Dior X Birkenstock made headlines when it was launched in Dior’s Fall 2022 collection. Merging the craftsmanship of French maison Dior with the ergonomic design of 250-year-old German orthopaedic shoe company Birkenstock, these sandals offer the perfect fusion of style and functionality. But are they truly the best high-end sandals of the year? Let’s take a closer look.
Dior x Birkenstock
Originally founded in 1774 by Johann Birkenstock, the Birkenstock was known as orthopaedic shoes worn by people who preferred comfort and functionality over looks. In 2022, Dior used felted wool and calfskin to elevate Birkenstock’s Tokio mule and Milano sandals into the luxury space. In 2025, luxury-meets-comfort sandals have surged in popularity as consumers prioritise both style and functionality in their footwear. According to a 2025 report by McKinsey, the luxury footwear market is projected to grow by 8.5 percent, with comfort-driven designs leading the charge. Dior x Birkenstock has been spotted on celebrities like Zendaya and Timothée Chalamet, solidifying luxury, functional sandals as a must-have.
This article explores the rise of high-end comfort sandals, key industry trends, Features of Dior x Birkenstock, a comparison with other luxury sandals, and… where YOU can purchase a pair today.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
- The Dior x Birkenstock Collaboration: A Game-Changer
- Features of Dior x Birkenstock
- Dior revisits the collaboration
- Comparison with other luxury sandals
- Where is Dior Birkenstock Available?
- How Celebrities and Fashion Influencers made Dior Birkenstocks viral
- The Future of Luxury Comfort Footwear
- FAQs on Styling Dior Birkenstock Sandals
The Dior x Birkenstock Collaboration: A Game-Changer
Dior x Birkenstock merges luxury with orthopaedic comfort redefining high-end footwear. By integrating Birkenstock’s contoured cork footbed—designed to support natural foot alignment—with Dior’s craftsmanship and premium materials, the collection appeals to a wide demographic of consumers who refuse to compromise on aesthetics or well-being, making high-end, ergonomic sandals a staple in contemporary fashion. The meticulous detailing, from Dior’s signature monogram embossing to premium suede and leather finishes, ensures that each pair combines timeless style with everyday functionality.
Birkenstock’s journey from a nineteenth-century orthopedic footwear brand to a high-fashion icon is a testament to its enduring innovation. Founded in 1774 in Germany, the brand initially catered to medical professionals and individuals seeking arch support. However, it gained mainstream traction in the twentieth century when counterculture movements embraced its minimalist, utilitarian design. By the 2000s, Birkenstock had become a global casualwear staple, and in the last decade, luxury houses recognised its potential to bridge comfort with couture, leading to groundbreaking collaborations.
Before teaming up with Dior, Birkenstock had cemented its place in luxury fashion through high-profile collaborations with Valentino, Rick Owens, and Proenza Schouler. Valentino’s 2019 red leather Arizona sandals marked the first high-fashion interpretation of the classic silhouette, while Rick Owens introduced avant-garde, elongated designs with industrial aesthetics. Similarly, Jil Sander and Manolo Blahnik added their signature style, proving that Birkenstock’s orthopedic heritage could merge with luxury craftsmanship. The collaboration with Dior is the latest evolution of this trend, bringing Birkenstock’s legacy full circle.
Features of Dior x Birkenstock
Per the website of Birkenstock: “The revisited Milano sandal arrives in Dior gray felt, appointed with a leather ankle strap and co-branded footbed. Also reinterpreted is the Tokio mule, a quintessential Birkenstock model whose unrivalled form closely fits the foot’s function and shape. Our version’s exceptional embroidered flowers are done by hand and directly inspired by a Haute Couture dress from the 1957 Dior collection.”
Dior’s expertise in luxury craftsmanship is combined with Birkenstock’s focus on comfort and durability. The Dior Birkenstock sandals, part of the Dior X Birkenstock collection, are crafted with premium materials such as suede, felted wool and nubuck leather, elevating the classic Birkenstock aesthetic. The addition of Dior’s hallmark rollercoaster buckle and embossed soles featuring Dior Oblique motif with Birkenstock’s bone-pattern tread, transform these sandals into a statement piece.
