I live in Park Slope Brooklyn, too, so I have a pair of Birkenstocks.
I really hate those sandal ones though, so I bought a nice pair of walking shoes. Contrary to what some of you may think, they are rather stylish. Loads of people have asked me where I got them and have been surprised to find out they are Birkenstocks.
To see them, go to http://www.birkenstock.com/pages/OpeningPage.htm , go to "shoes" and find the shoe called "Derby". I bought them in black. They cost a pretty penny, but they can be resoled, the leather is top notch and they look fabulous with jeans, especially if you're a little bit Eurotrash (like me).
They do take awhile to break in, but soon they'll be prettier than your natural feet.
more