Angie posted on The Birkenstock Trend in March 2014. I was not a fan of them for myself; I had tried them on and found them just too big and chunky looking. I did try to dip my toes in the trend (lterally), with a pseudo Birkalike sandal (i.e., not even a real Birkenstock look-alike) by Haflinger.

Fast forward two years: today I bought a pair of Birkenstocks. Granted, they are not the double thick-strap classic Arizona style that was all the rage in 2014. These are downright dainty in comparison. I'm excited about them, because I think they are cute and comfy. And hopefully still a bit in style. At least I still see this type of sandal--the clunky cork footbed style--quite a lot. These are more comfy for walking than my Haflingers, which I may turn into summer house-shoes.

Three totally irrational points in favor of these sandals for me:
1) they are a take on the toe-ring, a style I have NEVER been able to wear, even when I was a teen. My toe has never fit through any ring on any sandal. . . until now. This one is formed by crossed straps, so it works for me!
2) the diagonal, thinner straps. I guess I like my chunky styles with a little bit of flattery.
3) Birkenstock envy. I've admired a lot of these styles on others, and was excited to find a pair that I liked on my own foot.

Les photos:
1: What I wore shopping, with the new sandals.
2-3: The shopping outfit. Cropped flare jeans (Mother, Insider Crop, in Faster wash); mauve, cream, and sage mixed media angled peplum top (made by me); taupe cross-strap flats (Naot, Lan); dusty orchid moto jacket (Stella Carakasi); blush tote (Joy Susan, Carly).
Oh, and I shortened the cropped flares by about 3/4". I think they are JFE at best, but I enjoy wearing them.

Thanks for looking! As always, I welcome your thoughts and suggestions.