The 3 Best Ways to Style Birkenstock Boston Clogs for Winter

As a devoted Ugg boot loyalist for over two decades, I’ve been looking for an alternative that isn’t as heavy but still has the same slide-on-and-go purpose. The shearling-lined Birkenstock Boston clog has piqued my interest for a few winters now, especially since the gorgeous warm-brown “mink” suede colorway tends to sell out in my size if I’m not quick enough, and isn’t always easy to find new secondhand. There had to be a reason they were so popular—and I needed to find out.

I’ve dabbled in and out of wearing Birkenstock sandals since high school, but they never really stuck around as a mainstay in my wardrobe. However, I was ready to give the clogs a shot. I finally got my hands on a pair, and, upon first wear, I understood why the supremely comfortable cork-soled cuties have been a cult-favorite since the late 1970s: Add in a little shearling, and you have a perfect winter mule.

Admittedly, the curved toe shape kind of threw me at first. It felt a little elf-like. Or even hoof-y? I got a little nervous! My mind went straight to, “Are they too weird?” And just like that, I was reminded of my high school German teacher, Ms. Nugent, who wore them unironically with linen apron dresses and nubbly wool cardigans, in perfect a German gnome-core way. I had to shake that memory off and put on my styling cap.