Birkenstocks

Discussion in 'Old Hippies' started by barefoot_boy, Jul 12, 2004.

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  1. PhanPhavorite

    PhanPhavorite Member

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    Here...Here!!! Who cares what sandals people buy. I've bought two pairs in the last 6-7 years. These things are like the Energizer Bunny. I've put my Birks through hell at countless concerts an festivals and finally retired them when the sole fell of at Phish last year. These things are the most comfortable thing I've ever put on my foot.
     
    PhanPhavorite, Jul 30, 2004
    #21
  3. Sus

    Sus Hip Forums Supporter Lifetime Supporter

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    This discussion is going on another forum somewhere...can't remember which one, or who started it...but I'll say here, as I said there..."Birks" for me are the most comfortable shoes there are...I don't give a flying fuck what other people wear, or what they think of them, that is their business....I've been wearing Birks since I was in my twenties, and had a pair that, with resoling several times, lasted almost 15 yrs...

    Anything can be a status symbol...it is up to each individual to decide what is appropriate for them...
     
    Sus, Jul 31, 2004
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  5. mosaicthreads

    mosaicthreads Member

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    I've never been a position to afford a real pair of Birks but I love corkbed sandals and clogs. If I see someone in a pair of Birks (or an imitation thereof) I assume they like a comfortable, sensible shoe. I've never thought they were going for a fashion statement, or status symbol, yet I can see how one might think that. I'm sure there are people that will wear anything if they percieve it to be making the statement they are trying to make. I'm also pretty sure that the majority of folks wearing Birkenstocks, are not among those status seeking types.
    The most comfortable shoe I've ever had came from a little shop in Key West called The Sandal Factory I believe. I got my first pair there back in '76 for about $6, and they lasted me over 8 years of heavy wear. I've had several pairs since and I bought my last pair in '96 for just $12. They've worn out so I'll either have to make the trip down or have someone bring me back a pair. :)
     
    mosaicthreads, Aug 1, 2004
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  7. Alison

    Alison Member

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    Oh I remember that place in Key West called The Sandal Factory! It was the ONLY place I could find these beautiful sandals called "Karvings" or "Carvings".
    I wouldn't call them really 'comfortable', lol, but they sure were beautiful with the wooden heel and base part of the shoe all carved wood, like palm trees and other fillagree. Last time I was there a lonnnng time ago, I couldn't find those kind of sandals there and was very disappointed. Some of the Karvings had very low heels and were more comfortable than the the pump style. They were very unique and artistically beautiful shoes. :)

    Ah, I found a link to shoes that are exactly like the Karvings style shoe I used to get in key west:

    http://www.craftshawaii.com/
     
    Alison, Aug 1, 2004
    #24
  9. crummyrummy

    crummyrummy Brew Your Own Beer Lifetime Supporter

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    I owned a pair of birks for 11 years.......I loved them. I got a pair od Birki's now ( the vegan alternative) and they suck. Nice looking and comfortible but the animal friendly materials are far inferior.
     
    crummyrummy, Aug 1, 2004
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  11. drumminmama

    drumminmama Super Moderator Super Moderator

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    I wore Birks as a kid (teen) and again when pregnant. Who CARES what you look like when, well, you look like a bowling ball with locomotion and breasts?


    My trick was buy at Xmas return time. half off or more!

    I kept Arlo in "birkalikes" as a young'un , probably up til 2 years ago. (He's too cool to wear sandals these days)
    Now I found a shoe made in my state, and I wear those now (1998-present, two pair, one going out for resole in September.) for ecological (no leather, little transport, long lasting, repairable) ideals.
    I have to pony up the bucks...but check this out: both pairs cost a total of $165 total.
    I've worn them for six years. Assuming they get lost or my house self-destructs or whatever, I spent $27.30 a year on footwear. Nice footwear. If they make it another six years, that's 13.75 annually.
    I plan on resoling each pair in the next two years at a cost of $60, for thicker soles and including shipping. That adds $5 per year to the second six years. They are virtually new at that point and I expect them to survive another 12 years with one resole each. That comes out to $11 annually to have shoes that take me EVERYWHERE. I assume one strap replacement each in the 24-year span and I will have to hit a store TWICE in 24 years.
    Now that is value.
    Even if I give up on them at that point, I'll be 54.
    Did I mention they are more comfortable than cork bed sandals?

