Between 10and5 attended Birkenstock’s Cape Town preview to see what’s shaping winter footwear and how people will be wearing it.
Winter footwear is getting simpler. Easier to wear and more comfortable. Less about statement pieces, more about what you can actually live in.
A friend once said that if you have to choose between comfort and style, you should always choose style. But looking at what we saw at the recent Birkenstock autumn/winter preview, that thinking feels outdated. Comfort isn’t being traded off anymore. It’s now the starting point.
At the recent preview of Birkenstock’s Autumn/Winter 2026 collection in Cape Town, that direction was clear. The brand hosted a small styling session at the new BlackBrick Hotel in Gardens, led by local stylist Tracy-Lee Rosslind. The focus wasn’t just on trends in footwear, but on how people are dressing day to day.
A mix of clogs, boots and closed shoes were all in play, with an emphasis on everyday wear. Even socks with sandals made an appearance, a combination that seems to be gaining wider acceptance.
Clogs, however, are clearly leading the conversation this winter. At the centre is the Boston, which marks 50 years this year and remains one of the brand’s most recognisable styles. But it’s not just a Birkenstock story. Versions of the same silhouette are now showing up everywhere, from Cotton On to Mr Price, signalling just how widely this shape has been adopted.
But it’s not just about carrying summer styles into winter.
There’s more focus on closed shoes. Boots, lace-ups and moccasin-style options are becoming more prominent. They’re designed to move between indoors and outdoors without needing a full outfit change. Shearling linings add warmth, but the overall look stays clean and structured.
The colour palette stays neutral. Charcoal, oyster, browns and navy. Easy to wear, easy to pair.
There’s also more attention on how shoes fit and function. Adjustable straps, buckles and fastening systems make it easier to wear the same pair across different settings. It speaks to a wider shift toward practicality.
The takeaway is simple. Clogs may be the standout, but the shift is toward comfort. Shoes that are easy to wear, easy to style, and built for everyday use.
What came through at the preview reflects where things are heading more broadly. Comfort is no longer secondary. It’s the starting point.
