Birkenstock sandals I grew raised in the Pacific Northwest, where Birkenstocks were worn all year round by many. And I used to be really sneering at them because I love fashion, particularly shoes. The shoe my best friend’s father wore into the ground and my grandmother would wear with thick wool socks no matter how cold it was outdoors were bulky and uncool. But Birkenstocks became hip once more as the fashion cycles changed.
With its designer partnerships, the company raised the bar and began to introduce new, streamlined designs that are frequently seen on style icons and celebrities. I bought one pair, then another, and now I always turn to them for springtime transitional shoes.
The trademark of the company is its cork footbed, which is shaped to promote the best possible foot health. Your Birkenstocks will support you in all the right places as they break in because the cork shapes to the unique arch and shape of each foot. Whatever the shoe—sandals, clogs, or trainers—it makes them all incredibly comfy. That is the reason I return to the brand. And happily, Birkenstock is still coming out with stylish and comfortable new designs.
I tested a number of both new and old Birkenstock sandals models this season. Over the last month, I have been trying on six sandals and shoes to determine which are style must-haves and whether the comfort of the brand is actually consistent throughout all of its products (spoiler alert: it is). Its precise sizing pleased me as well; I usually wear a size 6.5 or 7, and the 37 Birkenstocks I put on suited me like a glove.
These are my top six springtime Birkenstocks, ranging from clogs for running errands to sandals that will always be on my vacation packing list.
Birkenstock Sandals Arizona Big-Buckle
Starting with a classic, the Birkenstock sandals Arizona is a terrific addition to a spring and summer wardrobe. The style possibilities of the two-strap sandals are incredibly broad. This patent version (which comes in nine colors, by the way) looks stylish and a little dressier than the other finishes, which include suede and natural leather. For a nice and laid-back day out, team them with your favorite spring dress or jeans, a tee and a cardigan for a fail-safe spring ensemble.
And embrace the look of socks and sandals with confidence. Up until I bought my first Birkenstocks, I was against the combo, but they somehow look great together without being unduly sloppy or ridiculous. To contrast the neutral leather, I like to wear these patent Arizonas in High Shine New Beige with a bright color or a pair of glittery socks.
They’re among my most favorite travel shoes as well. These recently served me well on a six-day trip to Paris, where I walked 20,000 steps a day touring the sites. You receive a tailored fit with every pair since the cork footbeds accommodate the natural contours of your feet. Wearing these also made me realize that, unlike other Birkenstock designs with natural leather insoles, which invariably results in smelling shoes, these have a smooth, coated footbed to match the straps, so they won’t retain perspiration as much.
Birkenstock Bend Low Sneakers
When it comes to a good pair of white sneakers, the stylistic possibilities are endless. For the past ten years, I’ve been wearing a rotation of them from companies like Adidas, Nike, and Veja. I was pleasantly surprised to see that Birkenstock sandals also produces them, and they’re quite comfy in addition to being just as fashionable as the other well-known shoe brands.
The minimalist, low-top Bend Low sneakers have rubber soles, smooth leather uppers, and Birkenstock’s recognizable cork footbeds. If you have broader feet like me, you’ll love their spacious toe boxes. Additionally, a stripe of cork is visible on the shoe’s heel in this version. It’s a subdued tribute to the brand’s history without being overt or taking away from the straightforward aesthetic.
During the week or on the weekends, these sneakers look fantastic day or night. In actuality, they have chameleon-like qualities that let you customize them to fit any desired mood. Most frequently, I wear them with jeans and a nice shirt or pants.
Birkenstock Mogami Terra Sandals
This spring, Birkenstock sandals introduced a brand-new variety of sandals: these athletic sandals. You may use them in the city or in the great outdoors because they are designed to withstand all kinds of terrain. They come in five colors: the cool Eucalyptus shade I chose, as well as some bright springtime selections like Elemental Blue and Burnt Orange. The footbeds and soles are composed of flexible, waterproof polyurtehane, while the uppers are composed of the easily cleaned Birko-Flor material. Compared to the Arizona sandals, these sandals fit more roomily across the front of the foot, yet they stay in place thanks to the adjustable straps around the heels. In addition, they are far lighter than the cork varieties offered by Birkenstock.
After wearing them across the city a few times, I’m still in awe of Birkenstock sandals exceptional comfort. In particular, this look strikes a mix between trend and utility, with gorpcore continuing to influence overall fashion. Additionally, you shouldn’t have to worry too much about getting caught in a spring shower because they are waterproof.
I have a lot of experience with hiking sandals—I’ve owned a pair of Chacos for almost ten years and a few pairs of Tevas—but I haven’t worn the Birkenstock Mogami Terras on the trails yet. They feel more like a casual walking sandal than something I’d feel at ease wearing over rocks and mud. They definitely stay on thanks to the heel straps, but they don’t feel as robust or flexible as the other hiking sandals I own. These seem appropriate for a leisurely stroll in the park, a day at the beach, or even just throwing on a pair once you get to your campsite.
Birkenstock Boston Eva Clogs
These cozy Birkenstock sandals clogs are the perfect substitute for Crocs for someone who dislikes the brand’s aesthetics as much as I do but still needs their comfort and practicality. The same shape, familiar to fans of Birkenstock’s Boston clogs, is now offered in the company’s EVA (ethylene vinyl acetate) material, which is cushioned, lightweight, and water-resistant.
These are such an easy shoe to throw on for doing errands, getting coffee, or just taking a little walk for mental health that my neighbors have to admit that they’ve seen me leaving my apartment in them much too often these days. I adore the Barbiecore-inspired Fondant Pink shade, which is also available in 11 other hues. I adore the value of these slip-ons—they cost less than $100.
Birkenstock Oita Braided Sandals
These slide sandals’ braided pattern offers a boho touch that goes well with the carefree looks of spring. When it gets warmer, I can’t wait to wear them with a sundress, but for now I’ve been wearing them around my apartment with a house dress. They also look great paired with a shacket and leggings or cropped jeans.
Soft suede straps adorn the style’s trademark cork footbeds, which make it incredibly comfy. If you need a wide fit, be aware that they are slightly narrower than the Arizona sandals.
Birkenstock Buckley Clogs
These hybrid moccasin/clogs are a sensible option. They look great with jeans for a casual vibe, or you can wear them with more fashionable options like linen or cargo pants. They also look just as comfortable on the feet as they do when paired with socks.
They do come in two width options, but I felt that they fit snugger and narrower than the other models I tested. I see this becoming a favorite for the spring and fall transitional seasons since it provides a little bit more coverage than the sandals.
