These Are the Best Birkenstocks of 2023, Worn by Our Favorite Celebrities
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Slip into comfort with these tried and true footwear staples
Kendall Jenner/Instagram; Birkenstocks
If given the choice between high heels and Birkenstocks, like Barbie was in the titular summer blockbuster movie, we’d choose Birkenstocks every time — no hesitation. The cork-soled shoes are comfortable, cute, and come in a variety of colors and materials to go with any outfit. In fact, the dizzying amount of Birkenstock shoes and sandal options available can feel overwhelming.
Whether you’re on the hunt for your first pair of "Birks" or you're a seasoned Arizona lover already, we created this guide to help you discover your next favorite pair of Birkenstocks.
Keep reading to discover the best Birkenstock shoes this fall — inspired by celebrities who constantly wear the shoes, as well as our own wear-tests.
Birkenstock Boston Soft Clog
Who It’s Good For
If you’re looking for a comfortable, stylish fall shoe, then the trendy Boston Clogs are a great choice that you can easily transition from summer to autumn.
Who It’s Not Good For
If you want sandals that allow more airflow to your feet, then check out one of the other Birkenstocks options on our list.
The Birkenstock Boston Clog made its style resurgence last fall, and its popularity is showing no sign of waning. The slip-on shoe has been spotted on stylish celebs like Kendall Jenner, and it’s no wonder — the casual suede style gives major model-off-duty vibes.
We tested the Boston clogs both in our lab and by wearing them around in the real world to see just how comfortable they really are. After wearing these clogs while walking the dog, running errands, and lounging around the house, we found that the Bostons are even more comfortable than we thought they’d be.
For one, they’re surprisingly lightweight. The shoe was comfortable to wear with socks or without, though we’d recommend wearing them with socks while you break them in if you’re prone to blisters. These Birkenstocks felt comfortable from the start and only got more comfortable with each wear.
The Birkenstock Bostons come in a variety of colors and materials (we’ve got our eye on the shearling-lined version for the fall), and we’re planning on pairing them with a comfy sweater to bring the autumn vibes.
Price at time of publish: $158
Style: Clog | Size range: 4-12.5 | Materials: Oiled leather, natural leather, cork, EVA
Birkenstock Arizona Sandal
Who It’s Good For
The classic Birkenstock sandal is a great pick for anyone who wants a comfortable, staple sandal that goes with a variety of styles (and will last for years!).
Who It’s Not Good For
If you’re looking for a shoe that can be dressed up, then you might find the Arizona sandals to be too casual.
When you think of the classic Birkenstock shoe, the first thing that likely comes to mind is the Arizona sandal. Its signature two-strap design has become synonymous with the brand’s identity — the sandals are even featured in the new Barbie movie, worn by Barbie herself. Celebrities are constantly seen wearing Arizonas, including Kristen Bell, Chrissy Teigen, Gigi Hadid, and Katie Holmes (just to name a few).
Robert O' Neil / SplashNews.com
The buckled sandals are easy to slip on before you head out the door to run errands. Or, to add a bit of boho flair to your look, pair your Arizonas with a pair of flared jeans à la Naomi Watts. One of the reasons we love this classic Birk style so much is for its versatility — the Arizona sandals can truly go with any daytime outfit and keep you comfortable no matter how long you’re standing on your feet.
The Birkenstock Arizona sandals come in practically every color under the sun (from brown to pink), and are also available in a variety of materials like waterproof PVC and a fuzzy fleece-lined version.
Price at time of publish: $110
Style: Sandal | Size range: 4-12.5 | Materials: Birko-Flor Nubuck, natural leather, cork, EVA
Birkenstock Madrid Vegan
Who It’s Good For
For anyone who wants a comfortable sandal that feels more polished than the classic Arizona, the Madrids are a sleek shoe that can be dressed up or down.
Who It’s Not Good For
Those looking for more covering, closed-toe shoes should check out one of our clog picks.
If you’re looking for a slip-on shoe that offers a slightly more polished look than the traditional Arizonas, then the Madrids might be exactly what you’re looking for. They’re made with Birkenstock’s signature molding footbed, with an elegant one-strap upper that’s available in a variety of colors and materials.