One of the standout features of the Dior Birkenstock is the emphasis on comfort without compromising on style. Retaining Birkenstock’s contoured cork footbed, the sandals offer arch support and shock absorption, making them an ideal choice for all-day wear. Worn with tailored trousers or a casual summer dress, these sandals are perfect for anyone who wants to be comfortable— but fashionable.
With their limited-edition status and premium craftsmanship, the Dior Birkenstock sandals are a collector’s piece. While they come with an extravagant price tag, this combination of luxury, quality and timeless design makes them a worthwhile investment for those who appreciate high-end fashion with a functional twist. The exclusivity simply makes them more coveted!
Dior revisits the collaboration
Fans will be happy to know that, following the success of the collaboration with Dior, Dior and Kim Jones partnered with Birkenstock once again to revisit the two heritage styles with a fresh seasonal aesthetic. Following in the footsteps of the first release, the Milano and Tokio sandals are reimagined in yellow, khaki, and gray green, featuring the Dior Oblique monogram and Birkenstock’s orthopaedic footbed.
Image Source: Til Janz for Dior X Birkinstock
An ode to artistry and craftsmanship, this collection captures both labels’ unwavering quality, honed from rich heritage and expertise. Crafted in Germany from the finest raw materials, Dior and Birkenstock’s cult collaboration retells the shoemaker’s story through a high-fashion lens. The reinvented Milano model arrives in suede and is dressed in a yellow, khaki, and a gray-green palette. Meanwhile, the Tokio mule, available in the same palette, combines summery elegance and comfort.
Comparison with other luxury sandals
When comparing the Dior Birkenstock to other luxury sandals, a key distinction lies in their combination of comfort and couture. Unlike Hermès Oran sandals, which feature a sleek, minimalist leather design, the Dior Birkenstocks prioritise ergonomic support with a contoured cork footbed, making them ideal for all-day wear. Similarly, while Chanel’s quilted leather slides make an elegant statement, they lack the functional appeal that Birkenstock’s legacy is built on. The Dior Birkenstocks stand out by merging suede, felted wool and embossed logos with functionality, perfect for those who want luxury without sacrificing comfort. Another comparison can be drawn with the Gucci GG logo sandals and Louis Vuitton’s Paseo slides, which feature bold branding and opulent materials. However, while these designs lean into statement aesthetics, they lack the ergonomic structure that makes Birkenstock footwear a long-term investment.
Where is Dior Birkenstock Available?
The Dior Birkenstock sandals are available at select Dior boutiques, high-end department stores, and luxury online retailers. Given their exclusivity, they are primarily sold at Dior stores and websites. Due to their high demand and limited-edition status, availability can be scarce, with certain sizes and styles selling out quickly. Those who missed out on the initial release may find pairs on luxury second-hand platforms such as Vestiaire Collective, The RealReal, and StockX, though prices on resale markets tend to be higher than retail.
The price range for Dior Birkenstock sandals varies depending on the material and detailing, but they typically start at around $1,000 and can exceed $1,400 for premium styles. While this places them among the most expensive designer sandals, the high-quality materials, craftsmanship and exclusivity contribute to their value. Whether they are worth the investment depends on personal preference—those who prioritise luxury, comfort, and timeless design may see them as a collector’s item.
Given their limited-edition nature, resale prices may appreciate over time, making them a desirable piece for fashion enthusiasts and investors in luxury footwear. As of today, availability remains limited and securing a pair often requires acting fast when restocks or new releases drop.
How Celebrities and Fashion Influencers made Dior Birkenstocks viral
Celebrities and fashion influencers played a pivotal role in making Dior Birkenstocks a viral sensation. As soon as Zendaya, Timothée Chalamet, and Bella Hadid were spotted wearing them, the demand for these sandals skyrocketed.
The Dior Birkenstock made headlines when it was launched in Dior’s Fall 2022 collection.
Instagram became a showcase for street style, with influencers pairing the sandals with everything from tailored suits to denim. The hashtag #DiorBirkenstock trended worldwide, accumulating millions of views, while TikTok took it a step further—fashion creators uploaded styling videos, “dupe vs. designer” comparisons, and clips that fueled the hype. Viral challenges, such as #BirkenstockRunway, where users recreated runway looks incorporating the sandals, solidified their status as the ultimate footwear statement.
