Do most Dems wear Birkenstocks??

[ScreamingMeemie]

Me? I've never owned a pair.

I also lived in a trailer at one point.

Right now there's an SUV in my drive... albeit only because they can't get the gas mileage down enough to make the Pacifica a wagon..

There's deer meat in my freezer.

Bobby Labonte is HOT...

This morning my son scored a goal with me on the sidelines. (before the game I told him it was "score one for Mama day"...


AND, at this moment...there is an envelope with a donation to DFA on my table.

Even in fun, stereotypes are ridiculous, and often wrong... IMO :hi:

[TahitiNut]

1. This liberal independent does.

I think Birkenstocks are non-partisan sanity. :evilgrin:

[ScreamingMeemie]

3. Yeah, well...

I just think you're weird. :hug: :loveya:

[TahitiNut]

15. (grin) Birks are 'addictive'

My feet have been in them for so long (over 15 years) that they can't stand to be LOCKED up in some leather straitjacket. My toes all operate, now. I'm only MORE comfortable bare-footed. My feet are happiest walking on soil or sand beaches where they can dig in and actually work the way nature intended. I occasionally wear athletic shoes (when engaged in something 'athletic'), but switch back to my Birks as soon as I can. As long as the snow is cleared, or less than 1/2" deep, I wear 'em all winter long. (That wasn't a problem in California.)

[tridim]

35. Maybe it's just me, but my Birks seem to get stinky pretty fast

Nothing like sweaty leather on a hot summer day!

[AndyTiedye]

94. Birkenstock Beach Sandals Are Good For That Kind of Weather

as well as for going to the beach, of course.

The footbed is plastic knobby stuff which lets air flow (and keeps sand from rubbing)

[XboxWarrior]

63. Hell Fuckin' Yeah.......

got a problem with it?

[ScreamingMeemie]

73. I don't know...should I?

Should I label someone a freeper for driving a Yukon, or a Chrysler even..as some have said?? :shrug:

[morningglory]

127. Looks like your basic construction worker model. Heck yeah!

Husband, son, and I wear them all the time, all winter long, too (here in N. Florida). Deer meat in the freezer. Who is Bobby Labonti? Play bluegrass music in the woods just like in the movie Deliverance, only without the sodomy, just the good music, good food, laughter, love and friendship. we never kill city people or yankees, just laugh at them a little because they caint pernounce certain words. I rigged up a pair of suede, softbed birkies to wear to work. Died them black, strap around the back. They cured my heel spurs. Caint beat 'em with a stick.

[The_Warmth]

2. And you call yourself a dem.

Never had birks!?!? I don't know why you're allowed on the forum! :sarcasm:

[ScreamingMeemie]

5. Welcome to DU The_Warmth!

I think I had a pair of knockoffs. :hi:

[ShadesOfGrey]

4. Ack! Not me...

I'm a tree hugger, animal rights activist, granola eater.

I prefer high heels (non-leather of course).

[svpadgham]

38. Are they

Cotton heels? I think most non-leather high heels are petroleum based. I could be wrong being a guy and all.

[ShadesOfGrey]

141. Yep, I own some cotton heels.

They have wood soles. My other heels are pleather.

You bring up a good point though. We have so much technology... but, we still can't figure out how to make a god damn pair of shoes without killing an animal or destroying the environment!

BTW, how much of the earth's resources go into raising and slaughtering an animal for a pair of shoes? I could be wrong because I'm just a girl and all but I think that it requires lots of petro. (in addition to food, water, etc.)

[svpadgham]

257. You can make several pairs of boots

from a cow. and you don't "need" to use a bunch of resources. We do it, but it isn't necessary. You have a different outlook than I do, but I'd rather raise a cow and use it to it's full extent than drill for oil and chase a bunch of animals from their habitat. If you want to make anything without causing damage to anything else you need to be a god. We are not gods. That being said, I don't think we should be killing animals by means of millions of papercuts and rubbing alchohol. It's just best to do it humanely.

Now that I think about it, we could make shoes from rocks, but they'd probably hurt.

[brentspeak]

6. I don't even know what Birkenstocks are

Shoes, right?

[ScreamingMeemie]

21. Yes.

:hi:

[brentspeak]

68. Oh, sandals

In that case, it's pretty amusing that conservative pundits link "liberals" and Birkenstocks together; they apparently haven't noticed that College Republicans dress pretty much the same as everyone else on campuses.

[libnnc]

7. Birks? I can't afford them.

I used to like NASCAR until a couple of years ago. Too commercialized for me. I like the old guys better than the new kids.

My mom and I lived in a trailer in the early 70s. It was nice for a trailer.

I eat red meat, too much probably. I love beer. I love most any booze (except gin :puke:)

I work in a bar on the weekends.

I have a pretty good country music collection as well as jazz. I'm getting re-aquainted with my punk and alternative side too. I worship at the alters of Patsy Cline and Chryssie Hynde.

I'm a lesbian who has a crush on Al Pacino. :shrug: Go figure...

[regnaD kciN]

11. They have a lower-cost line called "Birko"...

...which you can get from Overstock.com at times.

I rarely wear any other kind of footwear, except when at a wedding or on a hiking trail.

(Sorry to live up to right-wing stereotypes.)

[acmejack]

16. wow....

patsy cline & chryssie hynde

[kineneb]

148. with you on the price

I had several pair, but many years ago. Now I wear what I have in the closet or can find at Kfart*.
---
We live in a double wide ("manufactured home"). It looks like a house on the inside.

I have a pet chicken, and grow vegies in the back yard.

The grass in the front yard is over 3' tall. I have a hot date with the weed whacker tonight.

I use power tools, especially those for woodworking.

I eat red meat, and lots of cheese. Black Coffee is the elixir of the gods, and chocolate is a vegetable (and is good for you).

My favorite composers have been dead for at least 175 years. My really favorite composers have been dead for over 350 years.

My idea of dress clothes involves wearing corsets, hoop skirts, brocade, and lots of pearls. And my idea of dancing involves lots of pink, tulle, lycra, and pointe shoes.

---

*Our shopping choices are Kfart or MallWart. I chose the lesser of two weasels.

[justgamma]

8. Maybe. Don't know what they are? n/t

[ScreamingMeemie]

25. They are sandals...

...often remarked upon by freeps and the RW Media as liberal uniform.

[LizW]

9. I did, but they made a painful blister under my big toe.

:shrug:

[ScreamingMeemie]

30. Sandals and I don't generally get along.

:)

[morningglory]

128. Break 'em in slow, and you end up with a huge callous under your toe.

Still wearin' the thangs.

[havocmom]

10. Only the ones in warm climates

Wouldn't do here in Montana most months ;)

[ScreamingMeemie]

42. Frostbitten toes are not very fashionable...

and I am ever jealous of you for getting to live there. I live in the armpit of America. :)

[havocmom]

103. LOL not all of Montana is a postcard

Used to live in the western part. That is wonderful for a girl like me. This eastern part... not suitable for me, but here for a few more years. I see the point of my being here. I am a liberal ambassador to a very conservative hold out place. I walk the walk to show them Rush's shit about liberials is trash talk.

I am making converts, by the way ;) but, da-yam, this place SUCKS majorly for me.

[AndyTiedye]

117. There's a Song about Montana

I might be movin' to Montana soon
Just to raise me up a crop of Dental Floss Raisin' it up
Waxen it down
In a little white box
I can sell uptown
By myself I wouldn't
Have no boss,
But I'd be raisin' my lonely Dental Floss
Raisin' my lonely Dental Floss
Well I just might grow me some bees
But I'd leave the sweet stuff
For somebody else...
but then, on the other hand
I'd Keep the wax N' melt it down
Pluck some Floss N' swish it aroun'
I'd have me a crop
An' it'd be on top

(that's why I'M movin' to Montana)

Movin' to Montana soon
Gonna be a Dental Floss tycoon
(yes I am)
Movin' to Montana soon
Gonna be a mennil-toss flykune
I'm pluckin' the ol' Dennil Floss
That's growin' on the prairie
Pluckin' the floss!
I plucked all day an' all nite an' all Afternoon...
I'm ridin' a small tiny hoss
(His name is MIGHTY LITTLE)
He's a good hoss
Even though He's a bit dinky to strap a big saddle or
Blanket on anyway
He's a bit dinky to strap a big saddle or
Blanket on anyway
Any way I'm pluckin' the ol' Dennil Floss
Even if you think it is a little silly, folks
I don't care if you think it's silly, folks
I don't care if you think it's silly, folks
I'm gonna find me a horse
Just about this big
An' ride him all along the border line
With a Pair of heavy-duty
Zircon-encrusted tweezers in my hand
Every other wrangler would say
I was mighty grand
By myself I wouldn't
Have no boss
But I'd be raisin' my lonely Dental Floss
Raisin' my lonely Dental Floss
Raisin' my lonely Dental Floss
Well I might Ride along the border
With my tweezers gleamin'
In the moon-lighty night
And then I'd Get a cuppa cawfee
N' give my foot a push...
Just me 'n the pymgy pony
Over the Dennil Floss Bush
N' then I might just Jumb back on
An' ride Like a cowboy
Into the dawn to Montana
Movin' to Montana soon…

Frank Zappa

[havocmom]

119. That attitude would not help me win friends nor influence people

Might I add, it doesn't help DEMs in rural America to bring it up.

edited to add: bigotry is a horrible thing and not particularly exclusive to the GOP.

