News + Trends

Fashion loves ugly shoes: after dad sneakers and Crocs now come the Birkenstock clogs

12.7.2022

Translation: machine translated

The Birkenstock slipper looks like it should be worn mainly within your own four walls or at most in the garden. Instead, it's turning into a true fashion favorite.

The "Arizona" slippers with double straps have been Birkenstock's flagship for years. Right now, however, another model from the German manufacturer is flooding my Insta feed: The "Boston," a finch-like slipper with a chunky shape that's been on the market since 1977. In the last few months, I've probably spotted no other shoe as often on the feet of fashion influencers and celebrities - from Kendall Jenner to Kanye West - as this one.

As a house slipper, the shoe has long been a cult. But the fact that it is now, almost half a century after its market launch, also climbing the fashion Olympus is probably due to the fact that the fashion world is currently on a cuddly course with ugly things: What was recently considered a fashion sin is now en vogue - think of dad sneakers, trekking sandals or Crocs. With its shape reminiscent of wooden Swedish clogs, the "Boston" lives up to this Ugly Shoe trend. Even luxury brands like Manolo Blahnik and Rick Owens are jumping on the hype. Both have released their own high-fashion version in collaboration with Birkenstock.

Birkenstock-Pantoffeln in der Farbe Taupe sind leider in fast allen Grössen ausverkauft.
Source: Instagram: @lisa.olssons

Sandals

Birkenstock Boston SFB Suede Softbed Narrow - 44236

Like walking on clouds

With all the hype, of course I also became curious about the Finch. But by the time I had come to the conclusion that the shoe was not just ugly, but at least ugly-charming, it was already too late: I was disappointed to discover that the popular suede models are currently sold out pretty much everywhere.

My colleague Ursina, Head of Brand Management, on the other hand, was more nimble. She was able to get hold of a pair in April - and even in the ultra popular color taupe. When she raves about the "feel-good cloud for your feet," I regret even more having hesitated for so long. The slippers are so comfortable that she now wants to buy another pair just for home. In her opinion, the "Bostons" are ideal for fresh summer days and spring weather, but also for fall - then best with socks inside.

Influencerin Mia Regan hat Ursina zum Kauf angeregt.
Source: Instagram: @mimimoocher

Sure, the hype that the shoe is currently experiencing will flatten out. But: comfort is timeless - and because Birkenstocks don't even try to be fashionable, I think they can never go out of style. So I'll wait patiently until the suede versions are available again. In the meantime, I'm already getting inspired by matching outfits from afar.

3 styling tips

1. keep it casual

The appeal of the "Boston" is its casual flair. The outfit should underline that. It's best to choose a look that is minimalist, casual or even smart casual.

Instagram: @lucywilliams02 — Instagram: @smythsisters

2. create balance

Since the finch is quite chunky, your look should include at least one other loose element and not be completely tight-fitting - otherwise the silhouette can look unbalanced. Oversized blazers and sweaters or loose-fitting shirts and pants complement the shoe perfectly.

Instagram: @brittanybathgate — Instagram: @ashbegash

3. give me the fabric

I actually think there are more appropriate footwear for dresses. However, in some cases the combo works. For this, I would go for a dress that has some volume and at least midi length.