Birkenstock. Those clunky, orthopedically-correct sandals that seemed relegated to the realm of granola-loving hippies and European tourists. For years, I swore an oath I would never be caught dead in what I deemed the world’s ugliest shoes. I’d see them lurking on store shelves and think, “Why would anyone willingly wear those?” I knew I was not alone. Oddly, over the last several years, I saw a lot more people wearing Birkenstocks. And somehow, those orthopedic wonders have sashayed their way onto the feet of trendsetters and celebrities alike. Birkenstocks have exploded in popularity – watch the CBS this morning video, it’s fascinating. Who could have imagined Birkenstock collaborating with Dior and Manola Blahnik. Birkenstocks became fashionable. And, the unthinkable happened. My wife bought me a pair and made me a Birkenstock convert.
Quick History
The story of Birkenstock begins in 1774 in a small German village when Johann Adam Birkenstock, a shoemaker, laid the foundation for what would become a footwear revolution. For over a century, the Birkenstock family refined their craft, focusing on creating shoes that promoted foot health and comfort. The pivotal moment came in 1896 when Konrad Birkenstock developed the first contoured footbed, a concept that would set the brand apart. This innovative footbed, designed to mirror the shape of the foot and provide support, became the hallmark of Birkenstock shoes and sandals.
The 20th century saw Birkenstock’s transformation from a local cobbler to an international brand. In the 1960s, Karl Birkenstock, Konrad’s grandson, introduced the Madrid sandal, featuring the now-iconic cork and latex footbed. This design quickly gained popularity in Europe and eventually made its way to the United States. During the 1970s, Birkenstock sandals became synonymous with the counterculture movement, embraced by hippies who valued the shoes for their natural materials and ergonomic design. Despite their unconventional appearance, Birkenstocks earned a loyal following among those who prioritized comfort and sustainability.
In the 21st century, Birkenstock experienced a renaissance, propelled by the fashion world’s renewed interest in practical, comfortable footwear. The brand’s commitment to quality and environmental consciousness resonated with a new generation of consumers. Collaborations with high-end designers and endorsements from celebrities helped elevate Birkenstock to a status symbol of effortless, laid-back style. Today, the brand continues to innovate while staying true to its roots, offering a wide range of products that blend traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics, proving that comfort and style can indeed go hand in hand.
My Birkenstock Journey: Never Say Never
It started innocently enough. My wife, who has an uncanny knack for predicting the future, started asking me if I would consider wearing Birkenstocks. I always shut down the idea right away. The shoe repulsed me. She eventually brought it up again and again, only to hear there was no chance of me wearing Birkenstocks. Then she found her angle. We are headed out on vacation in a few weeks and she claims there was no way I can walk around with closed toe shoes in the heat. I argued flip flops will work great. The logical side of me knew she was right and I needed a durable shoe that I can walk around in. I started to put up less of an argument. She knew she had me hooked. One day she came home with 5 pairs for me to try on. I begrudgingly tried on the shoes. I chose the Arizona in oiled leather. The more I wore them the more I liked them. They were so easy to put on and take off.
I am now a full-fledged Birkenstock convert. I love the efficiency of the shoe and how comfortable they are – they are ugly for a reason. I’ve even started to enjoy the quirky, hippie-chic aesthetic they bring. My wife, of course, revels in her victory. She has the grace not to say, “I told you so,” but she doesn’t need to. My feet are doing all the talking, and they’re saying, “Danke Schön, Birkenstock!”