Concepts's Latest Birkenstock Collab Is Red Hot

The fashion Birk isn't going anywhere.
a pair of red and black Birkenstock Clogs on red rose petals
Concepts x Birkenstock Boston ClogCourtesy of Birkenstock

Over the past few years, Birkenstock has gone from the crunchy footwear of choice for outdoorsy types to the kind of sought-after kicks worn by fashion’s inner circle. The German footwear brand is historically known for its cozy, cork-soled sandals and clogs, but recently, the company has worked with goth virtuoso designer Rick Owens, Italian label Valentino, downtown retailer Opening Ceremony—and sneaker store Concepts. Since 2014, the shop and Birkenstock have worked together on several eye-catching designs, and this latest is no exception.

Riffing on the iconic Boston silhouette, the duo has elevated the clog to include luxury fabrics like rich suede, thick felt, and natural grooved leather. The upper gets decked out in vibrant red suede with a contrasting black leather strap and footbed. (It comes stamped with a gold Concepts logo, no less.) Fans of the sneaker retailer will recognize a familiar theme here: dressing up the Birkenstock Boston into something head-turning and covetable is something Concepts loves to do. Last year, it was this bold neon green, and the shade of red chosen this year isn’t exactly subtle, either.

This collaboration is a sign that Birkenstock’s place in streetwear and fashion isn’t slowing down in the slightest. It’s also the perfect case study of why a brand like Birkenstock does these types of collaborations in the first place. With Concepts, the two have taken a classic style and tweaked it into something entirely new. You won’t find a pair of cherry red Bostons in your local Birkenstock store, and that is precisely the point. When you want cork-soled footwear that feels more sharply stylish (and a little less folksy), reach for the latest Birkenstock collaboration.

$250, available on December 6 via Concepts