Has there ever been a summer sandal more ubiquitous than the humble Birkenstock? That's rhetorical, by the way.
Sure, flip flops are pretty staple, so are dad sandals and walking sandals, but they all come and go in and out of fashion every few years. The Birkenstock, however, has quite literally never *not* been cool. And anyone who thinks otherwise is, with all due respect, wrong.
Perhaps the most practical style symbol of a generation, there are very few scenarios for which a Birkenstock wouldn't be appropriate.
Need proof? They even come Barbie approved. Yep, the brand features twice throughout the feature, once on Margot Robbie's very own feet, and you can own the exact pair if you act fast enough (they're selling out).
So you get the gist, they're the most hard-working pair of shoes in just about anyone's wardrobe. Need a slip-on style for the beach? Birks. A comfy pair for a gentle hike along the rocky coast? Birks. Something cute to wear with a midi for lunch with the girls? Birks. A shoe to don with jeans for a stroll down the high street/with denim cut-offs for a barbecue/with tailoring in the office? Birks, Birks, Birks.
While it may be obvious as to what silhouette you should get first (the Arizona), there are what feels like a hundred other options in various different colourways, finishes and designs to choose from these days. Their success hasn't gone unnoticed by other major players in the industry, either, with everyone from Dior to Manolo Blahnik getting in on the action via some pretty epic collaborations. Basically... there's a Birk for everyone.
Black is no doubt the most popular choice, with muted khakis, navies and browns also wildly popular. For those with a penchant for more aesthetically unusual styles; metallic shades, croc-print and suede fabrications make for fun options, too.
Below, shop the 15 best Birkenstocks to own (and wear), from the high-end collab designs to the timeless classics.
Save when you shop for the best Birkenstocks with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.
Save when you shop for the best Birkenstocks with these Office discount codes at checkout.
Save when you shop for the best Birkenstocks with these Office discount codes at checkout.
Save when you shop for the best Birkenstocks with these Very discount codes at checkout.
Save when you shop for the best Birkenstocks with these Office discount codes at checkout.
Save when you shop for the best Birkenstocks with these Net-A-Porter discount codes at checkout.
Save when you shop for the best Birkenstocks with these Office discount codes at checkout.
Save when you shop for the best Birkenstocks with these Office discount codes at checkout.
For more from Glamour UK's Fashion Editor Charlie Teather, follow her on Instagram @charlieteather. For more from Glamour UK's Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.