[DarleenMB]

249. Well try living in Wyoming

if you think Montana is bad. One of 3 states with high numbers for *. God these people are dimwitted.

[havocmom]

253. AH, a fellow Liberal Ambassador

:hi:

[Maddy McCall]

12. I wear Crocs almost all the time.

Too comfy not to wear them.

I drive a Dodge Ram when I go camping--I borrow it from my dad.

I own a couple of guns and shoot for sport (I don't kill things--I shoot at targets).

I love to fish and I eat what I catch.

I think Jeff Gordon is hotter than Bobby Labonte.

I have friends who are Republicans--one wears Birks all the time.

I have one kid--spoiled beyond anything you can imagine.

I homeschool my son.

My most recent donation was to DU, but I donate money, time, sweat and tears to my local Democratic organization.

[ScreamingMeemie]

47. Jeff Gordon is so not hotter than Bobby...

Bobby has *snort* family values *snort*...;) :hug:

[Maddy McCall]

53. I'm in love with Jeff Gordon. He doesn't know it...

but that's beside the point.

Yeah, he's a short fella, but he's still just as cute as a button. Look at those eyes.



YUM!

:loveya: :hi:

[bumblebee1]

271. Forget the eyes, Maddy!!!

Look at the body. Hell, I'm not a NASCAR fan and I think Jeff Gordon looks HOT in that photo. Come here, Jeff. Time to get your morals corrupted!!!

I've never owned a pair of Birkenstocks- that may change in the future.

I enjoy an occasional glass of wine. I guess that makes me a liberal. I also enjoy a beer now and then.

[karlrschneider]

13. Not me, I wear briefs

and have a freezer full of venison too. ;-)

[ScreamingMeemie]

48. We get by very cheaply meatwise.

:hi:

[karlrschneider]

100. Same here.

:D

[Maiden England]

14. I wear Harley Davidson boots

and no, I'm not trying to disguise myself as a freeper in case DHS come calling, honest

:evilgrin:

[ScreamingMeemie]

49. That'll work...

...until you open your mouth. :hi:

[Maiden England]

143. Bugger, I forgot coherence was a dead givaway

my dastardly plan has failed :evilfrown:

:hi:

[Jane Austin]

17. Nope, they hurt my feet. I like Rykas; their comfort clogs are heaven

for me.

We have an older Suburban that we don't drive much - - just when we need to haul something.

I don't eat as much red meat as I used to, but that's for health reasons.

Dearest Husband owns a couple of guns, too.


(Edited to remove one of those superfluous apostrophes. Argggghhh!)

[ScreamingMeemie]

50. I have always loved the older suburban body style and it was

my dream to own one. :hi:

[Jane Austin]

190. Bet you can pick one up cheap, now!

n/t

[DeaconBlues]

18. I wore a pair for a few months

but then developed a mean case of plantars fascitis. I'm started wearing my old constrictive shoes, and my feet are almost back to 100%. I suppose too much freedom is not a good thing...

[DesertRat]

32. I starting wearing them when I developed plantar fascitis

My pediatrist recommended them for the condition. That was several years ago and I haven't had another bout.

[DeaconBlues]

51. its strange that they had the opposite effect on me

I can't say I'm abolutely certain that wearing Birkenstocks caused my condition, but it does seem I developed my problem after I started wearing them often and I never had problems with my feet before.

Feet are strange things....

[immoderate]

64. Plantar fascitis? What's that, Hitler of the foot?

Though I'm not too lazy to google it.

On edit: I did. They're heel spurs. I never had them or else I would know the doctor name for them. They list enough causes so that I think it could be anything, or rather a combination of things. I'm not surprised that Birks could contribute so some and alleviate others.

I'm in Florida now so I wear them whenever I'm outside and not dressed for work. They're expensive, but they last forever. I didn't know until recently that the're considered symbols of the left. I'd class them like jeans, sensible clothing.

--IMM

[DeaconBlues]

85. I don't think it has any personal connection with Hitler

although it does make you feel like der Fuhrer and a couple of his brownshirts had been working on the soles of your feet with clubs every time you stand up ;-)

http://www.webmd.com/hw/foot_problems/hw114460.asp

[Warren DeMontague]

115. "Hitler of the foot"

:rofl:

I'll tell you one thing, that little moustache tickles like a mo'fo.

[DesertRat]

177. Plantar fascitis is different from heel spurs

It's inflamation of the tough, fibrous band of tissue (fascia) connecting your heel bone to the base of your toes. It really hurts, but a pediatrist can help. Aren't you glad you asked? :hi:

[immoderate]

255. To compound the issue, I've seen it as fasciitis.

The heel spurs are calcifications, and depending on what you read, they are associated with the fasciitis. I bet we can get podiatrists to disagree on some of these aspects.

Thanks for the info.

--IMM

[morningglory]

132. Me too. n/t

[smirkymonkey]

135. What is plantar fascitis?

Because I have something seriously wrong with my feet in the arch near the heel(I have very high arches) and I was considering going to a podiatrist. I am a big walker, and I have been limping for the past few weeks particularly when I get up from sitting down for a while. Does it go away on it's own, or is there some treatment for it?

Also, I do own a few pairs of Birkenstocks, and while they aren't the most attractive shoes, they are very comfortable.

[DeaconBlues]

145. its inflammation or small tears in the connective tissue of the foot arch

and it hurts like the Devil. I'm no Dr. Frist, so I wouldn't dare make a diagnosis online, but what you're experiencing sounds a lot like what I experienced.

Treatments range from corrective shoes, stretches, to just changing shoes (which seemed to work the best for me). The best remedy may be just time (which is frustrating, since symptoms can last over a year).

Lot more info here:
http://healthlink.mcw.edu/article/987116429.html

[yorkiemommie1]

161. my husb had cortisone shots in his heel

brave boy.

[Hekate]

205. Hurts like hell, doesn't it? Took me about 3 years to heal both feet

I remember exactly what I was wearing and what I was doing. The "ergonomic" sandals (not Birks, those always hurt me when I tried them on) cupped my heels in a way that didn't support them, and after several hours on the cement of Costco they hurt. The next morning I was in agony. I already owned arch supports (mine are very high), I just hated wearing the lace-up shoes, the loss of freedom...

I spent most of the next couple of years moving from chair to chair. Once my doc gave me cortisone injections in the heels that were beyond painful and helped for a little while, but he really didn't have any advice for me except rest. Then somehow -- and I really don't know why -- I re-injured myself a few more times.

Just when I thought I was getting completely better, I splurged on a pair of Dansk clogs. They felt fine until they didn't -- one fine day my right arch just collapsed.

The only thing that finally, finally fixed my feet were several months with a bodyworker -- I forget what specialty now, but similar to Rolfing in that it was itself painful -- but she put everything back together. But -- no more sandals, really.

I read later that plantar fascitis usually resolves in 3 months, maybe as long as 6 months. For me, counting the arch disaster, it was three years. I've never been quite the same.

Hekate

[smirkymonkey]

220. I have been wearing Dansko clogs for the last 5 months and they

felt fine at first, but now I am having this terrible pain - I wonder if it's the shoes?

I think I should probably just get to a podiatrist asap - what does it feel like when your arch collapses?

I also have a Morton's neuroma, so I can't wear heels or anything that puts pressure on the ball of the foot. What a mess I am, and I am not even that old!

[Hekate]

258. Women comprise something like 95% of podiatrists' clients--it's our shoes

I spent the majority of my youth wearing flip-flops and T-strap sandals everywhere (I lived in Hawaii. Counter-culture would have been wearing closed shoes, LOL). My feet were happy feet. Then I sales-clerked my way through college at a place that required high heels .... my feet were no longer happy, and the rest of my life has been about trying to find shoes that don't hurt. Unfortunately, price seems irrelevant, although it might, I suppose, if I sprung a fortune on shoes made specifically for me. As it is I just put my orthotics (see below) in flat lace-up walking shoes.

