Birkenstocks are back and I’m Glad

Ally’s Birks on the left and mine on the right – complete with splattered paint and the old toe ring that I reserved for wear with these sandals alone – I can’t believe I found the ring!

When my 14-year-old daughter walked downstairs one morning sporting a fancy new pair of Birkenstock sandals, I couldn’t help but raise an eyebrow. First of all, I had no idea she had purchased these and I certainly never pegged her as an earthy-crunchy type.

My apparent shock at her uncharacteristic footwear forced the question, “Mom, what are you looking at – do you hate them?”

My answer, “No! In fact, I love them!”

Birkenstocks, Baby!

At this point, I ran out to the garage where I was pretty sure I’d tossed my old Birks several summers ago after a random painting project. I was so excited to share in Ally’s new found love of Birkenstock footwear, I nearly tripped running out the door.

Upon my enthusiastic return, Julia took one horrified look at Ally’s and my feet and said, “What are you two doing? Those are awful.”

And so, the Birkenstock camp discussion ensued. I explained that you either love Birkenstocks or you hate them. Julia made it clear she was in the hate camp. I took a quick trip down memory lane recalling when I first slipped into my own hippie sandals. This was in the early nineties, fresh out of college, post-1980s neon and the grunge movement at it’s peak. Then, my sister’s reaction to my new, crunchy look was the same as Julia’s…not a fan.

Then, and even now, I liked the transformation I felt when in one moment I’d be happily dolled up in fancy heels and the next minute I was running around in my Birkenstocks and tattered cutoff shorts. It was like having a free-spirited alter-ego.

I, personally, am happy Birkenstocks are back. The other day I wore my 25 year-old pair out in public feeling on trend, nostalgic and comfortably undone.

What Camp Are You In?

Are you glad or mad that Birkenstocks are back? Before you scoff, take a look at all of the new styles, colors and patterns at Birkenstock.com. They have a shiny snake collection and I think the white ones are great.

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kiki
6 years ago

I’m with Julia, until I change my mind :0 hee hee hee

6 years ago

Once on the foot, forever in the heart… love my nerdy Birks.

6 years ago

Such fun recalls those even earlier earthy crunchy shoes – Dr Scholls and earth shoes You can check them out here… https://pjmedia.com/lifestyle/2014/6/15/the-10-most-essential-womens-shoes-in-the-1970s/2/ Never wore Birks but as a kid absolutely their predecessors. Earth Shoes were supposed to make you walk better and Doc Scholls where supposed to exercise your calves as your toes spent all the time clinging to the shoes to keep them on.

6 years ago

Thanks for the response Kristen and thank you too for bringing Ally’s Birks back from Germany. I laughed so hard when she told me Kalista got them for her.

Kristen Ringler
6 years ago

Great blog! You took the words right out of my mouth! I am also so happy that are back! Before I didn’t wear them out of the house. It now I do feeling trendy. It is also trendy to wear socks with them which just blows me away but I’ll take it!! Long live German house shoes!!