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Shopping Jun 10, 2009 @ 11:47am

Birks: Yay or Nay?

by Abby Gardner

Many of you may have gathered at this point (from some of my references), that I am a little hippie girl wrapped up in a fashion bow. I spent my teenage summers in Grateful Dead parking lots and twirling at the shows to a little Scarlet Fire or Franklin’s Tower. Birkenstocks were, of course, a staple.

I haven’t worn them in a very long time, opting for Havaianas or ballet flats when I’m not in heels.

The thing is I have some serious foot problems. As in, I get stress fractures on a regular basis. Seriously, I was once on crutches three times in twelve months. Other than the fact that I decked them out in vintage scarves, the situation was not cute.

I’m in need of flat summer shoes that offer me some actual arch support. It’s the flats that kill me more than my heels, probably because I walk around the city in them for hours.

Re-enter the Birks. They’re created to give proper support to the heel and the arch. And I think this patent pair looks kinda jazzy, for a Birkenstock. Of course, I know any pair, especially the originals, will work with my hippie garb. But can I wear these on a regular basis without looking too Summer of Love? Do you guys know of other cute warm weather pairs that are also foot-friendly?

I can’t do crutches or the boot again. I just can’t.

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posted by guest

Jun 10, 2009 11:58AM

It's nice to see that Birkenstocks are making a slightly more stylish shoe. I also have foot problems and it is really difficult to find a stylish shoe that is good to your feet.

http://amandasfashionspot.blogspot.com

posted by guest

Jun 10, 2009 12:04PM

Ha! I'm in a boot now. I feel your pain. Personally, I can't dig on the birkenstock. But flats aren't good. I say find a 2" wedge...something not so tall, not a flat, but gives your arch support.

posted by Faran Krentcil

Jun 10, 2009 12:06PM

Yes! Yes! Yes!

See: Sari Gueron, Spring '08

posted by guest

Jun 10, 2009 12:08PM

Love the Gizeh's..not so much the patent though, I like the light tan/brown ones.

posted by guest

Jun 10, 2009 12:12PM

I had the EXACT same problem, a recurring stress fracture originally from running that just refused to go away. I was in and out of an air cast over the course of a year. NO FUN.

I wore those black patent Birks last summer like it was nobody's business. I work in fashion but it is the only shoe that gave me arch support and didn't hurt my poor little foot.
Rock the Birk, sister, or your stress fracture will just get worse!

posted by guest

Jun 10, 2009 12:13PM

PHILLIP LIM MADE BIRKS LAST YEAR!!!
and my one regret (i type as i am wearing the ones i bought which are starting to fall apart after every-day wear) is that i didn't buy, like, four pairs.

they are adorable, comfortable as shit, and dressy enough to wear to work. they are metallic and black patent with a t-strap and an adorable little fringey piece. i can't find then in my size anywhere - not even at his showroom - i looked. i even got the last pair of my style at barney's last spring. i'm so suprised they didn't blow up.

can we please petition for them to be made again?

posted by guest

Jun 10, 2009 12:13PM

yay dude! i too am getting back to my hippie roots thanks to Phish tour...i love fashion,and i have foot issues, so i am def down w Birks.

posted by guest

Jun 10, 2009 12:37PM

I would LOVE to hear about more cute shoes options from comfort brands. I have the same thing with stress fractures AND a bunionette (that's a bunion under your pinky toe) from wearing heels 24/7 in my misspent youth. I've been stalking zappos and amazon for actually cute options from brands like Clarks, Easy Spirit, even Lifestride, but still haven't found the holy grail. I loved my worishoffer lace-ups last summer, but kinda want something that looks a little bit less orthopedic, even if it's orthopedic chic.

posted by nycshoegal

Jun 10, 2009 12:40PM

i'd say no, but healthy feet ARE more important than shoes. and that's coming from a shoegal. so yes, Abby, do away with the pain and rock the Birks that don't make you want to saw your feet off at the end of the day. patent leather pimps them out enough to not be hideous.

