We received this email yesterday from a confirmed Birkenstock lover and just had to share:
Tonight, I was walking my dog with a neighbor and I was wearing my Zurichs. They became a point of discussion because of their age and unique history. She could not believe that I have had these shoes for 30 years. In fact, she pointed out that she was one when I bought them! Shame on her!
Yes, they are my favorites and they have walked many miles around the planet with me. I bought them in New Haven Connecticut in 1979 and most people who saw them on my feet made fun of me. They made fun until I let them try them on! Back then, they were the MOST expensive pair of shoes I had ever purchased and coveted them for a long time before I could afford to buy them. From the minute I put them on my feet…. I could not take them off. Yes, even in the snowy months!
Anyhow, I have grown up with these shoes. I went to see Simon and Garfunkel in Central Park in them…. explored Stonehenge … rode an elephant in the jungle of Thailand in them…. hot air ballooning in Morroco….walked the streets of Llhasa wearing my trusty Birks! I walked the communities in the four states I have lived in wearing them. These shoes have been re-corked… barged… soled and worn back down yet again.
I wear them because now they are beyond shoes…. they are ol’ friends. Over the years, I have purchased 4 other pairs… all of which I enjoy but not like my Zurichs! There is something magical about these shoes! I am happy when I am in them. I am an explorer… an adventurer…. a wild woman breaking out of the ordinary in them and what’s funny is… I have felt all of these things since I bought them. It is sort of like the shoes have blazed my trail. I never know where the trail will lead but I definitely know what will be on my feet!
I share all of this for no other reason but to say thank you! I am so glad you brought Birkenstock to the US! I love my Zurichs! While my walk tonight might seem like an ordinary affair…. my neighbor and I agree…. it was truly extraordinary. How many can say that they have had their shoes for 30 years and will travel in them for 30 more gladly! And as my friend noted… “and they don’t even smell!” Just laugh.
Peace and Happy Trails!
Nora
And here’s a picture of Nora and her Zurich sandals living life to the full!
i have to agree with Nora about Birkenstock’s shoes. I just got my first pair as an Easter gift and i absolutely love them, from the first time i wore them i noticed a difference, i am currently 5 months pregnant and have been having sciatic nerve problems due to the pregnancy, sometimes to the point of near collapse because of my nerve hurting so badly. However when i wear my new Balis i barely notice any pain from my nerve. If i knew it wouldnt be uncomfortable to sleep in my birks i would probably sleep with them on my feet. I just love these shoes!
Comment by Liz Gillis — March 29, 2010 @ 3:15 pm