You may be surprised to see that we’re writing about Birkenstocks. They typically get no love on menswear blogs, as the sandal has some unstylish baggage that comes with it.
While we don’t necessarily recommend that everyone get a pair of Birkenstocks, they’re a popular name and they deserve to be talked about. The following guide covers everything you need to know about Birkenstocks including:
You can click on one of the links above to jump ahead to a particular section, or continue below to read the entire article from start to finish.

Quick Buyer’s Guide
Just looking for a quality pair of Birkenstocks? Use the Quick Buy guide to head straight to the retailers. Alternatively, scroll down to discover each one and read more about the style.
Soft Footbed
Insulated
Bolder Style
Webbed Sandal
Ankle Support
Contemporary
See All Bespoke Unit Shoe Style Guides
Other Shoe Guides
Related Shoe Styles
- Color: Black, Blue, Taupe, Grey
- Material: Leather & Cork
- Pricing: $135 [Buy Now On Zappos]
Featuring the classic and renowned Birkenstock design, this particular version of the Arizona model features a softer footbed. The contoured footbed features microscopic air bubbles, which mould to the shape of your foot creating custom support.
- Colors: Blue, Khaki
- Material: Cork, Wool
- Pricing: $100 [Buy Now On Zappos]
While we wouldn’t recommend wearing them in a blizzard, the Arizona Wool is a very cosy sandal indeed. An excellent alternative to slippers (especially if you suffer from foot conditions), the shearling wool lining and uppers provide warmth and air circulation.
- Color: Black, Cognac
- Material: Leather, Cork
- Pricing: $160 [Buy From Zappos]
A stylistic alternative, the Big Buckle Arizona is an apologetic and bold Birkenstock. Featuring all the same characteristics as the classic Arizona, it’s large buckles add some zeal to the style.
- Color: Black, Navy
- Material: Birko-Flor™, Cork
- Pricing: $100 [Buy From Zappos]
Want a Pisa this? If you’re looking for a vegan-friendly sandal, the Pisa’s uppers are made from Birko-Flor, an acrylic and polyamide felt fibre with a leather-like texture. A soft fabric lining ensures comfort against the skin while the cork sole moulds against the foot’s shape.
- Colors: Black
- Material: Birko-Flor, Cork
- Pricing: $100 [Buy Now On Zappos]
Like the Pisa above, the Rio is made from the same Birko-Flo acrylic and polyamide fibre with a cork sole. If you were to prefer a Birkenstock with ankle support, this would be an excellent choice.
- Colors: Black, Green
- Material: Textile, Cork
- Pricing: $120 [Buy From Zappos]
A Birkenstock with a more contemporary slide-style design, the Tema consists of an adjustable textile strap and the celebrated cork sole. A great option for the beach or summer time, they’re a break from the typical Birkenstock design.
What Are Birkenstocks?
Birkenstock is actually a footwear brand, not a style of shoe. While the company has expanded its offerings and now sells all types of casual shoes for men, women, and kids, they’re a household name for sandals. For the purposes of this article, we’ll focus on their “Arizona” model, which is featured above..
From a high level, it’s a flat shoe with two buckled straps. They’re the subject of some controversy as you’ll learn in this guide. While the Bespoke Unit team is divided on how we regard them, we agree that Birkenstock has earned a place in the footwear universe.
History & Focus On Comfort
If you go back far enough, you’ll learn that the Birkenstock name dates back to a man named Johann Adam Birkenstock. He was listed as a “subject and cobbler” in the archives of his local church in 1774. Over 100 years later in 1896, Konrad Birkenstock (a master cobbler) began to manufacture and sell flexible insoles. Unfortunately, the company offers no history of the 122 years between these events.
It would still be many years before Birkenstock became a full-blown company, but Johann’s legacy set those wheels in motion. In 1932, after many years and family members focusing on developing ergonomically correct shoes, Carl Birkenstock’s “Carl Birkenstock System,” a series of Birkenstock training courses, was endorsed by top podiatrists at the time.
This was the culmination of many years of focusing on ergonomically correct footwear, and the medical community took notice. They were, in a way, the first orthopedic shoes that became popular with us regular folk.
In the mid-1960’s, the shoes were brought to market in the United States, and they’re currently sold in speciality shoe stores.
Today, Birkenstocks are despised by some and cherished by many. In the next section, we’ll explain how to wear them and avoid the common pitfalls.
How To Wear Birkenstocks
It would behove us to mention that Birkenstock sandals in the past have been associated with two sets of people who aren’t known for being stylish:
- Older Men who wear Dad jeans unironically. If you see a guy wearing shorts, a Hawaiian shirt, socks and sandals, he’s probably a Dad and those are probably Birkenstocks.
- Hippies, tree-huggers, flower children, et al.
While we have absolutely no issue with those demographics, it’s certainly impressive to see how the brand is now celebrated by younger men and women today.
In fact the company experienced a renaissance in recent years with a high fashion rebranding. You can still see the results on their website (their collaboration with HighSnobiety further cements this).
Furthermore, the use of natural materials resonates with the fashion-forward hipster movement, which has further added to their renewed reputation.
