Wondering how to style Birkenstock clogs? You've come to the right place. You only have to look around on your morning commute to see that the Birkenstock Boston clog has been one of the most sought-after buys of 2024, and the trend shows no sign of slowing down. But for first-timers, it can be tricky to know what to pair them with.
A practical yet chic capsule wardrobe staple that the fashion crowd can't get enough of, clogs are comfortable and versatile - which isn't something we can often say about shoes. They offer all the comfort of a slipper - if you've ever had a pair of Birkenstock sandals, you'll know how comfortable the footbed is - with a trendy outdoor appeal.
Even in the unpredictable weather, this silhouette has you covered for casual days off or summer outfits for work. Available in a neutral colour palette of beige, brown, khaki and grey, as well as classic black or statement blue, they will slot effortlessly into almost any wardrobe and suit a multitude of styles and tastes.
But for many, the look and shape of the shoe is divisive. Mirroring the ultimate love-to-hate silhouette of Crocs, it can be challenging to imagine how to wear Birkenstock clogs in a fashion-forward way. However, celebrities including Sarah Jessica Parker, Reese Witherspoon, and Jennifer Garner have all been spotted sporting a clog for off-duty days, proving that practicality can still be stylish.
They take some getting used to when you first try them, but I wouldn't be without my Birkenstock clogs now. When you look down your feet feel really wide at first, and they take some adjusting to, but they do look great on. The very best thing to wear them with? Confidence!
What is the Birkenstock clogs trend?
Birkenstock Boston clogs became somewhat of an overnight sensation in 2022, thanks to posts on TikTok that demonstrated the versatility of the shoe and the various occasions they can be worn for. However, the brand has been building itself for decades to be one of the most trusted footwear labels on the market. The Boston style actually first launched in 1979, and has slowly been growing in acclaim ever since.
After reaching a peak in the '90s and early 2000s, the clogs fell out of favour when platform, strappy numbers came back into fashion. But today, in an era when '90s fashion trends and Y2K looks are firmly back on the style map, we are finally ready to welcome the Boston back into our wardrobes.
Known best for its open-toed Arizona sandal, there are fashion aficionados who will only be seen donning Birkenstock shoes in the summer months. But these classic sandals don't work for every season, and can be impractical if you live somewhere with a cooler climate. As we start thinking about an autumn capsule wardrobe, there has never been a better time to start working closed-toe Birkenstock clogs into your rotation for unmatched ease that will see you through the season.
How to style Birkenstock clogs
Despite what you may think, they are probably one of the easiest shoes to style. Thanks to the closed toe, they look just as good with socks as they do with bare feet, meaning they are the ultimate transitional piece. Whether you want to team your pair with jeans, skirts, or even wear them to the office, there is a trendy and sophisticated way to do so.
1. How to style Birkenstock clogs with dresses
Style Birkenstock Boston clogs with a dress for the ultimate nod to the Coastal Grandmother trend. Opt for a light coloured and floaty number, layered over or under a knit to make this style weather-appropriate.
Pairing with dresses doesn't only create a chic outfit in two simple steps, but also allows the silhouette of the clogs to shine. We love the layering potential with dresses and clogs: throw on a denim jacket and some statement sunglasses for a pub date, or layer with a white tee and white socks to keep things bright.
RRP: £29.99 | These drop waist dresses have been everywhere so far this summer, and this Mango option will pair perfectly with clogs. It will work well styled casually, but you could just as easily glam it up with gold jewellery and heels too.
RRP: £150 | If you're new to this trend, sticking with neutral colours is your best bet. This beige hue works with any tone without being too dark, making them a comfy and stylish summer purchase. Finding reduced Birkenstocks is rare, but keep an eye on the Net-A-Porter sale.
2. How to style Birkenstock clogs with jeans
Perhaps the easiest way to style Birkenstock clogs, jeans are a versatile item to team with your Bostons. A trousers silhouette, in general, will allow your fancy footwear to peek out from under the hems, making a subtle yet stylish statement that can be worn for so many different occasions and works no matter the season.
If you're asking can jeans can be business casual when teamed with clogs, the answer is yes. Whether you're heading to a meeting or you want an easy outfit for running errands in, there is no end to the versatility of the combination that is jeans and clogs.
RRP: £60 | Want something more wet weather appropriate? The EVA style is made from highly elastic, shock-absorbent, waterproof, and skin-friendly material - and it's much cheaper than the suede version.
RRP: £110 | If you're looking for the best jeans for your body type, Levi's carries a huge range of designs that work for all shapes and size. The Ribcage style is well worth the investment, and are the ideal cut to show off your clogs.
RRP: £15.99 | Everyone needs a high quality white tee in their rotation and this non see-through style was in my list of what to pack in hand luggage. It's so good, I bought three for my wardrobe!
3. How to style Birkenstock clogs with skirts and shorts
In a similar vein to dresses, styling your Birkenstock clogs with a skirt really allows them to sing. And they can be worn together as a stylish combo, whatever the weather. Midi or maxi, any length and cut of a skirt can work with clogs, so don't be afraid to experiment. And that goes for shorts too!
Keep it simple with a white tee or shirt to streamline your silhouette, and help balance out the chunkiness of the clog's toe. You can also layer with a knit or leather jacket for evenings out.
RRP: £210 | A breezy white midi will pair beautifully with clogs. Sustainable LA-based brand Christy Dawn does Cottagecore better than anyone, and can count plenty of A-listers as fans. Read up if it's not already on your radar!
