We Tested the Birkenstocks Reese Witherspoon and Naomi Watts Always Wear — Arizona Sandals, Boston Clogs, and More Start at $50

Mar. 15, 2025

In This ArticleView AllIn This ArticleOur Top PicksWhat to KnowBehind the ScenesWhy Trust PEOPLE?What Is PEOPLE Tested?

In This ArticleView All

View All

In This Article

Our Top Picks

What to Know

Behind the Scenes

Why Trust PEOPLE?

What Is PEOPLE Tested?

Photo:Robert O' Neil / SplashNews.com; Reese Witherspoon/Instagram; Rachpoot/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

Robert O' Neil / SplashNews.com; Reese Witherspoon/Instagram; Rachpoot/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

If given the choice betweenhigh heelsand Birkenstocks, we’d choose Birkenstocks every time — andso did Margot Robbie throughout the filming ofBarbie. The cork-soled shoes are comfortable and cute, and they come in a variety of colors and materials to go with nearly any outfit and occasion.

Whether you’re on the hunt for your first pair of “Birks” or you’re already a seasoned Arizona lover, we tested 17 of the most popular Birkenstock styles to find the absolute best. Our list of winning Birkenstocks includes celebrity favorites and some lesser-known styles that make a statement.

Best OverallBirkenstock Arizona SandalPHOTO: Amazon$150 at Zappos$150 at REI$115 at Birkenstock.com

Best OverallBirkenstock Arizona Sandal

Best Overall

Birkenstock Arizona Sandal

PHOTO: Amazon

$150 at Zappos$150 at REI$115 at Birkenstock.com

Star QualitiesComfortable enough for very long walksShort break-in periodLook stylish with casual and dressier outfitsRed FlagsCouldn’t find any!

Star QualitiesComfortable enough for very long walksShort break-in periodLook stylish with casual and dressier outfits

Comfortable enough for very long walks

Short break-in period

Look stylish with casual and dressier outfits

Red FlagsCouldn’t find any!

Couldn’t find any!

As Seen On:Naomi Watts

Robert O' Neil / SplashNews.com

When you think of the classic Birkenstock shoe, the two-strap Arizona sandal is likely what comes to mind. The comfortable sandals are the brand’s most recognizable shoes, so we had high expectations. Spoiler alert: They scored perfect ratings across the board for comfort, style, and performance.

We didn’t go easy on these sandals — we wore them running errands, walking to work, and even on a few short hikes just to see if they could stand up to a whole day of vacation outings. Through every challenge, the shoes remained comfortable and supportive. While we did experience some minor blisters on the second day of testing, the break-in period was much shorter than most leather shoes and sandals.

The buckled sandals are easy to slip on, go with any daytime outfit, and keep you comfortable no matter how long you’re on your feet. To add a bit of vintage flair to your look, wear your Arizonas with apair of wide-leg jeansà la Naomi Watts.

“Whether running errands, walking the dog, or even heading to a casual dinner, I love the comfort and ease of Birkenstocks. I always default to them as a comfy slip-on.”—Madison Yauger, shopping editor

Style:Sandal |Size Range:4–12.5 |Materials:Birko-Flor Nubuck, natural leather, cork, EVA

Get Naomi’s Look

Levi’s 726 High Rise Flare Jeans$70$42 at Amazon$51 at ZapposView on Levi.com

Levi’s 726 High Rise Flare Jeans

$70$42 at Amazon$51 at ZapposView on Levi.com

$23 at Amazon

Best Overall, Runner UpBirkenstocks Arizona Big Buckle Slide SandalPHOTO: Nordstrom$170 at Nordstrom$170 at Zappos$170 at Birkenstock.com

Best Overall, Runner UpBirkenstocks Arizona Big Buckle Slide Sandal

Best Overall, Runner Up

Birkenstocks Arizona Big Buckle Slide Sandal

PHOTO: Nordstrom

$170 at Nordstrom$170 at Zappos$170 at Birkenstock.com

Star QualitiesDurable and thick yet lightweightComfortable footbed molds to your footCute and stylishRed FlagsRubbed our toes uncomfortably during break-in period

