A new shoe style is kicking up a fuss in the wedding world, but not everyone is rushing to say “I do.”
Luxury designer brand Birkenstock has released a bridal shoe in collaboration with bridal designer Danielle Frankel.
For brides not wanting to compromise style for comfort, they’ll need to fork out $1,300 for the most budget-friendly pair.
If budget is truly no object, the collection’s top-tier bespoke design reaches $3,500. Grooms aren’t left out either, with a sleek black version available for $1,200.
“Am I being rage baited?”
In a post announcing the launch, designer Danielle Frankel showcases the “exclusive capsule” including six different styles.
“An ode to life’s most cherished occasions. Iconic BIRKENSTOCK silhouettes reimagined in lustrous fabrics and refined details that echo Danielle Frankel’s bridal collections,” the post reads.
In recent years, bridal footwear has undergone a radical makeover.
The walk to the altar is no longer a test of pain tolerance, as brides swap traditional silk stilettos for designer sneakers and pearly white Crocs.
But like any uninvited guest, the new sandals on the scene are sparking drama.
“I’ll help. No,” one social media user wrote.
“I have to draw the line somewhere,” another said.
A third demanded to know: “Am I being rage baited?”
“NO, in no way or form do I want to see a groom’s toes on his wedding day,” a fourth declared.
“We see the vision”
Another simply shared a judgmental GIF of Miranda Priestly, from The Devil Wears Prada.
However, it wasn’t all hate, with many excited to wriggle their bridal toes against the Birky cork.
“I got married in Birkenstocks and have no regrets,” one former bride commented.
Another wrote: “We see the vision … Sandals are kind of our thing.”
“Am I the only one that actually likes these? I was planning on buying white Birkenstocks for the after-party,” a soon-to-be-bride admitted.
The internet might be divided, but wedding industry insiders are also weighing in.
Sydney-based bridal fashion stylist, Alarna Hope, says many brides are opting for less traditional footwear with elopements and microweddings growing in popularity.
However, she believes these new kicks are just a fad.
“I’m not sold on these bridal Birkenstocks being a long-term hit,” Ms Hope told news.com.au.
She believes the appeal is because of the way the shoes were styled on the runway.
“Even though the collaboration between Danielle Frankel and Birkenstock has chosen more traditional bridal wear to pair with the shoe, I don’t think this would work in real life. There are things that can be artistic and interesting on runways, but in a real-life setting, it just doesn’t translate,” she explained.
“The most suitable style of wedding for bridal Birkenstocks is probably a casual beach wedding. These shoes were originally designed for outdoor wear; they’re great for walking on sand with.”
The 31-year-old believes the price is a tall order for an already expensive day for couples.
“In respect to a wedding, you can easily get shoes that are comfortable, that you can wear all day, dance the night away in and look great in; they don’t have to be a brand collaboration that retails at an average of about $1200 a pair,” she explained.
“On the other hand, if you love Birkenstocks and you’re a regular wearer, this is probably one of the few occasions where you can buy something for your wedding, say you’ll wear them again and have that actually be true!”
As a stylist, she says if she had to send a bride down the aisle in the Birkenstocks or crocs, her mind is made up – for the most part.
“If my hands were tied and I had to choose between bridal crocs and bridal Birkenstocks, I would begrudgingly choose Birkenstocks,” Ms Hope joked.
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