Why I’ll Never Trade My Birkenstocks for Another Shoe

Gina Mama, "You should" try...

Orange Birkenstock Gizehs at San Francisco Giants Game | AT&T Park Footwear Style

Cheering on the San Francisco Giants in style at AT&T Park (formerly PacBell Park) with my bold orange Birkenstock Gizehs—proof that comfort and team spirit go hand in hand.

Growing Up Bay Area: Birkenstocks and the San Francisco Giants

I am a born and raised Bay Area girl who proudly wears Birkenstocks.  One thing that I love as much as my Birkenstocks are the San Francisco Giants.  I am a longtime Birkenstock wearer and a lifelong Giants fan.  

My Giants Memories: Will Clark, Candlestick Park, and AT&T Park
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I remember watching games at Candlestick Park in the freezing cold.  One of my most memorable moments as a kid, was touching Will Clark’s hand when he autographed a baseball card for me.  I was at home alone waiting for a World Series game to start between the Giants and A’s when the earthquake hit in 1989.  I was at Pacbell Park (now AT&T park) when Barry Bonds hit his 500th home run against the Dodgers.  One of my favorite pictures of me and husband was taken on the field at AT&T Park.  In May 2016, we took my youngest kid to his first Giants game.  It rained the entire day but that didn’t matter.  In fact, on that rainy day I was wearing my Birkenstock Woodbury’s and my feet stayed warm and dry.  I could go on and on, but all you need to know is that I bleed orange and black.

Birkenstock Woodburys Kept Me Dry at a Rainy Giants Game

Wearing my trusty Birkenstock Woodbury boots on the AT&T Park warning track, proving they keep my feet warm and dry—even on a rainy Giants game day.

As a lifetime Giants fan, I will never change my allegiance to my favorite baseball team. Even if I were to move out of state, I would remain a dedicated San Francisco Giants fan. It’s like Tony Bennett’s song, “I left my heart in San Francisco”. No matter where I am in the world, my heart will remain true to the orange and black.

A Birkenstock Loyalist at Heart

Just as I am a steadfast Giants fan, I am a Birkenstock loyalist. I love Birkenstocks so much that I started my blog to share this love with like minded individuals.

“You Should” Try? Why I Don’t Need Other Shoe Brands
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​People who know that I am a blogger often come up to me and suggest other brands of shoes that “I should” try. People send me emails or leave me comments on Facebook and Instagram about what brands “I should” try that are not Birkenstocks. I am dumbfounded by other peoples' well meaning, but unsolicited, advice. My blog is not titled “Help me find a shoe brand”, it is titled “I Love Birkenstocks" for a reason.

Will Clark #22 Autographed Hat – A Giants Memory I’ll Never Forget

My all-time favorite Giant, Will Clark #22, signed this hat just for me! Fun fact: when I was 11 years old at Candlestick Park, I was the only girl waiting after batting practice and he signed my baseball card first—before all the guys in the crowd. A memory I’ll cherish forever, just like this autograph.

From Keens to Naots: Why Nothing Compares to Birkenstocks

Friends are suggesting that I try Keens, FitFlops, Danksos, and Fluevogs. Social media “friends” tell me to try Reefs, Olukais, and Naots. Those who have read all my blogs, know that I have tried Danskos, Keens, and Olukais. I feel like the people who are making these recommendations are the same people who have never tried on a pair of Birkenstocks. If they had, they would know how awesome Birkenstocks are and would likely be wearing them too. The only brand of shoe that transformed my life by eliminating foot and back discomfort is Birkenstock.

Birkenstocks vs. Dodgers Blue: A Rivalry in Footwear Loyalty

Birkenstock shoes have been so life changing that I am no longer willing to try different brands of shoes. When people tell me “I should” try this brand or that shoe, it is almost as if they are asking me to become a Dodgers fan. IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN! For you East Coasters, it is like asking a Yankee fan to root for the Red Sox, or vice versa.

Designer Colors I Refuse to Buy (Sorry, Dodger Blue)

The Giants and the Dodgers rivalry is deeply rooted. I am such a devoted Giants fan that I will not even buy articles of clothing a certain shade of blue. Just a few months ago, I was curious about the limited edition soft footbed Birkenstock Gizeh. I went to a local store and when I saw it up close I knew I could not buy the shoe because, sadly, it was Dodger blue.

The Psychology of “You Should”: Reactance Theory Explained

You could never get me to buy an article of clothing in Dodger blue, just as you will never get me to try a different brand of shoe by telling me “I should”. When someone tells me “I should” try a certain type of shoe, I immediately feel a psychological response happening to me internally. I feel myself wanting to do the opposite.

