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

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

If given the choice between high heels and Birkenstocks, we’d choose Birkenstocks every time — and so did Margot Robbie throughout the filming of Barbie. The cork-soled shoes are comfortable, cute, and 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.

Our Top Picks

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, 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 actually much shorter than most leather shoes and sandals. 

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

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

Just like the 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 unique 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 bit of a break-in period, with some toe discomfort due to friction.

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

The EVA Arizona sandal is a more affordable version of the classic shoe — plus, it’s waterproof. 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 good as new.

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

Stylish design and comfortable arch support are not mutually 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 ( to be expected given the thicker outsole), but we still found them to be comfortable for walking long distances in. Plus, after weeks of testing, they still looked good as new. 

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

Chilly air doesn’t have to signal the end of Birkenstock season, thanks to the shearling-lined versions of your favorite comfortable shoes. Reese Witherspoon wore the shearling-lined Arizona 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

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 little uncomfortable on flat feet, so keep that in mind when shopping. 

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

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 like Kendall Jenner, Zoë Kravitz, and Riley 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.

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

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 required zero break-in time.

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

We tested the Birkenstock Gizeh sandals against 20 other flip flops and crowned them the best-designed flip flops overall. 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 the garden hose. Also, 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

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 themselves 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

We were shocked by how comfortable these sandals were from the very first wear. After further testing, the footbed completely molded to our feet. The velcro straps are also easily adjustable and don’t rub. These shoes look more stylish than the classic Arizonas — one passerby commented, “fancy Birkenstocks!” when our tester wore them around town. One thing to note: The Oitas run slightly large, and the strap may not tighten enough for those with narrow feet. 

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

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 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

What to Know About Birkenstocks 

Style and Season

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

Fashion influencer Nazjaa has 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 the classic Arizonas, Nazjaa says that she’d style them “with a loose, slouchy pair of linen pants or 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 waterproof EVA Arizonas will 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 the Kyoto are more expensive than the classic Arizona sandals.

Behind the Scenes

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 the most comfortable sandals ourselves for the following qualities: 

• Comfort: Over the course of our month-long test, we wore our Birkenstock shoes at least two to three times a week. During our first wear, we noted how comfortable the shoes felt right out of the box — did the shoes rub or cause blisters? Was there a break-in period necessary? 
• Durability: We wore our Birkenstocks in a variety of environments, from short hikes in the woods to strolls along the beach to the grocery store aisles, and compared photos of the unworn shoes to their condition after our month of testing to see how well they held up. 
• Style: Lastly, we analyzed each shoe’s style, pairing them with casual and dressy outfits to see how versatile the shoes truly were. We thought about how often we went to reach for the shoes when heading out the door and whether they became a staple part of our wardrobe (hint: all of our winning pairs did). 

Our editors are constantly testing shoes across every footwear category, from comfortable sneakers to cozy 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.

Why Trust PEOPLE?

Cai Cramer is 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 TikTok fashion influencer Nazjaa, whose video on how to style Birkenstocks has earned nearly a billion views on TikTok, and who provided insights on Birkenstock style trends. Cai also used personal insights from her ten years of experience wearing Birkenstock shoes to inform this story.

What Is PEOPLE Tested? 

We created the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval to 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.

But we don’t stop there: We also regularly re-review the categories in which we’ve awarded the PEOPLE Tested seal of approval — because the best product of today might not be the best of tomorrow. And by the way, companies can never buy our recommendation: Their products must earn it, fair and square.

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