After Owning the Streets, Birkenstock’s Classic Slip-On Is Now Ready for Trails

Apologies to Dansko, but the Birkenstock Boston is the undisputed clog of the decade.

The evidence is undeniable. In 2022, The New York Times published an article outlining how hard they were to buy. A year later, Vogue gave them the dubious distinction of being “the new Ugg slippers.“

It’s quite an accomplishment for any product to pierce through the cultural zeitgeist at that level, let alone one released in 1976.

Yet, as timeless as the original cork sandal still looks and feels today, Birkenstock’s latest release further proves that the brand isn’t content to keep playing it safe until the cherished iconic inevitably wanes in popularity.

Swapping Suede for Textile and Rubber

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The new Boston Nova is a radical departure from the clean and classy aesthetic of the original. A combination of nubuck leather and a “durable textile upper” gives the clog a distinctively rugged, almost tactical look that feels like an interesting compliment to the brand’s existing campy Magami Terra sandal launched just last year.

A Divisive Buckle Choice

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A new G-hook-style buckle adds even more to the Nova’s outdoorsy vibe, though it might also spark controversy with some members of its presumed target consumer.

That’s because outdoor gear and bag enthusiasts are pretty divided on their opinions of G-hooks. Many gripe that they can easily slip out of their attachment loop when tension is removed from the strap.

Birkenstock

Others dislike how the hooked end of the upper G can often snag the webbing of the attachment loop, causing it to roll up and bunch up.

On the flip side, many appreciate how easy it is to latch and unlatch a G-hook quickly and acknowledge how they take up less space and cinch down tighter than other buckle designs.

In Three Earthy Colors

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At launch, the Birkenstock Boston Nova is offered in Black, Pine Green and Basalt Gray, though it’s somewhat surprising that a lighter tan or Khaki option is also excluded.

Given Nova’s city-limit-pushing aspirations, it also makes sense that the brand’s more grippy “Birkengrip” EVA midsole and rubber outsole are employed on this shoe.

While the differences between the Nova and classic Boston will naturally get all the attention, it’s worth mentioning what has remained the same.

The new sandal is still made in Germany and features the classic suede footbed lining that quickly molds to your feet, though the brand’s newer “soft” footbed option doesn’t appear to be available at launch. It’s also only sold in regular/wide sizes for now, but a narrower option might be added down the road.

And though they don’t cost quite as much as Steve Jobs’ crusty old pair, at $230, Birkenstock is charging quite a premium over the standard Boston.

Birkenstock

Birkenstock Boston Nova Clog

• $230 at Birkenstock

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