2026 marks significant milestones for BIRKENSTOCK. Three classic models that have shaped the brand's history are celebrating their anniversaries: the Birkenstock Milano and Birkenstock Boston reach their 50th year, while the Birkenstock London — BIRKENSTOCK's first closed shoe — turns 40.
All three original models were designed by Karl Birkenstock and remain essential pieces in the BIRKENSTOCK collection today.
To commemorate these milestones, BIRKENSTOCK has created a series of special editions inspired by the brand's rich heritage. The limited-edition collection is rolling out in three separate drops throughout the year. The first drop launched on May 14 (Thursday) at the BIRKENSTOCK Harajuku Concept Store, the Shinsaibashi Concept Store, and the official online shop.
While each of the three icons has its own distinct personality, all share the core values that BIRKENSTOCK has long upheld: tradition, quality, and function. They also share the brand's defining foundation — the original cork-latex footbed, developed to support natural walking.
The Birkenstock Boston, Birkenstock London, and Birkenstock Milano feature architectural, gender-neutral silhouettes reminiscent of brutalist design — a design language that blends Karl Birkenstock's philosophy of anatomically based healthy footwear with minimal aesthetics.
Carrying forward that spirit, BIRKENSTOCK continues to pursue durability and timelessness, embodied through an unwavering commitment to premium natural materials and craftsmanship.
Anniversary of the Icons — Three Limited Drops, One Purpose
The ANNIVERSARY OF THE ICONS collection features the Birkenstock Milano (BIRKENSTOCK's first backstrap sandal), the Birkenstock Boston (the brand's first clog), and the Birkenstock London (the brand's first closed shoe). These silhouettes — deeply rooted in the brand's history — are expressed through three distinct themes representing BIRKENSTOCK's DNA.
Drop 1: Homage to Archive Colors
The first drop focuses on archive colors that were offered only briefly in 1977, celebrating BIRKENSTOCK's first bold foray into color. Three historic colorways — Active Yellow, Archive Denim Blue, and Archive Mid Green — return in premium tumbled nubuck leather, bringing vivid presence to the Birkenstock Milano, Birkenstock Boston, and Birkenstock London.
Cotton Crew Stripe Socks in matching colors are also available for styling alongside the sandals and clogs, and can be purchased separately.
Drop 2: Homage to Craftsmanship
The second drop turns the spotlight on craftsmanship — a core value at BIRKENSTOCK. The brand's distinctive "bone pattern," usually found on the outsole, is reinterpreted and applied to the upper as a striking design detail. Combined with pull-up leather that develops character over time and a half exquisite footbed, the result is a model that embodies outstanding product quality. A tonal socks pack featuring the iconic bone pattern across its entirety is also included, adding a subtle yet distinctive styling accent.
Drop 3: A Story from Antarctica
The third drop pays tribute to a symbolic episode from the brand's history. In 1985, geologist Dr. Robert H. Rutford — a BIRKENSTOCK enthusiast known for his Antarctic research — led diplomats and international relations professionals from 28 countries to the South Pole. A photograph captured him wearing his beloved Birkenstock Boston. Inspired by this story, the Birkenstock London, Birkenstock Boston, and Birkenstock Milano feature antique-finished oiled leather and functional wire buckles. Shearling-lined uppers and footbeds deliver warmth and comfortable moisture regulation even on cold winter days. The Birkenstock Boston and Birkenstock London also feature an oiled leather mudguard at the toe and a slightly thicker EVA outsole with a bold bone pattern.
From "Cork-Clog" to Cultural Icon
In 1976, the Birkenstock Boston debuted under the name "cork clog," transforming the concept of the clog entirely. At a time when wooden-soled clogs were mainstream, BIRKENSTOCK's cork-latex footbed was genuinely innovative — and it became the foundation for nearly every BIRKENSTOCK clog that followed.
Over time, the Birkenstock Boston grew into the brand's hero silhouette, becoming a familiar sight in cities around the world. Its appeal transcends seasons, trends, gender, culture, and geography.
The Birkenstock Boston is also the starting point for a whole world of clogs — including the Tokyo, Naples, Amsterdam, and Lutry — spanning classic and seasonal collections, kids, home shoes, outdoor categories, and professional footwear. With endless variations in materials, colors, designs, and details, BIRKENSTOCK clogs have evolved into a democratic closed-toe shoe beloved across generations.
The iconic silhouette and versatile upper design have inspired collaborations with designers worldwide, from global names to independent creatives. The Birkenstock Boston has appeared in numerous films and TV productions, earning the affection of creative leaders across genres — from healthcare workers in the 1970s to the hippie movement of the 1980s, and through to the high-fashion scene of the millennium years.
Birkenstock London — A Bridge to Closed Footwear
The Birkenstock Boston also served as a bridge to the Birkenstock London, BIRKENSTOCK's first closed shoe. The goal in developing the Birkenstock London was to translate the comfort established through sandals and clogs into more complex, high-performance all-season footwear.
"Celebrating the archive — building the archive."
This is the spirit behind the ANNIVERSARY OF THE ICONS collection. Today, BIRKENSTOCK offers over 700 silhouettes, including dozens of clog styles. Every one of them shares a single purpose: to support natural walking for people around the world, every day of the year.
Release Information
Drop 1: Available May 14 (Thursday)
Prices: Birkenstock Boston ¥26,400 / Birkenstock Milano ¥28,600 / Birkenstock London ¥30,800 / Socks ¥2,475
Available at: BIRKENSTOCK Harajuku Concept Store, Shinsaibashi Concept Store, and official online shop
Drop 2: Coming in June
Prices: Birkenstock Boston ¥29,700 / Birkenstock Milano ¥30,800 / Birkenstock London ¥34,100 / Socks ¥2,530
