Birkenstock has just launched sheer sandals (and we think they might be our favourite style so far)

Has there ever been a summer sandal more ubiquitous than the humble Birkenstock? That’s rhetorical, by the way.

Sure, flip flops are pretty staple, so are dad sandals and walking sandals, but they all come and go in and out of fashion every few years. The Birkenstock, however, has quite literally never *not* been cool. And anyone who thinks otherwise is, with all due respect, wrong.

Perhaps the most practical style symbol of a generation, there are very few scenarios for which a Birkenstock wouldn’t be appropriate.

Need proof? They even come Barbie approved. Yep, the brand features twice throughout the film, once on Margot Robbie‘s very own feet.

So you get the gist, they’re the most hard-working pair of shoes in just about anyone’s wardrobe. Need a slip-on style for the beach? Birks. A comfy pair for a gentle hike along the rocky coast? Birks. Something cute to wear with a midi for lunch with the girls? Birks. A shoe to don with jeans for a stroll down the high street/with denim cut-offs for a barbecue/with tailoring in the office? Birks, Birks, Birks.

While it may be obvious as to what silhouette you should get first (the Arizona), there are what feels like a hundred other options in various different colourways, finishes and designs to choose from these days. Their success hasn’t gone unnoticed by other major players in the industry, either, with everyone from Dior to Manolo Blahnik getting in on the action via some pretty epic collaborations. Basically… there’s a Birk for everyone.

Black is no doubt the most popular choice, with muted khakis, navies and browns also wildly popular. For those with a penchant for more aesthetically unusual styles; metallic shades, croc-print and suede fabrications make for fun options, too.

Below, shop the our edit of the best Birkenstocks to own (and wear), from the new sheer and raffia drop to high-end collab designs and the timeless classics.

Birkenstock 1774 Arizona Milky in Chintz Rose

Birkenstock 1774 Florida Milky in Vibrant Orange

Birkenstock 1774 Milano Raffia in Golden Olive

Birkenstock 1774 Arizona Raffia in Chintz Rose

Birkenstock 1774 Arizona Milky in Dark Navy

Birkenstock 1774 Florida Milky in Chintz Rose

Birkenstock Milano Glossed-Leather Slingback Sandals

Birkenstock Arizona Two Strap Sandals

Birkenstock Boston Suede Clogs

Birkenstock 1774 Tokio Suede Slingback Loafers

Birkenstock Tulum Cross Sandals

Birkenstock Siena VL Sandal

Birkenstock Madrid 1 Bar Mules

Birkenstock Zurich Sandals

Birkenstock 1774 Florida Triple-Strap Suede Sandals

Birkenstock 1774 + Manolo Blahnik Arizona Leather-Trimmed PVC Sandals

For more from Glamour UK’s Fashion Editor Charlie Teather, follow her on Instagram **@charlieteather. **

For more from Glamour UK’s Commerce Writer Georgia Trodd, follow her on Instagram @georgiatrodd.