We’re right here for one cause solely: to inform you about the most effective Birkenstocks we’ve tried. Birks are recognized for being tremendous cozy—hi there arch help and comfortable cork footbed—and the SELF staff 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 season lengthy—and, if we all know a factor or two about stylish sandals, they’re going to go quick, so be sure you scoop your pair up ASAP.
Our prime picks
- Finest General: Arizona Tender Footbed, $150
- Finest Home Shoe: Tremendous-Birki, $80
- Finest Clog: Boston Chunky, $150
- Finest for Vast 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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Whenever you consider Birkenstocks, you’re in all probability picturing these OGs. The cozy slides have two broad straps with adjustable buckles to maintain your toes safe, plus a contoured cork footbed that’ll hug your arches. We love that the straps are available each suede and leather-based types and in so many colours, together with neutrals that’ll match any outfit.
After all, a very powerful factor—and the rationale why they’re our prime decide—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 toes and have become the proper shoe to put on wherever. They’re so effortlessly cool, and I like with 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 season, 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 buddies. There’s no denying how versatile they’re. And so they’re leagues above each flat flip-flop I’ve owned, by way of arch help.
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 help with the identical footbed that’s in the entire model’s basic footwear—lined in plush microfiber. In the event 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. And so they have nice traction, to stop you from sliding on the flooring you simply mopped or the steps you’re climbing.
In the event 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 fabricated from polyurethane, they’ll additionally preserve your toes 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 trendy clog you’ll be able to gown up or down, go together 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 additional top.
“I am a loyal 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 can not 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 seek out out they’re Birkenstocks!”
Sizes: 4-4.5 to 12-12.5 | Supplies: Suede, leather-based, cork, EVA foam
Finest for Vast Ft: Milano Massive Buckle Sandal
The Milano sandals are a contemporary tackle the basic Arizonas. They’ve larger buckles that make a significant style assertion and a backstrap that’ll preserve your heels from sliding out.
Oh, they usually’re tremendous cozy: “As somebody with broad toes and excessive arches, it is vital that my footwear have slightly additional room for my toes 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 season lengthy in them.” Put on ‘em with skirts, clothes, denims—the choices are limitless.
Sizes: 4-4.5 to 12-12.5 | Supplies: Leather-based, cork, EVA foam
Finest Waterproof: Arizona EVA Necessities
Not like most of Birkenstock’s cork, suede, and leather-based sandals, these slides are made with waterproof EVA foam. In each different means, although, they’re typical Arizonas: They’ve two adjustable straps throughout the highest of your toes and a shock-absorbing footbed with strong arch help.
Alongside together 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’ll be able to simply slip them on and go!),” she shares. “I truly purchased my first pair in Rockefeller Middle—I used to be working across the metropolis in excessive heels and wanted a break, so I grabbed these. They’re ultra-comfy and have been one in all my go-to summer season sandals ever since!”
Sizes: 4-4.5 to 12-12.5 | Supplies: EVA foam
Finest for Journey: Milano Vegan Birko-Flor
In the event you love the look of the basic Arizona Tender Footbed sandals, however want a heel strap, these are your greatest guess. They’ve all the things 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 supreme for journeys the place you propose to spend days strolling round sightseeing and wish your footwear to be the very last thing in your thoughts.
