The 10 Best Birkenstocks For 2023

Using our years of knowledge of selling shoes and talking to customers, we’ve compiled the ten best Birkenstock styles for this year. Traditionally, Birkenstocks were seen as a summer icon with their timeless sandals but now you can enjoy them all year round with sheepskin and felt slippers. Check out our list below to find our best-rated styles as decided by our customers and in-store footwear experts, with a comprehensive list of the advantages and disadvantages of each style.

Our experience has taught us that size conversions and different fit options can make it confusing to find the best Birkenstock fit but don’t worry, we’ve written a comprehensive Birkenstock Fitting Guide.

Begg Shoes are one of Scotland’s longest-standing independent shoe retailers having been established in 1866. Six generations of the Begg family later, the business now boasts a team of footwear experts – many of whom are fully qualified from The Society of Shoe Fitters. Offering free and fast delivery and the biggest independent Rieker collection in the UK, you can be sure of excellence and experience when placing your order with us.

Our Best Birkenstocks: Recommendations

1. Best Birkenstock Overall: Arizona – £75.00

The Birkenstock Arizona is number one on our list as it’s widely regarded as the best Birkenstocks, available in a huge range of colours and materials. This style icon seen here in stone doesn’t just look great but feels great too with Birkenstock’s signature footbed designed to make you feel like you’re walking on sand. The moisture-absorbing suede lining wicks away moisture and maintains a comfortable foot temperature. This particular colourway is neutral, but bear in mind that the upper is man-made rather than leather so you may find it more restrictive than leather or suede uppers.

 

2. Birkenstock Milano – £75

At number two on our list is the Birkenstock Milano which has been adapted from the iconic Arizona style to include a strap around the back. This style gives you more stability and support and is made with nubuck leather, which is preferred for being more durable than traditional smooth or suede leather.

 

3. Mayari – £75.00

Next up is Birkenstock Mayari, another iconic shape but this time with a toe loop. This style offers a slightly more feminine and elegant option for your summer wardrobe. The buckles still offer you the adjustability for a personalised fit while the thinner straps over the top are more slimming. Please note that this style is made with the Birkenstock Regular Fitting, which we have found to be more wide fit than regular. This is ideal if you prefer wider-fitting footwear, but if you take a standard fit then the Birkenstock Narrow Fit will be more suited to you.

 

4. Gizeh – £75.00

Birkenstock Gizeh is the go-to style for a pair of comfortable “thong” sandals. Nothing says summer more than a pair of toe post flip flop style sandals and they feature an adjustable strap over the top for a personalised Birkenstock fit. The colourway pictured is neutral and flattering, though is only available in the Birkenstock Regular Fitting which is generally wide fitting. Take a look at the Birkenstock Gizeh Narrow in Oyster for the standard fit version.

5. Boston Franca – £105

Next on our list is the Birkenstock Franca sliders. These strappy sandals have slim straps and adjustable buckles for a personalised fit, whilst the narrow straps are more flattering than the traditional wide straps of the Arizona style. The Birkenstock Franca here is made on the Regular Fit, which is more like a wide fit.

6. Arizona Soft Footbed – £85

The Birkenstock Soft Footbed range offers additional padding to your beloved Birks. There is an additional foam layer between the suede footbed and cork sole, offering superb comfort underfoot. Seen here in metallic rose gold, these Arizona Soft Footbed sandals are neutral and flattering.

7. Tulum – £105.00

The Birkenstock Tulum Soft Footbed style is a little more fashion-forward and has earned a place on our best Birkenstocks guide. This newer style from Birkenstock encapsulates their cottage-core aesthetic with chunkier straps and soft suede uppers. The padded footbed features an additional foam layer for excellent comfort, whilst the cupped heel and built-in arch offers support underfoot.

 

8. Sydney – £75.00

The Birkenstock Sydney style for ladies is very similar to the popular Arizona style and proves that fashion and functionality can go together. This style is more flattering than the chunkier straps of Arizona. Please note that the Birkenstock Regular Fit fits more like a wide fit, which is ideal if you prefer wide-fitting footwear.

9. Best Birkenstocks for Men: Arizona – £65.00

We’ve not forgotten about the best Birkenstocks for men. The classic Arizona style is available in men’s sizes with a roomier Regular Fit. The durable man-made upper keeps the price down, though we do have other colours available in leather and suede should you prefer a flexible upper.

10. Boston- £115.00

The Birkenstock  Boston mule for men is a versatile and classic shoe that can be worn all year round. The leather upper of these mules has a sophisticated design together with their iconic footbed, while the buckle allows adjustability for a better fit. The footbed is made from cork which is a natural product providing insulation and cushioning with every step. This style is very popular so does sell out quickly.

Did you enjoy our guide on the best Birkenstocks for 2023? Read our other guides by visiting our blog.