Star QualitiesDurable and thick yet lightweightComfortable footbed molds to your footCute and stylish

Durable and thick yet lightweight

Comfortable footbed molds to your foot

Cute and stylish

Red FlagsRubbed our toes uncomfortably during break-in period

Rubbed our toes uncomfortably during break-in period

Just likethe classic Arizonas, we found the big buckle sandal version to be impressively supportive — no extra cushioning needed. Our tester could feel the footbed molding to the shape of their feet with every wear, growing more comfortable over time.

The sandals felt thick and stable underfoot and looked as good as new after the month-long testing period. The primary difference between these sandals and the classic Arizona is the size of the buckle. These also had a break-in period, with some toe discomfort due to friction.

Style:Sandal |Size Range:4–12.5|Materials:Nubuck leather, suede, cork, EVA

PHOTO: People / Laura GurfeinPHOTO: People / Laura GurfeinPHOTO: People / Laura GurfeinPHOTO: People / Laura Gurfein

Best BudgetBirkenstock Unisex Arizona Essentials EVAPHOTO: Nordstrom$50 at Nordstrom$50 at Zappos$50 at Birkenstock.com

Best BudgetBirkenstock Unisex Arizona Essentials EVA

Best Budget

Birkenstock Unisex Arizona Essentials EVA

$50 at Nordstrom$50 at Zappos$50 at Birkenstock.com

Star QualitiesWaterproof and super durableAnatomical footbed provides good arch supportGreat price compared to other BirkenstocksRed FlagsDon’t mold to the feet as well as cork-soled Birkenstocks

Star QualitiesWaterproof and super durableAnatomical footbed provides good arch supportGreat price compared to other Birkenstocks

Waterproof and super durable

Anatomical footbed provides good arch support

Great price compared to other Birkenstocks

Red FlagsDon’t mold to the feet as well as cork-soled Birkenstocks

Don’t mold to the feet as well as cork-soled Birkenstocks

The EVA Arizona sandal is a more affordable version of the classic shoe — plus, it’swaterproof.From running errands to walking on the beach, the lightweight sandals were our go-to shoe after we got accustomed to the plastic footbed.

Because the footbed is made from EVA plastic rather than cork, it doesn’t mold to the foot like traditional Birkenstocks, though the anatomically shaped footbed provided plenty of support to our tester’s high arches. And, even after wading through sand, traversing dirt paths, and strutting down concrete, the EVA Arizonas still looked as good as new.

Style:Sandal |Size Range:4–12.5|Material:EVA

Best PlatformBirkenstock Arizona Platform SandalPHOTO: Birkenstock$140$61 at Nordstrom$140 at Zappos$140 at Birkenstock.com

Best PlatformBirkenstock Arizona Platform Sandal

Best Platform

Birkenstock Arizona Platform Sandal

PHOTO: Birkenstock

$140$61 at Nordstrom$140 at Zappos$140 at Birkenstock.com

Star QualitiesAdds an extra inch of heightSuper comfortable and stableDurableRed FlagsHeavier than classic Arizona sandals

Star QualitiesAdds an extra inch of heightSuper comfortable and stableDurable

Adds an extra inch of height

Super comfortable and stable

Durable

Red FlagsHeavier than classic Arizona sandals

Heavier than classic Arizona sandals

Stylish design and comfortable arch support arenotmutually exclusive, and the Arizona Platform sandals proved that after only a few wears. We loved the extra inch of height and found the platforms to be stable and comfortable, even while walking uphill.

The platform Arizonas are slightly heavier than the classic style (which is to be expected given the thicker outsole), but we still found them comfortable for walking long distances. Plus, after weeks of testing, they still looked brand new.

