2015: The Year of Birkenstock
On Trend
Women’s Granada – Onyx Birko-Flor, Golden Brown Birko-Flor – $89.95
One of the hottest trends this year is Birkenstock sandals. This unmistakable silhouette is making its way down the catwalk and into every woman’s shoe collection. Birkenstocks can be paired with a variety of outfits from a leather jacket, skinny jeans or capris, to your favorite Sunday dress. Birkenstock continues to stand the test of time being not only comfort shoes, but something more.
In History
Women’s Arizona – Habana Oiled Leather, Taupe Suede – $125
It all began in Germany with the Birkenstocks and their renowned shoe-making capabilities. The main reason why Birkenstocks are considered comfortable is because of the footbed. The Birkenstocks came up with a footbed that followed the shape of a foot using a mix of cork and latex. (For more information about footbeds, read Why Cork Footbeds?) After having success in Germany, it was time to test the United States market.
Women’s Boston – Soft Footbed Taupe Suede, Habana Oiled Leather – $130
During a trip to Germany, Birkenstock USA Founder Margot Fraser, bought a pair of Birkenstocks and brought them back with her to the United States. At the time she was suffering from severe foot pain. She immediately felt her pains subside as she slid her Birkenstock Arizonas on her feet. In a time where shoes were not worn for comfort, she knew she could easily sell consumers on Birkenstock. She began importing Birkenstocks and tried to get shoe retailers to sell them, but they refused and laughed at her box-like shoes. After failing to convince shoe shop owners, she turned to health food stores and began selling Birkenstocks based on their therapeutic qualities.
Still Timeless
Women’s Gizeh – Golden Brown Birko-Flor, Licorice Birko-Flor, Silver Birko-Flor – $94.95
Women’s Mayari – Onyx Birko-Flor – $90
Birkenstocks have stayed true to the fundamentals which made them popular. What was once considered a “Hippie Shoe”, is now considered mainstream fashion. Find these eco-friendly shoes at Englin’s Fine Footwear. Buy your Birkenstocks today and be a part of one of the hottest trends this season.
