According to The Guardian, Birkenstocks were among the #1 most-purchased retail items in 2022. Online searches for the Boston clog style alone increased by 593% from January to June last year.
After many fashion enthusiasts declared Birkenstock dead during the 2010s, these shoes seem back on trend. But did they ever really go out of style?
Today, we are bringing you this Birkenstock guide to help you answer that question. Plus, we’ll tell you the best Birkenstocks to pick up this year and where to buy them near you.
Do you want to know how Birkenstocks became popular and why they are returning now? Then, keep reading for everything you need to know!
A Brief History of the Birkenstock
Birkenstocks are made by a German company that has been around for nearly 250 years. Johann Birkenstock created the first precursor of everyone’s favorite dad sandals back in 1774.
The original Birkenstocks were not shoes, though. Instead, Johann Birkenstock and his descendants designed footbed insoles for orthopedic shoes. The Birkenstock company did not introduce its shoe line until the 1900s.
In 1964, Johann Birkenstock’s descendant, Karl, created the brand’s first sandal style, the Birkenstock Madrid. California hippies soon took notice, and the Madrid sandals gained a cult following in subsequent years.
As they say, the rest is history. Today, Birkenstocks are among the most recognizable sandals in the world. The family that started the brand still owns a minority stake and operates the company.
At the beginning of 2021, Alex and Christian Birkenstock sold the family brand for an incredible $4.8 billion. The brand has since expanded its product line into more shoe styles and aesthetics.
Who Do People Love Birkenstocks So Much?
In recent years, the shoe that people either love or love to hate has made a significant comeback. And it isn’t just hippies taking note. Fashionphiles, models, and influencers alike are also jumping on the bandwagon.
The re-emergence of Birkenstocks is also due, in part, to the brand’s collaborations with trendy designers like Rick Owens, Carol Lim of Opening Ceremony, and former Celine creative director Phoebe Philo.
There are many reasons to love the classic Birkenstock. Its centuries-old recipe for footbed insoles is tried and true, making these sandals one of the most comfortable options on the market.
Modern Birkenstock wearers also cite the fact that it’s so ugly- a cool trend- as a reason to pick up a pair of these shoes. Adding a pair of socks in the wintertime adds to the ‘I’m too cool to care’ vibe.
Some genuinely love the look of Birkenstocks. Their hippy origin makes them a staple for bohemian closets. And with Harper’s Bazaar and others claiming boho is back in, they’re a staple for trendsetters, too.
Are Birkenstocks Trending in 2023?
Vogue named Birkenstocks the official shoe of 2020, but are they still trending in 2023? Yes, but with a twist. Elevated Birkenstocks are one of the top fashion trends for the year, especially as the spring/summer season comes around.
For example, try classic Birkenstock sandals in unexpected colorways. The brand recently released Metallic Silver and ultra-blue sandals to suit those looking for comfort and style.
You can also try out some of the designer collaborations. We have already mentioned Birkenstock’s collaborations with Celine and Rick Owens and the opening ceremony. You also have to check out the Manolo Blahnik and Dior collaborations.
Another way to update the classic Birkenstock for 2023 is to try some of the brand’s newer styles. For example, models from coast to coast made Birkenstock mules so popular they sold out at stores nationwide.
Add a pair of cozy socks to bring your Birkenstock sandals into autumn/winter. Bonus points if you pair your socks and sandals with something unexpected, like trousers and a matching blazer.
The Best Birkenstock Styles
Finding a shoe that is both stylish and comfortable can be a serious headache. Are you searching for casual footwear that ticks both boxes? If so, Birkenstocks may be the exact shoes you need.
There are so many Birkenstock styles to choose from that it can be hard to pick just one. To help you, we rounded up our favorite Birkenstock styles available now.
Check out the best Birkenstocks available at Feet for Life below!
The Arizona
The Arizona style is the classic Birkenstock sandal everyone knows and loves. It features two chunky straps around the front, and the open back makes it easy to slip on these shoes and go.
