Birkenstock fans have something new to look forward to as the brand teams up with Union LA to introduce the Bimshire, a fresh hybrid clog that blends style with comfort. This collaboration brings together Birkenstock’s timeless footwear expertise and Union’s influential presence in youth culture and menswear since the 1980s.
Chris Gibbs, owner and creative director of Union, played a pivotal role in the design of the Bimshire. Inspired by his favorite Birkenstock styles, the Boston and Zurich, he created a clog that reinterprets casual footwear with utilitarian elements. The Bimshire celebrates the 60th anniversary of the Zurich model, adding a modern twist to a classic silhouette.
Gibbs’ affinity for Birkenstocks dates back more than 30 years to his teenage years in Ottawa, where he found his first pair in a vintage shop. For him, Birkenstock was a way to express his individual style, blending his Canadian upbringing with his West Indian heritage. His lifelong appreciation for the brand has continued through various stages of his life, including the vibrant New York club scene of the 90s.
The Bimshire features natural leather straps across the upper, adorned with Birkenstock’s signature buckles that have been given a unique fabric-like finish. Beneath the leather is a tonal canvas panel with French piping, complemented by a classic suede toe. The anatomically contoured footbed, renowned for its comfort, is wrapped in nappa leather and tinted in Union’s signature orange. Available in desert-inspired colors like gray, taupe and sandy pink, the Bimshire pays homage to Gibbs’ Barbadian roots through its name.
“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,” Gibbs said. “For a long time I was even teased for wearing ‘chancletas,’ so it’s also super refreshing to see our community evolve.”
Union LA has been a cornerstone of counterculture in Los Angeles, attracting those seeking unique and creative styles. Gibbs’ journey with Union began at the original New York location on Spring Street, where he eventually became the owner and expanded the store’s influence to Japan and Los Angeles. His vision has continued to push the boundaries of fashion and culture, making Union a hub for innovative collaborations like this one with Birkenstock.
Birkenstock‘s 1774 division, dedicated to special projects and collaborations, continues to invite designers and creatives to reinterpret the brand’s extensive archive of over 700 unique styles. The partnership with Union and the creation of the Bimshire is an example of how traditional designs can be reimagined to combine classic and contemporary elements.
