Does the Acquisition of Birkenstock Cement the “Ugly” Shoe as a Fashion Staple?

Ah Birkenstock, the legendary German sandal as divisive as vegemite. The Birkenstock trend has wavered in and out of fashion over the years, but it appears that the centuries-old sandal brand is here to stay with L Catterton and Financière Agache buying a majority stake in the business.

Both buyers are heavily entrenched within the luxury goods sector. L Catterton is a private equity firm part-owned by LVMH, and Financière Agache is the family investment firm of French billionaire Bernard Arnault, chairman and chief executive of LVMH. The deal, worth a rumoured €4 billion, may come as a surprise given that Birkenstock has been a family business since 1774. It’s also surprising given that Birkenstock is a firm fixture in the “ugly” shoe category—hardly a fit for the luxurious LVMH conglomerate.

Whilst the acquisition seems an unlikely pairing, Birkenstock is, in fact, no stranger to high fashion with past collaborations with Valentino, Celine, Proenza Schouler and Rick Owens. 2020 and months of lockdown have impacted fashion in countless ways, propelling comfort wear (including Birkenstocks) into a new style stratosphere.

As a result, Birkenstocks have become a fashion staple, spotted on supermodels Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid, and actresses Reece Witherspoon, Naomi Watts and Dakota Johnson.

Love them or hate them, it appears the cork-soled sandals are here to stay, and we have rounded up 5 of the most luxurious Birkenstocks to keep you both comfortable and stylish in 2021.

The 5 Most Fashionable Birkenstocks

Proenza Schouler x Birkenstock Arizona Slides

A collaboration between New York-based Proenza Schouler and Birkenstock saw the updating of the classic Arizona sandal. These sandals offer a bit more style and edge, presented in white leather, detailed black stitching and convenient touch straps.

proenza schouler fashionable birkenstocks — prenza schouler x birkenstock, arizona slides ($537)

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Valentino Garavani x Birkenstock VLTN Slide Sandals

Again, the Arizona slide is given a designer makeover with these striking sandals – the result of a collaboration between Valentino Garavani x Birkenstock. These sandals will wow with their signature camouflage print, VLTN logo print and classic two buckle-fastening front straps.

Black Arizona Leather Sandals

These are the ultimate Birkenstock staple. Made of smooth black leather, these iconic Arizona sandals are the most sophisticated of the Birkenstock sandals with clean white buckle-fastening straps.

Birkenstock, Arizona leather sandals — Birkenstock,Arizona leather sandals ($499)

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Python Brown Arizona Sandals

These snake-embossed sandals are the perfect way to add a little sizzle to a casual ensemble. The classic Arizona sandals come in python brown with adjustable gold buckles and pronounced arch support for extra comfort.

birkenstock snake arizona sandals — birkenstock, Arizona sandal ($243)

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White Arizona Tex Sandals

These stylish new white and brown Birkenstocks are complete with leather-look texture, soft fleece lower layer and durable EVA sole. The sandals are tear-resistant, kind to skin and easy to care for.

fashionable birkenstocks, arizona tex — birkenstock, arizona Tex ($516)

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So, what do you think? Are you ready to give these “ugly” shoes a go? Let us know in the comments below!

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