BIRKENSTOCK Launches “On Their Feet” Series Celebrating Specialist Footwear for South Africa’s Industry Leaders
BIRKENSTOCK “On Their Feet” Series Celebrating Specialist Footwear for South Africa’s Industry Leaders
Cape Town, South Africa — Iconic footwear brand BIRKENSTOCK has launched “On Their Feet”, a new campaign series spotlighting the vital role of specialist professional footwear in the demanding lives of local industry leaders whose work requires long hours on their feet in challenging environments.
The series features two leading South African female professionals from the culinary and beauty industries, showcasing how the right footwear supports performance, comfort, and focus throughout physically intensive workdays.
Highlighting Real Professionals, Real Working Conditions
“At its core, On Their Feet is about recognising professionals whose bodies — especially their feet — are central to their craft,” the campaign explains.
BIRKENSTOCK profiles:
- Jill Okkers, Culinary Director of the Tashas Group
- Marchay Linderoth, Cape Town–based freestyle hairstylist
Each story draws on industry-specific experiences to underscore why specialist footwear is essential, not optional, in professional environments.
BIRKENSTOCK’s 250-Year Legacy of Foot Health
Founded in 1774, BIRKENSTOCK is one of the world’s longest-standing footwear brands, renowned for:
- Heritage craftsmanship
- Orthopaedic expertise
- Responsibly sourced premium materials
Central to every design is the brand’s iconic contoured footbed, a defining feature for more than 250 years, supporting natural movement and helping wearers walk as nature intended.
Jill Okkers: Culinary Leadership on Her Feet
As Culinary Director of the Tashas Group, Jill Okkers oversees multiple venues across South Africa and the UAE, ensuring creative consistency and execution across kitchens.
“We have incredible head chefs and teams on the ground, and my role is to make sure the creative intent is always aligned with execution,” says Jill.
Featured wearing the BIRKENSTOCK BOSTON Super Grip in black, Jill explains that comfort is essential in a profession defined by long hours, intense heat, and physical strain.
“When you are standing for 12 hours, comfort becomes a form of focus. I have worn BIRKs for years.”
For Jill, the right footwear enables her to cook with passion without compromising her body.
Marchay Linderoth: Style, Precision, and Protection
Based at KITSUNE Hair Salon in Cape Town, Marchay Linderoth is a freestyle hairstylist working across:
Her recent work includes collaborations with international designer Grete Henriette, styling editorials and runway presentations.
Wearing the BOSTON Super Grip in white, Marchay highlights the importance of footwear in a fast-paced, creative environment.
“Proper footwear is essential to keeping me comfortable and productive. They’re not only vital for comfort but also for protecting my feet from hair splinters and dyes.”
With back-to-back bookings and up to eight hours on her feet daily, footwear is as essential as her professional tools.
Inside the BIRKENSTOCK Professional Collection
The BIRKENSTOCK Professional range is purpose-built to meet the demands of industries where standing, movement, and safety are non-negotiable.
Key features include:
- High-traction, slip-resistant outsoles
- Cushioned midsoles
- Fluid, oil, and grease-resistant materials
- Easy-to-clean surfaces
- Certified professional safety standards
Designed for chefs, hairstylists, medical practitioners, botanists, and other professionals, the range delivers durability and protection without sacrificing style or support.
Products in the Professional Collection (South Africa)
- BOSTON Super Grip – R2,899 (white, black)
- BOSTON Pro – R3,399 (soft java, black)
- SUPER-BIRKI – R1,799 (black, white)
- SUPER-BIRKI 2.0 – R1,999 (white, black, thyme, purple fog, ink blue, green)
- BIRKI AIR 2.0 – R2,999 (jet black)
- PROFI BIRKI – R1,999 (black)
- TOKIO Super Grip – R2,899 (black, white)
- TOKIO Pro – R3,499 (black, gun metal)
Designed for Safety, Built for Performance
While meeting strict professional safety standards, the collection remains true to BIRKENSTOCK’s philosophy of supporting natural movement, ensuring professionals can perform at their best without compromising long-term foot health.
Rooted in tradition yet constantly evolving, BIRKENSTOCK continues to remain culturally relevant across generations.
Where to Shop the Professional Collection
The BIRKENSTOCK Professional range is available in South Africa via BASH Africa.
Follow @birkenstockza
Shop online at bashafrica.com
FAQs
What is BIRKENSTOCK’s “On Their Feet” campaign?
It is a series highlighting professionals whose work demands long hours on their feet, showcasing how specialist footwear supports comfort and performance.
Who features in the campaign?
Chef Jill Okkers (Tashas Group) and hairstylist Marchay Linderoth (KITSUNE Hair Salon).
What industries is the Professional range designed for?
Culinary, beauty, medical, botanical, and other physically demanding professions.
Where can the collection be purchased?
At bashafrica.com and selected BIRKENSTOCK stockists in South Africa.
