OPED: Say “yes” to Birkenstocks

By Kacey Hsu
Bluedevilhub.com Staff–

There has always been some sort of subconscious stereotyping for a person who looks like they’d own a pair of Birkenstocks. This person could be anyone from the weekly Farmer’s Market attendee to that one outdoorsy chemistry teacher.

Birkenstocks have always been known as some of the ugliest shoes created, alongside crocs. Unlike crocs though, Birkenstocks have grown to be wildly popular, especially amongst the younger shoppers who were more judgmental about them from the start. 

Birkenstocks were first introduced to the United States in 1966 when Margot Fraser began importing them following her discovery of the sandals whilst on a German vacation. The sandals have never been that popular, but over the past few years, Birkenstocks have become the replacement for one’s usual go-to pair of Rainbows.

Personally though, I’ve done the exact opposite. I bought my first pair of Birks 6 or 7 years ago on a vacation in Germany. They were probably the most comfortable shoes I’ve ever worn, with their footbeds made of cork and natural latex–“contoured in the shape of a healthy foot,” according to the Birkenstock site’s foot health page.

 I wore them everywhere except to school to avoid being questioned for my strange choice in footwear, and whenever my parents offered to buy me a new pair I declined. I’m regretting it, because who knew they’d be one of the most popular sandals now?

When looking for a new pair of neutral sandals, I opted for the braided Rainbow sandals rather than Birkenstocks, but now I’m wishing I didn’t.

 You can’t deny their popularity when nearly all styles of Birkenstocks on the U.S. Birkenstock site are back-ordered.

 I’ll always think they’re a little ugly, but it’s so worth it when you can walk in a pair of sandals without your feet aching. The design of the shoe ensures proper weight distribution, with the raised arch and the technology that allows the cork and latex to mold to the shape of your foot while providing the necessary support.

 Some people call them “Jesus sandals,” which is understandable. I mean, they do kind of look the name. Get past the look, though, buy a pair of Birks, and you’ll find yourself wishing you got them way before your feet hurt when you walked around all day in a pair of flip flops.

Birkenstocks have taken over the United States and Davis High, and if you’re one who’s resisting buying them, DON’T. They’ll change your life and your feet while still staying with the latest trend.