Birkenstock Arizona Soft Footbed Birko-Flor Sandals in Black

The Birkenstock Arizona in black with the Soft Footbed is the two-strap sandal plenty of people live in from spring right through to autumn. This version pairs a Birko-Flor upper with an extra-cushioned footbed and a lightweight EVA sole, and it's made in Germany.

Materials and comfort

The upper is Birko-Flor, Birkenstock's own synthetic material: hard-wearing, kind to bare skin and very low-maintenance, so a splash by the pool or a long evening stroll won't bother it. The Soft Footbed adds a layer of latex foam that you'll notice from the first wear, while the surface underfoot is natural leather with a suede finish. You still get the brand's trademark contoured shape, with arch support and a heel cup that cradles the foot.

Fit

Both straps adjust with metal pin buckles, so you can set them snugly across the instep and loosen them off when your feet swell in the heat. It's a regular fit, designed for medium to wide feet, with room for your toes to spread. The heel is flat and the EVA sole is light and flexible, which makes it easy going for town or a walk along the seafront.

How to wear it

Black is the simplest shade to style: it works with linen shorts, rolled-up jeans, cotton dresses or chinos. It's just as at home on the beach as it is for a drink in Marbella's old town, and because Birko-Flor wipes clean easily, it copes well with everyday wear all summer long.