What are Birkenstocks?
Birkenstocks - These are open sandals, flip-flops or clogs with a characteristic orthopedic cork sole.
The name comes from the German shoe brand Birkenstock, founded in 1774. Today, the term has become a household word and is used to describe any footwear of a similar style, regardless of the manufacturer.
The key feature of these shoes is their transition from a purely orthopedic purpose to a staple in everyday fashion. Birkenstocks' popularity stems from their combination of maximum foot comfort and a utilitarian, minimalist design.
Distinctive features
The key element of Birkenstocks is the anatomical insole. It features a pronounced arch support, a recessed heel cup, and a special toe cushion, ensuring proper foot positioning while walking and reducing stress on the joints.
The sole is a multi-layer construction. Its core is a blend of natural cork and latex, providing cushioning and a unique ability to adapt to the individual shape of the wearer's foot over time.
The shoe upper is traditionally crafted from thick, natural leather, velvety suede, or high-tech, wear-resistant synthetic materials. The hardware includes wide straps—from one to three, depending on the model—that are adjusted with massive metal buckles.
Iconic silhouettes include the two-strap model (Arizona), closed-toe clogs (Boston) and the toe sandal (Gizeh).
What to combine with
For everyday wear, Birkenstocks are worn with straight or wide-leg jeans, basic cotton T-shirts and oversized linen shirts.
For summer looks, lightweight midi dresses, loose-fitting sundresses, and Bermuda shorts paired with cropped tops are ideal. For a relaxed business look, these shoes are paired with linen suits, palazzo pants, or culottes, unless the dress code requires closed-toe shoes.
In demi-season combinations, closed-toe clogs are styled with thick ribbed knit socks. These outfits are complemented with straight vintage jeans, oversized knit sweaters, or long cardigans.