After you see the podiatrist or your regular doctor, go to a place specializing in biomechanics and rehab, with emphasis on hips, legs, feet. The place I went to was populated by people with Master's degrees in their craft, not MDs, and for the first time in my life someone watched how I walked and analyzed my gait. (This was all prior to my injury, though I've been back to them since.) They made molds of both my feet, and created the orthotics from those. The orthotics are not a single molded piece, btw, but several glued together. They need reconditioning from time to time (every couple of years) and some adjustments as weight or other things change. Cost was over $300, not counting the office visits, but worth every penny. Some of it was covered by Blue Cross -- have your MD fax over his referral.

As Mick Jagger said so succinctly all those years ago, "What a drag it is getting old." ;-)

Good luck. :hug:

Hekate

[smirkymonkey]

273. Thanks Hekate!

You right, all that torture we had to go through to look good and be acceptible in the workplace has it's price later on. I am making an appointment today - I can't deal w/ limping around all the time.

:hi:

[Sinti]

19. Life is a long, hard road, wear comfortable shoes ;) n/t

[ScreamingMeemie]

52. Or Slippers!

I wear slippers a lot. and Mocs. :hi:

[mcscajun]

20. Never wore Birkenstocks...

...I own a gun, Don't Hunt nor am I member of the NRA.
...I eat red meat and don't apologize for it.
...I voted for John Anderson in the Presidential election of 1980. Hey, at least I've never voted for Nader. :)
...I have one Republican friend who makes me stark staring MAD if we discuss politics, so we Don't anymore.

Still, I've been a radical/liberal/progressive Democrat my entire life. I'm pro-choice, anti-death penalty, anti-corporate (even though I spent my life working for one -- I'm out now), I'm for the Legalization of Marijuana, Universal Health Care and Preserving Social Security

(not privatizing it or tearing it apart), and supported (rather strongly) Gen. Wesley Clark in primary season 2000, and would do so again when he runs (as I expect him to.) Oh yeah, and I'm a Deadhead. :)


PS: I oppose nearly every single freakin' thing that

Spongehead Dumbass has EVER done, inside and outside of Washington, D.C.

[ScreamingMeemie]

55. Your last sentence says it all...

:thumbsup:

[mcscajun]

69. Thanks. I thought that was important to say.

:)

[bloom]

240. It's probably been at least 10 years

since I bought a pair - I think I had 2 pairs over the years.

They last pretty long - I still have the 2nd pair - though they look like shit and are worn out.


I do buy comfortable shoes. There are more choices nowadays than what there used to be - for women.


P.S. I used to work for a company - where 10 years ago or - many men in the upper management/owners/the people who started the company wore Birkenstocks (and casual clothes). Then the company was sold to a Republican company and the men all wore boring suits. I thought it was interesting.

[POAS]

22. I wouldn't know a berkinstock from

a frankfurter.

[NewJeffCT]

167. Me either

Though, I think a Birkenstock is some kind of shoe.

[davsand]

23. I've never owned Birks.

Most of my foot gear comes from Payless or Kmart, I like fishing, cooking wild game, football, and the Cubs.

I don't really care much for sprouts except in limited quantities.

I drive a Ford Escort wagon or else a Buick.

It pisses me off royally to see American Flags plastered all over foreign made cars.

I think NAFTA and GAAT screwed American workers. Free trade damn well better be going BOTH ways instead of just sending shit into the US.

Oh, and I think we better do a whole lot more to honor our vets--including funding VAs at a decent level...

I am a Democrat, but I have come to realize that my values are not typical of the local Dem party. I now work for selected candidates, and with selected organizations. (Can ya tell from my sig line?)

Anything else you want to know?? :)


Laura

[ScreamingMeemie]

26. AND you have a damned fine name...

...and know what it's like to have a crappy day on the job. :)

[DesertRat]

24. I do

I live in a warm climate and wear them year round. :-)

[ScreamingMeemie]

56. They don't do so well here in November...

;)

[AndyTiedye]

125. They Make All Kinds of Shoes, and even Hiking Boots

[troubleinwinter]

27. Never have had any.

Grew up in Berkeley in the '60s.
Eat meat and butter.
Never buy organic.
Only sport I like is Sumo Wrestling.
Smoke cigarettes.
Think the only use for granola is to sprinkle on full-fat, full-sugar ice cream.
Never owned a Volvo.
Never have had a bumper sticker.
Won't rest until entire admin is in the Hague.

As for Birks, though I have never had any (nor wanted em), last time I went to hospital for stitch removal, I noticed that EVERY doctor, nurse and aid, as far as the eye could see, was wearing Birks. WTF? Does this mean all medical professionals are pinko commie dems? I think so. I'm pretty sure the doctors wear them as a political statement, not because they are practical and comfortable for long hours on their feet.

[ScreamingMeemie]

58. I think you're on to something...

... :rofl:

[gollygee]

160. My sister is a nurse

she has some and all the nurses she works with do as well. They've found they're more comfortable when they're on their feet for 12-hour shifts. It's for comfort, not a political statement.

She's a dem but some of her co-workers would make your head spin they're so conservative.

[troubleinwinter]

165. I was being facetious.

Of course they are worn because of the long grueling shifts doctors, nurses and aids work.

And gigantic kudos to them.

[gollygee]

172. Sorry

it's been a long day for me!

:blush:

[troubleinwinter]

175. Bunches of us are way wore out these days.

Not easy times at all. :hug:

[mod mom]

I think of birkenstocks and Greens.

[ScreamingMeemie]

65. I only really think Green when I think Florida.

:)

[AlCzervik]

28. i do, 4 pairs, my orthopedic surgeon recommended them

my feet thank him. It's not my only footwear of course but when i'm at home i'm wearing my birks.

[ScreamingMeemie]

66. I usually go barefoot...inside...at home, or I thow a pair of moccasins

on...I've been known to go shopping in slippers. :)

[Quantess]

29. No way. I like CUTE shoes.

I'd never date a man who wore birkenstocks, either.
I shave my body, and I prefer clean shaven men.

[ScreamingMeemie]

67. MrG wouldn't be caught dead in sandals...

He goes either clean shaven or with a trimmed beard. Which is a score for me, because it's like getting a new husband every now and again. :)

[Quantess]

93. Oh wait,

I forgot. I did date a goateed birkenstock wearer (he owned tie-dye t-shirts too). I dumped him after a month because he wasn't my type.

[WinkyDink]

31. I'm a high-heel kinda gal.

[ScreamingMeemie]

70. High heels kill the balls of my feet. I think it is too many years of

wearing sneakers and cowboy boots. :)

[slor]

33. I have owned some...

I prefer Naot shoes though.

[ScreamingMeemie]

71. I had to google them to see what they were.

I confess, unless they are boots, I won't spend much on shoes. :hi:

[KyndCulture]

34. I'm too poor to afford the real thing.

But I love my knockoffs.

LOL


I love NFL football, I drink like a fish, I smoke, I have semi-bad teeth..

and I'm a FLAMING LIBERAL.

[ScreamingMeemie]

74. GOOOO PACKERS!!!

:bounce: :hi:

[porphyrian]

36. I've never owned any myself.

I've had some cheap sandals of a similar style, but I wouldn't pay good shoe prices for them the way I wear out shoes.

[ScreamingMeemie]

75. I once bought a pair of Rockport shoes...when I was cutting hair.

I learned a valuable lesson the day I spilled tint on them. :hi:

[porphyrian]

276. Heh, an unfortunately expensive one, as well. - n/t

[LaPera]

37. Are ALL republicans greedy, lying, selfish, vindictive, racist assholes?

Oops...the answer to that question is YES!

What I meant, and wanted to parallel my answer with a question, in relation to the absurd, republican labeled question(sounds like a pigman Limbaugh label) is ...

Do ALL republicans have the same hair color? No!

And just like you...Being a lifetime liberal, I've never have worn Birkenstocks(nor do any of my liberal friends) wear Birkenstocks.


(I only wear Ecco boots & shoes or Reef & Teva's.... 24/7).

[ScreamingMeemie]

76. I know. And those questions drive me batshit crazy from either side

of the aisle.

[otherlander]

111. Lincon was pretty cool....

:shrug:

[Reciprocity]

39. Both my husband and I do.

I haven’t actually counted how many pairs though. I live in Deep East Texas so don’t get me started on stereotypes.

