Few footwear labels have enjoyed the same ubiquity and staying power that Birkenstock has, especially now with the Boston clog adorning the feet of every fashion head in a major city. And yet, even with 250 years of experience making shoes, Birkenstock has found a way to keep the classics coming while continuing to innovate in the space. Case in point: the new Reykjavik silhouette, a chunky clog with an exaggerated rubber shell built to take a beating.
Taking the classic clog and hitting it with a beefy construction, the Reykjavik is built with a brushed nubuck leather upper (no suede this time, sorry Boston fans) and the label’s in-house Deep Blue Footbed that’s contoured and designed for all-day comfort, giving the shoe a unique contrasting look. The real kicker here is the chunky sole that surrounds the shoe (nearly swallowing it), resulting in a modern style that gives you plenty of protection and support. It’s finished with a German-made PU insole lined with microfiber, and the brushed nubuck leather will develop a unique patina as you wear them in. Also, considering that this extra protection is slightly borrowed from the label’s Professional lineup that’s designed for hospitality workers, you can trust that these are actually made to be heavy-duty.
Since this silhouette’s reveal, there have been a lot of comparisons to the ever-popular Boston clogs, likely due to the fact that both shoes have pretty much the same strap and a similar closed toe box. It’s also another reminder that Birkenstock continues to dominate the clog and sandal scene, iterating on its classic styles while staying true to the label’s roots and embracing modern tastes.
The Birkenstock Reykjavik is available now for $210 in the Taupe colorway we’ve featured here, along with Black, Mink, and Antique White (all in nubuck leather).
