Seven years ago, I was browsing through the sale section at the Urban Outfitters in Herald Square and found a bunch of Birkenstock Boston clogs on sale for only $30. What a steal! I quickly snatched up a pair and started rocking them with some old adidas track pants. Only thing was, we were still a few years away from Birks being cool again. I remember my friends making fun of me saying how dumb they looked for the longest time. Funny how quickly things can change.
In recent years, it seems like everyone owns a pair of Birks with their signature footbeds. One of my favorite shoes is still that pair of Birkenstock Boston I found in the Urban Outfitters sale section. These clogs are known for their distinctive features that prioritize comfort and support. Unlike the classic Birkenstock sandals with open toes, Boston clogs feature a closed-toe design. This provides additional coverage and protection for the front part of the foot.
One of the defining features of Birkenstock footwear is the contoured footbed. The Boston clogs typically come with an adjustable strap across the instep, allowing you to customize the fit for optimal comfort. Like other Birkenstock shoes, Boston clogs are equipped with a cork footbed. This footbed is known for its ability to mold to the shape of the wearer’s foot over time, providing personalized arch support and promoting overall foot health.
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How to Wear Birkenstocks
With comfort and style no longer being mutually exclusive, Birks can be incredibly versatile and go well with everything from basketball shorts to jeans to chinos.
The key to styling Birkenstocks is to embrace their laid-back charm while incorporating them into outfits that suit your personal style. Whether you’re going for a casual, sporty, or slightly more polished look, Birkenstocks can be a versatile and comfortable addition to your wardrobe.
Here are my favorite three ways on how to wear Birkenstocks.
Style #1: Birkenstocks with Jeans
Easily my go-to outfit whenever I don’t feel like wearing sneakers or boots. The best part about the Birkenstock clogs is that they’re a few steps up from open-toed sandals with their closed-toe design, so you can get away with wearing them to special occasions and still feel cool and comfortable.
The foundation of any great outfit lies in the choice of jeans. Dark-wash jeans often exude a more polished look, and light-wash or distressed options are more casual. And while going sockless is a classic choice, you can also experiment with no-show or ankle socks for a subtle touch.
Accessories can enhance the overall look and add a personal touch to your Birkenstocks and jeans combo. You can incorporate a watch, leather bracelet, or a minimalist necklace. Keep in mind that the goal is to maintain a relaxed vibe, so opt for accessories that complement the casual aesthetic.
The great thing about this look is that you can also transition it from day to night easily. For the daytime, pair them with a simple t-shirt or a casual button-down shirt. As evening falls, consider adding a sweater or a leather jacket on top.
Style #2: Birkenstocks with Shorts
When I just went for a run and am too lazy to take my socks off, I slip on my Bostons if I need to head out to run an errand or to take out the trash. It’s a very lazy fit, but it’s become very popular since you’re cool if you try not to look cool now. Also the white sock/sandal combo used to be hideous, yet now it’s completely acceptable.
When it comes to choosing a top, opt for casual and light fabrics such as cotton or linen. T-shirts, short-sleeved button-down shirts, or even casual polo shirts can complement the relaxed vibe of the Birkenstocks and shorts combination. A pair of sunglasses, hat, a leather bracelet, or a classic watch can add a touch of personality without overpowering the simplicity of the look.
Style #3: Birkenstocks with Track Pants
Ever-so-slightly more dressy than the Birks and shorts look. Go with any brand of track pant you’d like – from Nike to Adidas to anything else – just make sure you’re rocking the Birks with them. It’s a very casual look that I’ve found I could spend a long day in without even realizing it sometimes.
Tapered or slim-fit track pants create a sleek look, and t-shirts, fitted hoodies, or long-sleeve tops work well to create a harmonious silhouette. For a polished look, consider sticking to monochromatic or neutral tones. A cohesive color palette adds a touch of sophistication to the casual ensemble. Enhance the sporty aesthetic by incorporating subtle athletic accessories such as a sporty watch, a baseball cap, or a sleek backpack.
The beauty of this combination lies in its versatility. Wear it seamlessly from the gym to casual outings by swapping a performance-focused top for a more fashion-forward one. Add a lightweight jacket or a stylish hoodie for cooler temperatures. Track pants also come in various materials, from traditional jersey to more refined options like cotton or nylon. Experimenting with different materials allows you to adapt the look for different settings, whether it’s a casual day out or a more elevated occasion.
Birkenstocks have become a cultural icon, associated with a carefree lifestyle. Their reputation for high-quality materials and comfort has lasted decades, and I don’t see them losing their popularity anytime soon. To top it off, the brand prioritizes responsibly sourced materials and implements eco-conscious manufacturing processes. Their commitment to sustainability and environmentally friendly practices aligns with the values of consumers today. If you don’t already have a pair of these comfortable shoes, I think you’re running out of reasons not to get some.
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