[ScreamingMeemie]

77. Why ever would you live in TEXAS?

You Must be a Freeper. :sarcasm: I kid... I kid... My beloved Uncle lives in San Antonio. Ret. Air Force Lt. Col.

:hi:

[Reciprocity]

Now San Antonio knows how to make a damn fine pair of shoes!

I have this pair in mocha and black.^

[Bridget Burke]

277. I wear SAS shoes a lot.

The European-style "sensible" shoes mostly come in one width--too wide for me. And some of the SAS styles don't look excessively orthopedic.

For cooler weather, my Justin Lacers look good with long skirts. Made in Mexico--but they've been working leather in Northern Mexico for a long time now.

[scarlet_owl]

40. I wear Birkenstock knock-offs.

I like the way they look, but I can't afford real Birkenstocks.

[ScreamingMeemie]

79. Sandals just don't stay on my feet for some reason.

I have a lot of trouble with them. I most (at home) go barefoot. :)

[Cocoa]

41. only the Deaniacs

just kidding. :-)

[ScreamingMeemie]

81. Oh No!

I must now give up my DFA card. :cry:


:)

[AzDar]

43. No Birks here...(I think they make the feet look unattractive). I have

had, however, a serious clog fetish since High School.
I love football (go Bengals, lord help me), boxing, and baseball.
I even like to fish (catch and release, usually).
I drive an SUV with no apologies; I do wish ALL vehicles were made to be more environmentally-friendly and fuel-efficient.
I have a serious designer-handbag addiction..
and my politics (except the illegal immigration issue) are so left-leaning I make Ted Kennedy look like a knee-jerk Conservative.
Happily.

[ScreamingMeemie]

82. I own a Coach by default. And I must say, it is my favorite purse.

:)

[tech3149]

44. I lean toward Dexter and ECCO

They both work with my normal jeans and t-shirt.

[ScreamingMeemie]

84. Jeans are my favorite bare foot clothing. I wear shoes with my

sweats. :)

[svpadgham]

45. Does anyone wear

Socks with their Birkenstocks? :puke:
:rant:You know what I really hate? Flip-flops.
I hate going to the store and seeing someone wearing a nice outfit that accentuates all the right areas, and then looking down and seeing F'n flip-flops. :wtf:

[Quantess]

57. I like seeing people leave the house

in flip-flops and pajamas :silly:

[ScreamingMeemie]

59. My daughter has about 15 pair of flip flops...and I can't stand them

either. I wear them camping and they hurt my toes. :hi:

[Pobeka]

46. I'm an eclectic progressive. I have an SUV and birkenstocks.

I like venison, but don't hunt.

I like fish, but don't fish.

:shrug:

[ScreamingMeemie]

86. ...

:rofl: We'll keep you.

[Pobeka]

109. Pheew.

:hi:

[RebelOne]

54. Well, I don't because they are not attractive.

[ScreamingMeemie]

87. I cannot keep them on my feet.

It's an odd thing.

[Ksec]

60. I never owned Birkenstocks.

I prefer Reeboks.. and Italian made dress shoes.

I lived in a trailer for a year after high school , now I own my house and 2 rentals. I drive American made cars and my next car will be a hybrid. I have a wife whos pissed off right now because she says I should be painting the kitchen. My daughter is on a bus coming from New York city (field trip for their school) My son is a junior and pitches on the school baseball team, a lefty thats got a killer fastball.

Thats me.

[ScreamingMeemie]

88. Hey...go paint that kitchen already.

:) We just got done painting pretty much the entire house, and it sucked, and I can't get the paint out of my hair. :)

[Ksec]

112. I will ....later.

When I feel more energetic.

Maybe I could make my son do it..

(picturing paint all over the floor and furniture)

Maybe not. I should wait until this low front moves out. The paint doesnt flow well during low fronts.....

Honest....

[proud2BlibKansan]

61. I can't afford Birkenstocks

But I no longer drive an SUV. I don't eat deer meat. I gave up hamburger but I would kill for a good steak.

[ScreamingMeemie]

89. We're having T bones for dinner tomorrow.

You are welcome to join us. :)

[proud2BlibKansan]

116. Set me a place

:hi:

[Warpy]

62. Well, I lived in a trailer in a trailer park before interest rates came

down and it was a zillion times better than any apartment, so I'd say folks in trailers are smart cookies. I still miss that trailer. It was well thought out and had places for everything, never looked messy. This little house is twice its size, but the only thing the architect thought about in its design was board foot cost, and it shows. I'm working on it, though.

I just unloaded an old truck in favor of a Korean econobox. The econobox has nearly as much cargo room as the back of the truck when the seats are folded down, and besides, that truck was old enough to VOTE.

As for Birkies, I find that my feet are simply the wrong shape for those toe ridges. They hurt to walk in when I try them on in the store, and I could imagine the blisters down the road. I prefer Fakenstocks, knockoffs without those damn toe ridges. I'm wearing a pair right now, although it's hot so I don't have the requisite socks on under 'em.

There's no deer meat in the freezer because I'm not overly fond of meat, in general. I wouldn't turn it down if someone gave me some, though.

None of us fits the right wing stereotype of the no hoper living in section 8 trailers in run down parks, wearing thrift shop Birkies.

They do, however.

[ScreamingMeemie]

90. They don't fit my feet right either.

I own my own (successful) business, but don't wish to do so off the misery of others. :)

[Clark2008]

72. Nope - and I don't even think they're all that attractive.

I like my little slip-ons from Target. LOL.

Now, I've never lived in a trailer, but I have close friends who have - and some were prettier than my house.

And, while I'm too small of a person to consider the purchase of an SUV, I DO think most of the hybrids are ugly as sin and wouldn't shell out those bucks to purchase one - I like sportscars with little bucket seats; however, I don't like NASCAR, even though I do agree with you that Bobby Labonte (my step-dad's favorite driver) is attractive. My 7-year-old, though, LOVES to watch cars race - stock car, drag, doesn't matter.

I don't like deer meat, but I would never begrudge anyone from eating it. Especially, if they like to hunt and kill said deer. But, you can pile tons of delicious steak on my plate and I'll gobble it down. :)

And, I, too am a soccer Mom. :hi:

[ScreamingMeemie]

91. I don't watch the races much any more, but I just love his face...and

attitude. We like the way deer meat makes our grocery bill look. It took me awhile to get used to it, but it's delicious after a good 24 hour marinade. My Pacifica is actually more like a wagon. :hi:

[Pastiche423]

78. On my dainty feet?

No way!

To me, they have always seemed butch.

Now I can wear high heels and they don't hurt. But then, I don't stand in them. (I am paralyzed from the hips down.)

I don't drive.

I am terrified of guns. (A gun put me in my w/c.)

Don't eat red meat - it's a childhood issue.

My dad lives in a trailer.

And I have no idea who Bobby Labonte is.

[ScreamingMeemie]

95. Bobby Labonte...

:hi:

[Pastiche423]

102. I take it he is a racecar driver?

Makes sense. I despise NASCAR. Besides the foolishness of watching cars go around in circles for hours, the fuel that is wasted makes me ill.

I love Mother Earth.

[ScreamingMeemie]

105. But...isn't he cute?

:shrug: ;)

[Pastiche423]

108. Beauty is in the eyes of the beholder

I guess. :shrug:

[ScreamingMeemie]

120. I guess...I still vote for cute.

:D

[troubleinwinter]

191. Oh. Well. Huh.

My idea of 'hot' is Robert Mitchum. Sorry. I am old.

I'm listening to BLASTING, DEAFENING Linda Rhonstadt Blue Bayou. Screamin loud. I need some good medicine in these hard days.

[Sparkly]

80. Never -- but today I wore (I'm told) "whore shoes."

Funny you should mention shoes. I just got these key-OOOOT shoes from ebay, like these:

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=160000037203&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1

They arrived yesterday, and SparklyJr went crazy for them, so I'll have to bid on the auction above lest she start stealing mine.

The ribbons lace up around the ankle, but unlike many espadrille-type shoes, they don't have a huge high wedge heel.

So today I had them on, and showed H2S. "Aren't they the cutest?"

"They look like whore shoes."

"Horseshoes?"

"No, HO-shoes. Trixie shoes."

(Trixie is a character I do sometimes, a 1930s chorus girl, friend of Maisie... She's no "ho" either, though. She just appreciates kindnesses from benefactors and stagedoor Johnnies, ya know...)

Nonetheless, I wore them to the grocery store, but I felt self-conscious after H2S's remark. I didn't even take off my cardigan lest a tight shirt AND "whore shoes" seem totally inappropriate. As I was leaving the store though, a woman ran after me. "Excuse me! Excuse me! I just have to ask -- where did you get those shoes? They are SO cute!!"

