In 2024, the buzz surrounding German-based footwear label Birkenstock remains undiminished. With a history spanning over 250 years, Birkenstock began as a modest family-run business, initially manufacturing insoles before crafting its inaugural sandal in 1963. Since 2018, the brand has been on the verge of transcending cult status, rapidly evolving into a sartorial staple due to its unique blend of style and comfort.
One of the brand’s most popular silhouettes is the Boston clog, renowned for its comfortably moulded footbed and understated design. It strikes an excellent balance between style and comfort, as evidenced by A-list style stars like Kaia Gerber and Irina Shayk frequently seen sporting it.
Birkenstock’s iconic two-strap Arizona sandal has also garnered widespread interest, with luxurious iterations in collaboration with fashion house Valentino and a subversive twist with cult label Rick Owens. A pair of Birkenstocks even enjoyed a recent and pivotal moment in pop culture, making a cameo appearance in the Barbie movie, adorned in bright pink. Most recently, its collaboration with the Copenhagen-based homeware label Tekla has merged the comfort of both brands into a collection that epitomizes cosiness.
The collaborations for which Birkenstock has become known over the past few years are housed under the brand’s special projects wing, the 1774 line. Apart from collaborations, the line often reimagines classics like the Arizona sandal and Boston clog in experimental and unique iterations. Its spring/summer 2024 release is no different. Largely inspired by the spirit of artistic exploration and collaboration in downtown New York during the ’70s and ’80s, the collection features six different styles.
Two new models of shoes are introduced for the very first time. There’s the 33 Dougal, which pays homage to the much-coveted Birkenstock Boston clog design. Appearing in high-shine finishes of black, carafe, moss green, and kurkuma, the body boasts a fully smooth leather body with a colour-matched buckle. Then there’s the 222 West. Melding and hybridising both the two-strap sandal and Boston styles, the new model is released in sleek black leather along with chrome buckles. Experimental in design but still understated and versatile, the two new models are a must-have in anyone’s rotation.
Fans of Birkenstock who prefer to stick to the classics can opt for the iconic Arizona, Florida, and Milano silhouettes in Berlin leather, as well as kurkuma, carafe, and green moss cazador suede renditions. There’s also the more recent, much-raved-about Tokio mule, which was released in the 1774 line’s previous collection. Returning in rustic shades of Carafe, Kurkuma, and Moss Green, the coveted model seems to be staying for good in Birkenstock’s repertoire.
Below, peruse the collection’s many gems.
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33 Dougal Smooth Berlin Leather, $810
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222 West Smooth Berlin Leather, $850
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Arizona Cazador Suede Leather, $710
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Arizona Smooth Berlin Leather, $770
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Florida Smooth Berlin Leather, $650
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Milano Smooth Berlin Leather, $780
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Tokio Cazador Suede Leather, $770
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Tokio Smooth Berlin Leather, $810
The collection will be available on 14 March online and in select global retailers.
