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I’m not making this up — Birks are back. My college self is saying ‘hallelujah’, but as a reminder: not washing your hair until it dreads, wearing sweat pants to class and/or the bar, and thinking that febreeze is a perfume is not back. College Kendi, you stay where you belong. 
But what is back is wearing classic black Birks with your neutrals and your darks. I think I prefer the soft suede the best. Think you can pull it off? Thoughts on Birkenstocks — yay or cray?
(also no matter your ‘yay’ vote or ‘cray’ vote, I’m still getting a pair. anyone up for beer pong later after we study?)
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202 Responses

  1. I am on the “yay” side of this vote. I’m partially stunned they’ve come back as a fashionable option but hey, I’m all about comfort!

  2. I think they look super cute. And I love comfort so hard. Also, in college, I convinced my mom’s bf to make me an amazing beer pong table out of beautiful wood, with a classy blue paint job on the top. It was the talk of the town. I miss that thing.

  3. Oh, man….I have to ‘nay’ this ‘cray’ trend. I remember breaking up with

  4. Oh my gosh….I have brown Birkenstocks! Are only the black ones in now? Will I be looked down upon for wearing brown ones?! Haha… I am loving the looks above though.
    ~Jessica

  5. Oh, man. i have to ‘nay’ this ‘cray’ trend! I remember breaking up with a boyfriend because he wore ‘Jesus sandals’…extremely shallow of me, I know (but grass-stained jeans and stretched out t-shirts were also a part of his get ups…)

  6. I’ve been wearing my black Birks since I bought them in Germany on a high school trip (11 years ago!). Glad to know I’m back on trend! 😉

  7. Definitely glad I didn’t throw my birks away all those years ago! Although back when I wore them, it was also really cool to wear them with wool socks. Like the thick ones that your dad wears. And then sweatpants, and then some girls who were, you know, really fashionably bold, would tuck the bottoms of their sweatpants into said dad-socks. Fashion forward, us Canadians, amiright!?

    Let’s just say this time my dad can keep his socks…

  8. I have to say nay. I love comfy sandals, but this style is just a no-go for me.

  9. I’m in, I owned a pair when I was younger, but I love that comfy…sort of cute/sort of ugly shoes…are making a comeback. As long as they aren’t flatforms!

  10. I still have two pair from HS/college that i wore ALL THE TIME. Even in the snow, with the think wool socks. What makes this look work now, is pairing the sandals with something more delicate or tailored. Not the over sized jeans and XL t-shirts of the 90s. Now that over sized shirt is made of chiffon and worn as a dress (see above).

  11. I remember in the 90’s when I was about 8 years old, and my mom had a pair of birkenstocks. She wore them everywhere and loved them. Every summer I would buy a cheap pair from Walmart (since kids feet grow so quickly I wasn’t allowed real ones) and I never took them off till they fell apart. Maybe now it’s time to get myself my first real pair… I’m a definite ‘yay’ for this trend!

  12. I used to wear Birkenstock clogs year round in undergrad… unless it was too hot, then I just wore flip flops. Unfortunately I wore the cork out and haven’t gotten a replacement… yet.

  13. I’m not a fan of Birkenstock because they aren’t fashionable and to be honest aren’t that comfortable. You are right about the whole pj’s and going to school look

  14. I have birks in light tan and I think I look a hot mess when I try and wear them with anything normal. I think it’s the black ones that look more chic. I was tempted to by a pair but with the colder weather approaching I chickened out. I can’t wait to see how you style them!

  15. Hurrah!!! Birks= functional fashion. They have some other styles that aren’t as 90’s hippie-tastic, too.

  16. Definitely have to say “nay” (and “cray”). Sorry Kendi! I just think the shoes are ruining every single one of those outfits above.

  17. I see these all around campus and they look so comfortable, but I can’t do it! I do like the solid black with the bright blue toes but not for me haha

    Angela @ Pens & Peonies!

