Once upon a time, the white sneaker reigned supreme. It was the ultimate fashion cheat code: slip it on with denim, dresses, even suits, and voilà, instant cool. But here’s the thing about cheat codes: everyone eventually discovers them. And when that happens, fashion, being the ever-restless creature it is, moves on.
So, what’s next?
If you’ve glanced at sidewalks from New York to New Delhi – or, say, at 87% of your Instagram feed – you’ll know the answer. Birkenstocks. And no, not just the classic Arizonas. We’re talking clogs, slides, buckles, and shearling-lined dreams that are suddenly everywhere.
It’s time we asked the real question: Are Birkenstocks the new white sneakers?
Spoiler: All signs point to a loud, comfy yes.
From orthopaedic to effortlessly iconic
Not long ago, suggesting Birkenstocks as a style statement would’ve earned you a polite smile at best, and an invitation to rethink your entire wardrobe at worst. They were the shoes of health store owners, yoga teachers, and that one art teacher who smelled faintly of patchouli.
But fashion loves a good plot twist. Today, Birkenstocks have climbed from the granola trenches straight onto high-fashion pedestals. Vogue calls them “a minimalist’s dream,” and the streets seem to agree. Clogs, especially the Boston clog, the Tokio, and the Buckley, have become a defining feature of modern, laid-back chic.
Gone are the days when clogs meant clunky. Now, they mean effortless. They mean “I could be running errands or attending a casual brunch with Bella Hadid, you’ll never know.”
Why Birkenstocks feel cooler than white sneakers now
The white sneaker had its day in the sun, but let’s face it: it’s beginning to feel obvious. Birkenstocks, on the other hand, offer a kind of anti-hustle cool that feels downright subversive. Here’s why:
- Authenticity wins: Sneakers scream curated effort. Birkenstocks, especially clogs, whisper nonchalance. That subtle “I didn’t try, and yet I look fantastic” vibe is irresistible.
- Seasons, meet your match: While your canvas sneakers sulk in the monsoon or freeze in winter, your trusty clogs, with their suede finishes and cosy linings, keep pace year-round.
- Foot-shaped freedom: Birkenstocks are unapologetically foot-shaped. No pinched toes. No squashed arches. Just pure anatomical bliss.
- They get better with age: Unlike sneakers that start looking sad after a few scuffs, clogs develop personality. A little wear and tear? That’s just character development.
In short, Birkenstocks embody the kind of everyday cool that’s timeless because it doesn’t beg for attention.
The rise of clogs: More than just a pandemic thing
Yes, clogs exploded during the “comfort revolution” of 2020, when our wardrobes shifted from “power dressing” to “power lounging.” But their staying power is bigger than any single trend.
Brands and designers – from Birkenstock to JW Anderson to Proenza Schouler – saw the potential early. Suddenly, clogs weren’t just for rainy mornings at the farmers’ market, they were high fashion, worthy of editorial spreads and designer collaborations.
Today, clogs represent a certain fashion literacy. If you’re in clogs, it tells the world you’re in on the joke: you’re serious about comfort, unserious about looking “put together,” and totally fine with straddling the line between fashion victim and trendsetter.
Because here’s the truth: you have to be really confident to wear clogs out to dinner, and that confidence? It’s magnetic.
But what about versatility?
White sneaker fans will argue: “But sneakers go with everything!”
Fair point. But have you seen what a good pair of clogs can do?
- With wide-leg trousers: An editorial dream. A touch of volume up top, balanced by the grounding presence of clogs below. Effortlessly chic.
- With summer dresses: Swap the expected sandals for chunky clogs and you instantly look cooler and a little more “off-duty model” rather than “garden party guest.”
- With suits: Yes, really. Pair your tailored trousers with leather clogs and watch as your outfit transforms from corporate drone to fashion insider.
Clogs might not seem as obvious as white sneakers, but that’s exactly the point. In a sea of sameness, they’re a style choice for those who prefer to zag while everyone else zigs.
The final verdict: clogs vs white sneakers
We’re not saying white sneakers are dead. (Relax, your beloved Air Force 1s are safe.)
But we are saying that if white sneakers were the ultimate symbol of casual polish in the 2010s, clogs are defining the 2020s.
They signal something sneakers no longer can: that you’re confident enough to prioritise comfort and cool. That you’re done contorting your feet (and your style) to fit into a pre-cut mould. That you know fashion doesn’t have to be flashy to be fabulous.
And while sneakers may forever whisper “weekend,” clogs can take you through Monday meetings, Wednesday grocery runs, Saturday parties, and everything in between.
A few pro tips for joining the clog club
Thinking of crossing over? Here’s how to wear clogs like you were born doing it:
- Start neutral: Stick to classic suede tones (taupe, mocha, black) before getting adventurous with prints or brights.
- Play with socks: Socks and clogs are no longer taboo. In fact, it’s practically a fashion handshake at this point.
- Mind the silhouette: Since clogs are chunky, balance your outfit. Think wide-leg pants, oversized knits, and easy silhouettes.
- Own the irony: Clogs come with a wink. Lean into it. A little self-awareness makes the look work even harder.
Trust us: once you slide into clogs, there’s no going back.
Birkenstocks (and clogs) are officially it
Are Birkenstocks the new white sneakers? In every way that matters, yes.
They’re the new uniform of the stylishly relaxed, the confidently casual, the cool without trying too hard.
So the next time you’re about to reach for your trusty sneakers, stop. Consider slipping into a pair of clogs instead. Your feet – and your street cred – will thank you.
