The staple summer shoe that Barbie has got everyone buying

Jun 21, 2023

Even if you're yet to see Greta Gerwig's Barbie movie, chances are you've enjoyed glimpses of the many fabulous outfits worn by Margot Robbie, both on the incredible promo tour and in the film itself.

This article contains mild spoilers for Barbie

But there was one classic shoe that enjoyed particular spotlight in the movie. Take a bow, Barbie's pink Birkenstock sandals. In the film's finale, Margot's character is seen happily wearing the comfy summer staple with light blue jeans, a simple white top and a chic beige blazer – and it's a look we instantly wanted to copy.

Clearly, we weren't the only ones; virtual fitting room company 3DLOOK claims that searches for "womens Birkenstocks" have soared by over 500% since Barbie's release on 21 July.

It seems the most similar pair you can buy are the Birkenstock Arizona Nubuck Sandals in Pink, for £115, but there are a number of other pink styles to consider, too (see our gallery, below, for inspiration).

Earlier in the movie, Weird Barbie (played by Kate McKinnon), offers Barbie a choice of pink stilettos or brown Birkenstocks before she leaves Barbieland for the real world. The basic Birks, of course, represent reality, and Barbie is initially hesitant about taking them.

But, by the end of the film, she's clearly loving her pink iteration. Because that's the magic of Birks – they're shoes you can actually enjoy life in, comfortably, while still looking chic (yes, really).

Celebrities have long been big fans of Birkenstock, including Reese Witherspoon and Katie Holmes, and everyone on team Red proudly owns at least one pair. True cult classics, they're great for every season, worn with bare feet in summer or socks in the cooler months – and they never seem to date.

Birks proved hugely popular during the pandemic years, when comfort reigned supreme, and in 2022, the brand unapologetically leaned into its "ugly chic" reputation by launching their "Ugly for a Reason" campaign to raise awareness of foot health (incidentally, their supportive arch is particularly good if you have a flat foot, like Barbie gets in the film).

Ultimately, Barbie giving Birks the seal of approval only seems fair, and we've loving seeing this hero brand enjoying the adoration it deserves. Long live our humble Birks!

You Might Also Like

Flattering summer dresses

15 trainers you'll want to wear every day

This high street moisturiser is sold every 18 seconds