  18. They are comfortable that’s for sure. your feet have the tendency to go wide after wearing birkies. the best version is the the whole black Arizona (black leather footbed, like the pair Sabrina has on). Amazon has this shop located in Germany that sells them (hopefully to be restocked because my size sold out a couple of days ago).

  19. I’m not a fan of Birks. They remind me of my 7th grade best friend, we had very opposite styles! They look cute in these pics, but I think I’ll stick to my ballet flats for heel free days!

    <3 Vicki
    wildeinthecity.blogspot.com

  20. I have a pair of Think sandals (also German, super comfy, and same style). They’re my oldest shoes, and I always end up wearing them at least a few times during the summer. They’re great when you’re on your feet a lot. As comfortable as they are ugly to some people, I’m sure. Mine are black leather that was cut into a delicate lacy pattern. Love.

  21. I love my Birkenstocks. I bought a pair about two months ago because I was going on vacation to the east coast and needed a good pair of walking shoes. My Birks were fantastic and soooo comfortable. I didn’t even need to break them in! I’m not a huge fan of the classic Birkenstock shoe style, especially since they have so many more styles (much cuter!) to choose from.

  22. Cray!! They are sups ugly ;-P But I’m sure Kendi will find a way to look cute either way.

  23. I LOVE my birkenstocks! They’re the most comfy shoes known to man. I don’t care how college/hippy/goofy they look, I’ll keep wearing them. I’m all for utilitarianism in my fashion choices.

  24. I think I’m loving that they’re back! My older sister had a pair when we were younger and I was always jealous 🙂

  25. I love Birks! My mum always wore them when I was a kid (I even had a pair when I was really little) but when I was a pre-teen I though her Birk wearing ways were super embarrassing. I have seen the light though and when I was in about grade 11 I got another pair. I absolutely love them and have worn them ever since. I am a fan of the t-strap style ones.

    -Emily

  26. Nay, my style is really laid back but I would only wear them at home because they do look comfy.

  27. I never had a pair when they were “cool” in high school so you can bet your ass I went for it this time. Soft suede for me. (But honestly, they aren’t all that comfy.)

      1. What cold possibly be wrong with being conscious about the support your feet need!? And with so many options to choose from, Everyone can find a pair that works for them!

  28. Noooooooo!! So much no! But I will play beer pong with you any day of the week 🙂

  29. Errr………..no. I have a pair of (pink) Maseur sandals, which are similar, but I never, ever wear them out. I got them in pink for that reason, they work with nothing I own, so are relegated to the beach and around home;rather like the Crocs knock-offs I use for showering in caravan park facilities – great in their place. I am occassionally tempted to buy a pair in a neutral shade, because I have foot issues (heels are out forever), but I have restrained myself thus far.

  30. No way Jose! I had enough of Birks back in the 90’s when they were cool the first time. They make my size 10’s look like Flintstone feet. :oP

  31. I just got a pair of Birkenstocks and love them! I had an old pair that was very heavy, but the new ones are so light and comfortable! In Germany, I saw them on women of all ages and they looked so comfortable that I couldn’t resist buying a pair.

  32. No way. Not at all about this in the fashion industry, but totally all for it for my friends who hate fashion!

  33. I am on the "yay" side of this vote. I'm partially stunned they've come back as a fashionable option but hey, I'm all about comfort!

  34. I think they look super cute. And I love comfort so hard. Also, in college, I convinced my mom's bf to make me an amazing beer pong table out of beautiful wood, with a classy blue paint job on the top. It was the talk of the town. I miss that thing.

  35. Oh, man….I have to 'nay' this 'cray' trend. I remember breaking up with

  36. Oh my gosh….I have brown Birkenstocks! Are only the black ones in now? Will I be looked down upon for wearing brown ones?! Haha… I am loving the looks above though.
    ~Jessica

  37. Oh, man. i have to 'nay' this 'cray' trend! I remember breaking up with a boyfriend because he wore 'Jesus sandals'…extremely shallow of me, I know (but grass-stained jeans and stretched out t-shirts were also a part of his get ups…)

  38. Hah! I’ve been wearing Birkenstocks for the past year plus since I screwed up my ankle wearing a different pair of sandals. And sandals are a MUST with how ‘warm’ some places I’ve worked are!

