shades fills you in

The Birkenstock Boston clog is the latest ugly-turned-trendy shoe that’s all the rage this fall, writes Travel-and-Leisure. They’ve been around for decades, but the shoes are going viral on TikTok and Instagram right now

#BirkenstockBoston has 80.4m views on TikTok. TikToks like these feature the shoe as the perfect fall accessory

The shoe’s popularity isn’t necessarily new. Back in February, Kendall Jenner was spotted wearing them! -- Teen Vogue

But their recent surge in popularity is turning more people into Boston believers. This TikToker says they weren’t a fan until everyone started wearing them this fall

Of course, not everyone is a fan. This TikToker still thinks they’re just plain ugly

The Boston Birks cost around $160. But The NYT reports that some people are shelling out $300 to get themselves a pair because they’re so in demand

Holr Magazine thinks they’re so popular because of their versatility: You can wear them with jeans or style them with a dress. They’re fashionable because fashion’s pivoted to embrace comfort

A Spectrum Op: Everyone’s got their own opinion on Bostons. Some people think they look like “pilgrim shoes”. Others complain that they get water-stained too easily

Love em or hate em, Hypebeast says the Boston’s popularity is a testament to the fact that Birkenstock’s rejection of the fashion trend cycle has paid off

Want to read more about footwear that puts comfort above style? Check out CF’s tile on ugly shoes here