posted by guest

Jun 10, 2009 12:42PM

I don't know, I bought these two years ago, thinking they were the perfect alternative to my constant flip-flop wearing. They've been languishing in a corner of my closet ever since. Cute in theory, but they just don't do it for me...

posted by guest

Jun 10, 2009 12:46PM

Try Mephesto's versions.

posted by guest

Jun 10, 2009 12:47PM

or look into beautifeels...some of the shoes look a little too orthopedic, but there are a few gems out there!

posted by guest

Jun 10, 2009 12:47PM

Taryn Rose also makes super super cute COMFORTABLE and SUPPORTIVE shoes!!

posted by guest

Jun 10, 2009 12:51PM

faran- i loved that collection, but i think it was spring 07.

posted by cee5283

Jun 10, 2009 12:53PM

Rock em out! I'm wearing mine right now under my desk! When I have to go into meetings I put on my heels. For winter time I have pairs of Borns and Soffts that serve the same purpose.

Soffts actually make decent pumps that offer support. True, they're not as cute as some of my other shoes but I'm never embarrassed to be seen in them :-)

Random question, what's the average age on this blog...I'll volunteer, I'm 26...just kinda sad that we're so young and already have problems from when Manolos ruled the earth!

posted by guest

Jun 10, 2009 1:01PM

Birkenstocks have been very much in fashion for (I think at least 3) years now where I live. So I'd say 'yay'.

posted by erinina

Jun 10, 2009 1:03PM

i don't have a problem with certain birkenstocks...but i MUST highly recommend warishofers!!! they have a small wedge and are seriously comfortabe, plus super cute. i bought a pair and wore them around all that night, never having to break them in.

http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&client=safari&rls=en&ei=ruYvSt35CsLO-Aa79ryICg&resnum=0&q=worishofer&um=1&ie=UTF-8&sa=N&tab=wi

posted by guest

Jun 10, 2009 1:10PM

I say rock the Birks!

posted by guest

Jun 10, 2009 1:11PM

i love this thread! my feet feel more comfortable already!

as a sidenote, i think "yay" should actually be "yea" when used in the "yea or nay" context. i don't mean to be rude, just making a suggestion.

posted by ginni27

Jun 10, 2009 1:12PM

Corso como makes cute and comfortable shoes!

posted by guest

Jun 10, 2009 1:23PM

i vote YAY!

posted by guest

Jun 10, 2009 1:26PM

I say yes! I too suffer from major feet issues. As well as hip and knee problems. I'm flat-flooted, one of legs is longer than the other, and my hips turn inward. Pain, pain, and more pain. Because of this, I always gravitate toward cute flat shoes that I can put my custom orthodic inserts in. I wear lots of Nikes (dunks, not running shoes) and boots in the winter, but I'm always at a loss at what to wear in summer, sandal-wise. Maybe I'll try birks out. Even though I won't be able to put my orthodics in, maybe they'll give me enough support.

posted by guest

Jun 10, 2009 1:33PM

i have knee and back issues that cause all kinds of problems while trying to wear cute summer shoes...in my search i came across these which looked like they might have some arch support and are quite cute: http://www.ninewest.com/Odolf/3792528,default,pd.html?cgid=1059&itemNum=124

posted by darcykins

Jun 10, 2009 1:42PM

I don't actually have a pair but i think some of the Birkenstock designs are quite nice. I might get myself a pair this summer. I would get the traditional brown leather and admit I'm a big vegan food only, three R's, folk music listening hippie.

