Birkenstock's Shinjuku sandals are named for the Shinjuku neighborhood in Tokyo, known for its hustle and bustle and busy neon signage. You’d think that Birkenstock could have taken that inspiration a little literally — neon sandals!? — but in reality, these new Birks are actually rather understated at first glance, though a lot went into them underneath the surface.
In white, black and earthy camel brown colorways, these Birkenstock's Shinjuku sandals work as summer staples whether you’re stuck in the big city or heading off to the beach for the season, very much like the Birkenstock Milano that preceded it.
These are not your hippie uncle’s suede slides, as the Birkenstock Shinjuku is much busier on the upper, almost military-looking with its technical webbing replacing the classic Birk straps across the foot and over the heel, though no military is yet wearing Birkenstocks in the field (that I know of)
Still, if any ever did, they'd enjoy one of the key features that Birkenstock added to the Shinjuku: quick-open and rust-proof buckles on the adjustable straps.
The Shinjuku's trek-ready sole is chunkier than most Birkenstocks, made to both drain water and keep them outdoor-ready, but with enough traction to wear on concrete. This calls to mind Birkenstock's recent outdoor sandal boom, and like those models, the Shinjuku is made to be worn in all elements.
But it retains the traditional Birkenstock cork footbed in its slightly elevated sole, so you know it’s still a Birkenstock (as if the large branding on the side of the sandal wasn’t enough).
These are some of the most rugged-looking Birkenstock sandals to date, though, due to the surprising blend of sturdy sole and high-function fastening.
As such, Birkenstock figures that the Shinjuku, available now on Birkenstock's website for $230, is the ideal city-to-country sandal, a do-it-all shoe as ready for hikes as it is for all-day metropolitan treks.
All that and the Shinjuku isn't even the wildest-looking Birkenstock in recent memory.
