Birks Are Back, And In Style

The level of love for Birkenstocks has risen to new heights in 2014. They have been rediscovered by the fashion world, and sales are off the charts at upscale and healthy shoe retailers around the country. So, this week I figured that I would be quiet for once and share what others have had to say recently about this iconic brand…

“So, what’s so special about Birkenstocks? The German orthopedic sandals embody the rare and sought after combination of comfortable and chic. They provide the support needed for a long day of walking, but their simple style and variety of colors pair nicely with anything from a sundress to a pair of ripped boyfriend jeans. There are almost no rules when it comes to Birkenstocks; wear them to the beach with a sundress and bikini, pair them with some ripped boyfriend jeans and a leather jacket to grab a cup of coffee, or slip them on over cozy wool socks, throw on a chunky sweater and you’ve got yourself the perfect lazy Sunday outfit.” – thefashioncoverage.com, 10/19/14

“New Yorkers are sure putting the ‘stock’ in Birkenstock. Long beloved by the granola-munching Bay Area set, the practical German sandal brand has enjoyed a steadily building surge in popularity on the Hudson ever since Céline showed a fur-lined version at its spring 2013 show.” – NY Times On the Runway Blog, 8/14/14

“‘We’ve photographed them a ton—with boyfriend jeans, Chanel tweeds, and black work dresses—for the past six months,’ says Eva Chen, editor-in-chief of the shopping magazine Lucky, who double-checks each issue to make sure Birks don’t appear more than once. ‘The last seven years in fashion have been all about the statement shoe, a beautiful, spindly heel that’s not comfortable.’ The antidote, it turns out, is buckled and cushioned…” – Bloomberg Businessweek, 7/26/14

“This summer’s sole heir to the footwear throne is, without doubt, the flat sandal. Be it pool slider, strappy, jelly or gladiator, the once considered ‘lowly’ alternative to the much celebrated heel is now at the cornerstone of every summer outfit. And we’re not just talking in the day time, at a festival or at the beach. The flat sandal is now a very real fashion choice for date night, dinner with the girls and, hallelujah, for long sessions on the dance floor.” – Glamour, 6/2/14

“It appears all those normcorers were on to something. Birkenstocks’ contoured footbed actually creates a healthy walking environment for your feet. And the metallic finish on these is anything but granola-y.” – Bustle.com, 5/30/14

“This spring, thanks to their everlasting comfort, and the breezy, carefree attitude of the runways, Birkenstocks are bigger than ever. The brand hit the New York runways with Trina Turk and Houghton, and collaborated with the king of Japanese cool, Yohji Yamamoto.  The cool kids, Isabel Marant and Riccardo Tisci, appropriated the classic style into their own versions. Whether original, or inspired, the sandal is now a bona fide Instagram star: hashtag #birkenstocks or #birkies, for short.” – Fashion, 4/29/14

“‘That silhouette was universally considered ugly,’ says Vogue.com contributor Katherine Bernard. ‘But Phoebe Philo’s luxe reinterpretation of a Birkenstock got me thinking. It’s like the most comfortable sandal in the world is having a stylish renaissance.’ With its squishy cork footbed, roomy toe box, and thick buckled straps, the sturdy, sensible sole has been embraced by others besides Bernard. In fact, fashion editors in these very hallways have been bringing their secret love of the jolie-laide shoe into the light of day. ‘I’ve been wearing them around the house forever, but recently I’ve taken fancier versions out into the world, too,’ says Associate Accessories Editor Jorden Bickham. ‘When my husband sees them, he says I’m lucky that we’re already married, but honestly I think it’s so much more sexy to be slightly underdressed, like you’re not trying too hard.'” – Vogue, 7/29/13

…All of this being said, I fell for Birkenstocks again last year after a long (and painful) bout of plantar fasciitis. So, for now I’ll stick to my high arch Birkenstock Bostons, because they give me all-day support, are super durable, and look good with a pair of jeans. For me, Birkenstocks are an old friend that eagerly awaits a trip to the office or a long walk at night, and I know that this friend will stick around with me long after the glare of the fashion world flashbulb has dimmed.