Move Over Birkenstocks: A New “Ugly” Sandal Is Taking Over Instagram

Lockdown has kickstarted many a lifestyle microtrend — banana bread, rollerskating, sourdough, and foam furniture, to name a few — but thanks to the lure of loungewear, they have been few and far between on the fashion front. One shoe, however, has emerged victorious from the pandemic: the Birkenstock. Whether you went for a Gizeh thong, a Boston clog, a two-strap Arizona, or a shearling-lined pair, we guarantee that the trusty Birkie — once the preserve of gardening moms and tourist dads but now worn by every footwear aficionado worth their salt thanks to collaborations with the likes of Proenza Schouler, Valentino, and Rick Owens — got you through lockdown in comfort.

Although this is the year it converted even the most dedicated heels wearer, the Birkenstock has reigned supreme for so long that we thought it was impossible to find another sandal style that was utilitarian, practical, and also contemporary. Lately, though, our Instagram feed has been flooded with another summer sandal that is equally comfortable and just as "ugly" as our beloved Birkenstocks. You may recognize the fisherman sandal from your youth: a fond favorite of geography teachers (worn with socks, of course), your grandpa, and toddlers, the woven leather style is half strappy sandal, half cut-out shoe, and now our 2020 footwear of choice.

We aren’t the only ones switching our allegiance. The Row, Grenson, and Dr. Martens all have quality offerings, while our favorite Insta girls have been showing us how they style the chunky shoe. Monikh paired hers with a cream silk midi dress, Brittany Bathgate went with knee-length shorts and a boxy shirt, and Poppy Almond with socks, proving the sandals will take you through the colder months, too. The beauty of the fisherman sandal is that there’s no need for a fresh pedicure: they look just as fantastic with hosiery as they do with bare feet, and they’ll work no matter what the summer throws at us, weather-wise.

Move over Birkenstocks, there's a new footwear favorite in town. Shop our top picks below.