Style:Sandal |Size Range:4–12.5|Material:Suede, cork, EVA

PHOTO: People / Erin JohnsonPHOTO: People / Erin JohnsonPHOTO: People / Erin Johnson

Best CozyBirkenstock Arizona Shearling SandalsPHOTO: REI$160 at Zappos$37 at REIView on Ssense.com

Best CozyBirkenstock Arizona Shearling Sandals

Best Cozy

Birkenstock Arizona Shearling Sandals

PHOTO: REI

$160 at Zappos$37 at REIView on Ssense.com

Star QualitiesSuper soft and plush footbedNo break-in timeGreat for colder weatherRed FlagsMore expensive than most BirkenstocksRun slightly small

Star QualitiesSuper soft and plush footbedNo break-in timeGreat for colder weather

Super soft and plush footbed

No break-in time

Great for colder weather

Red FlagsMore expensive than most BirkenstocksRun slightly small

More expensive than most Birkenstocks

Run slightly small

As Seen On:Reese Witherspoon

Reese Witherspoon/instagram

Chilly air doesn’t have to signal the end of Birkenstock season. Reese Witherspoon wore these shearling-lined Arizona sandals with a gingham dress and over-the-shoulder sweater combo, and we plan to follow suit as temperatures continue to drop.

During testing, this shoe took no time at all for our tester to break in. This fuzzy version is a little more expensive than the standard Arizonas, but worth it given the super cozy footbed that feels akin to walking on a soft, plush carpet. That said, the shearling shoes run small.

Style:Fur-lined sandal |Size Range:4–12.5|Materials:Suede, natural leather, cork, EVA

Get Reese’s LookZesica Square Neck Puff Sleeve Dress$50 at AmazonFloerns Tie Front Crop Cardigan$30 at Amazon

Get Reese’s Look

Zesica Square Neck Puff Sleeve Dress$50 at AmazonFloerns Tie Front Crop Cardigan$30 at Amazon

Zesica Square Neck Puff Sleeve Dress$50 at Amazon

Zesica Square Neck Puff Sleeve Dress

$50 at Amazon

Floerns Tie Front Crop Cardigan$30 at Amazon

Floerns Tie Front Crop Cardigan

$30 at Amazon

Best for OutdoorsBirkenstock Birki FlowPHOTO: Birkenstock$60 at Nordstrom$60 at Birkenstock.com$60 at REI

Best for OutdoorsBirkenstock Birki Flow

Best for Outdoors

Birkenstock Birki Flow

$60 at Nordstrom$60 at Birkenstock.com$60 at REI

Star QualitiesEasy to slip onWaterproofGreat arch supportRed FlagsNot as comfortable on flat feet

Star QualitiesEasy to slip onWaterproofGreat arch support

Easy to slip on

Waterproof

Great arch support

Red FlagsNot as comfortable on flat feet

Not as comfortable on flat feet

If you like rubber clogs like Crocs but want something with a little more arch support, then the Birki Flows are a great choice. We found them comfortable and easy to slip on. Because the shoes are made from waterproof EVA, they’re fantastic for outdoor activities like gardening. Given the added arch support, we found these clogs to be a littleuncomfortable on flat feet, so keep that in mind when shopping.

Style:Clog|Size Range:4–12.5|Material:EVA

PHOTO: People / Maggie Sperduti-MatesevacPHOTO: People / Maggie Sperduti-MatesevacPHOTO: People / Maggie Sperduti-Matesevac

Best for TravelBirkenstock Boston ClogPHOTO: Birkenstock$165 at Zappos$165 at Birkenstock.com$165 at REI

Best for TravelBirkenstock Boston Clog

Best for Travel

Birkenstock Boston Clog

$165 at Zappos$165 at Birkenstock.com$165 at REI

Star QualitiesEasy to slip on and offCute and versatile styleLightweight and comfortableRed FlagsRequires a break-in period to prevent blisters