  39. I've been wearing my black Birks since I bought them in Germany on a high school trip (11 years ago!). Glad to know I'm back on trend! 😉

  40. Definitely glad I didn't throw my birks away all those years ago! Although back when I wore them, it was also really cool to wear them with wool socks. Like the thick ones that your dad wears. And then sweatpants, and then some girls who were, you know, really fashionably bold, would tuck the bottoms of their sweatpants into said dad-socks. Fashion forward, us Canadians, amiright!?

    Let's just say this time my dad can keep his socks…

  41. I have to say nay. I love comfy sandals, but this style is just a no-go for me.

  42. I'm in, I owned a pair when I was younger, but I love that comfy…sort of cute/sort of ugly shoes…are making a comeback. As long as they aren't flatforms!

  43. I still have two pair from HS/college that i wore ALL THE TIME. Even in the snow, with the think wool socks. What makes this look work now, is pairing the sandals with something more delicate or tailored. Not the over sized jeans and XL t-shirts of the 90s. Now that over sized shirt is made of chiffon and worn as a dress (see above).

  44. I remember in the 90's when I was about 8 years old, and my mom had a pair of birkenstocks. She wore them everywhere and loved them. Every summer I would buy a cheap pair from Walmart (since kids feet grow so quickly I wasn't allowed real ones) and I never took them off till they fell apart. Maybe now it's time to get myself my first real pair… I'm a definite 'yay' for this trend!

  45. I used to wear Birkenstock clogs year round in undergrad… unless it was too hot, then I just wore flip flops. Unfortunately I wore the cork out and haven't gotten a replacement… yet.

  46. I'm not a fan of Birkenstock because they aren't fashionable and to be honest aren't that comfortable. You are right about the whole pj's and going to school look

  47. I have birks in light tan and I think I look a hot mess when I try and wear them with anything normal. I think it's the black ones that look more chic. I was tempted to by a pair but with the colder weather approaching I chickened out. I can't wait to see how you style them!

  48. Hurrah!!! Birks= functional fashion. They have some other styles that aren't as 90's hippie-tastic, too.

  49. Definitely have to say "nay" (and "cray"). Sorry Kendi! I just think the shoes are ruining every single one of those outfits above.

  50. I see these all around campus and they look so comfortable, but I can't do it! I do like the solid black with the bright blue toes but not for me haha

    Angela @ Pens & Peonies!

  51. They are comfortable that's for sure. your feet have the tendency to go wide after wearing birkies. the best version is the the whole black Arizona (black leather footbed, like the pair Sabrina has on). Amazon has this shop located in Germany that sells them (hopefully to be restocked because my size sold out a couple of days ago).

  52. As a teacher and therefore someone who stands all day.. and who has a bad back, love them. I have three pairs of Gizeh’s. They do make your outfit a little more casual, but my back is thankful.

  53. I LOVE my birkenstocks! They're the most comfy shoes known to man. I don't care how college/hippy/goofy they look, I'll keep wearing them. I'm all for utilitarianism in my fashion choices.

  54. I think I'm loving that they're back! My older sister had a pair when we were younger and I was always jealous 🙂

  55. I love Birks! My mum always wore them when I was a kid (I even had a pair when I was really little) but when I was a pre-teen I though her Birk wearing ways were super embarrassing. I have seen the light though and when I was in about grade 11 I got another pair. I absolutely love them and have worn them ever since. I am a fan of the t-strap style ones.

    -Emily

  56. Nay, my style is really laid back but I would only wear them at home because they do look comfy.

  57. I never had a pair when they were "cool" in high school so you can bet your ass I went for it this time. Soft suede for me. (But honestly, they aren't all that comfy.)