So THERE.

[ScreamingMeemie]

97. Ha!

I love people who make up characters...My husband and I do that from time to time too, as does a good friend of mine who shall remain nameless because she's also a DUer and I'm supposed to be at her house right now.


***those shoes are CUTE! :hi:

[Sparkly]

131. Thank you!!

That's five votes for "cute" -- yours, mine, SparklyJr's, H2SJr's girlfriend, and the woman in the grocery store.

One vote for "whore shoes." I can't wait to show this to H2S! :hi:

[janx]

208. Here's another one. Those are great shoes!

They're not ho shoes. H2S should take that remark back! :spank:

[troubleinwinter]

169. Now I hate yer gutz.

I followed that link and put a bid on some DARLING shoes by that seller! Can't show em to anyone til the bid is over in an hour.

About ho-shoes....

One of the most enjoyable autobiographies I've read was by Shelly Winters. She was intelligent, deep, and liberal. She also discourses on her "fuck-me shoes". I recommend her juicy adult book!

[troubleinwinter]

171. I can't wait... these be 'em:

[Sparkly]

181. GO for it, trouble!!

:evilgrin:

[troubleinwinter]

182. And I done gone & won em.

[SmokingJacket]

83. They're a bit expensive for casual shoes, imho...

And a little bit ugly, though my husband used to have a pair and maybe still does. Tie-dye is ugly too.

I think lattes are gross. Old fashioned coffee for me, thanks.

Mother Jones and the Utne Reader both get on my nerves.

I'm not a fan of permissive parenting. I think it's good to have boundaries as a child, so you can get wild as an adult.

Oh, yeah, and I've never smoked pot in my life.

[ScreamingMeemie]

98. Coffee=Black.

:)

My daughter is a 16 year old without a license because she isn't responsible enough yet, IMO. Priveledges are earned. :)

[blondeatlast]

92. Do they make them with 4" heels? If they do, point me to the Birk store!

[ScreamingMeemie]

99. I don't know if they do.

Hmmmmm...I'd love to wear heels more often but cannot stand more than an hour or so in them.

[blondeatlast]

106. I'm pretty accomplished at it, especially since I adore

Nicole Miller shoes!

I also drive a Camry--albeit a 6 cylinder one. :evilgrin:

[OPERATIONMINDCRIME]

96. Hear Hear!

The only stereotype I've found to be valid is that those using stereotypes for accuracy in judgement are all ignorant in one way or another lol.

:)

[ScreamingMeemie]

101. Closed mindedness is a terrible thing...

I've learned...of late. :)

[Fridays Child]

104. Right on, MrsGrumpy! You're one of my favorite Liberals at DU...

...and you break a whole bunch of the right wing memifications. One would have more luck nailing Jell-O to a tree, as the saying goes, than defining a Liberal. I think it's because we're all over the map that the electoral success which comes from a lockstep ideology has eluded us. And how ironic that the party of true ideological clones has gained so much by stereotyping us!

[ScreamingMeemie]

107. It drives me crazy that they get away with that.

Absolutely crazy. We need to get better at playing their game, not defining it. :)

You are too kind FC.

[AndyTiedye]

110. My Feet Vote for Birkenstock

Other shoes are not shaped like feet, and have my feet saying "oww, let me out of here".

Could chronic foot pain be driving some people to vote Republican?

[ScreamingMeemie]

230. I am learning so much here! You are absoluetly right!

It has to come down to foot pain.

I go slippered through life. :D

[AndyTiedye]

113. All The Time Except When I'm Bicycling

Birkenstock doesn't make bicycling shoes, unfortunately.

I still haven't found any SPD-compatible bicycling shoes that are comfortable on my feet for long.

[ScreamingMeemie]

231. My daughter wears, I think they call them, beach shoes when

she bikes. The mesh kind. She lives in them. :hi:

[Warren DeMontague]

114. I'm a longhaired, hippie deadhead--- and I've never liked 'em.

I've got a pair of Tevas that are great, though.

[ScreamingMeemie]

232. I posted it elsewhere, but they just don't work on my feet.

The toe ridge is all wrong. :hi:

[mdmc]

118. most birk wearers vote on the left, but that is a stereotype

...

[Blue_Tires]

121. and what's with those lattes we're supposed to sip?

even though i'll admit; i DO hug trees (there are a lot worse things in the world to put my arms around)

[blondeatlast]

124. Lattes? YUCK. Can't stand fancy-schmancy coffee! nt

[Sparkly]

138. Lots of latte's at our house!

H2S has two -- TWO -- fancy automatic espresso makers (following about seven non-automatic ones he didn't like for one reason or another). One broke down and the repair took too long (he was calling them twice a day!) and he broke down and bought a second one! So now we have one in our kitchen, and one down here in our office area.

He does the whole steamed milk thing for breakfast, and drinks straight espresso at night.

I do something really weird: espresso with evaporated milk in it. I love it! I'm sure it'd be very fashionable if there were some fancy name for it! (If I could get the kind of milk/cream they use in Spain and Italy, I'd give up the evap -- but there doesn't seem to be anything like it here.)

So yeah, we're into coffee. But I drive a '96 Honda, fwiw. (And H2S "goes to work" -- in his home office -- in t-shirts with holes and paint stains -- don't get me started on that!)

(Edited to add: I don't eat meat, but I DO eat fish -- just never liked meat! H2S is a carnivore, though.)

[GreenPartyVoter]

122. I wear birks, have an SUV, live in a trailer, eat meat, love cheerleading

and romance novels.

Go figure, eh?

[ScreamingMeemie]

233. I like it when our lives are total conflicts of stereotype.

:D

[blondeatlast]

123. You'd swear I was a Republican stay-at-home soccer mom

with just a bit more style and sex, if you saw me on the street or at a party.

People in social settings have assumed such and started in on me about Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter, and so on.

I've taken great pleasure in shocking them in my support for union labor, universal healthcare, civil rights, and so on.

Blondeatlast--kicking Republican ass in 4" heels since ~1980...

[ScreamingMeemie]

234. That last line would make a great sig line!

:hi:

[blondeatlast]

261. Haha! Consider it done! nt

[benburch]

126. I wear tennis shoes... nt

[troubleinwinter]

166. Is that some kind of political identity?

[benburch]

180. Nope.

Its what I can afford.

[troubleinwinter]

185. That's some sort of hippy thing, right?

[troubleinwinter]

186. Don't really want to divert from the shoe issue,

but I just came back from four days on the Navajo reservation w/dad. He brought his fancy schmancy telescope. 6,000 elev & clear skies. Unfortunately, full moon.

Some stuff & pics here.

[benburch]

199. Linkie? nt

[troubleinwinter]

201. DAMN!

Or whatever or whatnot.

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=view_all&address=236x21302

Or Sheesh.

Geeze!

[benburch]

188. Oh course!

Along with the Pachouli and the Love Beads.

[troubleinwinter]

189. I will make you a headband.

[benburch]

192. Cool!

Don't forget to wear flowers in your hair!

[troubleinwinter]

197. Yeah, but in those days we did not think

we'd go through it again.

We thought we won.

[benburch]

200. All things are cycles.

We'll win again this time. Next time our grandchildren will have to do it.

[pansypoo53219]

129. HELL NO! not this one.

i think tey are beastly ugly. i prefer to walk right. barefoot.

[Sparkly]

147. I'm with you -- barefoot whenever possible!!

And I've got the callouses to prove it! :hi:

[Acadia Blue]

130. I have owned them because they are really comfy

[Sparkly]

133. Also comfy (but pricey) -- Dansko and Born.

(Expensive even at discount on Ebay, by my standards.)

I splurged for a pair of Dansko's last fall that look vaguely like 1930s old-lady shoes, or orthopedic shoes, or shoes a nun or a warden might wear, and I LOVE them -- wore them all fall and winter and they show no sign of wearing out -- more comfortable than sneakers...

(I have very eclectic taste in shoes! Some "ugly" is my "cool.")

Like this, but in black:
http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Womens-Dansko-Anisette-Oxford-Sz-39-US-8-5-9-NIB_W0QQitemZ7767417204QQcategoryZ63889QQssPageNameZWDVWQQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[Stinky The Clown]

146. Those fuggin Danskos look like what my gramma wore

and she was the sterotypical all-dressed-in-black-with-a-bun Italian gramma ......

And you call yerself a Democrat .....

