Step Into Shearling With These Birkenstock Bostons

When I say “I’ve worn my Birkenstock Bostons every day since quarantine started,” that is a literal statement. Like I’ve been able to commit to nothing this year—aside from not getting a single haircut, I guess, which is known in the industry as a “prolonged cry for help”—but I’ve put a hole the size of a nickel in the right sole of my dailies and my course of action has mostly been to not acknowledge it. I even have a new pair sitting in my closet, but I just can’t part with the flame-broiled ones. If I was smart about all of this, however, I probably would’ve spelled the Sand Taupes with these Boston Shearlings in Black Suede during the colder months, for the sake of preservation and function. And also because Shearling Bostons are a perfect shoe.

Made — for 240 years now — in Germany, these cozy ass clogs are tricked out with a jet-black suede upper, an adjustable strap over the top of the foot, Birkenstocks trademark natural cork footbed, and a 360º (or close to it) shearling lining to keep the dogs toasty while the weather makes up its mind.

Because I don’t do science or clairvoyance, I have no idea when All of This™ will be over or if we’re anywhere as close as it feels like we are (I don’t think we are), but I do know that I have zero plans of reintroducing footwear that requires hands to put on — at least in any meaningful capacity. Some may call this lazy, and they wouldn’t be wrong, but they’d also be dismissing how unimpeachable the Boston is with that reductive attitude.

Available for $165 at NOTRE