These days on campus, it’s pretty difficult to go more than a few hours without seeing a pair of Birkenstocks wandering past you in all their arch-supporting, German glory. Male or female, old or young, in-state or out, it seems like everyone and their mother has their hands on a pair of Birks. To understand how this trend came to be and how the wearers themselves feel about it, we at the Clog decided to do some … Birken-stalking.
1. Marcea, senior
Q: How long have you been wearing Birkenstocks?
A: I’ve had them for about six months.
Q: What made you decide to wear them?
A: They seemed comfortable and looked cute!
Q: What do you think of the trend?
A: It’s definitely more concentrated here in Berkeley.
Q: How long have you been wearing Birkenstocks?
A: I’ve been wearing mine since 11th grade.
Q: What made you decide to wear them?
A: Comfort — and they’re more high-quality than cheaper brands!
Q: What do you think of the trend?
A: It’s cool. Some people criticize it, but they’re comfortable shoes, so it’s a good trend.
3. Charlotte, freshman
Q: How long have you been wearing Birkenstocks?
A: A month, but I’ve wanted them for a year since I saw them in J. Crew ads.
Q: What made you decide to wear them?
A: My mom wore them, and I thought they’d be comfy shoes for school.
Q: What do you think of the trend?
A: I support it and think it should definitely continue!
4. Peyton, freshman
Q: How long have you been wearing Birkenstocks?
A: I’ve been wearing them since sophomore year of high school.
Q: What made you decide to wear them?
A: My mom wore them, and I thought they were cute.
Q: What do you think of the trend?
A: I’ve definitely noticed it more when I came here, since they don’t really wear them in Boston, where I’m from.
5. Hayley, freshman
Q: How long have you been wearing Birkenstocks?
A: I’ve been wearing them for about a year.
Q: What made you decide to wear them?
A: I saw them on celebrities like the Olsen twins and liked them.
Q: What do you think of the trend?
A: I’m definitely for it — they’re comfy, and everyone should own a pair!
6. Shogo, sophomore
Q: How long have you been wearing Birkenstocks?
A: I’ve been wearing them since I was 17 years old.
Q: What made you decide to wear them?
A: My mom told me to!
Q: What do you think of the trend?
A: I’ve been seeing it a lot and think it’s a cool trend. I’m glad to be a part of it!
7. Natalie, freshman
Q: How long have you been wearing Birkenstocks?
A: I’ve had mine for about three months.
Q: What made you decide to wear them?
A: My dad wanted me to get more comfortable shoes for a trip to Europe over the summer.
Q: What do you think of the trend?
A: I think it’s cool, and since I see everyone wearing them here, it makes me wear my own more.
8. Jarred, senior
Q: How long have you been wearing Birkenstocks?
A: I’ve been wearing them for about a year.
Q: What made you decide to wear them?
A: My dad had a pair, and I liked them.
Q: What do you think of the trend?
A: It’s definitely making a comeback!
9. Simone, junior
Q: How long have you been wearing Birkenstocks?
A: I’ve been wearing them for about two years.
Q: What made you decide to wear them?
A: I’m from Florida and wear flip flops all the time — Birkenstocks are comparable but more comfortable and easier to walk in, since I’m pretty clumsy!
Q: What do you think of the trend?
A: I find it funny since they aren’t the most fashionable shoes.
10. Bridget, senior, and Kevin, sophomore
Q: How long have you been wearing Birkenstocks?
Both: We’ve been wearing them since last summer.
Q: What made you decide to wear them?
Kevin: They’re comfortable.
Bridget: I have a foot problem and need the arch support.
Q: What do you think of the trend?
Kevin: I didn’t know Birkenstocks were trendy.
Bridget: I think some are cute and some look like grandma shoes.
Contact Summer Langdon at [email protected].