  58. Errr………..no. I have a pair of (pink) Maseur sandals, which are similar, but I never, ever wear them out. I got them in pink for that reason, they work with nothing I own, so are relegated to the beach and around home;rather like the Crocs knock-offs I use for showering in caravan park facilities – great in their place. I am occassionally tempted to buy a pair in a neutral shade, because I have foot issues (heels are out forever), but I have restrained myself thus far.

  59. No way Jose! I had enough of Birks back in the 90's when they were cool the first time. They make my size 10's look like Flintstone feet. :oP

  60. Love it. I’m not sure if I could pull them off, but the “who cares” attitude surrounding Birks is awesome.

  61. Will I be shunned from the blogging community if I confess that I still own a pair from when they were in fashion the last time? If so, then I don’t, and I never wear them. Especially not when I walk the dogs.

  62. I just got a pair of Birkenstocks and love them! I had an old pair that was very heavy, but the new ones are so light and comfortable! In Germany, I saw them on women of all ages and they looked so comfortable that I couldn't resist buying a pair.

  63. What cold possibly be wrong with being conscious about the support your feet need!? And with so many options to choose from, Everyone can find a pair that works for them!

  64. Hah! I've been wearing Birkenstocks for the past year plus since I screwed up my ankle wearing a different pair of sandals. And sandals are a MUST with how 'warm' some places I've worked are!

  65. As a teacher and therefore someone who stands all day.. and who has a bad back, love them. I have three pairs of Gizeh's. They do make your outfit a little more casual, but my back is thankful.

  66. Will I be shunned from the blogging community if I confess that I still own a pair from when they were in fashion the last time? If so, then I don't, and I never wear them. Especially not when I walk the dogs.

  67. I live in Austin, where Birks never left. Nothing says “I am sloppy” like Birks. Yuck.

  68. What a great blog.

    Have a great day.

    Sofia

    stylishlyinlove.blogspot.com

  69. I love this post! I have been thinking about pulling mine out of the bottom of my closet lately and this just inspired me to do so! Thanks!

  70. Hells Yeah! I have a dark brown pair I got in Germany and they are soooooo comfy. I think the Birks all look really cute with the outfits above. I’m a runner, so I like to wear supportive shoes whenever practical when I’m not running. Take care of your feet girls – they’re the only ones you got!

  71. well that’s dang good news. my mom just gave me her old birks and they’re the only shoes i own that don’t make my feet cry.

  72. I. just. can’t.
    I wear Birks. In the house. They will never see the outside of my home. And I live in Oregon, where they are a common sighting.

  73. I so want some! I loved my pair growing up (so comfy) but love the sandal version too now! Definitely say yay

  74. I live in Austin, where Birks never left. Nothing says "I am sloppy" like Birks. Yuck.

  75. I spent the summer in Europe and black Birkenstocks were all over town! The Black in ‘Madrid’ (one simple strap) were by far the most popular and I saw a girl that paired them with a cute black dress..so chic. I want that pair for next summer.

  76. My boyfriend just surprised me and bought me a pair of black suede Birkies (after months of agonizing whether to buy them for myself). I am so in love. With the Birkies and with the boyfriend!

  77. I love this post! I have been thinking about pulling mine out of the bottom of my closet lately and this just inspired me to do so! Thanks!

  78. Hells Yeah! I have a dark brown pair I got in Germany and they are soooooo comfy. I think the Birks all look really cute with the outfits above. I'm a runner, so I like to wear supportive shoes whenever practical when I'm not running. Take care of your feet girls – they're the only ones you got!

  79. I. just. can't.
    I wear Birks. In the house. They will never see the outside of my home. And I live in Oregon, where they are a common sighting.

  80. I so want some! I loved my pair growing up (so comfy) but love the sandal version too now! Definitely say yay

  81. I spent the summer in Europe and black Birkenstocks were all over town! The Black in 'Madrid' (one simple strap) were by far the most popular and I saw a girl that paired them with a cute black dress..so chic. I want that pair for next summer.

