You have, without a doubt, heard of Birkenstocks. Maybe you own a pair of Birkenstocks and you love them, or maybe you're about to own a pair of Birkenstocks and love them. Either way, to know and to wear these comfortable, cork-soled, German-made shoes are to have footwear that's absolutely unparalleled on quality and comfort.
There are many Birkenstock styles, but we shopped out the icons for you here to make your life easier. Some are suede, some are leather; some are sandals, some are clogs; some have one adjustable buckle, and some have three, but they all absolutely bring it in terms of style and comfort, thanks to Birkenstock's iconic cork and latex footbed design. Below, we've rounded up the best-selling, need-to-know Birkenstock styles. Bring them on vacation, wear them to work, dress them up, dress them down. Just know that you'll be wearing them all the damn time. Read on for our full ranking—if you don't own a single pair of these yet, it's time to.
Pros
Comfortable cork sole- Classic look
Cons
- Not as breathable as other styles
Arguably the most iconic Birks out there, the Boston Clogs are a tried and true classic. They've got that signature Birkenstock molded footbed that hugs and supports your foot just right, and while the adjustable buckle comes on every model, you can pick between a suede, leather, or wool upper.
| Colors | 21 |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 6-13.5 |
| Materials | Suede/Leather/Wool, Cork |
best classic birkenstocks
Birkenstock Arizona Sandals
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Pros
- Anatomically correct footbed supports foot health
- Versatile look
Cons
- Runs slightly small
The other Birkenstocks you've undoubtedly seen out and about are Arizonas. Maybe with socks, maybe sans socks, but either way, stylish and infallible. Known for its iconic double-strap design with adjustable buckles, there's good reason as to why these have become cult faves.
| Colors | 20+ |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 3-10.5 |
| Materials | Leather, Cork |
Pros
- Adjustable in the heel and upper
- Buyers love the arch support
Cons
- Not the most stylish Birks
Channel your inner Carmy Berzatto. Known for being comfortable AF, the Tokio Super Grips are sandals you can wear all day without aches or pains. Bring these with you on your next trip, or put 'em on if you're expecting to stand and walk a lot.
| Colors | Black, White, Blue |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 6-15.5 |
| Materials | Leather, Rubber |
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Pros
- Lightweight EVA sole
- Contoured cork-latex footbed designed for customized support
Cons
- On the pricier side
Consider these to be the cooler older brother to the Arizonas. You know, the one who travels to, say, Zürich. With a wide leather upper that has two adjustable straps sitting over top of it, a comfortable, contoured cork footbed, and suede lining that ensures all-day comfort, these are the shoes you're going to want to make sure your toes are summer-ready for.
| Colors | Taupe |
|---|---|
| Sizes | EU 41-EU 46 |
| Materials | Suede, Cork |
Pros
- Easy to slip on and off
- Footbed designed to balance weight better
Cons
- On the pricier side
If you've been wondering whether Birkenstock does a good shoe with a heel, too, this is your answer. The London Slip-Ons are a lightweight, comfortable, protective style, featuring an all-around suede upper with an adjustable strap and Birkenstock's signature cork footbed.
| Colors | Beige, Black |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 11-13.5 |
| Materials | Suede/Leather, Cork, Latex |
Pros
- Cork footbed is removable and replacable
- Synthetic outsole designed to be lightweight and durable
Cons
- Lacks the iconic Birkenstock look
For work or for play, this platformed clog is a lightweight, affordable style that you'll love. The durable synthetic shell is accompanied by a linen liner, making it perfect for summer months, as well as a slip-resistant sole.
| Colors | Black, Navy, Blue |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 6-14.5 |
| Materials | Synthetic, Cork |
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Pros
- Wearable indoors and outdoors
- Casual, comfy style
Cons
- Synthetic outer is prone to being dirtied
Get cozy in your Birks. The Zermatt, with its soft, synthetic outer and comfortable rubber sole, is proof that a clog can, in fact, be an alternative to your favorite slippers.
| Colors | White |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 4 |
| Materials | Synthetic, Rubber |
Pros
- Has three points of adjustability for maximum security
- Flexible, durable outsole
Cons
- Buyers report they require a breaking-in period
The Milano Sandals, with an additional adjustable strap, are the more refined, elevated, protective version of the Arizonas. These feature the same anatomically-correct cork footbed and wide, comfortable adjustable straps on the upper foot, with the added security of an adjustable ankle strap, too.
| Colors | Dark Brown, Chocolate |
|---|---|
| Sizes | 5-9 |
| Materials | Leather, Cork |
Pros
- Plenty of cool colors
- Has an adjustable strap for maximum comfort
Cons
- No half sizes
For Birks with some flair, turn to the Kyoto Sandals. These are cool enough to elevate your streetwear look and comfy enough to actually roam those streets, with an anatomically shaped cork-latex footbed and wide nubuck leather strap, plus an adjustable buckle and soft suede lining.
| Colors | 5 |
|---|---|
| Sizes | EU 41-EU 46 |
| Materials | Nubuck Leather, Cork |
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Why You Can Trust Esquire
We’re not going to say something is great unless it’s actually great. Every product in Esquire’s round-ups is carefully curated by our fashion and e-commerce teams. Every pick on this list (and our other lists!) comes from years of wearing different things, seeing what we love and what we don’t, and going from there.
When it comes to Birkenstocks, you can rest assured that we’ve worn every single damn pair and have a lot of opinions. In fact, we even debate about them internally at the office. This is us putting an end to the debate once and for all, expressing how we actually, truly feel.
