I don’t necessarily buy a new pair of Birkenstocks every summer, but this year I found myself wanting to try a bunch. I’ve lived in my silver Arizonas and my white big buckle Arizonas for the last few summers, but now I’m ready to mix it up a bit and try a few other shades. I love my sneakers so much, but when it comes to summer, Birks are what I’m living in.
I Tried 5 Cute Pairs Of Birkenstocks. Which Style Should I Keep?
So, I’m trying five pairs of Birkenstocks on to see which ones will be my summer sandals. I’m checking out the feminine Madrid Big Buckle, the classic Arizona Big Buckle in an updated style, the pretty Siena Slide, a bold black and white pair, as well as an earthy colorblock pair. Without further ado, let’s get into it.
The Feminine One: The Birkenstock Madrid Big Buckle
at Revolve | at Nordstrom | at Zappos
This pair is so, so pretty (yes, we believe Birks can be pretty — check out Kat’s search for a sexy pair) and readily available. I’ve linked to the places I think are easiest to order from and return to. The Madrid Big Buckle was the style that got me to do this try-on. They were such a great update to the classic Birks…but. They don’t stay on my feet. Le sigh.
I’m not sure if it’s due to my wide toe box area (hereditary bunions, no less) combined with my narrow heels? No idea. But they just aren’t secure enough, and they flop quite a bit. Maybe my feet are too long for this style? I wear a 38 though, so not like they’re super long. Idk. Frustrating, but I moved on. If you consistently wear flip flops and slides, maybe these will work great on you. I know Shana loves hers and they look adorable, as does one of my best friends here.
Do please note the fabulous pedicure job my seven-year-old did for me…first time. Not bad, eh? Just in time for the sandal try-on 😉 This color isn’t my typical go-to, but she insisted. Yes, you guessed it, I typically choose black, white or gray haha.
Outfit Notes: A couple of notes about the tee and pants: fav thin tee ever, true to size, perfect sleeve lengths, it’s the Madewell perfect vintage tee…somewhat delicate and doesn’t last as well as my James Perse tees, but it’s at a much lower price point. The pants are the PAIGE Mayslie Jogger (lighter green fully stocked at Nordstrom) and they are THE go-to right now while jeans feel some uncomfortable on my midsection. I got my IUD replaced recently and just feel puffy. These make me feel cute and put together, but they’re insanely soft and comfy. Run true to size. I’m wearing a 28.
The Classic, Updated: The Birkenstock Arizona Big Buckle Sandal
at Nordstrom | at Revolve | at Zappos
I’ve worn Birkenstock Arizonas for-ev-er and well, I still adore them. They fit my foot best and are the chunkier style I just seem to love. They magically mold to your feet and hold up so well (even in white, y’all.)
For some reason, Nordstrom calls these the Arizona Hex Slide, but from what I can tell they’re just the Arizona with a big buckle…which has become my go-to over the last couple of years. That bigger buckle just refreshed this style that so needed refreshing!
The Pretty, Pink Criss Cross Style: Birkenstock Siena Slide
at Bloomingdale’s | at Free People
I thought the Birkenstock Siena would perhaps fit better than the Madrid…and they sorta did. They’re also so, so pretty. I love that they do come back on the foot a bit more, but I think I would want them in a darker shade for my wardrobe, and those seem to be sold out. If you wear a lot of lighter colors though, these would be so gorgeous. They look a tiny bit more blush in person but don’t read super-pink at all. They’re just lovely.
The Siena have a white insole like my white big buckle Arizonas do, and while they do get dirty with wear, it doesn’t ever bother me because my foot is covering that part. The upper on this would worry me a bit though because unlike my white leather pair, I’m not sure I could clean this with a Magic Eraser like I usually do. You could treat these with a suede treatment though, and that helps with resisting stains.
The Bold, Graphic Pair: The Black & White Arizona Split
at Zappos | at Foot Locker
Pardon the complete departure from the rest of the photos, but I tried this black and white pair in early March not knowing I’d eventually crank out a full post. I thought I would adore them. Now looking back, they are cooler than I thought, but I honestly wish they were swapped…the black strap in front and the white at the ankle. For my particular skin tone I think that wouldn’t cut off my leg length as much.
Birks | Similar Sweatshirt | Shorts
These are definitely rad though and really set off the leopard in the bike shorts…heh. There are some crazy outfit combos when I’m just willy-nilly trying stuff on, friends.
The black and white pair is selling quickly it looks like, and lower in sizes. Ooh…I just found a gold and white version of these at Anthro! SO cute.
The Earthy One: Arizona Split Color-block
at Nordstrom | at Bloomingdale’s
I keep eyeing all these color-blocked Birks and they’re so cool…but this color combo just probably isn’t best for my wardrobe either. If you wear a lot of earthy neutrals, these would be great. They’re super-soft and just a cool update, too. I do think I would have preferred the Mineral/Light Rose colorway in these. It’s a soft blush, gray and black combo.
Shop More Birkenstock Styles
There seem to be lots of the Arizona big buckle styles available in most sizes. The Siena and the Split styles are the ones I see selling out most, so if you love those, I’d hop on them before we get into actual summer! The EVA style is the next on my list for slipping on and off for the backyard, pool, beach, etc., Loving the turquoise color!
We probably all have a favorite Birkenstock style (see our TME favs here), if you’re a Birkenstock lovah. Oh fit notes on Birks…I’m a true US 8 and typically wear a 38 in Birks. So I would say don’t size up if you’re between sizes in Euro sizing. The soles magically do mold to your feet, so you don’t want them too long.
If there’s a style you adore that I didn’t try, do share in the comments! I hope they continue to come out with fun updated styles each year! Birks forevah…
xo,
L
Would love to have you follow all my daily mom musings, more fashun, donut pics and dance parties over on IG @laurajansenstyle. Hailing from sunny Portland, OR. 😉
