I hate getting my feet out in summer but Katie Holmes' love affair with black Birkenstocks has me inspired

Katie's Birkenstocks are a versatile staple that we've seen her wear on so many summer days

Katie Holmes
(Image credit: Getty Images)

Pulling together my summer capsule wardrobe, I'm always left stumped at exactly which footwear I'm going to rely on throughout the season, but Katie Holmes' go-to black Birkenstocks could be for me.

I'm not a huge fan of getting my feet out, even when I have a fresh summer pedicure. But this year Katie has inspired me to get my toes out with her comfortable summer staple. She's been spotted numerous times wearing the Birkenstock 1774 Arizona Sandals over the past few summers.

With the same iconic two-strap, slide-on design of Birkenstock's other Arizona styles, Katie's 1774 pair has an all-black colourway and shining buckle. This makes them look so sleek and versatile, not to mention comfortable, with their smooth nappa leather footbed and EVA sole that keeps them super flexible.

At £380, they're not the most affordable Birkenstocks on offer - but the brand do have a whole range of black Arizona sandals at a more affordable price.

woman&home's Fashion Ecommerce Editor Caroline Parr says she can't live without her sandals in the summer months. She says, "Once you go Birky, you'll never look back! Endlessly versatile, super comfortable, and celebrity-approved, they're such a good investment. I'd recommend sticking to classic black in order to maximise your wardrobe options."

Katie Holmes wearing black birkenstocks in Manhattan in July 2021

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Shop Birkenstock Arizona Sandals

In the height of July back in 2021, Katie slipped into her pair to finish off a laid-back, easy-going outfit of muted, neutral joggers and a black muscle tee.

Nailing the comfy-chic look, the slightly cropped hem of her trousers cut off at a super flattering ankle length, and the simple, two-strap look of the sandals worked alongside this to create a sleek and streamlined look against her bare ankle.

With a baseball cap and simple black crossbody finishing off the outfit, it's hard to imagine a different pair of shoes working as well with this casual look as Katie's Birkenstocks do.

Katie Holmes wearing black birkenstocks in New York City on July 15, 2020

(Image credit: Getty Images)

She also proved the sandals' brilliance at finishing off more dressier, elevated styles when, in July 2020, she created a monochrome outfit by pairing them with a summer-ready black mini dress, statement belt, and a pair of oversized sunglasses.

Katie Holmes wearing black birkenstocks in New York City on August 02, 2020

(Image credit: Getty Images)

Back in 2020, Katie leaned into another elevated though still perfectly casual look when she styled her Birkenstocks with a denim midi skirt and simple plain white tee. Channeling the best of 90s fashion, the simple a-line denim midi cut off just below the knee and boasted a comfortable high waist.

Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse
Freelance news writer

Charlie Elizabeth Culverhouse is a freelance royal news, entertainment and fashion writer. She began her journalism career after graduating from Nottingham Trent University with an MA in Magazine Journalism, receiving an NCTJ diploma, and earning a First Class BA (Hons) in Journalism at the British and Irish Modern Music Institute. She has also worked with Good To, BBC Good Food, The Independent, The Big Issue and The Metro.