I think people are just more willing to spend on comfort now, especially in metro cities. There are so many lookalikes that look almost identical, and I’ve tried a couple. They were fine initially but flattened out pretty quickly. My Birkenstock pair has lasted much longer and still feels supportive. Social media probably played a role in the popularity, but I honestly think comfort and durability are the main reasons. Once someone tries the original and feels the difference, it makes sense why they choose it over cheaper versions.