I recently read an article about how high heels are actually better for your feet than flats and that even Birks aren't great though so... maybe get really hippie and go barefoot? That's bad too, isn't it?

posted by etoilee8

Jun 10, 2009 1:45PM

I say "yay" all the way. I have been a Birkenstock wearer since the tender age of 13. (MY father swears by them). Yes, I love my heels but on the grocery store days, the ballet days, the days when you just can't do it, slide on the clogs. Give in to the urge. I've wanted the Gizeh for years. Now might be the time to take the plunge.

posted by guest

Jun 10, 2009 1:59PM

kindred spirits unite! i have a pair of silver birks with one strap across the front that i found in paris. they are so comfy and definitely more city-sportable than the classics. rock it out!

posted by guest

Jun 10, 2009 2:02PM

Cole Haan makes lots of cute sandals (not just the pumps) with the Nike Air bottoms on them. I bought a pair of white pearlized Birkenstocks last summer in Europe which are super cute! Good luck--feet problems are just not worth it!

posted by guest

Jun 10, 2009 2:05PM

I say, if you're gonna go for a pair of birks, get the original design. A lot of comfort shoe brands are trying to make their shoes look a little more stylish, and it doesn't really work. (Wedge crocs, anyone?) That patent pair looks a bit cheesy, as if they're trying too hard to be cool. I'd say getting the original style will look more summery and laid back than the pair you have pictured. (And they'd be more of an actual fashion statement...)

posted by guest

Jun 10, 2009 2:34PM

THIS is the shoe. Trust.

http://www.garnethill.com/jump.jsp?itemID=5701&itemType=PRODUCT&path=1%2C2%2C4477%2C7490%2C9332&iProductID=5701

Uber-comfy, versatile, and you will get ton sof compliments.

posted by darcykins

Jun 10, 2009 2:50PM

i don't want to sound overly cruel but:
guest 29, are you joking?

posted by guest

Jun 10, 2009 3:00PM

Birks are fine for casual everyday wear. My recommendation for super comfortable and close to orthopedic shoes is Chie Mihara. Most of her shoes have an orthopedic foot bed with lots of support. Some of her sandals are not as supportive, but let me tell you, the mid heel shoes are insanely comfortable and CUTE. Shell out the money because it is worth it to have healthy feet.

posted by guest

Jun 10, 2009 3:00PM

I find havaianas trashy and uncomfortable. I know american girls love them, but, as Italian, I know every italian girl would not be caught up dead wearing one of those shoes.
Instead Birkenstock are very popular,
(and not just among monks) since the brand has started producing more fashionable models, there are tons of models uber- cute!
Plus they're comfortable, and you can walk in them for hours, without having your back aching.

posted by guest

Jun 10, 2009 3:03PM

LOL @ Comment 30

I say go for the Birks! I think if purchased in the right color and style they're pretty minimalist and can go with most casual summer outfits. Sometimes simple and no frills is the best way to go.

posted by guest

Jun 10, 2009 3:11PM

I am so happy with this post, I think I have a stress fracture right now and put myself on bed rest as of this morning until my doctor appointment tomorrow. I broke my foot around this same time last year and am terrified of being back in the boot again! My doctor told me that any sandals as long as they have a little wedge are better then flats. Anyway, I rather sacrifice my flats during the day for birks if it means I can wear my heels out at night!

posted by guest

Jun 10, 2009 3:12PM

my bff just got that exact pair. thry look adorable and she wars them all the time.

posted by guest

Jun 10, 2009 4:13PM

Naots are like Birkenstocks, only slightly narrower (hence less shoe-box looking), slightly cushioned (so more comfortable), and have a bit more arch. They also come in the exact same style shown above...

posted by valenlb

Jun 10, 2009 4:32PM

I say go for the Birks. One of my good friends has this exact same problem and she says topsiders are also quite cushy and cute. They might be too preppy for you, but it's another option.

posted by guest

Jun 10, 2009 4:45PM

Ever heard of insoles? Stick some orhodics in your flats and you've got a comforable shoe. Magic.

