If you've been asking yourself 'can Birkenstocks ever look cool on a man' the answer is a resounding YES – just as long as you follow some simple style advice.
More and more male celebrities have been papped wearing Birkenstocks and the footwear previously reserved for your dad's wardrobe should be firmly at the front of yours. We've hunted down some of the hottest looks so you know exactly how to style the most popular Birkenstocks.
Read on for the full guide or use the quick links below to jump straight into each section:
- Wearing Men's Birkenstocks With Jeans
- Wearing Men's Birkenstocks With Chinos
- Wearing Men's Birkenstocks With Shorts
- Wearing White Birkenstocks
- Most Popular Birkenstock Styles For Guys
- Top Tips On Wearing Birkenstocks
How To Wear Men's Birkenstocks With Jeans
If the idea of jeans and sandals conjures up thoughts of that wannabe trendy dad setting his feet free in summer, rest assured that the latest looks couldn’t be any further from this.
The first step when it comes to wearing your Birkenstock with jeans is to always opt for a slim or skinny denim fit to remove the chance of them engulfing your sandals (plus avoiding that dad look!).
Then choose the best colour of Birkenstock sandals based on what colour jeans you usually wear – if in doubt go for light brown as they’ll work with blue, white and black denim. The outfits below should give you some idea of the different looks that can be achieved with different styles of jeans and Birkenstocks.
Wearing Arizona Sandals With Skinny Jeans
Skinny jeans look great with Birkenstocks as they taper around the ankle to showcase the sandals. Make sure you keep the rest of the outfit relatively casual and roll up the hems of your jeans to avoid too much bunching of the denim.
Wearing Gizeh Thong Sandals With Distressed Jeans
Birkenstock Gizeh sandals are a smarter alternative to flip flops and will dress up distressed jeans if you pair with an appropriate top. This look features a cream thin jumper and is perfect for those slightly chilly days between spring and summer.
Wearing Birkenstocks With Slim Fit Jeans
This outfit idea shows just how well Birkenstocks will work with the rest of your wardrobe essentials – a grey tee and standard blue slim fit jeans are all you need. Accessorize with simple Scandi accessories like a Skagen watch to add further interest to the outfit.
Wearing Black Birkenstock Sandals With Black Jeans
Black jeans are the smartest colour to wear with sandals and can be used instead of your standard loafers for an on-trend look. Make sure you wear matching black Arizona sandals and opt for ankle grazer jeans where possible.
Wearing Men's Birkenstocks With White Jeans
Who would have thought white denim and Birkenstocks could actually work? This look is great for the summer and pairs tan Birkenstocks with skinny white jeans. A dark navy jumper completes the outfit while adding a bit of essential layering when the temperature drops.
How To Wear Birkenstocks With Chinos
Chinos and Birkenstock sandals are the perfect combination when it's too hot for jeans but too cold for shorts. Keep the outfit simple by wearing a neutral tee or polo shirt and use primary colours like a red blazer when you want a serious colour pop.
How To Wear Men's Birkenstocks With Shorts
Birkenstocks are more often than not dismissed as just a holiday sandal to get you from the beach to the bar. However, as the outfits below show they can be the perfect footwear for both casual and smart occasions throughout the warmer months.
Wearing Birkenstock Milano With Casual Chino Shorts
When you want a more grown up feel to your summer outfits, ditch the flip flops for chunky Birkenstock Milano sandals and your jersey shorts for chino shorts. This outfit is easy for every guy to pull off and it's easy to mix up with a quick change of T-shirt. Straw hat optional!
Wearing Birkenstock Arizona With Smart Chino Shorts
This look is just about smart enough to wear to that summer BBQ with the in-laws when you want to avoid trousers. Beige chino shorts and a light blue shirt is a classic combo, while the charcoal Birkenstocks bring the outfit bang up to date.
Wearing Birkenstocks With Double Denim In Summer
Love it or hate it, double denim is here to stay. Adding a pair of Birkenstock Arizonas to the mix helps to add an extra dimension to your denim shorts outfit compared to trainers and is a look that works just as well on holiday as it does on the high street.
Wearing Grey Birkenstock Sandals With Denim Shorts
For more of a street style look, opt for vintage denim shorts and team up with a scoop neck t-shirt plus grey Birkenstocks. This look isn't for everyone and you’ll need to have at least a bit of muscle up top to pull it off.
How To Wear White Birkenstocks
White Birkenstocks have soared in popularity over the last couple of years, but they can look slightly feminine if you get the rest of the outfit wrong. It's best to avoid wearing them with anything other than shorts (ideally denim shorts) that have a distressed finish. Then add a longline tee or vest for streetwear style points.
Most Popular Birkenstock Styles For Men
Birkenstock Arizona Sandals
+ Wear with: jeans, denim shortsBirkenstock Milano Sandals
+ Wear with: cargo or chino shortsBirkenstock Gizeh Sandals
+ Wear with: skinny jeansBirkenstock Mayari Sandals
+ Wear with: chinosOur Top Tips On How To Wear Men's Birkenstocks
- Skinny and slim fit jeans are the best styles to wear with Birkenstocks as they can be rolled up at the hem to reduce bunching of the denim.
- For formal occasions, opt for black jeans as they look smarter than blue. Complete the look with matching black Birkenstock sandals.
- During milder months, swap your jeans for chinos and wear with brown Birkenstocks and neutral tops.
- Chino shorts worn with Birkenstocks give multiple outfit options for both casual and formal events. Add a navy tee on downtime days, while a light blue shirt will instantly dress up the outfit when you need to impress.
- Team Birkenstocks with denim shorts for street style outfit success and complete the look with a denim shirt or muscle fit tee.
- Wearing men's Birkenstocks with socks is a definitive no-no whatever the occasion!