BIRKENSTOCK Introduces ‘On Their Feet’ – Celebrating the Power of Specialist Footwear

BIRKENSTOCK has launched ‘On Their Feet’, a compelling new series that highlights the critical role specialist footwear plays in the lives of local industry leaders whose work demands long hours, physical endurance, and resilience in tough environments.

As part of this campaign, BIRKENSTOCK showcases two accomplished South African female professionals from the culinary and beauty service industries, celebrating both their craft and the brand’s specialist Professional collection designed to support them every step of the way.

The series brings to life the stories of Jill Ockers, Culinary Director of the Tashas Group, and Marchay Linderoth, a renowned freestyle hairstylist based in Cape Town. Through their real-world experiences, On Their Feet underscores how the right footwear is not a luxury, but an essential tool for performance, safety, and long-term wellbeing.

Founded in 1774, BIRKENSTOCK is one of the world’s longest-standing footwear brands, globally respected for its heritage of craftsmanship, orthopaedic expertise, and uncompromising commitment to quality. Every pair is made using premium, responsibly sourced materials and features the brand’s iconic contoured footbed — a design philosophy that has supported natural movement for over 250 years.

Jill Ockers, whose culinary journey began in her grandfather’s kitchen, now leads the creative vision across multiple Tashas Group venues in South Africa and the UAE.

“We are on our feet for most of the day, often in intense heat, lifting and moving heavy objects. When you are standing for 12 hours, comfort becomes a form of focus.”

Featured wearing the BOSTON Supergrip in black, Jill explains,

A long-time wearer of BIRKENSTOCK, she believes that passion in the kitchen starts with taking care of the body that powers it.

In the beauty industry, Marchay Linderoth is known as a go-to stylist within Cape Town’s creative scene, with work spanning fashion editorials, music videos, runways, and celebrity clients. Wearing the BOSTON Supergrip in white, Marchay spends up to eight hours a day on her feet.

“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.”

she says

BIRKENSTOCK’s Professional range is engineered to meet the specific demands of hands-on professions. The collection features high-traction, slip-resistant outsoles, cushioned midsoles, and easy-to-clean materials that resist fluids, oils, and grease. Designed for chefs, hairstylists, medical professionals, botanists, and others who work on their feet all day, the range delivers durability, safety, and support — without compromising on style.

The Professional collection includes:

• BOSTON Super Grip (R2899) – white and black
• BOSTON Pro (R3399) – soft java and black
• SUPER-BIRKI (R1799) – black and white
• SUPER-BIRKI 2.0 (R1999) – white, black, thyme, purple fog, ink blue, green
• BIRKI AIR 2.0 (R2999) – jet black
• PROFI BIRKI (R1999) – black
• TOKIO Super Grip (R2899) – black and white
• TOKIO Pro (R3499) – black and gun metal

Rooted in centuries of shoemaking tradition yet continuously evolving, BIRKENSTOCK remains culturally relevant while staying true to its philosophy of supporting natural movement and walking as nature intended. With On Their Feet, the brand reinforces its commitment to the professionals who rely on dependable footwear to give their best, day after day.

Follow @birkenstockza and shop the Professional range at www.bashafrica.com.