Birkenstocks have long been our go-to for casual summer dressing. Some of the most comfortable sandals on the market, Birkenstock often get a bad rap for simply being a practical shoe, but did you know they have a whole division dedicated to fashion-forward styles.
Papillio, which is still housed on the Birkenstock website, is the section to head to for elevated designs that still utilise the brand's iconic ergonomic footbeds. With more fashion nous, we're talking platform and wedge designs - ideal for finishing off those wedding guest dresses, brightly coloured iterations to complete holiday outfit ideas, and serrated soles that deliver a 90s edge to this classic sandal.
Despite how highly the likes of the Birkenstock Arizona is reviewed, many still judge these standout sandals on aesthetic alone. So, if you've questioned whether Birkenstocks are worth it or their versatility, the Papillio range leaves little room for argument.
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Papillio by Birkenstock is dominated by platform sandals, many of which are new takes on OG designs, including the Birkenstock clog and, of course, the Arizona sandal. From pastels to trending hues and chunky, directional soles, this is Birkenstock with an edge.
With a host of celebrity fans, we couldn't quite believe this quiet corner of the Birkenstock site had escaped us for so long, here are some of our favourites.
The Arizona is a classic, and the platform silhouette just adds to its fashionability right now. The best of both worlds, bag yourself all the comfort of Birkenstock sandals with a trending silhouette. Available in a range of new colours including: mocha, purple and a cool baby blue.
The serrated sole of these Arizona sandals gives them a completely different look from the classic style we're so used to. Made from a lightweight EVA, the platform sole is still light and easy to wear despite its chunky look and, even better, you still get the cork footbed for comfort.
Birkenstock Bostons have been everywhere this year, and this platform version brings a bouncy twist to the fashion favourite. If you're wondering how to style Birkenstock clogs, we recommend pairing them with or without socks, with dresses or trousers.
An infinitely wearable take on the platform Birkenstock style, this supple black slip-on style can be styled with almost any summer outfit, casual or dressy, for years to come.
Toe-post sandals aren't for everyone, but if you wish flip-flops were comfier, then what you actually want is the Birkenstock Gizeh. An easy on-off silhouette, this minimalist design features a subtle platform for a gentle few added inches. We love them for more casual summer outfits for work.
If you want to bring a pop of subtle colour into your summer wardrobe, these purple platform sandals could be just what you're after. The soft shade, 'Faded Purple' will work with a host of neutral colourways this season, ideal for styling with pastel outfits.
"As a long-standing Birkenstock wearer, the Papillio range took me by surprise," says woman&home digital fashion editor, Rivkie Baum. "While I've always thought of my Gizeh's as my supremely comfortable and practical footwear choice, they've never been hailed as my most stylish shoe by. The diffusion range if you will, however, definitely adds a more fashion-forward element, and I love the expansive range of colours and soles to up the ante without compromising on wearability."
Even though the sandals are an elevated take on Birkenstocks, they fall more into the casual footwear division, although they can pair with dressier looks.
When it comes to celebrity wearers, Katie Holmes was spotted, in character, on the set of Happy Hours in a pair of the Arizona Flex Platform Sandals. Paired with her laid-back tracksuit and even a pair of socks, the comfortable and casual sandal reflected all of us running a few weekend errands.
Blending support with style, the Papillio range just gives us another reason to keep our feet feeling and looking good. And of course, when it comes to how to style Birkenstock clogs, and other Birkenstock silhouettes, the same rules still apply.
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