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To style the Birkenstock Madrids, we would take a cue from a few A-listers who often wear them out and about. Gwenyth Paltrow paired her white Madrids with baggy white pants and a simple black tank to create a sleek and breezy outfit. If you’re looking to create a little more visual interest with your shoes, then take note of Sarah Jessica Parker’s green Madrids paired with socks and a flowing skirt.
Price at time of publish: $89.95
Style: Sandal | Size range: 4-12.5 | Materials: Birko-Flor vegan nubuck, microfibre, cork, EVA
Birkenstock Kyoto Nubuck Suede Leather Sandal
Who It’s Good For
The Japanese-inspired style is perfect for minimalist styles, and the more covering sandal can easily transition through the seasons.
Who It’s Not Good For
If you don’t want an open-toed shoe, then these aren’t for you.
The Birkenstock Kytoto is an updated take on the classic Arizona, with one large strap that covers most of the mid-foot while still allowing the toes to breathe. The comfortable slip-ons are a happy medium between the classic two-buckled Arizonas and the more covering Boston clogs, making them a great summer-to-fall transition shoe for when it’s too chilly to wear open shoes but too hot for socks.
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Fashion influencer Nazjaa shares that she would style the Birkenstock Kyotos with “a long pleated maxi skirt, a boxy button-up white shirt, and a crossbody bag for a bit of detail.” Nazjaa adds that she takes inspiration from the shoe’s namesake Japanese city’s “minimalist and casual style.” How I Met Your Father star Hillary Duff styled her Kyotos with flowy cargo pants and a boxy t-shirt.
Price at time of publish: $150
Style: Sandal | Size range: 4-12.5 | Materials: Suede, natural leather, cork, EVA
Birkenstock Arizona Shearling Sandals
Who It’s Good For
If you love the classic Arizona style but you want a shoe that will keep your feet a little cozier, the shearling-lined Arizonas are an awesome find.
Who It’s Not Good For
For those who tend to get sweaty feet, you might find these to be a little too warm.
Colder temperatures don’t necessitate the end of your Birkenstock-wearing dreams, thanks to the shearling-lined versions of your favorite comfortable shoes. The Shearling-lined Arizona is the cozy slip-on that we’ll be rocking this fall, taking inspiration from Reese Witherspoon’s gingham dress and over-the-shoulder sweater when the temperatures start to drop.
Reese Witherspoon/instagram
The fuzzy version of the classic Birkenstock sandals are a little more expensive than the standard Arizonas, but we think it’s worth the price for the super cozy footbed that feels akin to walking on a soft, plush carpet wherever you go.
Price at time of publish: $160
Style: Fur-lined sandal | Size range: 4-12.5 | Materials: Suede, natural leather, cork, EVA
Birkenstock Gizeh Essentials EVA Sandals
Who It’s Good For
If you’re looking for a pair of sandals that are waterproof, these flipflop-adjacent shoes will surpass your expectations.
Who It’s Not Good For
If waterproofing isn’t important to you and you prefer the leather look, then these EVA sandals won’t be to your liking (but they also come in leather and suede!).
We tested the Birkenstock Gizeh EVA Sandals for ourselves and crowned them the best-designed flip flops compared to over 20 other flip flops that we tried. The features that earned them this title include a molded footbed that cradled our feet comfortably, a supportive arch that works for both flat and high arches, and soft EVA straps that didn’t cause any blisters. Not to mention, they’ve been worn by a myriad of celebrities like Reese Witherspoon, who coordinated her black sandals with matching pants, sunglasses, and a crossbody bag.
Price at time of publish: $100
Style: Sandal | Size range: 4-12.5 | Materials: EVA
People / Karen Chen
Birkenstock Women's Zermatt Shearling Clog Slipper
Who It’s Good For
For anyone who wants a cozy pair of slippers that can be worn in or out of the house, the Zermatts are a comfortable pick.
Who It’s Not Good For
These shoes have a latex footbed, so if you have a latex allergy, then these are not the right shoes for you.
