The 7 Best Birkenstocks for Men, According to Guys Who Wear Them All the Time
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I am mildly obsessed with Birkenstock sandals, so it’s been incredibly fun for me to see them picking up in popularity with men as well. And with so many styles to choose from—all of which feature the brand’s signature molded footbeds for bonus arch support and comfort—their popularity really shouldn’t be that surprising. There are the classic Arizonas, great for the guy looking for a timeless sandal. There’s the new favorite, the Boston clogs, that offer year-round versatility with all the comfort of a slipper. There are even work shoes that will make you the envy of everyone in the office kitchen. Below, you’ll find seven of the best Birkenstocks for men looking to expand their shoe collection, all vetted and tested by real guys who wear them regularly.
The 7 Best Birkenstocks for Men at a Glance
How I Chose the Best Birkenstocks for Men
Each of the styles on this list came recommended by men who own and wear them regularly. I also looked at Birkenstock’s top sellers and read reviews on multiple commerce sites to ensure these shoes are beloved by more than just my colleagues, friends and family.
What to Consider When Shopping for the Best Birkenstocks for Men
There are three things I recommend considering when shopping for Birkenstocks, especially if you’ve never worn the brand before.
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1. Birkenstock Arizona Oiled Leather Sandals
The Arizona may not be the original modern Birkenstock shoe (that would be the Madrid), but there’s no doubt it is the most iconic. They come with the brand’s signature cork footbed that molds to the shape of your foot over time, and the buckles are both fully adjustable to give you better control over the fit. “They’re comfortable to wear inside or outside,” says Nolan Murphy, 35. He also notes that the oiled leather version has a nice heft to it that feels not just comfy but supportive too. “They’re a nice material that support my feet and stay on well, unlike a lot of thong sandals.” Kevin Keenan, 33, also find his Arizona sandals super comfortable, adding “They’re a perfect balance of cushioning and stability.” As for how to wear them, Murphy highly recommends leaning into the once dorky but now incredibly cool socks-with-sandals look: “I like them with socks, inspired stylistically by my mother-in-law.”
2. Birkenstock Boston Soft Footbed Clogs
VP of Talent Relations Dylan MacNamara named these trendy clogs as a staple in his footwear collection. “The Birkstenstock Bostons are as comfortable as they are versatile,” he notes. “They don't particularly require break-in time, and I love how they can be worn with (nearly) any fit: running errands, gardening or even with nicer jeans and collared shirt. They really can be worn with anything.” Multiple other friends also called out the Boston clogs as a super comfortable shoe that feels almost like slippers, but can still be worn out in public. And while the buckle across the top is adjustable, it doesn’t have as much range as the straps on the Arizona, so be sure to double check the measurements of the regular/wide width versus the medium/narrow width to ensure you’re getting the right fit.
3. Birkenstock Arizona EVA Sandals
Brendan Dunlap, 31, loves this lightweight EVA sandal as an alternative to beach shoes or slides. “I love that they’re as light and breathable as flip flops, but are much more structured and supportive,” he explains. “Great for the pool, the beach, traveling (especially since they weigh basically nothing), really anything. Pretty durable too, they’ve survived a few unsupervised chewing sessions from our dog." And just like the leather Arizonas, the straps are fully adjustable. The EVA material is also incredibly easy to clean and, according to reviews, doesn’t hold on to odor in the way that the cork soles sometimes can. One potential downside, however, is the fact that this style only goes up to a size 13-13.5 (although it does come in two different widths). But fingers crossed Birkenstock starts offering larger sizes in the near future.
4. Birkenstock Barbados EVA Sandals
If you prefer the look and feel of a classic lightweight slide, the Barbados sandal is a major best-seller for Birkenstock with a classic look that requires no break-in time. It’s made of the same super-light EVA foam as the Arizona style above, but in place of two adjustable straps there is just the wide fixed wide strap. The benefit there is that, by having one smooth continuous shape, there are fewer hot spots likely to cause blisters or chafing. Unfortunately, this does mean that these sandals are not adjustable, and they also come in just one width. But reviewers rave about how easy and comfortable these sandals are, with many noting that the higher sides and molded foot help them stay in place better than similar designs from other brands. Another benefit of that molded footbed? Improved arch support to keep your feet feeling happy and comfy, even after all-day wear.
5. Birkenstock Milano Birkibuc Sandals
My husband’s least favorite thing about sandals and backless shoes is that he feels he needs to grip with his toes in order to prevent them from falling off (whether real or imagined), changing the way he walks. But this twist on the iconic Arizona sandal fixes that with the addition of a third adjustable strap across the back of the heel for extra security when walking. Just like its predecessor, this style comes with Birkenstock’s signature molded cork footbed, which continues to conform to the shape of your foot with every wear. Per one REI reviewer, “I have been a big fan of Birkies for decades. These Milanos replace an older pair almost worn out even after resoling several times. I appreciate the back strap of the Milano for all-day use, although I also own Arizonas for kicking around. Best sandals ever for superior arch support plus comfort.”
6. Birkenstock Medina Vegan Microfiber Sandals
For the guy who likes the look and feel of flip flops, but is ready for a cooler upgrade, try these faux-suede sandals. The wider thong strap gives more support than flimsy plastic models, as does the adjustable strap across the top of the foot. The Medina comes in a number of different material options—leather, Birkibuc, suede, etc.—but reviewers note that the vegan microfiber suede is particularly comfortable for the toe strap, with minimal rubbing or irritation. P.S. If you prefer a slimmer design, try the Gizeh style, which is almost identical to the Medina but with a thinner toe strap.
7. Birkenstock Super-Birki Clogs
These clogs were originally designed with kitchen, hospital and garden workers in mind, but can really be worn by anyone looking for an easy, comfortable clog that’s also supportive. The polyurethane material is super easy to clean and also water resistant, so it won’t hold onto any unexpected puddles or spills. The outsole has improved traction to avoid slips, as well. It comes in only the one width (regular/wide), but there are tons of colors to choose from, from classic black to brat green. Oh, and did I mention that the cork footbeds are replaceable? So if you feel them wearing down, you can just snap up a new insole for $30 without having to replace the whole shoe.
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PureWow's editors and writers have spent more than a decade shopping online, digging through sales and putting our home goods, beauty finds, wellness picks and more through the wringer—all to help you determine which are actually worth your hard-earned cash. From our PureWow100 series (where we rank items on a 100-point scale) to our painstakingly curated lists of fashion, beauty, cooking, home and family picks, you can trust that our recommendations have been thoroughly vetted for function, aesthetics and innovation. Whether you're looking for travel-size hair dryers you can take on-the-go or women’s walking shoes that won’t hurt your feet, we’ve got you covered.
