Which Local Store Got First Dibs on the New Big Buckle Birkenstocks?

Photo: Birkenstock

Modern Birkenstocks are considerably snappier than their dirt-colored suede predecessors, but one thing has remained consistent in the brand for more than 50 years: the buckle. No matter how many neons or metallic leathers or calf hair trims the brand applies to its classic shapes, the sandals—thanks to that buckle—have never shaken their crunchy je ne sais quoi. 

Except now Birkenstock is forcing us to question everything we thought we knew to be true about sandals and life by introducing a big, shiny, new buckle. It's less "ask-me-about-my-Greenpeace-petition," more "oh-hey-there-sexy-pilgrim." And San Francisco was the first city to receive the new look IRL.

A rep for Birkenstock tells Rockyt that the initial big buckle rollout started on the Birkenstock and Nordstrom websites last week, as well as in Nordstrom's Westfield San Francisco Centre store. While other Nordstrom locations have since received their orders, Birkenstock staffers say it made sense to roll out the storied brand's new look in San Francisco because Birkenstock USA is based less than an hour away in Novato.

So far, the big buckle has been a big hit. The exaggerated style is selling quickly on both Nordstrom's and Birkenstock's websites, with many sizes already out of stock. Scroll through the photos below for a look at the Elle x Birkenstock launch, then head to Westfield (865 Market Street) to snap up your own pair.