posted by Abby Gardner

Jun 10, 2009 4:52PM

And here I was thinking I was alone in my stress fracture suffering. I once had four in my right foot at the same time. Total disaster that I must avoid again. Sorry you guys are feeling the pain too...doesn't it suck?? I'm totally stocking up on Birks this weekend. And I do have insoles, custom ones in fact, but they just don't work in so many of my shoes!
xxA

posted by guest

Jun 10, 2009 5:04PM

Random question, Abby...do you have a good foot/ortho doc? (totally random, but hey, figured I'd ask)

posted by Abby Gardner

Jun 10, 2009 5:13PM

Guest 40, I was living in LA during the first major chunk of my foot problems (and only surgery) and I wasn't in love with my last orthopedist here in NYC since I've been back. But an old boss recommended someone great to me a few months ago, for the next time :)
Dr. Jordan Metzl who I was actually just reading in NY Mag the other night made their top doctors list. I haven't been yet, but supposed to be amazing.
xA

posted by guest

Jun 10, 2009 5:41PM

I second Worishofers. I got my first pair last summer and wore them a ton. They're so comfortable. I have the birkenstock "gizeh" and I like them a lot. I also have the "sparta" which has more of a gladiator feel. Love them both.

posted by guest

Jun 10, 2009 5:47PM

do it!!i love birks- i've always wanted a pair, i just think they clash with my aesthetic... however, i think i see some on their website that could work for me.i hope so. i do so long for comfy shoes...

posted by guest

Jun 10, 2009 5:54PM

I know I might get attacked for saying this....but I walk a TON (like many other nyc girls) and for commuting I think fitflops are amazing - I feel like they offer amazing support and if you buy the all black pair you can't see the logo(i dont like logos)...and the fact that they're supposed to work your butt and legs is a bonus (although I have yet to see any improvement ;-))

posted by chicprepster513

Jun 10, 2009 7:05PM

loling/agreeing with #30
hell girl, go for the birks! beauty might be pain but these are cute and pain-free. I've seen similar styles by other brands but probably not as comfy as the birks.
just please stay away from their Jesus sandals and clogs!

posted by guest

Jun 10, 2009 9:19PM

Totally unrelated, but I am SO happy to see the editors and writers responding to comments! It gives a great feel to Fashionista.

posted by guest

Jun 10, 2009 9:34PM

I agree with 44, I bought fitflops after recovering from a broken foot last year and they are super supportive and comfortable, as long as your pants cover the gigantic logo they are the best!

posted by guest

Jun 10, 2009 9:46PM

I have the same problem. You can buy small gel arch inserts at places like Target and Walgreens in the section with all the foot stuff. I put them in my ballet flats, so that I can wear cute flats and have adequate arch support.

posted by guest

Jun 10, 2009 9:46PM

posted by guest

Jun 10, 2009 10:44PM

I hate Crocs (the clogs) but like the Croc flip flops. I can't wear regular flip flops but these are great and very comfy as they have arch support:

http://shop.crocs.com/pc-109-4-capri.aspx

(You can get them without the ugly logo - mine have no logo)

posted by guest

Jun 10, 2009 11:27PM

i totally have and wear these http://www.birkenstock.ca/model/GIZEH-1428-en.php in a dull bronzey leather allllll the time.
doable with hippie wear - obviously - but also looks super cute with skinnys or a cute dress.

they're just so comfy. who really cares???

posted by guest

Jun 11, 2009 4:19AM

one word: MARNI !!!
There's no other way to walk for miles looking fashionable... and please, don't do Birks if your not on vacation.

posted by austinsamuel

Jun 11, 2009 5:11AM

I too, found #29's comment, very very funny.

posted by guest

Jun 11, 2009 5:42AM

Are Clarks shoes considered fashionable?
I am sure they are comfortable.
http://clarks.zappos.com/n/p/dp/49677005/c/19519.html
http://clarks.zappos.com/n/p/dp/49677005/c/8125.html

These Taiwan sandals are really cute too
http://tw.f2.page.bid.yahoo.com/tw/auction/b47509138?u=kouhirosai
http://tw.f4.page.bid.yahoo.com/tw/auction/d38742288?u=kouhirosai

posted by guest

Jun 11, 2009 10:24AM

I say go for the Birks! And try this new style, Madrid , very popular in Europe. And it comes in many different colors.
http://www.birkenstockusa.com/products/women/sandals/madrid/silver-birko-flor/4041

posted by justcallmemarge

Jun 11, 2009 10:35AM

Agreeing with darcykins and austimsamuel. hahaha

posted by guest

Jun 11, 2009 12:54PM

Born shoes anyone?

www.bornshoes.com

Super comfortable :) Last years sandals were cuter, but what can you do...

posted by sherrykay

Jun 11, 2009 1:47PM

There is a big dif from what people 'think' is 'comfortable'-equating it with flat, like flipflops and ballet shoes. These will not work for people with foot probs (and many women will soon be in that category-if not later, then down the road when they are older, partly because of 'what's fashionable'.

