BIRKI's/BIRKENSTOCK S/S 2014 SANDALS WITH ENGINEERED PERFORMANCE+STYLE

frayed edge Santiago-Dynamic footbed-with additional layer of Visco-elastic memory foam below the footbed liner that distributes heat, weight +moisture, color options $109.95

Outdoor Retailer/SLC

We used to categorize Birki's as Coachella to Birkenstock's Burning Man style vibe...but the same comfort factors for both labels rule--- with an "engineered performance" for all day worthy wear.

The German labels of these related shoe brands is being merged into one moniker...and as we saw-the footwear good looks are similar anyway-form a marketing perspective, the fused labels make sense.

Skipper-Canvas upper $120-Mocha-also in navy, black

THAT combined with all the coverage of chicsters wearing the recognizable double strap Arizona-with cork-latex footbed-midsole, soft suede liner, jute layered sandals/slides all over the main fashion capitals of the world-during their respective fashion weeks, no less...AND the breathless reportage of mandals (Birkenstock's/J Crew's recent collab of men's kicks)...

ARIZONA

PLUS the insane $ of name dropping designer versions on this footwear staple...expect to see more mainstream coverage of the fabulous Spring 2014 collections of Birki's/Birkenstock/ we previewed a few months back.

IMO...can always go to a crafts store-and bling the originals up yourself if glue gun handy...though we think the uppers pictured, look just fine as will be delivered (2-4/2014).

Haiti Stars+Stripes Water Sandal M/W

Made in Germany the colorful and cute selections we saw-deliver uppers with buckled straps, thong toes and slide sandals-rendered in bold colors, many cool takes on the camo trend, a world flag bunch just in time for the World Cup (olé!!!), and feminine or edgy prints.

Haiti-classic camo -water sandal good for land too $79.95

Birkenstock's iconic Arizona ---- linen uppers-in faded beige with a cream sole, and navy with a grey sole. High arch version too. $130

on right-Santiago with Dynamic footbed with additional layer of Visco-elastic memory foam below the footbed liner that distributes heat, weight +moisture $109.95. On left-Milos in classic camo $89.95. Both new styles

As always-the performance integrity-comfort factors-with proprietary footbeds (also sold separately) in on board every pair-with Active Recovery™built into the multi-layered footbed = arch support, a cradling deep heel cup, heel to toe grip-meaning no sliding or tensing foot muscles to keep the sandal/clog on, and toe grip...(same purpose).

LOVE-Belau slides-new style in faded camo $89.95

All this know how, underneath contemporary stylish uppers and durable cushioning/energy returning footbeds...is akin to a little massage for the wearers feet with each step.

Birkenstock-Mayari-neon color pops on lack multi strap-$89.95

Birkenstock-Mayari on right-in flame orange-$89.95, Birki's Antigua on left stretch cork upper $89.95

New Style-Curacao $89.95-beige with pops of pink or blue mint stretch cork upper, fun outsole

We take a lot of public transportation and it is super rare to see women in spiked heels---during day hours anyway---though we know a few swap out at the office. More than a beach/weekend wear brand. It already is in certain stylish circles.

Proof of that--(more) ---at a recent Ladies Home Journal hosted blogger's conference in NYC-the Ginzeh sandals-shown in a few Fall appropriate jewel toned colors---caused a line of eager stylishly clad attendees to try on and wear right then---pedicured toes or not. (lhj.com/getsocial)

ARIZONA-Birkestock and Papillion by Birkenstock *9.95

Gizeh-in flame orange and buttercup-made of Birko-Flor™$89.95-loads of color and material options on this style

Suki Black-on Sydney, Turin, Florida on left - Suki Blue- print on Pisa, Florida -both with soft footbeds

Papillio by Birkenstock-Turin-right, Birkenstock Gizeh-left

Gizeh-colored outsole options...more contemporary, less geeky

As work wear is constantly being redefined-more casual apparel boundaries are pervasive we think---Birki's/Birkenstock will be more than a beach/weekend wear brand. It already is in certain stylish circles.