I’ve been wearing Birkenstocks for a decade, and although I’ve loved each pair for their own reasons, the Birkenstock Zermatt slippers are my all-time favorite pair. We tested the Zermatts and loved their supportive cork sole that, unlike most other slippers we tested, provided moderate arch support that felt great on testers with both flat and high-arched feet. The inner shearling is soft but not overly fuzzy, so it won’t cause your feet to overheat or sweat.
I love wearing the Zermatts as house slippers, but because of their rubber sole, you can also wear them out of the house without worrying about damaging them. One important thing to note about these shoes is that their footbed is made with latex, so steer clear if you have a known latex allergy.
Price at time of publish: $39.95
Style: Clog slipper | Size range: 4-12.5 | Materials: Wool felt, shearling, cork
People / Jodi Espinosa
How to Pick the Right Birkenstocks
Style
The first thing to consider when choosing your new pair of Birkenstocks is what style you’re after. Birkenstocks come in a variety of styles, including the classic two-strap Arizona shoes or the more covering Boston clogs. Think about what you’re going to wear with your new shoes — for example, if you’re looking for a pair of shoes that go well with a pair of jeans and a sweater in the winter, then the Boston clog may be just what you’re looking for.
Fashion influencer Nazjaa has over half a million followers on TikTok, where she shares styling advice and her takes on hot trends. Nazjaa tells PEOPLE that she’d style the Bostons with “a baggy pair of jeans that fall just over the shoe, paired with a nice sweater and tank.” As for the classic Arizonas, Nazjaa says that she’d style them “with a loose, slouchy pair of linen pants or cargos that end slightly above the ankle.”
Material
Although the classic Birkenstock sandals are made from oiled leather, most of their styles are also available in a variety of materials and colors. For the classic Arizona sandals, you can choose from suede, oiled leather, textile, EVA, and more.
Most of the color and material options will come down to your personal preference, but you should also think about what kinds of elements your shoes will be exposed to when choosing a pair of Birkenstocks. For example, if you’re planning on wearing your new sandals around water, then the waterproof EVA Arizonas will outlast some of the leather options and stay beautiful for seasons to come.
Price
A large range in price exists across Birkenstock styles, with most of the cost coming down to the materials that the shoes are made from. Leather Birkenstocks tend to be more expensive than EVA shoes (because the costs of those materials are naturally higher), and more stylized options like the Kyoto are more expensive than the classic Arizona sandals.
People / Karen Chen
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Birkenstocks are most comfortable?
Birkenstock shoes are made with a contoured footbed that molds to the shape of your feet and provides moderate arch support. All Birkenstock shoes are made with comfort in mind, so the shoes that are most comfortable for you will ultimately come down to your personal preference and foot shape.
If you are more comfortable with a closed-toe shoe, then you might prefer the clog-style Birkenstock Boston. If your feet tend to overheat and you’re looking for an airy option, then the Gizeh sandals are a great choice.
What occasions can you wear Birkenstocks for?
Birkenstocks are generally a pretty causal shoe, but they can be dressed up or down to work for a variety of occasions, says TikTok fashion influencer Nazjaa. “I think Birkenstocks are so versatile, they could be worn in many different contexts,” Nazjaa tells PEOPLE. “The silhouette allows you to dress them up or down, so you really can’t go wrong,” Nazjaa says. “You could pair them with a business casual work fit on a weekday and then use the same pair to run errands on the weekend.”
Take Our Word For It
Cai Cramer is a shopping writer at PEOPLE, covering the best and buzziest products across the beauty, fashion, health, and lifestyle spaces. For this story, Cai consulted real-world testing insights and did in-depth research to determine which Birkenstock shoes are the best. Cai also spoke with TikTok fashion influencer Nazjaa, whose video on how to style Birkenstocks has earned nearly a billion views on TikTok. Nazjaa provided insights on Birkenstock style trends. Cai also used personal insights from her ten years of experience wearing Birkenstock shoes.
Meet Our Expert
Nazjaa is an Atlanta-based fashion expert and influencer who offers styling advice and shopping recommendations. She has a combined following of 939K across her YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram accounts.
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