What you need depends on your problem(s), but going to a store that carries: Birks, Mephisto, Haflinger, Helle, Ecco, Joseph Siebel, Romika, Dansko, Sofft, Aravon, Think, Naot, Finn Comfort, Clarks, Aetrex, etc. will help. Some dept. stores and shoe boutiques carry Robert Cleregie, Fiorentini & Baker, Giraudon, Cydwok, Trippen, Argila, and LAMB (I have their black fashion sneaker with my custom othotics inside for shopping in Chicago). You have to try on a lot of shoes, and sometimes a model (like Born, Clarks) will not work (like stretching out or offering no support). Birks are good, but I have a theory about their helping to 'flatten out' (widen) your feet, so I don't wear them so much, mostly in the house. There are a lot of great sandals, but then when it comes to boots and shoes? Much less selection. Footsmart.com, and Pedshoes.com are good for online.

Some ideas: 1. Don't go barefoot in the house; wear your birks or similar 2.) go up a 1/2 size 3.) try to get custom orthotics and use them-have them w/you when you go shopping (you don't need them for Birks, etc. w/built in footbeds and some shops have 'pedorthists' who can build up your insole just like your orthotics. 4.) Think of depth when you try on shoes, not just width and length. 5.) Foot exercises to strengthen your feet (it's worth a try-the old pick up a towel or marbles thing).

These tips are even more important for women who live in cities and are always walking on the pavement. I think more women have problems than they are letting on, and accept pain as normal. They do not realize that if you don't take care of your feet as soon as you have problems you can end up with bigger ones that require surgery, and not just for bunions!

I was sick of the idea of being limited to wearing 'ball-cap' round toed shoes like J-47s, and Merrells for the rest of my life, so I started investigating and trying on different shoes. Still, we need better designed footwear and designers should start responding.

posted by guest

Jun 11, 2009 6:10PM

I like to wear the traditional flat Spanish espadrilles, but the ones that wrap around the ankles (look at pictures of Salvador Dali and his wife on the beach and they wore them all the time). The one thing I do to them, since the rope insoles tend to be a bit rough on the feet, is to put a nice cushiony in-sole that makes it more comfortable & softer, easier to walk on them, and they look both cool & chic!

posted by guest

Jun 12, 2009 2:38AM

You could try FITFLOPS! (http://fitflop.com/).

They're comfy, look like platform flipflops and there's a model called Electra, which has sequins on it. Super cute! ;)

And one big plus, is that they give you a work-out while walking in them - it tones your butt and improves your posture.

I love mine!!!

posted by guest

Jun 12, 2009 4:33AM

i too suffer from a plethora of foot problems caused by my ridiculously high arches just aching for support every minute of the day, and i found my life saver to be inner-soles, yes those nanna-esque inserts you put into the sole of your ballet flats, heels, whatever which give it that arch support. i found some that are easily disguisable in even the most strappiest of heels or bendy of flats. look for them in your stores..

posted by guest

Jun 12, 2009 8:44AM

Pedro Garcia did some great support flats last year, there were some really nice coloured thongs that looked really supportive, i can't wear them because my foot is to thin, but on wider feet they look really nice and they have diamante's

posted by guest

Jun 13, 2009 1:22PM

Funny you should say this - I have to wear insoles, which means sandals are not for me. (I already cheat with heels too often.) And only this morning I was cursing the heavens that I couldn't get a pair of Birkenstocks to give my outfit a more casual, hippyish look.