Birkenstocks, one of the most comfortable shoes known to man. A shoe that I once traveled in, as my only pair of shoes, from Boston to Paris for 12 days. People get off my back for wearing the most comfortable shoe known to man.

Yes, I understand they aren't everyone's style but to me, I find them cute and comfortable.

My friends have thrown a variety of jokes my way for my footwear choice ranging from flat out telling me my footwear is ugly to calling my Birkenstocks "Jersulem Cruisers."

Made in Germany in as early as 16th century Birkenstocks have been around for awhile. This foreign footwear wasn't introduced to the states until the 70's with classic styles of sandal as well as clogs made from a material designed to mimic the imprint of your foot. All of this possible through the material the shoe is compromised of in the footbed, cork.

The flower child became the trademark person in the states to be walking around looking for peace, rocking their Arizona sandal or Boston Clog. It's pretty cool to wear a shoe that was popularized during a different era in American society.

I also like the idea of supporting a company that is animal-friendly in the production and distribution of its products. The next time you question my Birkenstocks let me first ask you the conditions which were used to create the Nikes on your feet or the harmful chemicals coming from your $1 flip flops from Old Navy. I feel as though it is my duty as an American citizen to be conscious of the products I consume. You must stop and ask yourself, what did someone have to do to make the product you will consume, was a young teenager enslaved in a sweatshop to make your fresh Nikes?

Going to the University of Maine the Birkenstock brand has quickly taken over the student body.

From the students that live stateside to the international students Birkenstocks unite us all. From the student-athlete to the sorority girl you can find different people both in the Arizona sandal.

Quality, comfort, support three ideas that resonate in the ideas of Birkenstock, a shoe I proudly wear with comfort.

Next time you try and diss my birks please think first about the companies you wear and support.