The Best Birkenstocks to Buy Now, From Classics to New Styles
Podiatrist-approved never felt this chic.
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There’s a reason Birkenstocks went from a practical sandal to fashion editor staple, and it’s not because we’ve suddenly become sensible (I have the blisters to prove it). They’re sneaky chic, absurdly versatile, and the type of style that will quietly become the most hardworking piece in your wardrobe. It’s just a bonus that a pair of Boston Clogs or Arizona Sandals can pull double duty as a comfy, commuting shoe and everything else shoe. Oh, and pro tip: certain stores offer a “tune-up” and will clean your uppers and even seal the cork.
If we haven’t sold you yet, these picks will finish the job. Ahead, you’ll find the best Birkenstock styles worth shopping in 2026—including classics and the newer, more elevated versions Cosmo editors can’t stop wearing. Think: big buckles, rivets, raffia, and waterproof EVA that will actually hold up on vacation.
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The Arizona Sandals are a classic—and a staple of my own closet for over a decade—for a reason. The cushioned, soft footbed and suede lining deliver legendary comfort with contoured support that molds to your feet over time.
If you love the feel of the Arizona Birks but need a little more wow in the design, this updated Big Buckle version is for you. They’re durable, soft against the skin, and have the same contoured cork-latex footbed but with more exaggerated gold hardware buckles that feel more like a fashion moment.
These have such an effortless boho, Isabel Marant vibe; I was genuinely surprised they weren’t an actual collaboration with the designer. The easy-to-toss-on two-strap design boasts the signature comfort of the Birkenstock footbed but with a suede upper and cool rivet detailing that works harder to elevate your ‘fit.
Allow me to introduce you to your new summer/pool/beach shoe. The EVA-Stealth Buckle Sandals are crafted from a waterproof design that’s lightweight, durable, and delivers shock-absorbing support—which is pretty much just a fancy way of saying they feel good, look good, and will last you forever.
If you’re more of a minimalist—or an Aquarius who refuses to wear what everyone else is (guilty)—add the Birkenstock Madrid Big Buckle Sandal to your online cart, STAT. They feel a little more dressed up than other styles and pair easily with anything.
Thong sandals are back and bigger than ever, but if you’re looking to upgrade your collection, consider the Gizeh Birks for the role. The toe-post design gives them a more minimalist vibe than classic styles, and the contoured footbed has the kind of support that rubber flip-flops could simply never.
I hate to play favorites, but that’s exactly what I’ll do. The Boston Clogs are my tried-and-true, and have been a constant in my closet for the past 3+ years. I’ve worn the exact same pair for—what I would estimate to be—hundreds of errands, airport visits, and casual nights out. I even got my boyfriend a matching pair.
If your only Birks complaint is that they don’t feel trendy enough, the Big Buckle Raffia style is the brand’s answer to that myth. The woven upper gives the classic Arizona silhouette a more vacation-ready feel, while the big buckle detailing looks straight out of a summer street style shoot.
Megan Schaltegger is an NYC-based writer. She loves strong coffee, eating her way through the Manhattan food scene, and her dog, Murray. She promises not to talk about herself in third person IRL.
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