A Tribute to Youth-culture and The Communities That Uplift Them
The Bimshire Clog
Birkenstock has announced an upcoming collaboration with Union LA, the renowned menswear store that has been influential in youth culture since the 1980s. This collaboration introduces the Bimshire, a hybrid clog designed by Union’s owner and creative director, Chris Gibbs.
The Bimshire draws inspiration from two of Gibbs’ favorite Birkenstock models, the Boston and Zurich. This new design reinterprets casual footwear with utilitarian features and arrives in celebration of Zurich’s 60th anniversary. The shoe features natural leather straps across the upper structure, integrated with Birkenstock’s signature buckles enhanced with a fabric-feel treatment. Below the leather, a tonal canvas panel is detailed with French piping and complemented by a classic suede toe. The footbed, anatomically shaped for comfort, is wrapped in nappa leather and tinted in Union’s distinct orange hue. The Bimshire is available in desert-inspired colors, including grey, taupe, and sandy pink, and its name pays homage to Gibbs’ Barbadian heritage.
Union LA has long been a central hub for counterculture in the city, appealing to those seeking distinctive, creative styles. Gibbs, who has worked at Union since its original New York location on Spring Street, eventually took ownership and expanded the store to Japan and Los Angeles, bringing new attention to its unique offerings.
Gibbs’ connection with Birkenstock dates back over three decades, beginning in his teenage years in Ottawa when he sought his first pair from a vintage shop. For Gibbs, Birkenstock became a way to express his unique style, drawing on his Canadian and West Indian heritage. His passion for the brand has persisted through various phases of his life, including his time in New York’s 90s club scene. He considers Birkenstock his “wardrobe staple,” noting, “It’s a dream come true to be working with Birkenstock; a brand that I have been wearing damn near since before I hit puberty. For a long time I was even teased for wearing ‘chancletas,’ so it’s also super refreshing to see our community evolve.”
Birkenstock’s 1774 division, dedicated to special projects and collaborations, continues to innovate by inviting designers and creatives to explore the brand’s extensive archive. With over 700 unique styles, 1774 allows for the reimagining of classic designs, fostering new interpretations that blend traditional and contemporary elements.
