Why Birkenstock Stands the Test of Time

So when you think of Birkenstocks, you think of the classic image, the double strap Arizona, right? Seeing images of peace signs and outdoor gatherings yet? I have a hard time with that stereotype, because I like peace signs and outdoor gatherings and cannot figure out why that would be a bad thing to anyone! Well it turns out that Birkenstock leather sandals and clogs are also favorites of those who stand or walk for long periods including retail store and restaurant staff, and professionals in medical offices, labs and hospitals.

Feet from all walks of life can benefit from the innovative design elements that go into each and every handmade pair.

· Arch support — This ensures stability by shifting pressure from the middle of the foot, to the front, reducing strain and encouraging a more natural posture.
· Deep heelcups — These keep the foot’s natural padding directly under the heel bone, where it provides the most comfort, just as Mother Nature intended.
· Raised toe bar — This encourages the gripping motion of your toes, exercising your legs and helping to improve circulation.
· An orthopedic footbed — This follows the contours of the foot and provides support for a more natural gait pattern. Depending on the model and its intended use, the footbed is made from a lightweight resilient cork/latex blend, washable water-based polyurethane or felt covered polyurethane.
· EVA soles — These lightweight soles are made from ethyl vinyl acetate to be tough enough for long wear, but flexible for comfort. An average step exerts over 500 pounds of pressure on your foot and these soles help absorb that shock.

Ready to rush out and get a pair now? Here are a few tips to ensure maximum comfort with your Birkenstock footwear:

· Birkenstock shoes and sandals come in three foot bed types. The original foot bed is intended for the standard foot with the basic arches. The soft foot bed is intended for people who have low arches as well as sensitive feet. It has extra soft cushioning by way of an extra layer of foam. For those with higher arches and flexible feet the high arch foot bed is best. It has a higher arch for the metatarsal and a deeper heel bed.
· The cork/latex footbed will mold to your foot over the first several weeks of use. Give your shoes a little time to shape to your feet.
· Most of us have been wearing shoes with elevated heels and poor arch support for years. The deep Birkenstock heelcup often requires a short adjustment period for muscles and tendons before complete comfort is achieved. For the first two weeks limit wear to a couple of hours daily.
· If you wear your Birkenstocks with socks, twisting can sometimes occur. Usually a quick spray of Static Guard will elevate the situation.

Even though fashion dictates that we should wear surprisingly difficult heels that will make our legs look longer, and our derriere sit jauntily on top of our thighs, we are not slaves to fashion. We look after ourselves and treat ourselves to things that feel good and are good for us. We take a bite of dark chocolate around 3:00 in the afternoon, because it is delicious and is an anti-oxidant. We sip a cup of warm tea on a bleak, gray day to chase away the germs of cold season. And we wear comfortable shoes so that we will continue to be able to walk and stretch those long and shapely legs of ours well into our later life. We are Birkenstock people and proud of it!

Liesl Garner is a Fashion Marketing writer working with originalcomfortsandals.com , an Authorized BIRKENSTOCK Dealer and a subsidiary of ShoesCentral.net. They are also Authorized dealers for a variety of brands and have sister sites for Ugg Boots, Emu Boots, Dansko Professional, Keen Shoes, EarthShoes, and Naot Sandals.

Her favorite part of her job is when she gets to write articles for the website or Ugg Boot Blog that compliment people, describing their beauty inside and out. She specifically likes to write articles looking at beauty from unusual perspectives to allow more of us through what would otherwise be a narrow door in the understanding of what qualifies as beautiful.