Star QualitiesEasy to slip on and offCute and versatile styleLightweight and comfortable

Easy to slip on and off

Cute and versatile style

Lightweight and comfortable

Red FlagsRequires a break-in period to prevent blisters

Requires a break-in period to prevent blisters

As Seen On:Kendall Jenner

Rachpoot/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images

The Birkenstock Boston Clog recently made its style resurgence, and its popularity is showing no signs of waning. The slip-on shoe has been spotted on stylish celebs likeKendall Jenner,Zoë Kravitz, andRiley Keough, and it’s no wonder — the shoes are just as comfortable as they are chic.

We wore the Boston clogs in our lab and in daily life to put that comfort to the test. After walking the dog, running errands, and lounging around the house, our tester found that the Bostons were even better than expected. They’re surprisingly lightweight and comfortable to wear with or without socks, though we recommend wearing socks while you break them in, especially if prone to blisters.

Get Kendall’s LookAbercrombie & Fitch Curve Love High Rise ’90s Relaxed JeanView on Abercrombie.comNarurl Lightweight Cotton Sweater$25 at Amazon

Get Kendall’s Look

Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love High Rise ’90s Relaxed JeanView on Abercrombie.comNarurl Lightweight Cotton Sweater$25 at Amazon

Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love High Rise ’90s Relaxed JeanView on Abercrombie.com

Abercrombie & Fitch Curve Love High Rise ’90s Relaxed Jean

View on Abercrombie.com

Narurl Lightweight Cotton Sweater$25 at Amazon

Narurl Lightweight Cotton Sweater

$25 at Amazon

“An all-season shoe that feels like a slipper and makes every outfit effortlessly chic? Sign me up.”—Genevieve Cepeda, shopping writer

Style:Clog|Size Range:4–12.5 |Materials:Oiled leather, natural leather, cork, EVA

Best ClogBirkenstock Boston Shearling ClogsPHOTO: Bloomingdale’s$175 at Nordstrom$175 at Zappos$175 at Zappos

Best ClogBirkenstock Boston Shearling Clogs

Best Clog

Birkenstock Boston Shearling Clogs

PHOTO: Bloomingdale’s

$175 at Nordstrom$175 at Zappos$175 at Zappos

Star QualitiesEasy to slip on and offSoft fur keeps feet warmerNo break-in timeRed FlagsNot as moldable as classic Bostons

Star QualitiesEasy to slip on and offSoft fur keeps feet warmerNo break-in time

Soft fur keeps feet warmer

Red FlagsNot as moldable as classic Bostons

Not as moldable as classic Bostons

Just like the classic Boston clog, the shearling-lined version is comfortable, cute, and easy to slip on and off. The fur lining provides the extra warmth our feet need during fall and winter chills. Because of the shearling lining, these clogs don’t quite mold as well as the non-shearling-lined footbed does, but they also require zero break-in time.

“My love for Birkenstocks goes back to the early aughts when I jumped on theclassic clogstrain. And guess what? They are just as comfortable now as they were then. I’ve upgraded mine since then to theBoston Shearling(in black) that keeps my feet nice and toasty during the colder months.”—Kayla Kitts, shopping editor

Style:Clog |Size Range:4-12.5|Material:Suede, cork, shearling, EVA

PHOTO: People / Tracy AllisonPHOTO: People / Tracy AllisonPHOTO: People / Tracy AllisonPHOTO: People / Tracy Allison

Best ThongBirkenstock Gizeh Essentials EVA SandalsPHOTO: Birkenstock$50 at Nordstrom$50$45 at Zappos$50 at Birkenstock.com

Best ThongBirkenstock Gizeh Essentials EVA Sandals

Best Thong

Birkenstock Gizeh Essentials EVA Sandals

$50 at Nordstrom$50$45 at Zappos$50 at Birkenstock.com

Star QualitiesComfortable arch supportWaterproof and easy to cleanRed FlagsThong caused some rubbing between the toes during first few wears

