Working across the street from the Medical College of Virginia, I happened to see all sorts of med-types wearing their Birks. I couldn’t for the life of me figure it out - they don’t exactly look comfortable (were’s the arch support?). I asked a few and was told what most of you have been saying.
They are truly ugly, though. I’m not on my feet all day so I’ll stick to my Cole Hahns (usually black, cap-toed oxfords worn with a high buff shine, but also a pair of buttery smooth tan loafers that are like wearing nothing at all). Life is too short to buy cheap shoes (or cheap beer). Also, as my dear grandmother used to say, “You can always tell a gentleman by the condition of his shoes.” Keep 'em polished, keep the heels up, use shoe trees, and never, ever, ever wear the same pair two days in a row.