The Birkenstock Madrid is the oldest member of the family of models, making it a classic. Launched as a “fitness sandal” half a century ago, this simple single-strap model has gone on to become a firm fashion favourite. Its function and design have largely remained unchanged. The special positioning of the strap gently trains the muscles in the feet and calves with each step – the toes’ grip reflexes trigger this effect.

Oiled leathers are designed to appear stressed and rustic looking. Leather conditioner will minimise this look. A lot of this occurs when the shoes are in transit as the paper rubs against the shoes and the shoes themselves jostle one another in the box creating scratches or scuffs on the leather. This can be worked out using your fingertips. The leather can appear dryer(lighter) in patches where the oil has dispersed or darker where the oil has settled. When you bend the straps or move the leather the colour will change frequently showing up crackly as the oil disperses.