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- Clogs
Clogs are not for the faint of heart. As much as they are fun to look at, we don’t recommend you try wearing them for a full day. Your feet will not be grateful. (See #8 for a more comfy version of Clogs.)
© Dutch-Clogs.com
- Air Jordans
He may not be standing on any feet in the trademark “jumpman” logo, but his epic jump, just like the shoes, become an instant classic. The first pair of Air Jordans were produced exclusively for Michael Jordan in 1984. A few months later they were introduced to the public market. Since then, the brand became a basketball staple with more than 30 different models. Today, the shoe is not only considered a basketball shoe, but it’s also a popular footwear option for daily use.
© Flight Club
- Heeleys
Do Heeleys remind you of your childhood? They probably do. Every kid wanted a pair, despite them being banned in schools, malls and arenas. If your parents ignored all the warnings about them and still bought you a pair, I hope your wristbones and tailbone are intact.
© Smyths Toys
- Converse All Stars
This one is an all time hit! If you don’t currently own a pair, you probably did at one time (they even make baby converse!). It’s hard to believe that this basic sneaker started it’s big career as a basketball shoe in 1917 – introducing rubber-soles to courts across the United States. Today they sell ~ 270,000 pairs every day!
© Studio 88
- Uggs
Love’em or hate’em, they have proved they are here to stay. UGG, an Australian company managed to create a warm, chunky boot made of sheepskin that won’t only keep your feet nice and cozy throughout the Canadian winter, but will help you make a fashion statement. In 2000, Oprah declared them her favourite things and they exploded in popularity, and 18 years later they continue to top the winter footwear charts.
© Nordstrom
- Crocs
Crocs, the comfortable (ugly) version of Clogs, released their first foamy model of their clogs in 2002. Since then, the company, which uses a cute crocodile as their mascot, has sold over 300 million pairs of clogs, sandals, heels, sneakers and a variety of other different styles. Fun fact: Crocs are a favorite shoe choice amongst doctors and chefs. They even created a special design for nurses.
© Wave Inn
- Slides
Did you get your first donation yet? If you didn’t hurry up to get your own pair on On One Foot slides.
©On One Foot
- Birkenstocks
The true American Dream of shoes! Originally produced in Germany as an orthopedic shoe, it experienced an awakening during the 60s and quickly became popular with “hippies” on the West Coast. Since then, Birkenstocks have worked their way into the mainstream, and are favoured by those who value comfortable footwear – even Heidi Klum wears them! Thank you Germany!
© Zappos
- Clogs
Stronger Together!
Over this past Family Day Weekend, I spent a lot of time reflecting both about the challenges we face, but also about the incredible strength and resiliency of this community. Jewish students are often at the forefront of hate and discrimination on campus and online, but we are at our most powerful – and most effective – when we work together as one.
With that in mind, I want to provide several important advocacy updates.
First, I am excited to share that Hillel Ontario has begun convening meetings to coordinate advocacy initiatives amongst Jewish campus organizations across the country. The time has come for Hillel Ontario to lead the way in encouraging cooperation to accomplish the goals we collectively share. Joining us in these monthly discussions are Hillel Montreal, Hillel BC, Hillel Ottawa, CJPAC, Hasbara Fellowships and StandWithUs. We appreciate their willingness to engage with us in these important conversations.
Second, I want to update you on the University of Toronto Students’ Union (UTSU) matter that galvanized much community discussion last week. In addition to endorsing a motion to divest from companies doing business in Israel, the union misrepresented the recently released report of the Antisemitism Working Group and its approach to what does or does not constitute antisemitism. Hillel views these type of divestment motions as part of a wider issue of antisemitism on campus, and we have made that point clearly and consistently to university leadership and members of the Working Group for the better part of the past year.
Late Friday, Working Group members released an important statement, which both criticized the rhetoric of union leaders, and vindicated our belief that hate speech directed at Israel, Israelis or Jews based on actions (real or imagined) of the Israeli government is antisemitism. This is an important moment; one that underscores why our approach to these issues, and the allies we foster across campus are so critical. While we may not be able to stop every divestment motion from passing, we can – and we will continue to – have our voices heard by university leadership to ensure antisemitism remains on the margins. This is precisely what happened last week at the UofT.
Jewish students deserve to study, live and socialize in an environment free from harassment and discrimination. Hillel will continue to condemn antisemitism, defend Israel and our right to self-determination, and build essential relationships on campus to secure the well-being of the students we so proudly serve.
And, we will do so in concert with our allies; because we believe we are stronger together.
Sincerely,
Jay Solomon
Chief Communications & Public Affairs Officer