    Looking back, I've been Peppermint Patty since 1974 when I won a battle with the school to wear my cheap sandals.
    Fighting the power at six. And my parents occasionally ask how I got this way!
     
    drumminmama, Aug 1, 2004
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  13. crummyrummy

    crummyrummy Brew Your Own Beer Lifetime Supporter

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    so what are they?
     
    crummyrummy, Aug 1, 2004
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  15. Lilyrayne

    Lilyrayne Chrisppie

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    Chacos. She's a Chacos freak. ;) The way she goes on about them on here you'd think she was a secret employee of the Chaco shoe company who gets a commission...

    **elbows drumminmama** Just teasin'...

    Anyway they are pretty cool sandals. I plan on getting a pair when I start camping a lot and doing heavy duty stuff that, well, let's face it, my beloved Birks can't go. I did try them on before I got my Birks, though, but found the Birks more comfy personally. But like I said, there are places Birks can't go that Chacos can.
     
    Lilyrayne, Aug 1, 2004
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  17. Razor Face

    Razor Face Member

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    What an odd string. All about foot fashion. Er...

    I've never cared too much for fashion. My feet grab the the quickest, strongest, cleanest, newest, most comfortable thing around. (Usually old tennies.) I haven't worn anything that even resembles corporate or 'church shoes' in about ten years. Yay!
     
    Razor Face, Aug 1, 2004
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  19. Elle

    Elle Senior Member

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    Birkenstocks are a status symbol? hmmmm....and I thought they were just comfortable....and go perfectly with everything....my skirts, my shorts, my jeans. I can wear them all the time and my feet feel free no matter what. I will always love them, always wear them. Whether they catagorize as 'hip' to someone or not....why should I give a crap as long as they are hip to me personally. And they are.
     
    Elle, Aug 2, 2004
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  21. Elle

    Elle Senior Member

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    what are chacos?
     
    Elle, Aug 2, 2004
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  23. drumminmama

    drumminmama Super Moderator Super Moderator

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    www.chacosan.com


    I WISH I got a kickback for my converts!
    I have thought about applying to the PR department, but there isn't much music on that side of Colorado.
    Beyond the mountains, too. desert mesa...ummmm... leavin' that to people who love desert.
     
    drumminmama, Aug 12, 2004
    #32
  25. Kilgore Trout

    Kilgore Trout Senior Member

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    All I know is that if I'm going to be dancing for 4 straight hours (or more) my feet are going to feel a lot better afterwards if I was wearin' Birks.

    Even in OH, I'd estimate that I probably wear mine 300 days out of the year.

    They're really just a good investment. I bet I get more piles per penny than I would just about anything else. YAY for Birkenstock!!!
     
    Kilgore Trout, Aug 12, 2004
    #33
  27. drumminmama

    drumminmama Super Moderator Super Moderator

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    Kilgore, I know it was a typo, but "piles" per penny?

    Who PAYS for hemmoroids? Are yer Birks a pain in the posterior?
     
    drumminmama, Sep 12, 2004
    #34
  29. drumminmama

    drumminmama Super Moderator Super Moderator

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    and to Bree's point about where Birks can't go, think of Chacos as an ecological alternative to non-resoleable Tevas, and they are NOT made in Chinese prison factories.

    for those who might consider working for Chaco, check this out:

    --------THERE IS CURRENTLY 1 JOB OPENING --------

    Maintenance Technician

    A Word of Caution...

    Chaco is located in a small town in Western Colorado. We are 40 minutes from fast food and have no traffic lights. While there are great benefits to our location, there are also drawbacks. Small town life can feel insulated and remote; possibilities for diverse social interactions can be limited. Most newcomers to Paonia love it or leave within a year. Fitting in with the community is at least as important as fitting in at Chaco. Look before you leap and ask lots of questions. Respond with a resume and cover letter stating who you are, what you want and what you do best. Resumes without a cover letter answering these questions will not be considered.
     
    drumminmama, Sep 12, 2004
    #35
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