[Sparkly]

149. You've likened me to an Italian Gramma before....

...the time this past winter when I got cotton thigh-high leggings to wear with skirts and boots (anything but "hose") which seemed like a very practical solution for staying warm. But just because they were a little bit loose and fell down every few steps, you had to remark that I looked like "an old Italian Gramma at a fish market." :spank:

I'm not taking any more fashion advice from a man who wears ancient, hole-ridden paint-splotched t-shirts.

[Stinky The Clown]

152. The holes ......... ?

Battery acid. Like I had at breakfast this morning.

[left is right]

134. I stoled my first pair from my daughter

wore them once, told her she was never getting them back. I now own two pairs of super berkies (not leather) 1 pair of dressier leather clogs and a pair of sandals. Never wear anything else except in snow and then I wear New Balance sneakers

[ScreamingMeemie]

236. My daughter is lucky.

She wears flip flops and I can't stand them. :hi:

[spindrifter]

136. It's Blundies for me!

I'm a total Blundstone convert--have a friend who gets them for me in Oz. They are the greatest!

[Reciprocity]

140. You made me curious and I found this link.

http://www.blundstoneusa.com/brand.asp
Nice shoes.

[MoeHayNow]

137. Never owned a pair.

I hear that they are very comfortable and, with proper care, will last forever.
I just never liked the idea of wearing sandals all the time.

[MoeHayNow]

139. Pacifica

ugh!
That car was the bane of my existence for nearly two years.

I worked for the marketing company that was trying to "position" the damn thing. You look at it, it's a wagon. No one wanted to call it a wagon, because "wagons" have a negative connotation. (Although no one could really articulate just why.)

So, for 18 months, we worked, sent out some direct mail pieces that said absolutely nothing about the vehicle. Never were ever able to call it a wagon.

No one was ever able to find "the voice of Pacifica" as the creative director said.
Not sure what the new catalogs or direct mail pieces call it.

It's a nice looking car, but every time I see one it makes me want to hurl.

Sorry for the intrusion.

[ScreamingMeemie]

237. We leased one...cheap.

$179/month because they weren't selling well. It is underpowered. :hi:

[Roland99]

142. Reeboks and Eckos

[ScreamingMeemie]

239. My current tennis shoes are Reeboks.

:hi:

[titoresque]

144. I live in flip flops

Winter and Summer and everything in between.
Very comfy.

[DoYouEverWonder]

150. No, I'm a Croc devotee

You can't get me to wear anything else anymore. The best part besides comfort is that they never smell bad.

[yorkiemommie1]

163. just bought my first pr of Crocs

a repub turned me on to them. i LOVE these shoes even tho my family laughs at them.

i also wear ferragamos, lands end clogs, and everything else in between.

--- am hoping to get dh to just try on a pr of Crocs!

edited to add: we used to live in a trailer ( such an efficient little place ) and used the proceeds from its sale to buy our first house here in SoCal.

i do eat meat once in a while but never veal.

[OzarkDem]

My GOP conservative FIL wears them n/t

[Stinky The Clown]

151. I wear skin shoes ... the same ones I was born with

My preference is bare feet. Even in winter. Sparkly's piano students must wonder who left the human footprints in the snow in our driveway.

I wear shoes when I have to drive places cuz its against the law to drive barefoot.

I also shave my head and smoke cigars.

I carry a purse (wanna make something of it?).

I wear shortz inna winter, too. It goes with the feet.

I eat meat. As near raw as possible.

I never owned Birks, but my choice is clogs.

In addiiton to cigars, I smoke ciggies.

I'm not a beer fan.

I drive way too fast and love any kind of motorsport.

I once raised bonsai trees.

I cook, and make beds.

I don't do windows.

I own my own business and am damned successful. I eat at a lot of fancy restaurants cuz I have to, but prefer burger joints and diners. Mostly, though we eat at home, cuz we like our own cooking best.

I am far more prone to a good "fuck you" over an indignant "beg your pardon"

[readmoreoften]

153. never in a million years.

high heels and platform boots only.

[tnlefty]

154. The only ones that I've owned is a pair of gardening shoes!

They're great for that, unless it's been raining and the mud collects on them, then it's like being on skis (?spelling) and bust my ass time.

[Sparkly]

155. This is a great stereotype-busting thread you got going, MrsGrumpy!!

I love seeing stereotypes broken apart, and I love reading about all the DUers whose lives and preferences show reality -- from 4" heels to trailers to romance novels and more...

There is nothing I hate more than people taking one piece of information about me (or anyone else) and drawing broad, type-cast conclusions from it. (And as you surely know, the rightwing machinery has spent billions of dollars and over three decades erecting these fictitious stereotypes!)

On a broader level, it cracks me up when people say, "Oh, so you're on DU -- you just want to communicate with people who think just like you do!! Hah! As if we're all of one mold, think all alike, and never disagree with each other!

So this thread is a wonderful showcase exhibiting the variety of "types" we have here according to shoes and such, but even more, the myths that any "types" really exist, as defined by (rightwing-propagated) "common knowledge."

I just love this. It does my New England Liberal, unoaked chardonnay-sipping, public-school educated, 1996-Honda driving, Edith Wharton-loving, embroidery-doing, Mozart-playing, ballet/disco-dancing, Bonnie Raitt-listening, tofu-eating heart a LOT of good.

:yourock:

[ScreamingMeemie]

228. This has become a feel good thread for me. I love seeing all the

different facets and personalities that make up DU come out. After a rough week here, I find myself smiling this morning. DU is truly special! As are you! So says this scrapbooking, garage saling, reality TV loving person. :yourock:

[BlooInBloo]

156. Who truly believes that? Nobody. It's just an "insult" folks like to toss.

I put quotes on it because there's actually nothing insulting about being a birk wearer, though I myself am not one.

[earth mom]

157. I Love My Birkies!

Used to wear em as a teen back in the 70s and then was too prissy to wear em for years and years until I got what I think was heel spur-not sure-about 12 years ago and bought a pair. They worked wonders on my feet, but I must admit I had to wear em with socks for awhile because they do take time to break in and that's probably why some people don't like them. Though, absolutely fabulous once they are broken in!

The last pair I bought I found at Ross Dress for Less for $39.99 and it's a matter of timing to find them in stock there, because the shoes fly out of there quickly at that price. The funny thing is that even my husband loves his Birkies and while he's also a dem, he's a complete and total sport nut; hunting, fishing, nascar, football, baseball, golf, you name it. You know, the type who would seem much more comfy in tennis shoes or boots-instead he loves his Birkies the best-Go figure! I had to smile a few weeks back when he showed me a page of the latest edition of Cabelas'-the "Bible" for Hunting and Fishing Gear: Birkenstocks for $40 (or $50) bucks!

Wonder what the evil rethugs think 'bout that?! :rofl:

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

158. Not me; I think they're ugly, especially on someone with big feet.

Right now I'm wearing a pair of Sperry Topsiders, but I'll wear high heels on formal-ish occasions even though they sort of hurt. I wouldn't be caught dead in public without makeup (that's really more for the benefit of the rest of the world), and I own two guns. I also used to own an old SUV.

[Coexist]

159. No birkenstocks -

My current fave footwear are Lands End flip-flops. I go barefoot when at home and around the neighborhood.

I drive an SUV - much needed because I run a youth football association.
I am a stay-at-home Mom.
I wear make-up, like to get pedicures when I can afford them.
I love to cook AND bake.
I Volunteer for field trips.
I Live in a cookie cutter subdivsion.
I'm a vegetarian who buys organic, but in my local Publix or SuperTarget.
I am often told what a "good Christian" I am because I help out a lot. I am agnostic (barely). I just smile and say "thank you."

[tinfoilinfor2005]

162. No, they hurt my feet.

But I do have a bumpersticker on my car that says M(peach)W. Does that count????

[jerry611]

164. Those are out of style...

Sneakers is what most guys wear these days...at least where I live.

For women, the flip-flop fad is still raging on...

[troubleinwinter]

174. I don't think it was ever a matter of "style" over the last 40 years.

It was a matter of comfort design. The shoe became popular for its fit and comfort, and much later became a 'style' by knock offs.

History: http://www.lionfootweardirect.com/birkenstockhistory.html

[johnaries]

168. Dr. Scholl's. I have hammer toes. n/t

[BlackVelvet04]

170. I owned one pair and thought they

were hideous.

I wear cowboy boots, lived in a trailer years ago, drove a Chevelle SS at one time and Labonte is ok, but Dale, Jr. rocks. Yet, I'm a whale saving, tree hugging, bleeding heart liberal.

[tulip]

173. I have mine on.........

I have tarsal tunnel syndrome. Without my birkenstocks I'd be back in a wheel chair. I have a Republican friend who has the same problem I do. So to keep from being to liberal he wears his Arizonas with argiles. LOL.

