Birkenstock Boston men: the closed clog with a cork sole

The Boston shape

The front of the foot is covered by an upper made of leather, suede or wool, and a single buckle strap adjusts over the instep. The heel remains free, like a clog: the Boston slips on and off in a second.

This design makes it a mid-season shoe, more covered than a sandal and more casual than a loafer.

The Fussbett, anatomical insole

The cork and latex sole, covered in suede, replicates the shape of a resting foot: arch support, indentation at the heel, bar under the toes. Stiff at first, it will then mould to your imprint.

Once broken in, it makes the Boston very comfortable for a day standing or a long walk in the city.

Choosing your material

The oiled leather is the easiest to maintain: it withstands moisture better and develops character over time. Suede offers a softer look, but requires protection against rain.

Waxed leather, slightly shiny, matches well with smart trousers. The felted wool Boston, warm, is mainly worn at home or in dry weather.

Size and width

The brand only offers whole sizes and recommends the larger one if you are between two. The foot should have a few millimetres of space in front of the toes and behind the heel.

• Regular: the standard width, quite generous.
• Narrow: narrower, for slim feet.

The Boston with trousers

The men's Boston naturally pairs with wide trousers, chinos or cargo pants, which sit on the instep without hiding it. A rolled-up raw denim jean reveals the socks, which can be white, grey or cream.

With pleated trousers and a knit, it gives a relaxed yet polished look, suitable for the office on Friday or the weekend.

Socks and Boston

A thick sock, in ribbed cotton or wool, fills the volume of the clog and keeps the foot warm from autumn. Choose a plain sock in a neutral tone to maintain a smart outfit.

Check the men's socks for the right thickness.

Colours

Taupe and mocha brown in suede are the most common, easy to pair with denim and earthy tones. Black, in oiled or waxed leather, works better in the city and with dark outfits.

Care for the men's Boston

Brush the suede dry and protect it before the first outing. Nourish the oiled or waxed leather two or three times per season. Cork does not tolerate standing water: let a wet pair dry in the air, away from direct heat.

An worn sole can often be re-soled by a specialist cobbler, extending the life of the pair.

The Boston at the office

In a casual office, the leather Boston in oiled or waxed, black or dark brown, works with chinos and a shirt. It offers clogs comfort without the look of a beach shoe.

For a more formal environment, save it for Friday or the weekend, and opt for loafers during the week.

Boston or loafer?

The loafer holds the heel and gives a more dressed-up look. The Boston, with its free heel, slips on faster and supports the arch better thanks to its cork sole.

For a comfortable mid-season choice, many alternate between the two depending on the day.

Find Birkenstock

For the Arizona sandals and other models, see the page Birkenstock men. Other flagship models are in the men's collection.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can the men's Boston be worn in winter?

In dry weather, with thick socks. In rain or snow, a boot is more suitable.

What size to choose for the Boston?

Your usual size, and the larger one if you are between two, as recommended by Birkenstock.

Suede or oiled leather?

Suede for its soft look, oiled leather for its moisture resistance and patina.

Can the sole of the Boston be re-soled?

Often yes, at a cobbler who works with cork soles.

How to prevent the Boston from slipping at the heel?

Adjust the strap one notch tighter on the instep. If it still slips, a slim foot might benefit from switching to Narrow width.

Can the Boston be worn with shorts?

Yes, barefoot in summer, with canvas or linen shorts. It offers more coverage than a sandal but remains casual.

What width for a wide foot?

The Regular width, the most generous of the two offered by the brand.