Star QualitiesComfortable arch supportWaterproof and easy to clean

Comfortable arch support

Waterproof and easy to clean

Red FlagsThong caused some rubbing between the toes during first few wears

Thong caused some rubbing between the toes during first few wears

We tested the Birkenstock Gizeh sandals against 20 other flip flops and crowned them thebest-designed flip flopsoverall. The features that earned them this title include a comfortable footbed that cradled our tester’s feet and a supportive arch that works for both flat and high arches. We also love that the EVA sandals are waterproof and easy to rinse off under thegarden hose. The thong between our tester’s toes was uncomfortable at first, but they got used to it after several wears.

Style:Sandal |Size Range:4–12.5 |Materials:EVA

PHOTO: People / Maggie Sperduti-MatesevacPHOTO: People / Maggie Sperduti-MatesevacPHOTO: People / Maggie Sperduti-MatesevacPHOTO: People / Maggie Sperduti-Matesevac

Most StylishBirkenstock Glenda SandalPHOTO: Nordstrom$145 at Nordstrom$140 at Zappos

Most StylishBirkenstock Glenda Sandal

Most Stylish

Birkenstock Glenda Sandal

$145 at Nordstrom$140 at Zappos

Star QualitiesComfortable arch supportNo break-in time neededDressier styleRed FlagsScuffed a little after consistent wear

Star QualitiesComfortable arch supportNo break-in time neededDressier style

No break-in time needed

Dressier style

Red FlagsScuffed a little after consistent wear

Scuffed a little after consistent wear

The Glenda sandals are a more elevated Birkenstock option that can easily be dressed up for the office. The platform sandals were incredibly comfortable from the first wear with no break-in time required, and our tester found themself choosing these over their favorite dressy sneakers to slip on for work. The only downside is that the platform scuffed a little after excessive wear, but not enough to notice from far away.

Style:Sandal |Size Range:4–12.5|Material:Nubuck, cork, EVA

PHOTO: People / Clarissa CruzPHOTO: People / Clarissa CruzPHOTO: People / Clarissa CruzPHOTO: People / Clarissa Cruz

Best for WalkingBirkenstock Oita Suede LeatherPHOTO: Birkenstock$120$86 at Zappos$120 at Birkenstock.com$53 at Revolve

Best for WalkingBirkenstock Oita Suede Leather

Best for Walking

Birkenstock Oita Suede Leather

$120$86 at Zappos$120 at Birkenstock.com$53 at Revolve

Star QualitiesComfortable from the first wearFootbed molds to the feetStylish and sleekRed FlagsStrap may not tighten enough for those with narrow feet to feel secure

Star QualitiesComfortable from the first wearFootbed molds to the feetStylish and sleek

Comfortable from the first wear

Footbed molds to the feet

Stylish and sleek

Red FlagsStrap may not tighten enough for those with narrow feet to feel secure

Strap may not tighten enough for those with narrow feet to feel secure

PHOTO: People / Ana CalderonePHOTO: People / Ana CalderonePHOTO: People / Ana Calderone

Best InvestmentBirkenstock Milano Big Buckle SandalPHOTO: Birkenstock$175 at Nordstrom$175 at Nordstrom$175 at Nordstrom

Best InvestmentBirkenstock Milano Big Buckle Sandal

Best Investment

Birkenstock Milano Big Buckle Sandal

$175 at Nordstrom$175 at Nordstrom$175 at Nordstrom

Star QualitiesComfortable from the first wearMolded to our feet after several wearsBack strap holds foot securelyRed FlagsMore expensive than some other options we’ve tested

Star QualitiesComfortable from the first wearMolded to our feet after several wearsBack strap holds foot securely

Molded to our feet after several wears

Back strap holds foot securely

Red FlagsMore expensive than some other options we’ve tested

More expensive than some other options we’ve tested

These stylish sandals felt immediately and shockingly comfortable underfoot. The backstrap helped our tester’s heel stay secure in the sandal, which prevented rubbing — essentially providing all-day comfort with zero break-in time. And the Milano sandals only grew more comfortable with each wear as they molded to our tester’s foot shape.