RRP: £57 | Arket linen shirts are some of the best you'll find on the high street, and this one is the ideal slouchy fit to match the cool Boston clog style. It will be the cherry on top of summer looks, but will see you through autumn too.
RRP: £130 | Switch things up with the blue version of the iconic Boston. Incorporate into white jeans outfits for sunny winter afternoons out, or rock as slip-ons around the house on weekends with some fuzzy socks for extra comfort.
4. How to style Birkenstock clogs for the office
Think that Birkenstock clogs are just for casual days? Think again. One of the key selling points for this brilliant shoe is that it can be styled formally just as easily as it can be dressed down. From post-work drinks to regular days at your desk, the Birkenstock Bostons can do it all. With the comfort of slippers or sandals but with trend appeal, you will feel like you are still in the comfort of your home whilst on the morning commute.
It's always worth having a pair of footwear that can ease the transition between seasons, and Birkenstock clogs fit that brief almost too well - we won't blame you if you want to purchase a separate pair for work and play. Opt for a darker colour to keep things extra smart, or use your footwear as a pop of colour when styled with more monochromatic outfits.
RRP: £100 | If your journey to work involves a fair amount of walking, consider this pair of clogs with extra grip that will help firm up your footwork. Just as sleek as the original pair but with added practicality, these are worth every penny.
RRP: £87 | You really can't go wrong with smart trousers for the office, and if you're looking for shoes to wear with wide leg trousers, the Birkenstock Boston clogs fit the bill. Perfect to beat the heatwave.
RRP: £110 | Invest in one of the best work backpacks for women for a hands-free carrying experience that won't strain your shoulders or your style credentials. We love this Longchamp bag that will fit all the essentials and can be folded up when not in use.
5. How to style Birkenstock clogs for casual days
When it comes to styling Birkenstock clogs casually, you'll be spoilt for choice. The clog shape lends itself perfectly to slouchier styles, such as joggers and loungewear, and make a great alternative to trainers.
When considering which pair of Birkenstock clogs to go for, there is no wrong answer. However, it is worth considering where you will wear them most. If you're likely to be out and about running errands, a leather pair might suit you best. For a pair of shoes that will work year-round, the suede finish is the most popular, although you should consider suede protecting them to help prolong their use. But we especially love fur-lined versions for days at home or relaxing with friends, and they will save you from swapping between slippers and shoes when dashing out the door.
RRP: From £56.70 | Of course you know Spanx for shapewear, but the leggings are well worth a try too. In classic black, these will make for a chic yet supported look for relaxing or doing chores.
RRP: £180 | Anine Bing is one of the best in business when it comes to sweatshirts, and this slogan top will become your loungewear go-to.
RRP: £160 | It doesn't get much better than this. These shearling-lined clogs are the ultimate comfortable shoe that can be worn as slippers or outside for a cosy fit. A great alternative to the best white trainers, you'll feel like you're walking on clouds.
The best Birkenstock Boston lookalikes
Though we think the Birkenstock Boston clogs are a very worthwhile investment, they are towards the pricier end of slip-on footwear spectrum - and of course, thanks to their popularity, they're increasingly hard to get hold of. If you're still unsure about the trend and want to experiment with a cheaper alternative before you take the plunge, then we recommend giving the best Birkenstock clog lookalikes a go first. Here are our favourites:
RRP: £55.99 | These cute clogs from Zara feature cut out detailing that are a nice twist if you want to stand out from the crowd. In a neutral colourway, they'll fit in easily with your everyday outfits.
RRP: £35 | These shoes are available in half sizes, and have got some seriously good reviews. One customer wrote "I cant wear Birkenstock as they hurt my feet, these are the perfect alternative for me".
RRP: £27.99 | A total bargain buy, nobody will notice these aren't the real deal. They're available in five other colours too!
The best socks to wear with Birkenstock clogs
Now that you've found the perfect clogs, you need the perfect socks to go with them. Forget all preconceptions you have of socks and sandals. Trust us - try it!
RRP: £15.95 | Birkenstock have thought of everything when it comes to clogs, and these ribbed socks are spot on for wearing with Bostons. They're made from 96% cotton, making them super cosy all year round.
RRP: £12.63 | These socks on Amazon are a bestseller and have more than 12,000 reviews. For a pack of six, the price is great and you can wear them with trainers or loafers too.
RRP: £9 | woman&home's Lifestyle Editor Tamara Kelly tells us why these socks work so well with her clogs: "These are neutral in colour but the chunky knit adds enough texture that they almost look patterned. They are ideal for adding a slightly different shade without distracting from the clogs".
FAQs
How long do Birkenstock clogs last?
As with all shoes, how long your Birkenstock clogs will last largely depends on how you take care of them. For the longest lifespan, we recommend using a suede protector spray or Birkenstock's shoe care range so they don't get prematurely ruined.
It will most likely be a couple of years before you begin to notice serious wear on the soles (depending on how often you wear them) but when this time comes, it doesn't mean that your Birkenstock clogs have to be thrown away.
They can be re-soled by a cobbler which will give them a whole new lease of life, but make sure to take them for repair before any cork is exposed. The high-quality design really does speak for itself, but keeping them cleaned and avoiding water will help, too. When cared for properly, they could last you years.
Do you wear Birkenstock clogs with or without socks?
In short, either!
A cosy pair of socks will see your clogs through to autumn/winter (trust us, they're so comfortable you won't want to part with them when the weather turns cold!), but it's also a huge trend to wear them with socks at the moment.
Some people say they fit that bit better with the addition of socks as well. Certainly, it makes dressing between seasons easier, and besides, who wants cold feet?