Formality
These are sandals and they are therefore very casual. They can be worn with:
- Shorts
- Jeans
- Casual cotton or linen trousers
Many will insist that Birkenstocks mustn’t be worn with socks. Indeed, combining sandals with sock is often frowned upon by some circles. Furthermore, you may lose the larger benefits of the renowned cork footbed.
However, there are occasions where it’s perfectly fine and proponents of wearing socks and Birkenstocks insist on their level of comfort.
Overall, it’s recommended that you wear clothes that fit extraordinarily well for the most attractive styling results. Therefore, cargo shorts that hang past the knee should be avoided as should jeans with ripped hems. Similarly, oversized or pleated khakis are generally not recommended.
Birkenstocks won’t look right with tailored clothing like suits or odd jackets and trousers. Even if you’re a super stylish man who could make a clown suit look good in public, avoid wearing Birkenstocks with a suit. However, if you do this and somehow it works, we would be very curious to see pictures.
In 90% of cases, this is a daytime shoe. Although they’re sandals, they’re known for being extremely comfortable. As such, you’ll probably be inclined to do a lot of walking in them.
If you’re going out for dinner or something of that nature, we see Birkenstocks as acceptable under the following conditions:
- The venue or restaurant has a casual atmosphere
- You’re in a resort or beach town where everyone is wearing sandals all the time anyway
- The weather is warm enough to justify wearing sandals at night, and
- Your feet are objectively not gross
Otherwise, a lot of Birkenstock wearers enjoy them as an orthotic alternative to slippers. Many people with certain foot conditions like Plantar Fasciitis find the lack of heel support of slippers painful. As such, Birkenstocks are a great solution thanks to the comfortable cork sole and contoured footbed.
Seasonality
Being a sandal, these have limited wear. In temperate climates they can be worn roughly three months out of the year, but if you live somewhere tropical, you can wear them all year round.
- Spring: Basic Earth tones like beige, brown, and olive, only on particularly warm days (after Memorial Day in the U.S.)
- Summer: Whatever color tickles your fancy
- Autumn: N/A
- Winter: N/A
As mentioned above, many Birkenstocks are worn as slippers. Therefore, if they are to be worn indoors, the season will have a much smaller impact on the style. Similarly, don’t forget that some models are insulated.
While this can provide lots of comfort indoors, their open construction won’t make them much better for outside!
Do We Recommend Buying These?
Despite their checked history, Birkenstocks have evolved to become a celebrated and surprisingly stylish brand when worn correctly. However, it is easy to wear them in a way that can look out of place.
If you’re looking for sandals or slippers that offers superior comfort and are made from natural materials, a classic Birkenstock might be a great choice. However, make sure that you don’t slip in to the common pitfalls that we mentioned above lest you are comfortable being associated with other subcultures.
What Next?
Now that you have learned about Birkenstocks, check out some our related footwear guides for men:
- How To Wear Espadrilles & Best To Buy
- Top Boat Shoes For Men
- Best Casual Summer Shoes For Men
- Most Comfortable Shoes For Men
- Men’s Shoes Homepage
"A great introduction to Birkenstocks. I don't care about the controversy, I'm buying a pair right now!"Rating: 5.0 ★★★★★
Socks are your choice and 100% optional. Plenty wear the shoes for its comfort and weather dependent, some year around. Socks will always assist in keeping your toenails and feet cleaner and feet warmer in cooler temperatures. The author of this article obviously has his/her prejudices against socks, but in the end, they are your feet, your sandals so wear them as you see fit. Millions of others do.
Hi HG,
We agree that it’s a question of personal preference. If you like to wear socks with your sandals, by all means go for it! The author here believes otherwise but it’s one of those age-old debates, which probably has no right answer.
All the best,
CP
Even the most dapper among us should have a pair of Arizonas and wear them year-round with socks as their slippers, even if they never leave the house with them. Far superior to slippers in comfort and they last forever. I agree the Arizona style is the best choice. A back strap is not needed and just gets in the way. If you like leather straps go for it, but I have the Birki-Flors and they look great and last forever in addition to being slightly cheaper. Not a fan of the soft footbed myself, I prefer the classic.
Hi Reznil,
Thanks for your comment – what you have to say is very interesting!
All the best,
CP
I wear socks with Birkie’s, and have for many years. All in all, I believe this article missed the mark completely, as it relates to socks/no socks, sandal snobbery, and seasonal/non-seasonal wear. We agree it is a casual only piece!
Dave Dahlin
Madtown, WI
Hi Dave,
Thanks for your comment. Yes, given that you’re not alone in preferring Birkenstocks with socks, I see that this page needs a little tweaking!
All the best,
CP
Thanks for sharing the style. Very comfortable to wear in summers. Thanks a lot again for such an informative post the other posts are too good.
Hi Sheikh,
Thanks for reading and we appreciate the positive feedback!
-Trevor
Never socks with sandals! If you do it, then clearly you have no style. May as well wear closed toed shoes.
Hi AJ,
I completely agree with your stance on refraining from wearing socks and sandals.