You can buy Arizona Birkenstock sandals for men, women, and children. These shoes come in various material options, including suede, oiled leather, vegan Birkibuc Nubuck leather, or EVA (a type of plastic).
These shoes also come in multiple colors. Stone grey, mocha brown, Habana brown, black, and white are classic options, but if you love Arizona, there are dozens more colorways.
The Milano
Another of the more recognizable Birkenstock styles is the Milano. Like the Arizona style, this sandal features two buckled straps at the front and a backstrap with an adjustable buckle.
Milano Birkenstocks are available for men, women, and children. They are available in oiled leather, EVA, Birkibuc, pebbled leather, and suede. This style also comes in Birko-Flor, a soft leather-like material with an interior fleece lining.
These shoes come in many of the same colorways as Arizona Birkenstocks. You can even choose from different buckle finishes. Pick the bronze shade for a classic look, but Birkenstock offers black, silver, gunmetal, gold, and more.
Recently, Birkenstock released the Milano sandal with an oversized buckle. These shoes tick the elevated box if you are searching for a more trend-driven pair of Birkenstocks.
The Yara
Many people also love that Birkenstocks are traditionally gender-neutral. However, the brand has developed some more feminine-forward styles in recent years, including the Yara sandal.
This modern sandal style features a thin front buckle strap and a thong-like toe loop. The ankle strap crosses in the front for a gladiator-style look and ultimate durability.
Birkenstock only sells its Yara style in oiled leather or its proprietary Birkibuc vegan leather. Choose from black, light tobacco brown, medium Habana brown, or mocha, a dark brown color.
The Mayari
The Mayari sandal is another feminine style. It is reminiscent of the Yara but in a slip-on version for easy, on-the-go looks. Though Birkenstock created the style for women, men can easily pull off this shoe style, too.
The front strap is similar to the one on the Yara Birkenstock sandal. It is minimal and features a small buckle and a toe loop.
The Mayarie does not have a back strap. Instead, these sandals feature a chunkier mid-strap to keep them from flapping when you walk.
These sandals come in a variety of colors and materials. Choose from oiled leather, Birko-Flor, Birkibuc, actual Nubuck leather, or microfiber in classic Birkenstock neutrals or colors like fuchsia, Riviera blue, coral, and lavender.
The Gizeh
The Gizeh sandal from Birkenstock is one of the brand’s modern classics. It is an older style but one of the first models to break away from the brand’s comfort-centric aesthetic. Still comfy, these shoes are also fashionable.
These Birkenstock sandals are a thong style. They feature a soft thong strap with an adjustable buckle pin. The strap attaches to a chunkier mid-strap with Birkenstock’s classic buckle for a custom-like fit.
While not necessarily gender-neutral (the Gizeh leans more to the women’s side), these shoes can work for anyone. They come in various types of leather, EVA, or Birko-Flor. You can get the Gizeh in Birkenstock’s new big buckle style.
The Boston
Birkenstock mules have been featured on the feet of Kendall Jenner and Dakota Johnson, Jason Momoa, and Ashton Kutcher. Overwhelmingly, the mule of choice is the Boston.
The Boston style features a clog-like front with no backside for a slip-on fit. It has the signature Birkenstock strap and adjustable buckle on top.
These shoes are great for autumn and winter wear and are also ideal for the beach. Try them in oiled leather, suede, Birkibuc, or wool. Each mule has a super-soft and warm suede, shearling, or faux shearling lining.
Where to Buy Birkenstock Sandals in Bakersfield
Birkenstocks have been around for centuries. Unlike most trends, though, these shoes have never truly gone out of style.
Are you looking for Birkenstocks in Bakersfield? Feet for Life has locations in Bakersfield and Visalia. Browse our selection of Birkenstock sandals, clogs, and other shoes to find the stylish and comfy shoes you’ve been looking for!
