Facebook, the Birkenstocks of Social Networks, Is Suddenly Cool Again Nitasha Tiku · 06/24/14 06:45PM Everything norm is new again. Birkenstocks, the bulky, utilitarian footwear that my mom refused to buy me from Quakerbridge Mall are suddenly chic—like a "Remember the 90's" just for your feet. And so, one survey says, is Facebook.