That being said, I know many people who adamantly defend the concept of wearing socks with Birkenstocks and other types of sandals. It’s quite a controversial topic to say the least!
-Trevor
What’s wrong with being a dad?
Hi Jon,
No-one said that there’s anything wrong with being a dad! Both the author and I are fathers!
Best,
CP
Birkenstocks are outrageously comfortable and far better for your back and hips then most foot coverings out there. I wear them a lot (and even with socks on occasion if it’s a cool day here in north GA). HOWEVER: I’m in the airline industry, and the number of men I see traveling in sandals and no socks with how shall I say this un-cared for feet is legion. Please, for the love of all that’s right, if your going to travel with your Birkies, and you don’t bother with pedi care, wear socks.
Hi Scott,
My wife just bought her first pair as she’s suffering from plantar issues and she absolutely loves them. However, whilst she takes good care of her toes, I entirely agree with regards to your comments as well-manicured feet!
All the best,
CP
Great article. I’m thinking of buying a pair of their clogs…what would you recommend wearing them with? And it what situations?
Dear James,
Thank you for your comment.
To be honest I’m not a clog guy! I see many nurses (both men and women) in the USA wearing them, so assume they are very comfortable for being on your feet all day.
As for style options, really depends. But I would not consider a clog anywhere near formal.
All the best – Paul
I’m also debating weather to buy their Birkenstock Mayari. I think they look really comfortable, and they’re supposedly “unisex”, but can (straight) men wear these, in your opinion?
Dear James,
I’ve never really been a sandal guy myself.
With that being said I don’t see any reason why any gentleman can’t wear these. But I’d further add only in casual settings!
Cheers – Paul
I just ordered my first pair, after reading this article, I’m terrified to wear them.
Hi Citizen AZ!
Don’t be! Birkenstocks are great when worn in the right circumstances! I have a pair that I often use for milling around. They’re comfortable and convenient.
All the best,
CP
I’ll be visiting my brother in Berkeley this July, when we expect to do a lot of walking. I have a sore little toe that won’t let me walk in regular shoes without pain, but I can wear zoris OK. It looks as if my toe would be free of the pressure of shoes if I wear Birkenstocks. How are the Arizonas for walking?
Hi Hal,
It depends largely on the distance and terrain that you’ll be walking (as well as the weather!). Birkenstocks are great for short strolls but I wouldn’t push it to over a couple of miles as you might get a little chafing after a while.
All the best,
CP
Thank for the advice, CP. The walking will be along city sidewalks and may be up to a mile.. Would it make a difference if I wore socks? Would it be better to wear a sandal with a heel strap?.
Hal
Hi Hal,
It’s hard to say. If it’s hot, socks might either help absorb or cause sweat. As for the heel strap, some people find this less comfortable than without. It’s all a matter of personal preference so I’m afraid that I can’t really help there!
All the best,
CP
I purchased my very first pair of Birkensotcks a year ago; they’re the Milano with the blackstrap. They definitely weren’t very comfortable out of the box, until I wore them for a couple of weeks to Break them in. These sandals are extremely comfortable now and look great. My only complaint with them is that the soles are wearing too quickly on the edges, and the cork in front of the toe box cracked. Aside from these two issues I really like these sandals for their comfort and looks.
Hi Ed,
Glad to hear that you’re fond of Birkenstocks. Do you wear them very regularly? If you wear shoes on a daily basis, they have a tendency to wear faster – not just because you wear them more but they occasionally require time to rest. However, this does sound like they’re wearing faster than expected!
All the best,
CP
Hi, Birkenstock, has many shoes that are closed and wearable without socks (no smell). Your guide is for leather sandals in general. Too bad you insist on the least fashionable (as a fashion website?).
Hi Magician,
We can add more styles but I don’t know where you got the impression that this guide is for leather sandals in general. It’s quite clearly a Birkenstock article – it says so in the title! Birkenstock has only one closed model, which is the mule-style Boston and more of a sabot than a sandal. In any case, this article is due to be updated soon so we’ll take your feedback into consideration.
Best,
CP
I have a pair of navy blue Arizona’s that I wear whenever I can (this pretty much excludes work, gym, or formal occasion) since I live in Southern California. Blue is my favorite color and matching is not an issue; plus they match the color of my favorite NFL team (they usually win when I wear them to the game). Can wear them with just about anything, except baggy pants and formal clothes. The shoes are super comfortable and feel like you are walking on air. The more you wear them, they better they feel. I didn’t think that I could wear them on long walks (including those uphill) but was wrong.
As I have gotten older, I feel better either barefoot or in open-toed shoes; easier and cooler on my feet. I am adamant about the no sock rule; to me it defeats the purpose of wearing sandals. Yes, clip your nails and get an occasional pedi-your friends (and wife) will appreciate it.
I also have a black Milano and a black Ramses if I want to dress things up a bit more. I don’t wear them as much as my default is the Arizona, and they are super easy to put on.
Hi Mark,
Great to hear that Birkenstocks work for you and that you’re a proponent of the no-sock rule! Your testimonial is much appreciated.
Best,
CP