A new spin on a classic
Heads up: the Birkenstock Boston is turning 50, and it’s celebrating with a little assist from Cole Bennett!
The filmmaker, creative director and record exec has teamed up with Birkenstock for his first footwear collaboration with the brand, building on a relationship that began almost a decade ago. Bennett first appeared in Birkenstock’s “Birkenstories” series in 2018, having already become a regular wearer of the brand.
For the colab, Bennett has taken the classic clog and given it a more premium finish, using off-white wool felt across the upper and a soft microfiber lining. A custom crescent moon buckle in antique dark copper adds another standout detail, while the textured felt changes in length, density and tone across the model. The effect is designed to reflect ideas of movement, imagination and change.
Reflecting on the project, Bennett said:
“Working with Birkenstock has been a dream of mine for over ten years. I honestly get starstruck every time we hop on a Zoom meeting. Collaborating with this company resembles manifestation and fearless adventure. To represent that in the shoe, I wanted to create something immersive. Something that tells its own story. I encourage every- one to trim the wool to their liking, making these shoes their very own. Be careful with them if you wish, but the off-white color is my way of encouraging people to get them a little dirty. Give them some character that feels true to you. My favorite detail of this shoe is the crescent moon buckle. It represents imagination and new beginnings. Sometimes I just touch my moon buckle if I ever need some good luck. My dog’s name is also Moon. She’s a furry mess. So in a way, this shoe is also a love letter to her.”
Underneath it all, the Boston stays true to roots. Its signature anatomically shaped cork-latex footbed has been left untouched, keeping the comfort and construction that made the silhouette a classic.
The Birkenstock by Cole Bennett Boston launches on 1 October.
