Which to choose: Birkibuc vs birko flor? It is a tough choice for you to make even though both materials are of fine quality. While you can place your trust in Birkenstock, differences between these materials still exist, and this article will keep you well-informed about them.
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What Material Is Birkibuc And Birko Flor?
Both Birko flor and Birkibuc are synthetic materials favored by Birkenstock in making shoes and sandals. They exist for the sole purpose of imitating many properties of leather but at a more affordable cost. In general, these materials are durable, comfortable, easy to maintain, water-resistant, and less expensive.
Birkibuc
Made with polyamide fibers and acrylic, Birkibuc then gets buffed for more texture. Therefore, its appearance can pass as a great leather alternative with enough classiness and sophistication. Despite the nappy surface, it can be cleaned with only water and soap.
Vegans rely on Birkibuc for a resemblance to nubuck without using natural leather. The most visible limit of Birkibuc is the lack of elasticity and the necessary break-in period.
Birko Flor
Also made of acrylic and polyamide fibers, Birko flor goes under different treatments to have a smooth and shiny finish. You can immediately fit your feet as long as the size is proper, no need for some break-in time.
On the inside, the material is lined with a layer of fleece for more comfort. You can wear the shoes right after getting them out of the box without worrying about blisters or irritation. Birko flor is well-known for how breathable it is.
Similarities Between Birkibuc And Birko Flor
With both materials, customers usually have nothing to complain about. In detail, the similarities between them are:
- Both materials provide an accessible entry point into the Birkenstock world and serve as excellent vegan alternatives to leather, catering to ethical and budget-conscious consumers.
- Unlike many leathers, both Birko-Flor and Birkibuc exhibit a higher degree of water resistance, making them more forgiving in damp conditions and easier to clean.
- Designed to be comfortable against the skin, especially with their soft linings, these materials are also engineered for impressive durable Birkenstock wear, standing up to daily use.
- A significant advantage of both synthetic materials is their easy maintenance. A simple wipe with a damp cloth and mild soap is often all that’s needed to keep them looking fresh. This makes them ideal for everyday wear where spills or dirt are common.
Birkibuc vs Birko Flor: Key Differences
Birkibuc | Birko Flor | |
Comfort | Slightly scratchy at first because of the polyamide fabrics. | More comfortable at first thanks to the fleece lining on the inside. |
Appearance | – Leather-like look.
– Matte and a little rough. |
– More color choices.
– Shiny and smooth. |
Durability | Can’t be stretched | More stretchable. |
Comfort
For a brand like Birkenstock, quality is not something you need to worry about, hence both these materials are equally comfortable for your feet. Now, the level of comfort depends on the size of your shoes. Getting the regular size is your best bet here, but it’s even better if you can visit the store and try the footwear directly.
You can experience top-notch comfort with a pair of Birko flor shoes as soon as you unbox them. However, Birkibuc will need some time to break in, just like other leather shoes.
Price
The price for a pair of sandals ranges from $80 to $140, whether you choose Birko flor or Birkibuc. Since they are both synthetic materials, the cost doesn’t differentiate.
Insides
The reason you immediately feel comfortable with Birko Flor might come from the fleece lining on the inside. Meanwhile, Birkibuc shoes have polyamide fabrics, thus it might feel slightly scratchy at first, but you will love it when this layer accommodates your feet.
Appearance
Birkibuc is made to be an inexpensive alternative to leather, so it is bound to have a leather-like look (specifically nubuck leather). The finish is matte and probably a little rough.
On the other hand, Birko Flor is created with no intention of making it look like leather. The brand tries to give it a lot of colors and make sure the surface is shiny and smooth to attract more customers.
Durability
Due to the structure of the fabrics, Birkibuc can’t be stretched. If you use enough strength, you can tear the material apart.
In this term, Birko Flor can be more durable. It stretches and resists tearing force. The ability to stretch is also why it needs no break-in time.
When To Choose Birkibuc?
Birkibuc is a great second option when you’re on a budget and leather seems to be out of reach. On the outside, this type of material almost resembles natural leather, which means you will have the classy look you expect from leather shoes.
Birkibuc is also more durable than what you normally expect from synthesized material. The inside of these shoes usually features a soft lining to give your feet the utmost comfort.
Despite all the advantages, you don’t need to spend too much money and time to keep your shoes squeaky clean.
However, as Birkibuc resembles leather, especially in terms of appearance, it only features a few colors. If you are following a certain trend, this might not meet your expectation.
Be aware that you will need to give it some break-in time before it truly feels soft and fitting for your feet. We recommend loosening or tightening the strap on top of your feet until it feels good against your skin.
When To Choose Birko Flor?
Unlike Birkibuc and its limited choices for colors, Birko Flor is the best option for you if you want to catch up with the trends. It is available in many colors and styles.
Compared to leather, Birko Flor is not costly, hence you don’t have to worry about exceeding the budget.
Also, Birko flor shoes can adjust to your feet instantly, there’s no need to break them in before you can wear them confidently. If your shoes get stains, just use a wet cloth and you can easily clean the dirt away.
There’re some downsides of Birko Flor you should be aware of.
- Regardless of the quality, it is still a synthetic material in the end. If your skin is sensitive, you will feel discomfort from irritation right away. Doing your research in advance is important.
- It might take some time for you to grow familiar with the inner material.
- Although it is made to imitate the virtues of leather, it doesn’t get better with age. Every day being in use takes it closer to disposal.
More FAQs about Birkibuc vs Birko Flor
1. Are Birkibuc and Birko-Flor equally breathable?
While both Birkibuc and Birko-Flor are designed with comfort in mind and contain breathable components, Birko-Flor generally tends to offer slightly better ventilation.
Its often smoother finish and the specific construction of its synthetic layers, combined with the fleece lining that wicks away moisture, contribute to a feeling of more immediate airiness against the foot.
Birkibuc, with its denser, nubuck-like texture, provides excellent insulation and a robust feel, which might make it feel marginally less breathable in extremely hot and humid conditions compared to some Birko-Flor varieties, especially those with a more open or perforated design.
2. Do Birkenstock’s synthetic materials, Birkibuc and Birko-Flor, stretch out over time?
Both Birkibuc and Birko-Flor, being synthetic materials, are designed to retain their shape better than natural leather and will not stretch significantly over time in the same way leather does.
Birko-Flor has a subtle inherent flexibility that allows it to conform gently to your foot shape for comfort, but it won’t stretch out and become loose.
Birkibuc is even firmer and less elastic, maintaining its initial fit very well. While some slight give may occur with prolonged wear, neither material will stretch to the extent that it compromises the fit or support of your Birkenstock sandal, making them a reliable choice for consistent sizing.
3. Which material, Birkibuc or Birko-Flor, is better for people with sensitive skin or allergies?
For individuals with sensitive skin or certain allergies, both Birkibuc and Birko-Flor are generally excellent choices, as they are vegan and free from animal products that can sometimes trigger sensitivities.
However, the soft, fleece lining on the underside of the Birko-Flor material is specifically designed for immediate comfort and can be particularly gentle against the skin.
If you have very reactive skin, the smoother surface and consistent softness of Birko-Flor might be preferable to the slightly more textured feel of Birkibuc. Ultimately, it’s always recommended to test the material against your skin if you have known sensitivities to ensure personal comfort.
Final Words
Birkibuc vs Birko Flor shouldn’t be a battle of any sort, as each material has its positive and negative properties. If you want an alternative that is nearly as classy as natural leather is, your pick should be Birkibuc. Nonetheless, if you are after bright and unique colors, Birko Flor will be a more suitable choice!