I sold hundreds of Birkenstock Bostons over the years, so it takes a lot for a new Birkenstock clog to get my attention.
The Birkenstock Amsterdam did.
When I first saw it, I immediately liked the cleaner, sleeker shape. Then I put it on — and the comfort sold me. These are insanely comfortable.
The Amsterdam has everything I love about Birkenstock, but the look feels a little different from the Boston. It’s streamlined, simple and incredibly easy to wear. And after years of buying and selling Birkenstocks, I think this is one women are going to want to know about.
Amsterdam vs. Boston: Why I Like the New Look
I will always love a Boston. It's a classic for a reason, and I've sold more pairs than I could possibly count.
But the Amsterdam gives you another option.
It feels less rugged and a little more refined. The cleaner silhouette makes it easy to wear beyond leggings and casual weekend clothes. I can see these with jeans, cords, relaxed trousers and all the oversized knits we're pulling out for fall.
The Charcoal is especially good. It's neutral without being another brown or black shoe, and it works beautifully with denim, grey, camel, cream and chocolate.
If you already own a Boston, I don't think the Amsterdam feels redundant. It fills a slightly different spot in the closet.
Are the Birkenstock Amsterdams Comfortable?
Very.
This was the thing that surprised me most when I put them on. They are insanely comfortable — the kind of shoe that immediately makes you think, Oh, I'm going to wear these all the time.
For me, that's important. A shoe can look great online, but after nearly 20 years of buying shoes for my stores, I still come back to the same question: Will you actually reach for it?
With the Amsterdam, my answer is absolutely yes.
Birkenstock Amsterdam Sizing
For reference, I'm normally an 8.5 narrow and wear a size 39 in Birkenstocks. I wear the Amsterdam in a 39 as well.
If you already own Birkenstocks and know your Birkenstock size, that's where I would start.
And if you're new to the brand, remember that Birkenstock sizing can feel different from typical U.S. shoe sizing, so I wouldn't automatically convert based solely on the number you wear in other brands.
How I’d Style the Birkenstock Amsterdam
This is where I think the Amsterdam gets interesting.
I'd wear the Charcoal with straight or relaxed denim, a white tee and oversized cardigan for an easy fall uniform. I'd also pair it with cropped trousers and a sweater when I want something comfortable that doesn't make the whole outfit feel overly casual.
And yes — add socks. A great neutral sock with the Amsterdam, cropped denim and a chunky knit is exactly the kind of fall outfit I want right now.
Would I Have Bought It for Dear Lucy?
100%.
Actually, this is the kind of shoe I would have been excited to unpack.
After selling Birkenstock for years, I know how easy it can be to keep going back to the icons. But part of being a buyer was spotting the new style that could earn a place next to them.
For me, the Amsterdam makes the buy. ✓
It's comfortable enough to become an everyday shoe, familiar enough for a Birkenstock person, but different enough to make your fall shoe lineup feel new.
And if you're a longtime Boston wearer like I am, this may be the Birkenstock that convinces you to try something different.
SHOP THE BIRKENSTOCK AMSTERDAM →
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