The Paris Fashion Week runway and front-row appearances cemented Dior Birkenstocks as a luxury staple. A standout moment was when Jacob Elordi paired them with a Dior trench. Meanwhile, Emma Chamberlain and Hailey Bieber elevated the look with structured blazers and minimalist accessories. At the Dior showcase, models strutted down the runway in monochrome ensembles, accessorised with Dior Birkenstocks, reinforcing the idea that comfort can be couture. These high-profile moments, amplified by millions of social media impressions, transformed Dior Birkenstocks from a niche luxury item into a must-have.
The Future of Luxury Comfort Footwear
Dior has demonstrated that a sandal originally designed for functionality can be elevated into a high-fashion statement, paving the way for other labels to experiment with ergonomic yet stylish designs.As luxury consumers increasingly prioritise both style and functionality, this collaboration of heritage orthopedic design with couture aesthetics is likely to inspire more brands to explore similar collaborations. Other luxury brands are already taking cues from Dior’s playbook. Given the commercial and social media success of Dior Birkenstocks, it’s likely that brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Givenchy will follow suit, incorporating comfort-first silhouettes with premium detailing. The broader rise of high-fashion comfort footwear is evident with the Balenciaga Crocs Platforms, Prada Foam Sandals, and Bottega Veneta’s rubber slip-ons, all of which have blurred the lines between streetwear, utility, and high fashion. This shift reflects a cultural moment where luxury is about accessibility and function. As more consumers embrace this hybrid of function and fashion, the industry is poised to see a wave of reimagined classics, making luxury more wearable than ever before.
FAQs on Styling Dior Birkenstock Sandals
How can I style Dior Birkenstock sandals for a casual look?
Dior Birkenstock sandals pair effortlessly with relaxed, everyday looks. Try wearing them with a white tee and jeans, oversized button-up shirt and linen pants or midi skirts. Minimal gold jewellery enhances the luxe look.
Can Dior Birkenstock sandals be worn for a smart-casual outfit?
Absolutely! Pairing these sandals with tailored trousers, structured blazers and classic knitwear in neutral tones. A chic handbag and sunglasses will elevate the look.
Are Dior Birkenstocks suitable for evening wear?
While Birkenstocks are traditionally seen as casual footwear, Dior’s elevated design makes them suitable for evening. Style them with a silk slip dress, a tailored co-ord set, or a longline blazer dress. Adding bold earrings or a designer clutch can make them even red-carpet ready.
Is the Dior Birkenstock collaboration a passing trend or a timeless staple?
The Dior Birkenstock sandals strike a balance between trend and timelessness. While the hype surrounding designer collaborations fades, the high-quality craftsmanship, neutral colour palette, and classic silhouette ensure they remain relevant beyond seasonal fashion cycles.
Can Dior Birkenstocks be worn across different seasons?
Yes, Dior Birkenstocks are versatile enough to be worn year-round. In warmer months, pair them with lightweight dresses, shorts, and oversized shirts. During colder seasons, they can be styled with thick socks and cosy knitwear for a chic autumn look—echoing the runway-approved socks-and-sandals trend.
Conclusion
Dior Birkenstock proves that comfort and high fashion can coexist effortlessly. The perfect combination of Dior’s timeless craftsmanship and Birkenstock’s orthopedic support, makes them a versatile, stylish investment piece. With the rise of high-fashion comfort footwear, it’s a good time to embrace the trend and upgrade to shoes that feel as good as they look. Whether styled with a tailored suit, a summer dress, or denim, Dior Birkenstocks promise to elevate any look while keeping comfort at the forefront. Would you wear Dior Birkenstocks? Let us know in the comments! Don’t forget to subscribe to FashionABC for the latest fashion trends and style guides!
Jasmeen Dugal is Associate Editor at FashionABC, contributing her insights on fashion, technology, and sustainability. She brings with herself more than two decades of editorial experience, working for national newspapers and luxury magazines in India.
Jasmeen Dugal has worked with exchange4media as a senior writer contributing articles on the country’s advertising and marketing movements, and then with Condenast India as Net Editor where she helmed Vogue India’s official website in terms of design, layout and daily content. Besides this, she is also an entrepreneur running her own luxury portal, Explosivefashion, which highlights the latest in luxury fashion and hospitality.
