaner with conditioning agents to hydrate the hide and strengthen it. Or you can buy a separate conditioner. If your sandals are exposed to the sun constantly, it is best to condition them once or twice every month.

For oiled and nubuck leather sandals:

  • Pour a small amount of the cleaner onto a cloth and apply it to the upper part of the shoe in a circular motion to allow the leather to absorb the cleaner. Too much liquid will damage the sandals’ finish.
  • Use a dry cloth to remove excess liquid.
  • Apply a little amount of conditioner to the upper using another dry cloth and gently rub the straps.
  • Let your sandals dry thoroughly before wearing them.

Betula

You can use a patent leather cleaner to nourish and protect your sandals or use a little water to wipe off the dirt. To remove scuff marks, you need to use products that will not reduce the shine of the finish.

  • Wipe the upper with a damp cloth to remove dirt and dust.
  • Dry the surface with a dry cloth.
  • Dap a little oil (olive oil or petroleum jelly) onto a dry cloth and use it to rub the surface with scuff marks. 
  • Let the oil sit for about 20 minutes, and then wipe off the excess.

How to clean the footbed

Since Birkenstock and Betula have a similar footbed, this cleaning procedure is suitable for both. A sweaty footbed is a turnoff. Use a damp cloth to clean the footbed after a few weeks. When using them on wet grass or a muddy day, wipe your sandals as soon as you get home and give them ample time to dry. In case of stains, try this DIY cleaning solution:

  • Use a toothbrush or suede brush to remove loose dirt.
  • Make a paste using water and baking soda.
  • Let the paste sit overnight, then use a damp cloth to rub it over the stain gently.
  • Wipe off excess paste and allow your shoes to dry.