Sandal styles may come and go, but the humble Birkenstock, so ingrained in our wardrobes, transcends the fickle trend cycle. In Barbie (2023), Margot Robbie is faced with an ultimatum – she can either choose a pair of pink stilettos with a perfectly-moulded Mattel arch and remain in her plastic fantasyland, or enter the real world, represented by a pair of Birkenstock Arizonas. We can’t think of a better emblem for the everyday.
Birkenstock Arizonas were released in 1973 and used to be exclusively sold in health-food stores. In 1992, Marc Jacobs was arguably the first to publicly reposition the orthopaedic shoes as a fashionable choice, when he included Arizonas in his controversial Perry Ellis show. Jacobs lost his creative director position, appalling critics with his unbothered, grunge aesthetic, but he was certainly onto something with his Arizona styling.
Fast-forward to 2025, the likes of Proenza Schouler, Jil Sander, Valentino and Manolo Blahnik have all collaborated with Birkenstock. The sandals have become a constant presence in “celebrities off-duty” photographs. Despite the supermodel and Hollywood endorsements, Birkenstocks are a functional, practical shoe. Not only does the moulded footbed make them a podiatrist favourite, but they also have the Vogue editor seal of approval thanks to their minimalist but chunky design. They go with pretty much every summer ensemble, from beach cover-ups to trousers, but one pairing stands out - jeans and Birkenstocks. They’ll always be a timeless match.
As for specific styles, you don’t need to get too formulaic about things — I would argue that any pair of Birkenstocks will go with any cut of jeans, whether you go for baggy, wide-leg, cropped or straight-leg. Keep scrolling for Birkenstock and jeans combos that you can count on for those days when you need a reliable, uncomplicated outfit.
Beige Birkenstocks with grey baggy jeans
On the Spring-Summer 2025 on-trend sandal list, the iconic Birkenstock silhouettes have made quite a statement. If you're looking for an effortless look, pair your grey baggy jeans with a navy striped sweater; it's the perfect combo to take you from day to evening.
Black classics with blue baggy jeans
If you love minimalist styles that fit in anywhere, then you must have black Birkenstock sandals in your collection. Why? They go with everything, and never go out of style. The easiest way to wear them is with a pair of baggy blue jeans, along with a slightly fitted ribbed blouse to match the shoes, a distinctive option but not too much to conquer the city.
Birkenstock thong sandals with flared jeans
Whether it's for the office, breakfast with friends, or just grabbing your morning coffee, don't ditch your morning look. Give it a twist with Birkenstock sandals (thong style). The ideal summer footwear that looks fabulous with your favourite denim pants. Mix them with flared texans in ecru blue and a leather tank top. Remember that dark jeans will be the obsession of the season – look at the catwalks.
Brown sandals with straight black denim jeans
Don't hide them away for casual days! Try styling them with black jeans and oversized button-down shirts, a go-to for an elegant office look. Cork sole sandals with leather straps can become so much more interesting if you combine them with sophisticated pieces. You'll love the way they stand out among tailored suits or pencil skirts.
Birkenstock sandals with mom jeans
If there's one thing we've learned from celebrities like Gigi Hadid and Julianne Moore, it's that Birkenstock sandals will always look spectacular with high-waisted jeans and button-down shirts (white, blue or striped). They’re the only thing you need to put together a look with these flat-soled summer shoes, ideally in brown, one of the most seen tones in sneakers, heels and sandals this season.
Light platforms with skinny jeans
Besides being comfortable, normcore sandals are the secret that give a cool touch to skinny jeans. You don’t have to resort to the usual sneakers if you’re going for a relaxed, modern style. Add a white t-shirt, with a wool-lined coat, and you have a boho-tinted look that glows with originality.
The story first appeared in Vogue Mexico.
Also read:
16 Summer sandals that will work for your vacation wardrobe and days in the city
6 comfortable sandal trends you won't want to leave home without this summer
