Best Birkenstocks for Men in 2024, from A to Z | British GQ

Nov 06, 2024

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Love ‘em or hate ’em, the best Birkenstocks for men aren’t nearly as divisive as they used to be. Once a woefully misunderstood brand repped by an equally misunderstood circle of loyalists, Birkenstock has become one of the first names in all things exceptionally comfortable and relaxed—and surprisingly, downright cool.

From its early days in Germany (where it invented the contoured footbed), to taking America by storm in the ‘70s, to the high-fashion collaborations it trades in today, it's safe to say that Birkenstock has come a long way from the health-food store.

Of course, that’s all thanks to its tireless commitment to churning out some of the best sandals on the planet. Whether you’re looking for your first pair of Bostons or eager to snag a hyped collaborative offering, these are the brand's most quintessential silhouettes—plus a few left-field picks to keep you on your toes—all ready to be slipped on at a moment’s notice.

Birkenstock

Birkenstick

Sizes Available: 6-17.5

Men’s fashion has evolved in leaps and bounds since the Arizona debuted fifty-odd years ago, but the unisex two-strap sandal has only grown in appeal. With its trademark cork footbed—designed for superior arch support and reinforced with a sturdy rubber outsole — the open-toe leather slides look just as funky now as they did back when the B-52s were on the radio. Snag a pair with the classic footbed (CF) or opt for the soft footbed (SF) if you need extra cushioning, and wave goodbye to any foot-related aches and pains.

Birkenstock

Mr Porter

Sizes Available: 6-17.5

If the Samba was fashion’s reigning trainer of the last few years, Birkenstock's Boston clogs conquered the house shoe market with equal strength — and rightfully so. Crafted from oiled nubuck leather and butter-soft suede, the low-profile slipper expertly merges form and function thanks to a roomy toe box that works perfectly with a baggy pair of jeans. By some minor miracle, the Boston is mercifully well-stocked across the web right now, so you can nab a pair (or two) at your leisure.

Birkenstock

Birkenstock

Sizes Available: 6-15.5

Hold on to your shoe straps, Boston fans: Word on the blogosphere is that the internet's favourite Birkenstock silhouette might have some competition from across the pond — the Atlantic, not the Charles. Much like its better-known counterpart, the London boasts a classic branded footbed and a roomy toe box, but is anchored by a raised heel to keep it all securely in place. If the backless clog isn't for you, this London style is a failsafe pick.

Birkenstock

Birkenstock

End

Sizes Available: 6-14.5

Yes, Birkenstocks are perfect autumn shoes. But if you're looking for a sleeper-hit silhouette purpose-built for spring, we’d point you towards the A630. Crafted from water-resistant PU able to withstand country puddles and city grime with equal panache, the rubbery clog boasts a suede-lined footbed for added comfort and looks just as killer with a white tee and Dickies as it does a shell jacket and cargos.

Birkenstock

Mr Porter

Sizes Available: 6-15.5

Partly inspired by its Japanese namesake, Birkenstock's criminally underrated Kyoto sandal flies under the radar—but not for long. Supple leather or sumptuous suede nestles on top of the brand’s famously grippy soles, but the real star factor here is the adjustable velcro strap that criss-crosses the centre of the vamp, a nifty flourish that's incredibly practical — and just looks really cool. Wear them barefoot to the beach or with chunky sport socks to a post-hangover brunch.

Birkenstock

Amazon

Sizes Available: 6-15.5

With a name befitting its heroic foot-cradling prowess, the Super-Birki clog might be the cushiest pick of the whole bunch. Made from water-resistant polyurethane that’s also dirt-, oil-, and grease-proof, these triple-threat clogs are also machine-washable. Pop out the removable cork-latex footbed before tossing them into the wash and they’ll emerge good as new.

Birkenstock

Schuh

Mr Porter

Sizes Available: 6-13.5

Dipping your toes into the Birkenstock waters but not quite ready to splurge on your first pair? The waterproofed Arizona is the best place to start. It boasts the same unimpeachable silhouette as Birkenstock's hero product, but swaps the leather for lightweight, spongy EVA, a summer-ready upgrade that means it can hold its own poolside. The best part? It'll only set you back £45.

Birkenstock

Birkenstock

Sizes Available: EU 41-46

The Gizeh is a pleasantly crunchy, quasi-Egyptian flip-flop the brand introduced in the ‘80s—and it’s been dividing onlookers ever since. The Gizeh accomplishes what all divisive designs should: it earns you a few knowing nods from the real heads who salute your shoe game while riling up the purists always set on the fundamentals. It feels less like a flip-flop and more like the fisherman sandal’s cousin, and it makes a strong case for reconsidering the silhouette’s non grata status.

Birkenstock

Birkenstock

Sizes Available: 6-17.5

In nubby wool form, the Zermatt is a mainstay of our slippers ranking. All that premium suede will cost you a little more, but it's a relatively small price to pay for a go-to indoor-outdoor slipper that promises to elevate your bed-to-bodega shuffle (and earn you a few approving nods from the diehard Birkenstock fans). To our eyes, the Zermatt looks a little more eye-catching than, say, the Arizona, but that left-field verve only adds to its appeal. Few other options on this list look chiller with vintage work pants and a textural chore coat.

Birkenstock

Tekla

Sizes Available: 6-13.5

The greatest side effect of Birkenstock's fashion glow-up? Consistently fantastic collaborations with cult-favourite labels like Tekla, the Scandi textile brand behind some of the best bedding in the business. Earlier last year, Birkenstock enlisted Tekla to update the Nagoya, a velcro-strap-adorned riff on a crowd-pleasing silhouette. The cozy, shearling lined result is exactly the kind of winter-busting, mood-boosting slip-on you'll want to live in from now until the end of the colder seasons.