Compared to the classic Arizonas, these are a little more pricey — but thanks to the extra strap and beautiful gold buckles, the extra cost may be worth it for a comfortable and fashionable pair of shoes.

Style:Sandal |Size Range:4–12.5|Material:Leather, cork, EVA

PHOTO: People / Hedy PhillipsPHOTO: People / Hedy PhillipsPHOTO: People / Hedy PhillipsPHOTO: People / Hedy Phillips

What to Know About Birkenstocks

Style and Season

Birkenstocks come in a variety of styles, including the classic two-strap Arizona sandals and the full-coverageBoston clogs. If you’re looking for shoes that go well with apair of jeansanda sweater, then the Boston clog may be just what you need.

Fashion influencerNazjaahas over half a million followers on TikTok, where she shares styling advice and her takes on hot trends. Nazjaa tells PEOPLE that she’d style the Bostons with “a baggy pair of jeans that fall just over the shoe, and a nice sweater and tank.” As for theclassic Arizonas, Nazjaa says thatshe’d style them“with a loose, slouchypair of linen pantsor cargos that end slightly above the ankle.”

Material and Function

Although the classic Birkenstock sandals are made from oiled leather, there are styles available in other materials, too. For classic Arizona sandals, you can choose from suede, oiled leather, textile, EVA, and more.

Most of the color and material options will come down to your personal preference, but consider what elements your Birkenstocks will be exposed to when choosing a pair. If you’re planning on wearing your new sandals around water, then the waterproofEVA Arizonaswill outlast some of the leather options and stay comfortable for seasons to come.

Price

A large range in price exists across Birkenstock styles, with most of the cost coming down to the materials that the shoes are made from. Leather Birkenstocks tend to be more expensive than EVA shoes, and more stylized options like theKyotoare more expensive than the classicArizona sandals.

People / Karen Chen

To make a comprehensive guide of the best Birkenstocks for every occasion, we consulted professional stylists, looked to the most fashionable stars for inspiration, and tested themost comfortable sandalsourselves for the following qualities:

Our editors are constantly testing shoes across every footwear category, fromcomfortable sneakerstocozy slippers. We’ve tried out multiple pairs of Birkenstock shoes in a variety of tests, wearing them for long walks, trips to the pool, and running errands. Those insights helped inform our list of the very best Birkenstock shoes for any activity and led us to our top pick: theBirkenstock Arizona Sandal.

Cai Crameris a shopping writer at PEOPLE, covering the best and buzziest products across the beauty, fashion, health, and lifestyle spaces. For this story, Cai consulted real-world testing results from testers with a variety of foot shapes and needs. Cai also spoke with TikTokfashion influencer Nazjaa, whosevideo on how to style Birkenstockshas earned nearly a billion views on TikTok, and who provided insights on Birkenstock style trends. Cai also used personal insights from her 10 years of experience wearing Birkenstock shoes to inform this story.

Our ExpertNazjaais an Atlanta-based fashion expert and influencer who offers styling advice and shopping recommendations. She has a combined following of 939,000 across her YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram accounts.

Our Expert

Nazjaais an Atlanta-based fashion expert and influencer who offers styling advice and shopping recommendations. She has a combined following of 939,000 across her YouTube, TikTok, and Instagram accounts.

We created thePEOPLE Tested seal of approvalto help you find the very best products for your life. We use our unique methodology to test products in three labs across the country and with our network of home testers to determine their effectiveness, durability, ease of use, and so much more. Based on the results, we rate and recommend products so you can find the right one for your needs.

In short, PEOPLE Tested provides recommendations you can trust — every day, every purchase.

source: people.com