We’re right here for one motive solely: to inform you about the most effective Birkenstocks we’ve tried. Birks are identified for being tremendous cozy—hiya arch assist and delicate cork footbed—and the SELF workforce has examined a bunch of the model’s bestsellers, together with the cult-favorite Arizona sandals and Boston clogs.
You may attain for these pairs all summer time lengthy—and, if we all know a factor or two about stylish sandals, they will go quick, so be sure you scoop your pair up ASAP.
Our high picks
- Finest Total: Arizona Gentle Footbed, $150
- Finest Home Shoe: Tremendous-Birki, $80
- Finest Clog: Boston Chunky, $150
- Finest for Broad Ft: Milano Massive Buckle Sandal, $175
- Finest Waterproof: Arizona EVA Necessities, $50
- Finest for Journey: Milano Vegan Birko-Flor, $115
- Finest for Flat Ft: Papillio by Birkenstock Arizona Chunky Sandal, $140
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Once you consider Birkenstocks, you’re in all probability picturing these OGs. The cozy slides have two large straps with adjustable buckles to maintain your ft safe, plus a contoured cork footbed that’ll hug your arches. We love that the straps are available in each suede and leather-based kinds and in so many colours, together with neutrals that’ll match any outfit.
In fact, an important factor—and the explanation why they’re our high choose—is that they’re tremendous comfy. SELF’s particular tasks coordinator, Paige Levinson, says the pair she lastly purchased after seeing Birks in every single place was value it: “I instantly noticed what the hype was about,” she explains. “They molded completely to my ft and have become the right shoe to put on wherever. They’re so effortlessly cool, and I really like having the ability to simply slide them on and go about my day.”
I owned a pair of Arizona sandals for 5 years and ran them into the bottom. Each summer time, they had been my go-tos for grocery and occasional runs, slipping downstairs in my condo constructing to seize my mail, and informal outings with mates. There’s no denying how versatile they’re. They usually’re leagues above each flat flip-flop I’ve owned, by way of arch assist.
Sizes: 4-4.5 to 12-12.5 | Supplies: Suede, leather-based, cork, EVA foam
Finest Home Shoe: Tremendous-Birki
These no-frills clogs supply that signature Birkenstock arch assist with the identical footbed that’s in all the model’s traditional sneakers—lined in plush microfiber. When you’ve by no means fairly gotten down with slippers, these are a comfortable different for gardening, cleansing out the storage, or taking out the trash. They usually have nice traction, to forestall you from sliding on the flooring you simply mopped or the steps you’re climbing.
When you do wish to put on them out, SELF’s particular tasks director, Hannah Pasternak, approves: “For a to-the-yoga studio or with-socks look, they’re chef’s kiss,” she says. With an higher manufactured from polyurethane, they’ll additionally preserve your ft dry if the climate takes a flip.
Sizes: 4-4.5 to 12-12.5 | Supplies: Microfiber, cork, polyurethane
Finest Clog: Boston Chunky
For a classy clog you possibly can costume up or down, go along with the chunky model of the beloved Boston clog. They’ve the identical suede higher and adjustable strap throughout the highest of the foot, plus an upgraded contoured footbed and a grooved platform that offers you some further peak.
“I am a faithful Birkenstock wearer (do not ask me what number of pairs I’ve—my mother has been carrying the identical ones since 1985), however I needed one thing that regarded slightly extra polished than the Boston,” Pasternak says. These completely crammed the opening in her closet—she wears them to the workplace and to run errands round her neighborhood.
“And I am unable to inform you what number of compliments I get on them,” she says. “I additionally love that they are an under-the-radar model. Everybody says they’ve by no means seen them earlier than and are all the time stoked to search out out they’re Birkenstocks!”
Sizes: 4-4.5 to 12-12.5 | Supplies: Suede, leather-based, cork, EVA foam
Finest for Broad Ft: Milano Massive Buckle Sandal
The Milano sandals are a contemporary tackle the traditional Arizonas. They’ve greater buckles that make a serious trend assertion and a backstrap that’ll preserve your heels from sliding out.
Oh, they usually’re tremendous cozy: “As somebody with large ft and excessive arches, it is vital that my sneakers have slightly further room for my ft to swell all through the day,” says SELF senior commerce editor Sarah Felbin. “These are spacious, tremendous breathable, and supportive sufficient that I can run errands all summer time lengthy in them.” Put on ‘em with skirts, clothes, denims—the choices are countless.
Sizes: 4-4.5 to 12-12.5 | Supplies: Leather-based, cork, EVA foam
Finest Waterproof: Arizona EVA Necessities
In contrast to most of Birkenstock’s cork, suede, and leather-based sandals, these slides are made with waterproof EVA foam. In each different approach, although, they’re typical Arizonas: They’ve two adjustable straps throughout the highest of your ft and a shock-absorbing footbed with strong arch assist.
Alongside along with her Milano Massive Buckle Sandals, Felbin says she lives in these. “They’re actually light-weight and don’t want that well-known Birk break-in interval (you possibly can simply slip them on and go!),” she shares. “I truly purchased my first pair in Rockefeller Heart—I used to be operating across the metropolis in excessive heels and wanted a break, so I grabbed these. They’re ultra-comfy and have been one in every of my go-to summer time sandals ever since!”
Sizes: 4-4.5 to 12-12.5 | Supplies: EVA foam
Finest for Journey: Milano Vegan Birko-Flor
When you love the look of the traditional Arizona Gentle Footbed sandals, however want a heel strap, these are your finest wager. They’ve every part we love concerning the OGs—adjustable straps, a cork footbed, and that laid-back-but-still-stylish look—however you’ll by no means have to fret about somebody stepping in your heel and inflicting them to fly off (true story, simply ask our senior commerce editor). They’re splendid for journeys the place you propose to spend days strolling round sightseeing and want your sneakers to be the very last thing in your thoughts.