Pearl Jam and Reactance: Music Meets Psychology

I know that my body will react to a perceived threat when someone tells me that “I should” do something. I feel as if my freedom to choose the type of shoe I want to wear is being threatened. The science behind this is outlined in Brehm’s (1966) Reactance Theory. Reactance can make an individual strengthen their own views or act in a way contrary to what is intended. Reactance is so powerful that Pearl Jam alludes to it in their song, “Corduroy,” with the lyrics “push me and I will resist.”

Why I Strengthen My Allegiance to Birkenstocks

When someone tells me “I should” try Keens, Naots, Fitflops or any other type of shoe that is not a Birkenstock, that person is making me strengthen my allegiance to Birkenstocks. Thereby not wanting to try the brand that is being recommended.

Failed Shoe Experiments: Danskos, Sauconys, Keens, and More

I have documented my experience with other brands of shoes in previous blogs. I have spent unknown amounts of money on different types of shoes, in my effort to find one that meets the needs of my feet. All of which were donated because they lacked peerless comfort and support.

Birkenstocks: My Sole Mate and Lifelong Choice

Keens left my arches aching. Naots were too narrow. Danskos were a fall risk. Sauconys were my best friend until they discontinued my favorite model. Then, I was re-introduced to Birkenstocks and found my “sole” mate.

Custom Fit, Arch Support, and Everyday Comfort

For me, being a Birkenstock loyalist is like being a Giants fan. No matter what, I will never change my allegiance.  When the Giants lost 100 games in 1985, I still rooted for them everyday. If Birkenstocks don’t remain in the fashion limelight, I am still going to wear them because they make my feet happy. What other shoe besides Birkenstocks mold to your feet and provide a custom fit? None.

I believe that wearing Birkenstocks is the single most important thing you can do for your feet and it’s up to you whether or not you choose to wear them. If and when you decide to try a pair of Birkenstocks, I am confident that you will find a pair that will work for you.

I am not telling anyone that they “should” wear Birkenstocks. So, please, stop telling me “I should” try other brands. I Love Birkenstocks and that’s why I started a blog dedicated to all things Birkenstock.

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AT&T Park – Home of the San Francisco Giants | Follow @ilovebirkenstocks on Instagram

The iconic Willie Mays Gate at AT&T Park, home of the San Francisco Giants. For more Birkenstock style inspo mixed with Bay Area baseball love, follow me on Instagram at @ilovebirkenstocks.

Barry Bonds Home Run Bobblehead | Exclusive Giants & Birkenstock Fan Moments on my FB page

A glimpse of our Barry Bonds Home Run bobblehead alongside other Giants collectibles and a number of Harveys Disney Boyfriend Wallets / Billfolds. For more behind-the-scenes photos and insider Birkenstock fun, join my private Facebook group, Gina Mama’s I Love Birkenstocks Blog.

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Explore More Birkenstock Stories: Ferrari of Shoes, Spotting Fakes, Custom Creations & 100 Reasons to Love Birks

If you enjoyed this story about my San Francisco Giants memories and lifelong Birkenstock loyalty, you’ll love exploring more from I Love Birkenstocks. Discover why I call Birkenstocks the Ferrari of Shoes for their sleek design, comfort, and durability.  Revisit milestones like my Happy 1st Birthday Blog Celebration, or learn how to protect your investment with Bogus Birks & How to Spot Fake Birkenstocks.  For practical guidance, don’t miss How to Break in Your Birkenstocks so they mold perfectly to your feet, or dive into my passion project, 100 Reasons Why I Love Birkenstocks, a heartfelt tribute to the sandals that changed my life.

Only Gina Mama can take you inside the Iconic Birkenstock Building in Novato, California, with an exclusive photo feature—including a rare backstage tour at Birkenstock USA.  Looking for laughs?  Top 10 Ways To Know That You Are a Birkenstock Addict is a playful David Letterman–style countdown every true Birk lover will relate to.  Want something extra special?  In My Custom Michelangelo Birkenstocks Experience, I share how I turned my dream of Ferrari-red Arizonas (and luxe leopard pairs) into reality—proof that custom Birks deliver flawless craftsmanship and diva-worthy style collabs can’t match.

And for even more inspiration, head to my Videos Page where you’ll find Birkenstocks in action, style guides, and DIY care tips.

Have suggestions for future blogs or want to to connect?  Reach out via my contact page.

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