[Warren DeMontague]

176. No, but even at my age I can still get away with Chuck Taylors.

They never go out of style! The ankle support leaves a little to be desired, tho.

[troubleinwinter]

193. I call them

"Architects' Shoes"

I worked in construction... multimulti million bucks. The way hip architects wore em. So did my teen daughter. They too hip.

[Warren DeMontague]

202. At about $35 bucks a pair

That's the kind of "hip" I can live with! :)

[Vox Acerbus]

178. I break some stereotypes but not the Birks one..

I own a pair of Birkenstocks as well as a pair of Tevas.

However... I own a small SUV (as well as a hybrid).

I am not a vegetarian. I love red meat, even though deep down I wonder if I am going to get Mad Cow disease from my weekly burger. :-)

My husband goes to Nascar races, although it's more to be with his friends and witness the oddities than out of any real love for the sport.

We actually benefit from some of the Bush adminstrations tax cuts (on dividends, etc.) but we still think Bush is evil.

The things that are stereotypical about us:

- We carpool to reduce gas use, in our hybrid.
- We recycle everything. In fact, I shred only the most necessary stuff, since you can't recycle shredded paper.
- We donate to human rights causes.
- We are clearly part of that mythical "liberal elite" since we both went to college and are white collar workers. I still don't get how that makes us "elite" or why supporting liberal causes like fair labor unions, fair wages and environmental decency make us "elite".

[mohinoaklawnillinois]

179. I've been a registered Democrat since 1972 and I've never owned

a pair of Birkenstocks. I also don't allow any product of the Coors Brewing Company in my house either. My Dad always referred to Coors as "Rocky Mountain Goat Piss" because they were and still are a non-union brewery and Daddy always said the entire Coors family were facists....

[carolinalady]

183. I agree on Bobby Labonte, but I am true blue Harvick! Go 29! n/t

[KyuzoGator]

184. If I wore Birkenstocks, the hot shell casings would burn my feet. nt

[buzzard]

187. I wish I could I have severe ankle arthritis and can only walk with

my orthotics in my new balance running shoes, they look great with an evening gown.

[Viva_La_Revolution]

194. I'm a poverty level Democrat. I wear Northern Crossings

same style, cheaper by more than 50%. :evilgrin:

[mrreowwr_kittty]

195. I'm a Mephisto gal, myself.

Most comfortable sandals I've ever owned. Better than being barefoot and indispensible for canvassing. They'll set you back a hundred bucks but they last for years. Well worth it. :)

[MrSlayer]

196. Um...No.

I wouldn't be caught dead wearing that shit.

[Hissyspit]

198. Same here. And it seems to me, pretty much everyone I see here

in this Red county drinks lattes, cops, soldiers, poor folks, everyone.

[NMMNG]

203. I have faux Birkenstocks

I can't afford the real ones.

[Robbie Michaels]

204. Birkenstocks???

Geez, I should blow away their stereotype...

I love NASCAR
I love a good steak
I love country music
I love American muscle cars
I love guns (but don't own one)
I'm an "eye for an eye" kinda guy
I love UFC and Pride fighting
I love ice hockey and not for the pretty skating

[maddezmom]

206. Not sure about most....some maybe

and I'm one of them. I love my Birk's been wearing them for a over 20 years. After working retail, I need something with arch support. I also love Teva's and Reef flip-flops for the same reason. :hi:

[bklyncowgirl]

207. No Birkenstocks. Too pricy & I don't like the way they look

I have a pair of Tevis hiking sandals that I got on deep discount when a local sporting goods store closed.

My pets are all mutts except for the horse--he's a Thoroughbred--he was given to me because he was too small and puny to be worth training for the track. He does western (trail, pleasure & reining) and show jumping at the local horseshows. He is convinced he's the fastest horse in the world.

I drive a 3 year old Toyota Matrix and a 14 year old F250 Diesel. We gave our kid our 10 year old Honda Civic.

I'm considering selling our overpriced house & moving into a trailer before the housing market crashes--maybe we better hurry.

I buy day old bread from this fancy bakery about a block from where I work. It's still good and 50% off.

I drink Yuengling's Lord Chesterfield Ale. It's good stuff and only $4.99 a six pack.

Am I an elitist?

[ck4829]

209. I had NO IDEA what they were until a RW'er started ranting about it

That all Liberals were "Latte drinking, Birkenstock's wearing, Leftist Commies"

[DemReadingDU]

210. My family follows open wheel racing

no Birkenstocks

[esvhicl]

211. Only Repub I hang with wears Birkenstocks

Me, I wear Donald Pliner...

[OnionPatch]

212. I don't like them

I just never thought they were attractive, so I never bought a pair. They look stiff. I prefer Tevas for sandals, but I'm a country girl....most of the time, you'll find me barefooted. :)

[mhr]

213. Progressive All My Life - Would Never Wear Those Hideous Things

eom

[SheepyMcSheepster]

214. Not this one.

I never have and probably never will.

[C_U_L8R]

215. I've never hugged a tree

at least while sober

but that doesn't mean i don't love em :-)

[libertypirate]

216. I grew up with rednecks from California...

I have a pair of Birkenstocks, and I have about worn them out...

neighbor on the left gay girl, neighbor on the right gay guy.

I learned to shoot before I could walk, the side of my parents house always looked like a hillbilly swap meet.

I don't have a college degree and I am a computer engineer.

To top it all off I happen to be an Eagle Scout...

Stereotypes exist so people don't have to think...

[ScreamingMeemie]

226. Exactly liberty pirate.

:)

That person is _________, so therefore he/she is also______________. And you can always find someone who breaks the mold.

Although, all Packers fans are awesome. ;)

[skids]

217. Timberlands, fully closed toe/side.

...which is a difficult variety of sandal to find these days.

Sometimes I wear them with white socks! Boogabooogabooga!!!!

[ScreamingMeemie]

225. I think black socks would make a statement.

:D

[JNelson6563]

218. I have a confession to make

I have a thing for shoes. Absolutely love 'em and would own hundreds of pairs if I could.

I think Birkenstocks are ugly and I have never been tempted to buy them.

Julie-the shoe snob

[ScreamingMeemie]

224. Julie-the shoe snob

:rofl:

My feet are ugly so I like to keep them covered up. :)

[Buddyblazon]

219. I have not only never owned a pair of Birkenstocks...

I poke fun at my girlfriend when she does.

I think growing up here in CO and working concert production for so many years, I've come to relate the hippie shows with Birks.

And amazingly enough, the people that trash Red Rocks and other venues the most are the hippies. Now granted, hippie's ain't what they used to be. The young kids today that think they're hippies are horrible to each other. They have this sort of kangaroo court thing going on. If one of them is accused of stealing or anything like that from any of the other self proclaimed hippies, they have their own brand of justice. We've had to arrest several of them on several occasions for stomping a kid. Ya know...like fifteen on one...out in the parking lots.

It's lovely.

Oh...and then there's the days FOLLOWING a "hippy" show. Generally takes an additional 24 hours to clean up after one. They leave more trash on the ground then any other following. We don't get it with metal shows...punk shows...no other crowd is harsher on the environment. You should see what they do to Red Rocks...it should be considered a crime against nature.

Then there's the dogs. The all have dogs. And maybe 25% have a leash. These kids let them run wild. So the day after they is no less than 300 dogs to round up. They can't feed themselves. So they take on a dog? Then the pound has to come out and round 'em all up after the kids just abandon them. So what would be your guess on how many of those dogs end up being destroyed? Another irresponsible crime against nature.

And don't let it rain while they're loitering around for days in the parking lot. It smells like a wet dog. It literally makes you wretch. We like to stop by Costco and pick up a huge family size pack of soap. Then we drive the climb vans by and hand out soap. "It's raining. You smell. Here's soap. See what happens."

And they all wear Birks.

I know there are a lot of good people that wear Birks. And I know a lot of original hippies. And they aren't this. But after years of dealing with Neo-Hippies, to get me to wear a pair of Birks, you'd have to put 'em on my cold dead feet.


Have a good day everybody. ;)

[ScreamingMeemie]

223. That is interesting, Buddy. I think so many of the new, "wannabe" groups

don't get it. Looking the part is one thing. Acting the part another. Those poor dogs. I will bet you have seen some interesting stuff in your career. you should write a book. :hi:

[wtmusic]

221. I suppose you never sipped a latte either...

traitor! :hi:

[ScreamingMeemie]

222. No..but I'm friends with someone who has.

:D :hi:

[pecwae]

227. I admit to wearing Birkies

all the time and unashamedly. I wear only non-leather clothing and accessories and Birkies fill the bill.

