R.I.P. Birks
It has been claimed that I only wear Birkenstocks or Wellingtons, which is kind of true. My sandals were never actually Birkenstocks. They were Dexters which I got at Costco about five years ago. They were perfect because they were comfortable but they came on and off easily, like clogs.
The Dexters were going down fast so about three months ago I got a new pair of sandals but after a week I discovered there was something really wrong with them. They were causing cramps in my legs, so I abandoned them and further used the Dexters. I’ve been noticing chunks of the bottom coming off. People think I’m crazy but I really want to have them resurfaced. Yes, I have search for new Dexters on line, but the style I like is no longer being offered.
I figured that maybe I should try something new and maybe I could learn to love them as much as my former Dexters. I went a local family owned shoe store in town and I tried on their Birks, but they were as hard as stone, so I tried on a pair of Keens and they actually felt pretty good. I bit the bullet and invested $95. They do feel good but they have more surface which I don’t like and they also have a heal strap which I don’t like. The jury is out, but I’ll keep you posted.
I still have the Dexters, and I am going to seek professional help with them.
This brings me to another gripe I have with modern society. Back when I was growing up every town had a shoe repair shop. Shoes have become a consumable landfill item. What the heck is that about?
posted by The Guy Who Writes This at 5:56 AM
10 Comments:
I have a pair of sandals like that. Loved them. Perfection. Had to replace them. The extremely beat up, falling apart originals are still upstairs, along with a pile of unacceptable replacements.
I like the Keen comfort. Not a fan of the sandals. Have a good pair of hikers though.
I have a pair of Keen sandals that are pretty nice, but my favorite shoe brand is Merrell. They're made to last, and you can get them re-soled or repaired or whatever several times. The company is also environmentally responsible, so I feel even better about spending $85 for a pair of hiking boots.
If only they made ballroom dancing shoes... *sigh*
$95.00 ?
For thongs?!!!!
Thats what I pay for a pair of Catipiller boots at Sears.
The Keen's pseudo sandals have become my shoe of choice- (May thru Oct). I'd were them now but it's tough with a foot of snow. Glad to see you survived the storm.
So glad you're okay. We have winds like you got frequently in the form of 'nor'easters' but having them at least twice a year our buildings are built to withstand them. The one's that weren't blew away long ago. Still scary with the trees though.
After suffering with no power or heat for 8 sub-zero days in the late 1990s ice storm, I purchased a small generator which has paid for itself many times over.
Are the 'Dexter's' the type that were made by the Maine company until a coupla years ago? If so, I may be able to find a source. The guy who started Dexter Shoes in the 1930s just died a few weeks ago. I believe the company moved to the Dominican Republic a few years ago and all the Dexter Shoe stores are gone.
Just as an aside, we actually still have shoe repair shops here. Just shows how 'frugal'(spelled CHEAP)we are.
So, so sad to have to say goodbye to a favourtie pair of sandals....lol have you thought about having them bronzed?? Would make interesting wall art!!!
Birks rule in my book....I wear a pair just about non-stop from the time it's safe to after the snow...through till the snow starts flying again!!!
Mike, they have a single strap across the top held on with velcro. I can photograph their remains for you if you want to try...
Boo and Robb, don't tell me you are snow sissys... They are meant to be warn year round, rain, snow, slush...
They aren't thongs. They are light, airy and comfy...
Jaggy, you should be able to dance in what you have ; )
Anon, confessing to shopping at Sears eh?
Lori, I wish you could have tried my dexters...I'm just sayin...
Sorry for not signing in, Guy.
I talked to Ms.gearhead and she said that they sell thongs at the Dollar Store.
She must be talking about thong underwear.
I liked your line: "I am going to seek professional help..."
Good idea, ;-)
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