  82. i love that they’re coming back! ever since they went out i’ve been wearing them around the house… glad i can bust them out in public again!

  83. My boyfriend just surprised me and bought me a pair of black suede Birkies (after months of agonizing whether to buy them for myself). I am so in love. With the Birkies and with the boyfriend!

  84. i love that they're coming back! ever since they went out i've been wearing them around the house… glad i can bust them out in public again!

  85. I love birkenstocks! my fiancé has some and he calls them his “jesus joggers”.

  86. I think they look absolutely horrible in that first photo. The other ones are not quite as bad. I think there are much better options for comfortable footwear, though.

    Personally, I had brutally painful plantar fascitis foot pain for a year and a half, which I healed by walking barefoot as much as possible.

    For me, the most comfortable shoe is one that has pretty much no heel and is super flexible… like a ballet flat with a leather sole. Anything with “support” flairs up my foot problems, almost immediately.

    1. Yay. I too had horrible plantar fasciitis and the only shoe that felt good on my feet were birks. I wore them even though they weren’t cool and just “made it work”. I’m so happy to know they’re legit now and everyone will embrace my choice.

  87. I love birkenstocks! my fiancé has some and he calls them his "jesus joggers".

  88. I prefer the more feminine styles (like Adria & Mayari) over the classic two-strap, but they are super comfy!

  89. I think they look absolutely horrible in that first photo. The other ones are not quite as bad. I think there are much better options for comfortable footwear, though.

    Personally, I had brutally painful plantar fascitis foot pain for a year and a half, which I healed by walking barefoot as much as possible.

    For me, the most comfortable shoe is one that has pretty much no heel and is super flexible… like a ballet flat with a leather sole. Anything with "support" flairs up my foot problems, almost immediately.

  90. Yay. I too had horrible plantar fasciitis and the only shoe that felt good on my feet were birks. I wore them even though they weren't cool and just "made it work". I'm so happy to know they're legit now and everyone will embrace my choice.

  91. I prefer the more feminine styles (like Adria & Mayari) over the classic two-strap, but they are super comfy!

  92. Yeah!! Arizona, Soft bed (no break-in time cuz’ who has time). I bought the oiled skin leather cuz I thought it would go best with my leather purses….don’t have any suede purses now. I do admit to shopping for cute socks now to wear with my Birks…..that is a whole new yeah or ney blog post!! LOL!!

  93. Yeah!! Arizona, Soft bed (no break-in time cuz' who has time). I bought the oiled skin leather cuz I thought it would go best with my leather purses….don't have any suede purses now. I do admit to shopping for cute socks now to wear with my Birks…..that is a whole new yeah or ney blog post!! LOL!!

  94. I never stopped wearing my birks. I’ve been wearing them for years and I’ll keep wearing them forever. I honestly find it kind of annoying that suddenly high fashion people are all over it because vogue wrote a silly article putting them on a pedestal but at the same time calling them UGLY!

  95. I never stopped wearing my birks. I've been wearing them for years and I'll keep wearing them forever. I honestly find it kind of annoying that suddenly high fashion people are all over it because vogue wrote a silly article putting them on a pedestal but at the same time calling them UGLY!

  96. OK, I’ll be the honest guy here chiming into this Birkenstock discussion. I highly recommend them to women,especially all moms and potential moms. Almost all the women I know swear by them. They are like the Cadillac of flip flops and thong sandals. Maybe not for looks but the comfort factor by reputation outweighs the ugly rep they supposedly have. They don’t look all that bad to me. The Gizehs are the most popular from what I’ve seen. I think they look pretty cool on women and are quite flattering to the feet IMO. The Mayari and the Adria styles are also gaining in popularity. Seen a lot of women wearing these aside from the Gizehs and Arizonas.

  97. I wish people would stop saying “Cray Cray”. I mean, seriously? Oh yeah and it’s a definite yay for Birks

  98. I wish people would stop saying "Cray Cray". I mean, seriously? Oh yeah and it's a definite yay for Birks

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