Dear Birkenstocks, or "Birks" for short,
Though some may call you ugly, clunky and even Jesus sandals, I don't feel the way others seem to. I love you, in all of your clunky, cork-soled, leather glory.
I've had you for almost five years and you're still as perfect as ever, just as beautiful as you were when I bought you. You're my go-to slip on sandal when I'm at a loss for what else I should put on my feet, and you're my go-to sandal when I want something comfortable that also matches almost everything I own. You've provided me with comfort and to me, a slight cool factor for a decent portion of my life, and I can't thank you enough for that.
You've been everywhere with me. From the rocky beaches of New England to the streets of the South, and even through the mountains of West Virginia. From walking through sand, running on concrete and trudging through the dirt, water and mud while camping, you've provided me with nothing less than a happy, memorable experience with arch support that can't be beat. I've even ventured out into cold, snowy conditions because I trust and love you so much. Regardless of how dorky I may look, a pair of wool socks and your support during the winter months is quite comforting.
Birkenstocks, you simply make life easier. Being a less-than-timely person during certain moments in life, you're easy enough to slip on and run out the door. You're there when none of my other piles of shoe options seem to work, and you're there when I simply need just a little bit of comfort in my life.
You may provide a somewhat unappealing design of tan lines across my feet during the summer months, but that will never deter me from wearing you. And with the summer months just around the corner, I can't wait to regularly have the option of wearing you. I've had you for almost five years and I plan to keep you for many more, running you into the ground until you're no longer wearable. And even then, I won't be able to resist buying another pair, and probably continuing to wear the old pair, convincing myself that nothing is wrong.
So here's to you, Birkenstocks.
This love letter was much deserved. Thank you for providing me with endless of hours of [real] arch support. Thank you for providing me with an easy, practical and even cute option when nothing else seems to be working out. Thank you for providing me with stability and comfort when taking adventures through sand, rocks, dirt and mountains. Thank you for being there for me during my most cherished moments in life, and thank you for being the greatest pair of sandals I've ever owned.
And here's to all of my fellow Birkenstock lovers and wearers out there around the world. I know you love your Birkenstocks just as much as I love mine.
