8 OVERPOWERED BIRKENSTOCK COLLABS EVER 

Known for its cork sole and minimalist aesthetic, German shoe brand BIRKENSTOCK has made a name for crafting durable, versatile, and ergonomic pieces. The Birkenstock sandal was popular among WW2 soldiers because of its orthopedic support. It wasn’t until the early ’90s, when trendsetter Kate Moss was seen sporting the beloved Arizona sandals, that Birkenstock shoes transcended suburban fathers’ wardrobes and entered the high fashion sphere.

Here are a few collaborations that Birkenstock has had so far which we truly feel and overpowered

1. BIRKENSTOCK X MANOLO BLAHNIK

It’s only natural that Birkenstock and Manolo Blahnik would collaborate. After all, both labels share the same desire for high-fashion functionality. Constructed using lust-worthy colors (such as polished black, royal blue, and candy pink), and decorated with the signature crystal embellishments that made Blahnik a household name, these one-of-a-kind sandals will make every day a luxurious affair. Wear the black Boston leather slippers with a pair of denim for a casual daytime look, or lean into the color-popping effect of the pink velvet embellished sandals by matching them with a knitted dress.

2. BIRKENSTOCK X JIL SANDER

Relishing in the friction between the natural world and the city, the Birkenstock x Jil Sander collaboration is a testament to the comfort found in luxury craftsmanship and minimalist design. Working together with the Birkenstock team, Jil Sander’s creative directors (Luke and Lucie Meier) wanted to use the partnership as a way to continue the authentic appeal that has turned Jil Sander into a household name. As well as reimagining the classic Arizona, Milano, and Berlin silhouettes, the partnership has birthed a new style: the Velan. Similar to the Berlin sandal, the Velan has a closed-toe design. What makes it unique is the soft ankle straps which give a feminine touch to the shoe.

3. BIRKENSTOCK X VALENTINO GARAVANI

This isn’t the first time the Italian fashion house and Birkenstock have come together. Following the success of their initial collaborative effort—which saw the brand’s Arizona sandals bathed in the iconic Valentino red—the pair decided to expand their trove of sandals incorporating three distinct styles all featuring a macro-print. The Spring/Summer 2021 sandals evoke an ’80s feeling of fun and freedom, while still maintaining Valentino’s elegance.

4. BIRKENSTOCK X PROENZA SCHOULER

Leave it to New York City-based brand Proenza Schouler to give Birkenstocks the high fashion treatment. Released in the summer of 2020, Jack McCollough and Lazaro Hernandez, the designers behind Proenza Schouler, reimagined the signature Arizona and Milano sandals in a contemporary way, fusing their cool-girl aesthetic with Birkenstocks’ functionality. The buckles have been replaced with Velcro fastenings, making them easier to adjust; the minimal designs have been exchanged for vibrant topstitching (see our favorite black and yellow silhouette), and the earth-toned colorways we have all grown accustomed to having been swapped for sleek monochromatic tones ideal for making your mark in the concrete jungle.

5. BIRKENSTOCK X RICK OWENS

Rick Owens, a designer with a penchant for leather, has taken his energy usually reserved for combat and platform boots, and refocused it into his own version of Birkenstock Arizona sandals. He injected his own aesthetic by balancing the cork sole’s natural appearance with reflective silver straps that give off extraterrestrial vibes that are quite literally out of this world.

6. BIRKENSTOCK X STÜSSY

We’re taking a break from the regular sandal offerings to spotlight the humble clog. But not just any clog—it’s the Boston Clog. A collaboration between Californian streetwear brands Stüssy and Birkenstock, this clog takes Stüssy’s streetwear aesthetic and fuses it with Birkenstocks’ casual sensibility for a laid-back shoe with unexpected street cred. Though comfortability is optimized with the cork-latex sole and suede lining, this shoe isn’t meant for the confines of your own backyard. Thanks to a soft corduroy construction and embossed Stüssy logo, they create an air of subtle sophistication that is meant to be shown off.

7. BIRKENSTOCK X TOOGOOD

Some matches prove to be more bountiful than first anticipated. And such is the case for Birkenstock and Toogood’s collaboration. Toogood, the London-based design studio that specializes in interior design, homeware, and fine art, doesn’t seem a natural fit for a Birkenstock collaboration. But drawing on their shared values and core strengths of function and design, the pair has created three distinct footwear options coined: the Forager, the Mudlark, and the Beachcomber. Each shoe has the same double strap style and padded base that prioritizes comfortability. However, each differs in overall aesthetic, varying from cheery yellow to stark white.

8. BIRKENSTOCK X CSM

For this next collaboration, Birkenstock called upon the type of creative minds that can only be found at the prestigious fashion institution Central Saint Martins. Design students were given the task of reinterpreting Birkenstocks’ emblematic styles in a modern way, so they pulled from their creative arsenal and the brand’s 250-year-old archive to craft a new collection of sandals. The result? Five futuristic silhouettes anchored by Birkenstocks’ trademark comfortability.

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