It’s summer, and that means it’s Birkenstock season. Well, that means it’s Birkenstock sandal season, because if you’re like me, you own what I call Winter Birkenstocks (aka the shearling-lined variety) as well. Then again, you can always wear Birkenstock sandals with socks year-round, so maybe let me backtrack again and say it’s sockless Birkenstock sandal season. Whew, glad we cleared that up! I own Birkenstocks in all shapes, colors, and warmths, but my favorite pair to wear in the summertime is the Arizona EVA sandal in black. I actually think they’re more comfortable than the traditional cork footbed—the foamy EVA material is more cushiony and absorbs impact better—and they have the added benefit of being much more affordable than traditional leather or suede. (They’re also vegan, if that’s important to you.) I own them in black and am strongly contemplating a pair in white, because as I’m about to prove, they’re one of the most versatile pairs of shoes in my closet. The fact that they’re a single color makes them a little more streamlined and sophisticated-looking than the traditional leather-and-cork combination, and I pair mine with pretty much anything. Here are 7 ways to wear the Birkenstock Arizona EVA sandals.
With wide-leg pants
I wore this outfit to a somewhat fancy dinner downtown (at Bix—highly recommend) and while I was worried that the Birkenstocks made the look slightly too casual, I was entirely mistaken. Hey, wearing a blazer in San Francisco qualifies as dressing up! I also highly recommend a pair of wide-leg, elastic-waistband pants for summer, especially if you plan on eating a lot.
With a midi skirt
My high school French teacher wore a lot of skirts with socks and Birkenstocks (we called her “Chausettes et Sandales” behind her back, sorry Mme. W!) and either she was totally ahead of her time or I’ve become a middle-aged Francophile, because I LOVE wearing my Birkenstocks with a midi skirt. This was an early pandemic outfit, and I still wear a variation of it quite frequently. The sandals keep it casual yet chic—I think Mme. W would approve.
With white jeans
Wearing black shoes with white jeans feels like you’re breaking some sort of fashion rule, but ever since Britney Spears did it in the video for Sometimes, I’ve been a fan (see also: Elin Kling). Wearing sandals also helps remind you that it’s actually summer, because it can get a little gray and foggy here sometimes, especially in August when we shot these. Yes, I was bundled up in a coat, long-sleeve tee, and jeans in August. Welcome to San Francisco. Always bring a jacket.
With a sundress
This is a very Captain Obvious outfit, but it needs to be said that the EVA Birkenstocks are great for vacation, especially if you’re going to be on the beach. Unlike traditional Birkenstocks, you can get them wet and they’re super easy to clean—often a good rinse will do, or you can use soap and water. And it goes without saying, but they’re very easy to slip in and out of should you need to.
With jeans and a cardigan
A great transitional look, this is a combination that I live in late spring and late fall, when you’re either jumping the gun on sandals or not quite ready to give them up. I’ve re-shared this outfit multiple times on Instagram, and every time I do, it gets a ton of love—there’s just something so cozy and Northern California about it.
With a maxi dress
I obviously like wearing Birkenstocks with dresses, the more feminine the better, because I feel like the sandals help counter any frills with their sturdiness and practicality. It’s all about creating contrast. And this reminds me, I totally need to wear this dress again, because it’s a banger.
With all black
While the sandals help balance out any super-feminine pieces, they also look minimalist and sleek with a monochromatic look such as this one. I’ve been gravitating toward a lot of color in my wardrobe lately, but this reminds me of how sophisticated an all-black outfit can look, even if it’s composed of super comfy pieces.
