Birkenstock’s Best Slip-Ons Get a Refined Italian Heritage Revision

The iconic Boston clog and Arizona sandal toe the line of dress shoes with this high-end update. And the Milano celebrates 50 years.

Close-up of a tan leather shoe with a stitched strap and square buckle on a white background.

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By Sean Tirman

Published June 2, 2026

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Birkenstock was founded in Germany way back in 1774 (yes, really). That makes it a true heritage footwear brand, especially given how iconic many of its offerings are.

But the finest it has to offer are launched under the appropriately named Birkenstock 1774 label, which highlights its most exclusive, luxury offerings and collaborations.

The latest sees the brand’s German craftsmanship imbued with fine Italian materials. It’s called the Birkenstock 1774 Romanticismo Collection.

Pair of black leather sandals with double buckles and orange stitching on a light blue surface. — The collection includes the Arizona (above), Boston and Milano.

Triple trouble

The Romanticismo Collection includes three different Birkenstock silhouettes. And all three are classics.

The only close-toed option is the Boston, which is a hybrid between a clog and a mule, making it slightly dressier or at least less casual than the brand’s more traditional sandals.

The other two are very similar to one another. There’s the Arizona (probably Birkenstock’s most iconic offering) and the Milano. While the Arizona is a slide, meaning it is backless, the Milano gets a back strap, making it slightly more secure (and a little more complicated to put on and take off).

Black sandals with orange trim and three buckles worn with black socks on crossed legs. — The Milano (above) is like an Arizona with a back strap. It is also celebrating 50 years in production.

It’s worth noting, too, that the Milano is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, hence its inclusion in this collection.

Both the Arizona and Boston are offered in black with orange piping or mustard yellow with orange piping. The Milano, by contrast, only comes in the black and orange option.

Close-up of a mustard yellow leather shoe with a matching buckle and black sole. — The Boston (above) and the Arizona are available in black or mustard, while the Milano is only available in black.

The Italian job

Although Birkenstock 1774 often partners with other brands (like the Maharishi collab from a while ago), this release technically isn’t a collaboration. It is, however, a bit of a cross-cultural collaboration, so to speak.

That’s because these sandals and mules are crafted using fine Italian materials, which are then assembled in Germany (as is typical with Birks).

Pair of tan leather sandals with double buckle straps on a blue and white striped fabric background. — The fine Italian materials really elevate these slip-ons to the next level.

Across all three pairs, the uppers are made from smooth, natural Italian nappa leather, untreated to let the natural grains and other characteristics shine through. They also all get refined piping details and stitching around the edges.

Furthermore, paired with the EVA outsoles and the classic cork-latex footbed, all three pairs receive the brand’s “Exquisite” treatment, which wraps the footbed in fine nappa leather, as well.

This is about as close to “dress Birkenstocks” as I’ve ever seen.

Man wearing a beige jacket with brown collar, white shirt, pink wide-leg pants, and black sandals with white socks. — While I hesitate to call any sandals “dressy,” these ones certainly toe the line.

Availability and pricing

The three shoes in the Birkenstock 1774 Romanticismo Collection are all now available on the brand’s site, ranging from $600 to $680, depending on the style.

Black leather slip-on clog with a black buckle and orange trim detail.

About the Author: Sean Tirman is an associate editor at Gear Patrol who specializes in EDC, cannabis and outdoor gear.

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