BIRKIs Footwear Spring 2013 Active Recovery/Sport Footwear

Outdoor Retailer/SLC

words/images Judith Ecochard

German based Birki's is owned by the same company that owns the comfort shoe brand, Birkenstock...so here's the difference according to us.... Birki's is the Conchella to Birkenstock's Burning Man.

Birki’s signature five-layer cork footbed includes a suede liner, two layers of moisture-wicking jute, a cork-latex midsole for maximum comfort and an EVA outsole for shock-absorption.

At OR we previewed the Spring 2013 collection of sandals and slip-ons that boast of fresh takes on -on-trend uppers...all atop the signature Birki's five layer signature Active Recovery™ System footbed---featuring a layer of viscoelastic foam -a "memory" foam that stabilizes the foot and blessed with the ability bounce right back (elasticity).

5 layer cork footbed, supported arch

cups the heel, just so

Though destined for the pre-and post activities of athletes, hikers etc... some casual styles of the Outdoor Collection we saw- will find favor with couch potatoes and those that don't swear for anything. canvas uppers and a slightly sleeker profile---are more stylish.

Spring 2013 brings easy 3/4 slip-ons-canvas uppers in light blue, brown, navy, mocha and stone. Men's and Women's- $124.95.

Fall leather and felt uppers with ease and comfort...

Skipper-3/4 Slip-ons, available now-leather uppers.

Skipper $150

Fall styles available now-3/4 slip-ons with felt uppers...

Sailor-felt/cork $150

Montserrat $139.95-mixed of leather/cork-nice metal hook eyelets...very cool.

Neoprene upper-$84.95

Pink/orange neoprene straps ---from$84.95

We though the Spring sandals (delivery ETA February 2013) with bright colors (pink/orange) and fun flirty uppers, made of neoprene...cute, cute, cute!!!!

Nautical chic-striped uppers in a rainbows worth of colors...and flirty flower prints...atop signature cork footbed. Profiles are city chic not nutty/crunchy clunky!