Between my plantar fasciitis and my troubled knees, I have to be more particular about the shoes I wear.  The right ones can make a lot of difference after a long day on my feet.  I used to tease one of my former staff members because she would wear Birkenstocks.  Of course, they were just for hippies from the Northwest and they looked rather odd to boot.  Now I eat those words. Birkenstocks are the most confortable shoes I have found.  Just the right kind and right amount of arch support. I am not moving to Oregon yet, but for now, I am a Birkenstock fan.