Birkenstock Material
Hey there,
I’m between the Birkenstock in Taupe Suede or Tobacco Oiled Leather… both look identical to me color wise, but I’m not sure what the difference is in on a daily wear basis…
If you have one or the other or even both, and can list the pros and cons of each, it would be greatly appreciated and helpful!!!
5 Replies
The first image doesn't seem right, it's neither of the colorways you're talking about. But it depends on your style. The rougher suede will look better in some styles, and the oiled leather better in others.
The difference is texture, basically. Suede has a rough, even and "soft" feel. Oiled leather is more of a smooth and waxy style.
Really, the difference is just stylistic.
There's a small construction difference too. Birkenstock suede is lighter and softer than the leather counterpart, and it's more noticeable on bostons and Arizonas where the buckles kind of weigh it down. Ppl who own the suede versions say the top of the vamp collapses down toward the footbed after a while (years?) making them a little more annoying to slip on and off.
Also suede is a bit harder to keep clean and you will need suede conditioner if you want it to look not flat
I’ve had the suede ones for three years now and have done nothing to them but wear them and the suede looks exactly the same