The Trend That Always Comes Back- Birkenstocks
Written by Olivia Earp, Former Student on Monday, January 8, 2018
Some may not understand the Birkenstock trend, but they are making a comeback in the fashion world.
Birkenstocks first became popular in the 90's but the brand can be traced back to 1774. The shoe brand first started out making foot bed inserts. Almost 200 years later, the first Birkenstock sandal was introduced by Konrad Birkenstock, great- great- grandson of the creator, Johann Adam Birkenstock.
When the not so famous sandal was introduced in the 90's, it was only really worn by people who really cared about the environment. However, fashion hasn’t been the company's main focus. The sandal company states that "The foot bed is based on the cast of a healthy foot in the sand, ensuring that feet feel as comfortable as possible for hours on end. We still develop shoes that promote health and well-being – aided in this task by our wealth of experience."
Not only do they care about the comfort of their customers, but also the well-being of animals. Birkenstock carries various styles that are vegan, which leads back to the environmental reasons of why they came famous in the 90's.
In 1990, Kate Moss wore Birkenstocks while holding a cigarette posing for The Face. In 1922, Marc Jacobs included the sandals while designing the grunge look. During this time Birkenstocks were big in the fashion world, but soon faded out of the light.
Over the past few years Birkenstocks have taken a step back into the fashion scene. In 2013 high fashion brand, Céline featured Birkenstocks in their spring and summer collection in Paris. In 2016, other brands such as Michael Kors, started wearing them in their fashion show. Vogue has also published various stories recently on Birkenstocks and several staff members say they "remain unapologetic" about their loyalty to Birkenstocks.
Birkenstocks have been associated with high fashion run way shows, but the average person is also wearing them to the grocery store. The sandals are pretty affordable ranging from $99 and up for shoes that last for years.
At SHS, Birkenstocks are worn my many students, despite the season. Some people have formed an inseparable bond with their Birks, but to some they are just a cute pair of shoes
To senior Chelan West, they are more than just a pair of shoes. When was asked about her Birkenstocks, she had many words. She explained why she loved them so much by saying, "I was introduced to Birkenstocks about two and a half years ago. Within wearing them for almost two weeks straight, they finally formed my feet. So, with these Birks, I grew a bond. They were my go to. I even got a second pair, the Yara Birkenstock. Both pairs, are my pride and joy. I have formed a relationship with the best shoes I have ever crosses paths with."
When Aline Escoto was asked about her Birkenstocks, she had fewer words. "I love my Birks, but at the end of the day they are just a cute pair of shoes."
Throughout the years, the Birkenstock company has left a lasting impression on its customers, leaving it unlikely to fade out of the fashion world for a long time.
