Birkenstocks

That's a wrap for another summer.

My tribe of Birkenstocks, (or Birkos as I call them), are being packed away for hibernation until next spring, thus letting my boots and 40 denier tights see the light of day again.

Ahh, Birkenstocks. These faithful, hardworking pieces of footwear form part of my staple wardrobe. Whilst I still adore a foot-cramping stiletto, I yearn for the comfort that Birkos give me and as a result, over the years, the ratio of Birko to stiletto in my collection has tipped into the Birko's favour.

Different ones do different jobs. I have more sturdy versions for when I do longer walks and then I have nicer ones that I wear with jeans or linen trousers for casual outings. I love them so much that I can't bear to bin them, even when they are 'on the turn'! How can I dispose of them when they have been so good to me??! So, when the turn happens, I demote them to 'doing jobs in the garden' duties and even then, they don't let me down, they last forever! I tell you, there is a style for every occasion and each year, I can't help but think of buying yet another pair to add to my collection. You can never have enough.

I remember my Mum being elated when I selected a pair of Bros-shoes in the late 1980's for school. Everyone had them, they were the height of fashion thanks to singer Matt Goss famously donning a pair of Doc Martens embellished with a Grolsch beer bottle top in the laces, hence 'Bros-shoes' became a thing. Mum said that they were comfortable and practical and that at last I was growing up and seeing sense. It was more a case of emulating Matt Goss's trendy style and me having the same as my friends had rather than me seeing sense. Anyway, I feel my love for Birkenstocks is like a middle-aged version of this - the creation of a beautiful union when fashion and comfort collide.

I met a friend for lunch a few months ago and we both turned up wearing the same new white pearlised Birkenstocks! We patted each other on the back for having great taste. Great minds and all that. We're not the only ones. As for my other friends, they have said:

"Birkenstocks for summer, Uggs for winter"

"I am only wearing Birkenstocks from now on as they're the only shoes that make me feel good."

"Birkenstocks let my bunions breathe".

Ahh. Quite. As true as that may be, I can't see Birkenstock using that as a strapline for their next marketing campaign, however there is a compliment in there somewhere.......

As I've said above, they just keep on going despite wear and tear. So even as my sweaty footprint marks appear on the in-sole, a sign they have been 'worn in', I know this is only the start of their longevity. A bit like when your car MOT report states your tyres are wearing down, but still have plenty of tread, this is the same thing.

As I close the wardrobe door for winter, I say "sleep tight my beauties - you'll be back on my feet before you know it". Already thoughts turn to when the clocks move forward in March and they can come out to play again soon after that. It will also be then that I'll start sourcing a new pair to join their gang. And I can't wait!