I also lived in a trailer for two years while I was in the Army.

I drive a Santa Fe because I got a great deal on it with a 10 year warranty and it worked well when I was living in the mountains in a little log cabin on 5 acres in the Cherokee National Forest.

I'm not sure how I would be stereotyped and try very hard not to apply it to others.

:hi:

[ScreamingMeemie]

229. "a little log cabin on 5 acres"

I won't stereotype you but I will be hugely envious. :hi:

[NancyG]

235. Crocs

Used to wear only purple Super Birkies.

Then they dropped the color purple and I found Crocs.

www.crocs.com

Cheaper and still comfortable and I got em in green, red, and of course purple.

[maddezmom]

238. hehe, I love them too

I only have one pair in black...but I love the way they tickle my feet. :hi:

[knitter4democracy]

247. I can't take mine off.

Seriously--they are the most comfy thing I've ever worn, and I was a major Birk lover before.

Of course, the little accessory thingy is fun, too. Still, I'm considering getting them for both kids and Hubby, too. I love them!

[demdiva]

241. Not since high school

I am also from a middle class family in a midwestern state. I was raised (and continue to be) Roman Catholic and I went to a state school

[Thtwudbeme]

242. Nah but Steph does or did. We both drink. JD for her mostly beer for me.

We've sorta become fish eating vegetarians because of the meat industry sucking so bad. That's why we started yet oddly it kind of grows on you. That said there are guns in the house just in case I get a bead on a rabbit for stew.

Have I lived in trailers? Of course I have. Duplexes too. Even an efficiency just a coupla years ago.

Sports? I could give a shit about most pro sports these days. I just lost interest. Same with practically pro college sports. Taken up karate for fun and exercise recently, we'll see how that goes.

We have an Outback and old (94') little Nissan pick-up but we both walk to work and school so gas efficiency doesn't effect (or is it "affect"?) us. Although the Outback averages (city plus highway) 27 mpg which isn't too bad.

EDIT: Whoops this is Jan Michael not Thtwudbeme...

EDIT 2: I wear boots (Black boots) or tennis shoes at home, casual work shoes at, um, work.

[lala_rawraw]

243. i wear docs

[libpunkmom]

244. Docs & Chucks

[Lugnut]

245. Not this one

Right now I'm wearing a pair of Reeboks I found on sale for $25.

I've never lived in a trailer but my home is about 1000 sf and sits on a very modestly-sized lot.

The four-wheel drive Chevy S-10 is in the garage and my Buick Century gets about 25 mpg, give or take.

No deer meat but plenty of "on sale" two-for-ones or coupon purchases in the freezer. However, there's quite an aresenal locked up in the gun cabinet.

Bobby Labonte is hot. Robby Gordon and Tony Stewart are hotter. ;)

Making assumptions about people can be quite foolish.

[Lefty48197]

246. I wear new balance tennis shoes - Made in America

At work I wear Red Wing boots, also made in America. It's getting harder and harder and harder to find footwear made in America. Funny how the few pairs made in America don't really cost any more than those made by the slaves in China. Well, OK, I gues it's not FUNNY...

[Toucano]

265. New Balance and Birks for this Dem.! n/t

[DarleenMB]

248. I have a wide foot

so yes, I wear 'em and love 'em cause they FIT.

I believe that hunting for food is entirely appropriate (had an Uncle who put food on the family's table that way). At one time or another I have dined on deer, moose, pheasant, quail, duck, goose, rabbit and freshly caught trout. As long as I don't have to kill it or dress it I'm not gonna turn down a good meal. I love to fish but only to play with the tackle. Same rules apply. I'll cook it but don't expect me to clean it.

I also believe in the people's right to keep and bear arms but also believe that guns should be registered JUST LIKE YOUR CAR and if you own one you should have an appropriate license JUST LIKE YOUR DRIVER'S LICENSE.

Who the heck is Bobby Labonte?

And I'm in perfect agreement with you on the stereotypes ...

[Fovea]

250. Nope, but do Shimano

SPD sandals count?

[AndrewJacksonFaction]

251. A pair of Reefs here.

A pair of Reefs here.

[DenaliDemocrat]

252. Never owned a pair

not too practical in Alaska, although I do see some wear them from time to time.

I have a freezer full of moose and halibut with an odd salmon or three.

I drive a pickup truck and have an older jeep cherokee sport, but really, 4-wheel drive is kind of nice up here considering we drive on snow for six or seven months out of the year.

[in_cog_ni_to]

254. I do. EVERY DAY. If I have to put on 'dress shoes', I cringe.

Birks aren't the best looking shoes in the world, but they are THE MOST COMFORTABLE SHOES I'VE EVER WORN. They do make cuter ones now and if you buy 'narrow' Birks, they look MUCH BETTER. I own more pairs than I care to mention here.;) The thongs are very cute and comfy! comfy! comfy! They also make DRESSIER Birkenstocks now. It's all I wear. I also have a pair of Birkenstock winter boots....man are they comfortable and I've worn them for the last 3 winters and they still look GOOD. Birkenstocks last for YEARS which makes their initial cost a little more reasonable/palatable.I have 2 pairs I've worn for 6 years. How many shoes/sandals can one wear every day through the summer, for 6 years, and still have them look good and be in very good condition? Not many. :thumbsup: for Birks! They're worth every cent. Really, they are.:hi:

Here's where I buy my Birkenstocks...www.zappos.com FREE SHIPPING BOTH WAYS (In case of a return/exchange) and if you know what size you wear, THIS is the BEST place to buy them. They have a HUGE selection.

[davekriss]

256. What's a "Birkenstocks"? (eom)

[riona]

259. They are a must for tree-hugging

[NancyG]

260. Crocs in the news

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2006/05/21/LVGE0IS9621.DTL&hw=crocs&sn=001&sc=1000

Cured my plantar fascitis.
Thought I'd never give up the Super Birkies clog.

I get stopped on the street asking about them. More than the Z-Coil even.

Love the Crocs socks with the dots too at www.crocs.com

As an artist, I do shows (fine craft), so I spend a lot of time standing and they are great.

[NancyG]

262. Dots Crocs Socks

no longer on the website. Never mind. But the shoes are fabulous.

[Melissa G]

263. Chaco Zhongs beat Birks any day! I stilll have a pair that I just

got resoled and re webbed.. They don't make Zhongs anymore but some of the other Chacos styles are good.. Crocks are okay but don't have enough support and make my feet sweat. I have a very old cute pair of pretty purple birk sandals that look more delicate than average that I wear with the odd sun dress on rare occasions..

Since this is a shoe thread folks should definitely check Chacos out! They are like Tevas with better support!

edit clarity

[AllieB]

264. Birkies are ugly, but I do like comfy shoes

http://www.geox.com/cont_english.asp

They're not very pretty, but they breathe, and they last for years.

[HarukaTheTrophyWife]

266. The lesbian ones do.

That reminds me. I need to go buy another pair. Mine finally died last summer...at one point I tried to fix them with a stapler, glue stick, and scotch tape. It didn't work. My coworkers made fun of me, but at least they kind of stayed on my feet while I was working.

[emdee]

267. Love my Birkenstocks!

Funny thing is, I didn't know what they were until I was called a "Liberal tree-hugging, Birkenstock-wearing, tie-dyed ......" I can't even remember the whole stupid thing that some Rush-bot came up with but the first time I saw Birkenstocks I knew I had to try them on!! I always try to find them on sale at the end of the season. Haven't hugged a tree lately, though, and I haven't worn anything tie-dyed either. But, love the Birks!
emdee

[DarkTirade]

268. Never have, never will. I wear work boots.

[BrightKnight]

269. Most Democrats wear shoes.

I was not familiar with Birkenstocks. They look very comfortable.

I wear sandals a lot in hot Texas summers. It would be nice to have a pair that I could walk around in without tearing up my feet.

[2bfree]

270. No they hurt my feet.

But I do drive a Subaru and am a veggie does that count?

[shanti]

272. well, uh

i do :shrug:

for what it's worth.

[movie_girl99]

274. i have to admit, yes I own four pair

2 sandals and two clogs. I have feet issues (bunion and heel spur forming) and they are one of few pairs that don't make my feet hurt.

[ScreamingMeemie]

275. ****Hey Everyone! I just want to say Thanks****

I really enjoyed every single response in this thread. DUers are the best. :hi: :toast: To you, DU.

[triguy46]

278. 99 cent flip flops.

Arent't they just expensive sandals? conspicuous consumption of the green sort.